IVF HAMMERSMITH

[Angel505]

Hiya,

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum. DH and I had been trying to have a baby for a year after which we decided to go for fertility tests in October 2005. Now, after frustrating long waits between appointments/ tests we have been told that IVF is the only route. We are still struggling to come to terms with this while everyone around us seems to be making pregnancy announcements. What makes the whole this worse is the long waiting lists on NHS. I am 30, so the doctors keep in saying that there is no hurry. We haven’t even been referred to the fertility clinic yet as we keep on undergoing tests and having to wait 3 months for a follow up for the results.



I read this discussion and was amazed at the support that all you wonderful people are giving each other. I'm sure thats a contributing factor to getting through this difficult phase. Keep up the good spirits.

[CarolynB]

Angel

We have 'met' on the waiting thread already. I can fully understand why you are frustrated with all the waiting.

If there is anything that you would like to know about Hammersmith then please write down any questions and i am sure between us we can answer for you. We have lots of experience of Hammersmith and elsewhere between us! My dh and I have found them very good overall and I say that despite 3 BFNs and 2 ops (a lap and tubal surgery) to no avail.

Not sure what they are like for donor sperm as I am our problem rather than my dh.

We were with Mr Magara at the start (now retired) and then Mr Trew as you have probably read. Mr Trew is very honest and has been supportive even if he has no real answers for us. He let us cycle pretty much when we wanted. He let us try 3 back as I am over 4-0. He let us try to go to blast. He has tried long and short protocol. Most of the staff at the clinic are really nice, helpful. The only negative comments that I would make are that you do not see your consultant at all during the tmt although I understand matters are refered to them if a tough decision is required. The protocols seem a little generic - like 2 day transfer - unless you push for other things. If you ask then they are accomodating. They do not agree with immunology testing which (some) other clinics will do. This is only important for me as I have an auto immune disorder and is probably irrelevant to others.

Hope that this helps. Hope that you can get on with your lap before too long.

Let us know if you decide to go to Hammersmith!
Good Luck
Carolyn

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Lola - no word. Hope that you are too busy celebrating!

Vicki - how is your cycle going hun? do let us know

M - what is next for you?

I have started tests at argc. 17 vials of blood taken on Thursday. Off to Chicago to see if it reveals anything. Two more lots of bloods next week if AF shows up. I shall be running short...............

[poochie]

Hi all

Lola - Fantastic news a BIG congrats you and DH must be over moon, I am so so so please for you keep us posted.

Carolyn - oh my god how much blood, don’t think my veins would have parted with that much, hope AF turns up on time and you get all your tests done.

Angela- welcome although I to have left Hammersmith I still cant fault Mr Trew and his team, I just needed fresh eyes. My first cycle was with Hammersmith in 2003 which resulted in a BFP my daughter is now nearly three and the light of my life.

So sorry for not posting for so long I've had tough week last week, I found it very difficult to cope with my IVF cycle, I seemed to row constantly with DH and feel like I spent most of the week in tears. I'm also doing some home improvements bad timing maybe but I wanted it done so I could have something else to focus on. Anyway I had scan Tuesday saw 9 follicles had eggs collected Friday only got 5 eggs as on left ovary follicles were either to small or were empty. I was very disappointed I was so hoping for more and a chance to get to blast. Had call everyday from clinic with update they injected 4 eggs for ICSI all 4 fertilised. I having day three transfer, on day two had 3 grade 1 and 1 grade 1-2 so fingers crossed they all continue to divide well, my clinic will transfer 2 back and take other 2 to blasts.

Take care

Vicki X

[lolajones]

Hi guys
Sorry I've been a bit absent, since I went back to work things have been full on and I've been mega stressed. Friday (the 13th!) was just awful. Anyhoo...

Vicki - sorry you've had such a tough week, but it is so intense this ivf lark as you know. I know you're disappointed but sounds like you have a few top notch embies, spring good news! Grow embies grow! Hope the sunshine has cheered you up a little xxx

Angel - it is a long road! Carolyn has given you the gen about the hammersmith. I was with Mr lavery. He is very nice and no bullsh*t. The staff are a bit matter of fact and some I've found to be a bit, well, glum really and serious. I've done 4 cycles there so far.
I know it must be a bit galling when they say 30 is young, one of my work colleagues said that to me a few months ago "your just at the start of the ivf journey" she said - I was 0 for 3 at that stage and 37! I could have kicked her in the shin! People don't understand. But, that said, you are young from a good eggs point of view and your age group does better than say mine so BE POSITIVE! And good luck!

Miss Carolyn - thanks you for the pm. First off - are you still alive after the blood suckage?? I picture you pale and wan lying composed and serene on a chaise.... Take some iron tablets!! So you've started on the supersonic journey! Are you excited? I am for you, its like a fresh start. I heard you were going to have a hysteroscopy - walk in the park for veteran like you. I bet after this tester is the cycle for you - I just feel it! Summer embies with dinky parasols and floppy hats.

Mags - how're things??

