New to all of this - at West Mids FS

shelld · Post by **shelld** » Wed Jul 09, 2003 2:22 pm

Hi everyone. Have been reading the message boards and its really inspirational seeing all the support out there. Am new to all of this and just learning the lingo my DH has male factor so ICSI has been recommended but DH not too keen coz of risk of genetic probs. Its all a bit daunting but am 39 soon so have to get on with it. Have booked appt at West Mids Fertility Services next month going private seems a bit pricey £2400 for IVF with ICSI but all female team which is good for me. Good luck to all of you cyle buddies especially those testing tommorrow its my birthday so hope thats a good sign for you! Take care all of you and thanks for your message board, just reading it helps so much. Shellx

Jo Locker · Post by **Jo Locker** » Wed Jul 09, 2003 2:49 pm

Hi Shell & welcome!! My husband and I have done ICSI twice and are currently on day 12 of two week wait (testing friday 11th). With regard to your husbands worry about genetic stuff, my husband had various sperm tests and if they had found anything likely to cause a problem they would have counselled us on whether to go ahead etc. They tested for spina bifida and various other things. The only problem they told us DH might pass on is the same kind of abnormal sperm problem to any son we might have. We were prepared to accept this as the technology is leaping forward and hopefully in 20 or so years time our son would get help should he have the same dodgy sperm as my DH. With regard to costs, ours was £2650 for the treatment plus £700 for drugs - a HUGE chunk of cash to us and it really restricts how many times most people can try. However - I mainly wrote back to wish you all the best with your treatment, then started waffling!!! Keep us posted - love, Jo.XX

Lorraine · Post by **Lorraine** » Wed Jul 09, 2003 3:17 pm

Welcome Welcome Welcome! But be warned (as I was) this site is seriously addictive!!! Isn't it lovely just to "sit" amongst other women who write and explain so eloquently the same thoughts, feelings, and fears that you yourself have had. It's so good to find out that you are (pretty much) normal! Like Jo I am on the 12th day of my 2 week wait - and this site has been my security blanket. I would have been lost without it and my cycle buddies. The world of IVF/ICSI is daunting especially at the beginning - but you just need to arm yourself with the right tools - good clinic, a team you can trust, a sound support network, practical ways to relax and keep those stress levels down, and a positive approach. So, you've found yourself a clinic and a team you obviously like the look of, and in this site you have just added many friends to your support network. Not bad for a days work!!! Check out Caz's thread (excellent thread Caz!)in the pregnant after treatment forum (called "question for you successful girlies") for some really helpful advice includes everything from avoiding hot baths during the 2 week wait to vitimin supplements. You can then discuss some of these with your team and find out what's best for you. The very best of luck to you in your treatment. Thinking of you both. Lorraine xxxx

bubblymichelle · Post by **bubblymichelle** » Wed Jul 09, 2003 4:11 pm

Hi There Shell Can I just ask where your from? The reason I ask is because I have just had my tmt and I had mine done at Midland Fertility Clinic in Aldridge. I had my 1st attempt at ICSI and they was lovely, I would recommend them to anyone I really would. They helped us through it all and was so friendly. We did pay private and with all our drugs it cost us £3000, who do you have your appointment with? ours was with Nicky Hammond. Well it worked for us 1st time so we are so lucky I have one little baby growing inside me and I am 12wks and 3 days. Hope to hear from you soon. Love Shell. xx

bubblymichelle · Post by **bubblymichelle** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 8:42 am

Bringing to the top because I would really like this to be seen. Love Shell. xx

shelld · Post by **shelld** » Sat Jul 12, 2003 5:09 pm

Thank you all for replying to my messages and for all the advice,its really nice to feel amongst friends Bubbly shell just to let you know that I live near Shrewsbury in Shropshire. Lorraine - I am so sorry to hear your news hope you are being pampered and looked after, best wishes and hugs to you. Jo - congratulations on being pg,best wishes and hugs to you too. Shell xx