Pre Treatment stage

We have been in what feels like an unending series of appointments for tests and appointments / zoom consults. I have an ART appointment this week but have no idea what to expect / what is going to happen. No one explains anything we just get told when we have an appointment. I am guessing blood samples may be taken as we have a for to fill in but it refers to both myself and my partner and despite numerous calls to the clinic I am still none the wiser if we both have to go or not.

we have a consents appointment in a few weeks time. But I don’t know what happens after this?

Can anyone shine any light on where we are in this process? What to expect? I keep getting excited that we may finally get to start treatment but no information is forthcoming.

the best I can tell is on our client online portfolio it says “antagonist profile ivf”

I don’t want to hassle the nurses or admin team but not knowing what is going on and where we are in the process/ waitlist etc is confusing and stressful.

Any help would be much appreciated.

[Tnthketnf]

Hi

It is very frustrating isn't it? Especially at the beginning when you don't know what to expect. I wish I could say that after i started it gets better but no, IVF was and continues to be a very slow process for me.

I think the ART appointment in the NHS clinic was the one where I got AMH blood test so they could choose protocol. Like the preparation/planning for the cycle. I also had my weight checked and a vag. swab to check for certain diseases, no idea what.The next appointment was after 2 months only to tell me my protocol (AMH results come back in a few days). After that I had another 2-3 months wait to start injections because of the clinic being fully booked for two months in a raw. Of course covid happened and the 3 months became 9.

The virology tests were done 2 weeks before I started injections.

I wish your clinic is a bit faster than this. All the best!

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Whirlybird. Yes, it can be soooo confusing. The aim of using an antagonist is that by not suppressing (down regulating) your ovaries with nasal spray/injections as during the long protocol, the stimulation injections work with your own hormones and then the antagonist just stops you ovulating before egg collection. The benefit of using this type of drug is that an antagonist cycle means all the drugs are usually given within a 2 week period of time so it ends up as a shorter process, and is often used. Once the forms are signed you should off when your next period arrives - well I hope so. Diane

[Savvy_teapot]

Totally understand your frustration. Every appointment I had I thought right I will find out what is happening! We had a nurse appointment after the consents and that's when we talked about dates. I always like those appointments as you feel like you are doing something actually getting dates in the diary 👍

[Twiglet2]

It can vary clinic to clinic and whether you are NHS or self funded but the steps are to get treatment started. Which clinic are you?

I found a local group for our fertility clinic on Facebook (a closed group so no one on your fb can see you’ve joined etc) and that’s really helpful for the ins and outs of my particular clinic process in case there is something similar near you? Xx

[Hidden]

Thank you to everyone who responded.

We have had our ART and Consent Appointments now, but the confusion continues as one nurse says book treatment and the other says no slots but maybe try ringing again next cycle.

We are privately funded. Id rather not say what clinic as I dont want to prejudice any care we get.

My partner and I are finding it very difficult and confusing. I am grateful he has taken over as the contact point with the hospital.

Thank you to everyone who replied. I read them as they were coming through even if I didn't respond and they helped me feel that there were others out there going through what we are going through. Appreciated.

[Minniemouse88]

Sorry for the delayed response but just wanted to add that we're both going through a confusing journey too, although in NHS clinic rather than private. At every appointment, I have consistently asked for clear information about possible dates for starting treatment. Unfortunately, I think our consultant (possibly like most) prefers the one-step-at-a-time approach.

At our most recent appointment, we completed our HFEA paperwork and were given a few dates in advance, which really helped me as I'm a planner who likes a bit of certainty. I also struggle with the worries about pestering admin so find that writing down all my questions in advance of the appointment and asking for clarity if they are not answered does help.

I'm definitely empathising with you. Keep asking the 'when' and 'what next?' questions and good luck! Xx