Well I am a nervous wreck! This is approximately 10 billion times worse than the 2ww. Every twinge has me panicked then when I don't get any twinges I'm even worse. I am constantly feeling my boobs for soreness, growth, etc I just can't relax. The work rain of sh*te didn't help either I guess but hey ho. It still feels totally unreal. The BFP not the ass of work. I have to keep saying it over.
Have decided that naming stuff works and so have also named my boobs eric (left and is it me or def a bit bigger???) and kyle (right). I can't wait for scan, was thinking of getting an even earlier one next week down Harley Street.... too obsessive??? Probably. I need to calm down, I'm just speeding.

OK lovely ladies, I'm off to stuff face with cake in the name of positivity.

Love, Lola
xxxxxx

[Vickyp]

Hi all

I just wanted to say hello to you all really as I am starting back at Hammersmith for an FET in approx 3 months time. I had my little boy - Oliver in April last year and am ready to start again and am also keen to get my other embies out of the freezer!

I have to have an HSG in a couple of weeks to see if there is any scarring from caesarean - if there is I have to have an op to remove it, if not I can go ahead.

Massive congratulations to Lola - how fantastic. I am SO pleased for you. I am also with Stuart Lavery.

Okay that's it for now. Best Wishes to you all.

Vicky

[CarolynB]

Vickyp - so lovely to meet a Hammersmith lady who has a little one to thank for their efforts. So hope that he will be on the way to having a little bro or sis soon. If those eggs worked once then why not again. Just so you know, I am no longer a HH girl as have just moved so guess that I am now just an honary member of this thread

Vicki - Wow. Cannot believe that you are that far through your cycle already. You had 4 good ones so hopefully now 2 are back at home and 2 are awaiting you in the freezer. Did you mind that your new clinic was very different to HH? The very best of luck for the 2ww. I so hope that the change of clinic is going to make all the difference for you

Angel - seen elsewhere you now have a plan and some dates. That always helps so you have something to focus on. Now 3 ladies on this thread with HH BFPs - Vickyp, Vicki and Lola. That must give you such hope

M - what news? Do you have a plan as yet or are you still have an ivf mini break

Lola - OMG. Cannot believe that life has got worse for you than the dreaded 2ww!!!!! Still 6 days until scan. Have been keeping an eye on you elsewhere. See you have been feeling sick which I take to be a good sign. Just cannot wait to hear if it is Eric AND Kyle You know me I got up straight after the 17 vials and drive to a client meeting up in Elstree. Anything to try to rival the Killer shoot up story. Glad that Hyster - whatever - will be a walk in the park for an oldie like me. I am kind of excited and scared at the same time. Think that the intensity of going there once/twice every day will do my head in. The cost is also causing me to lose sleep. Not for the faint hearted.

So I have been doing more blood/tests. Yesterday at argc for D1 bloods. Today at local hospital to get hiv, hep b and hep c all re-newed as all over a year old. At least that meant they were done for free. Scan booked for next Friday and then onto the ovulation kits to find out when I surge. Good news is that yesterdays bloods showed that my fsh was 4.4. Understand that is quite low for my age so argc may let me start if it stays low??!!!!

Anyway better dash and get some supper for dh.

Love to you all.
Carolyn
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[Xrayem]

Hi Carolyn, (sorry to crash your thread!!!)

Just wanted to say hi and say I am am so pleased you are going again. New clinic, new luck. Will keep an eye on your progress.

Best of luck, sweetie, its time you got your BFP.

Em

[Susan L]

hi there to you all at hammersmith

Lola Congrats on your BFP

i had all my treatments at hammersmith though it be a couple of years ago im hoping to have another go with a fet at the end of this year and just wondered is it still the same there they were always very good to me and i felt quite relaxed

Carolyn i read in one of your post that mr magara has retired when did he retire he was great he was so good to us has mr Trew taken his position im trying to remember if i had seen him the name rings a bell but not sure

susan

[poochie]

Hi All

Lola - good luck for scan I be thinking of you keep us posted just think it could be twins.

Carolyn - 4.4 is a good result I sure, cant believe you drove straight after that blood loss. Yep I stim quick but don’t produce many eggs. At Essex Fertility you get private room for EC and transfer which is nice put apart from having your cervix cleaned before transfer things are much the same.

Vicky p - Good luck with HSG.

Susan - I had my first cycle there in 2003 under Magara and then returned in 2006. I feel the clinic had changed but I think its due to the amount of people they treat the clinic is so busy. Mr Trew is very good.

Well my day 3 transfer did not go to well although all four embies grade 1 their growth was slow had 2 transferred the other 2 left in lab did not go beyond day 3. I test Fri 27th but usually bleed day 11 so we will see. If I get a BFN then its a year break and onto donor eggs.

Take care all

Vicki

[CarolynB]

Lola

Was just dropping in to say that I so hoped that your scan would go well tomorrow. Had sneaky look on Oct 05 and see that you are scanning today (a day early?) as you have some bleeding.

Just wanted to say that I am wishing you all the luck in the world. So hope that you get good news and that all is well for Eric and Kyle.

