I was wondering if anyone out there was in the same situation or has been in the same/similar situation.
I got referred in January to a fertility clinic, St Marys in Manchester. They said it could take until May to be seen, concerned about our age and time ticking (me 38 & partner 47) we decided to book a private consultation wit Care fertility. I also had tests done, my AMH and an internal and my partner had a semen analysis. My results came back fine but my partner had a low count and morphology was below average too. In our consultation, the Dr advised we have ICSI IVF, when they inject sperm directly into the egg. She also mentioned they take NHS patients, as long as funding is in place we are good to go.
Also, the problem with waiting for St Marys on the NHS, they wanted to re-do all the tests that we'd just had, which in our opinion was just a big waste of time & a waste NHS funds. Then how long would it take to get all those results back? Last year i was waiting 3 months just to get an internal on NHS, then waiting for results. this would've just delayed us even further, all time we just don't have. Even writing this I'm getting emotional.
I went to my GP to ask if i can be referred to Care Fertility, there was a lot of confusion around this topic and it took 2 weeks for them to get back to me (after me chasing them every other day) they said we cant do anything, its out of our hands, you need to speak to St Marys where we referred you to. Then onto St Marys, who was almost impossible to get on the phone, a lot of confusion here too....the first person i spoke to had no idea but said they'd find out and call back, they didn't.....i spent a week chasing and finally after 4 hrs that day on the phone, i was told they couldn't do anything as its my GP who needs to refer as I am not their patient yet because they haven't seen me. So back to my GP, no doctors available as working from home, receptionist said she'll action it for one of the doctors for the Monday. Finally spoke to a doctor yesterday (Tues) She said she was filling in a referral for me that was going to some board for approval (that i meet all the criteria) then once approved it should get sent onto Care Fertility. I can't remember everything that was said in the phone call, i have adhd & struggle to recall things that have been said to me.
Does anyone know what this board is or how long it takes to be approved? This has all been so stressful and that's before even starting any treatment. They really don't make it easy for you, so many hoops to jump through with NHS. I am so conscious that time is ticking, I'll be 40 next year
Even if anyone has had or waiting for IVF on NHS, would be good to hear your experience.
Thank you for taking the time to read
Allymoo