Sending you massive positive vibes and love across london to HH.

Let us know how you go hun.

Lots of Love
Carolyn
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[CarolynB]

Hey Lola - Been back on Oct 05 thread and see that they scanned you and little one (Eric or Kyle????) there and in the right place. So pleased for you. Hope that you can stop worrying and start to enjoy. Thrilled for you hun.

Susan - I was with Mr Magara at the start. Back end of 2005. I think that he retired around Feb/March 2006. He started us on our 1st tmt but when we went back for our follow up after the tmt failed, we had been transfered to Mr Trew. Think that he was there before but may be not as senior??!! We actually prefered Mr Trew as he seemed more open to trying new things. But that could be as we became more confident about what to ask for. How wonderful that they were able to help you have twins. That is fantastic

Vicki - thinking of you. Hope that 2ww is not too awful for you. Try to keep up the PMA if you possibly can. You have given it your best shot and you never know. At least you will know in your own mind that you tried everything by changing clinics. We are thinking of donor too but don;t think of that right now as hopefully you'll not need to do that. Shall cross everything for you over the next few days.

Hugs to everyone else.
Love
Carolyn
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[lolajones]

Halloo Hammers!

Vicki - how're you? How are you feeling? I have all crossables crossed for you and concentrating all my welsh voodoo powers on friday result day x

Vicky - up The Lav! Hope the HSG goes well and you're given the all clear for another stint in the pastel lounge. I must say that the magazine selection has improved dramatically over the past 2 years - it may due soley due to Agent Carolyn....

Susan - hello! Please see above for changes... was it the floral haven when you were there first?

Carolyn - how is all the testing?? I hope you are taking iron tablets?? When is your hysteroscopy? Your FSH is really low! I can't wait for you to start your argc super duper cycle! 07 will be a bumper year for you miss. Thanks for keeping an eye on me, you are lovely.

So, mental!!! As you know I've been a whirling dervish of panic and hysteria for the past few days.
I'm still having a small amount of bleeding. Well, bleeding is dramatising things a bit to be honest. Anyhoo, the scan yesterday saw one little mite in the right place (the GPS finally pays dividends) and a flicker of a heart beat! Woohoo!!! Will promise to be saner from now on. Just tell me to zip it if I start up again.

OK dreamboats, I'm off to do some chores.
Lots of love, Cinders
xxxxx

[poochie]

Hi All

Another BFN for me started bleeding day 12 boo hoo. Thats the end of the road with my eggs, I need a little time to come to terms with it all but will go for donor eggs later this year.

Lola - I wish you a happy heathly pregnancy.

Carolyn - Good luck with ARGC hope you get the pregnancy you so deserve.

I'll be popping on from time to time to keep an eye on you all take care and thank you all for your support.

Vicki X

[CarolynB]

Vicki - I am so sorry sweetie that this was not your time. You gave it your best shot and a second opinion. Take some time out. Look after your dear daughter, your dh and yourself. Come back when you are ready. We may well be able to go the donor route together as that is where I will be heading shortly. Take good care. Big hugs

Lola - so pleased that all is well and the little beanie is in the right place for you. Hope that you are taking it easy and relaxing and enjoying it. Hysterscopy will not be until I cycle. All immunes came back -ve so not sure what to read into that. Thought that they might be the clue!? Mid-cycle scan showed possible cyst that might have to get aspirated. Never straight forward hey!??

No sign of my notes yet from Hammersmith but there 40 days is up on Tuesday so I shall be right on the phone. Should be an interesting read!!!

Hugs to everyone else. Gotta love this weather. Yesterday was awesome.

Good Luck to everyone.
Carolyn
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[lolajones]

Hi guys

Vicki - So sorry to hear about your bfn, was crossing everything for you. Look after yourself - you were always a sensible girl with a plan B. Please don't disappear, let us know when you're starting again with donor so we can cheer you on in proper H - girl stylee.

Carolyn - how are all your tests going? So the immune thing didn't show much - I know you're a bit disappointed but y'know - less expense and less drugs and you are bueno! When will you start your cycle? Will it be a long protocol or a flare? How are you feeling about the whole rollercoaster? Are they more informative at argc? I have to say that I've been a bit off with the H. As you may have read from other threads, I had huge scary bleed last sunday and ended up in A&E. After I got back from hosp I bled even more - like having whole af in 1 hour - I was terrified and obviously thought I'd lost the baby. I rand H the next day and they were so unhelpful and basically rude. I was worried about having another scan that day as the scan the previous day seemed to make the bleeding worse - their answer? Do what you want. That was after it took me an hour to actually get to speak to a doctor. All I wanted was some reassurance and guidance. They're going to get a long letter in their suggestion box on tuesday. vent vent vent. ahh.

So my next scan is tuesday - praying all will be ok with hercules super bean, every day seems like a week. Been off work since last bleed and BORED! Why don't they show Buffy on daytime tv anymore?

Hope you are all good n well

Take care
Lola
xxxxxx