Going Private ..

dancola · Post by **dancola** » Tue May 31, 2005 10:10 am

Have to say we went straight to private when we decided to go for treatment. Despite DH having gone to the local NHS hospital 4 times for sperm tests, and the results being so obviously evident that we could not conceive naturally, they still haven’t even mentioned ICSI nor has his GP bothered to contact him to discuss our options. Luckily my own GP mentioned a couple of private clinics close to our home (we don’t have a car so transport is a factor for us) and she referred me. We were initially given an appointment in December 04 (having booked in July) BUT they operate a waiting-list and we got a cancellation in October. We started treatment in November. Whilst it can be frustrating waiting for the initial appointment, the good thing is that once you’ve been seen you can start straightaway, and if you are unlucky first time, then as soon as you’ve had the 3 AF’s you can go again. Our ISCI works out at around £ 4.5K (including the extra fee for blasto) but we’re in the South East.

I checked the HFEA report. Was initially worried but my clinic’s rate is around 39% which isn’t too bad. The rates for 37-39 age group are pretty good though (34%) and were equivalent to the ARGC in London. Bit worrying that I become 40 this year though, as then the rate drop!

Sand · Post by **Sand** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 6:06 pm

Thanks Dancola ... It's good to get another perspective. I believe I'd be looking at around 6 weeks from referral to initial appointment, so that's not too bad. Your clinic's result %s sound excellent.

Sandra x

NickiMark · Post by **NickiMark** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 9:46 pm

Sandra, there are lots of CARE clinic's over the UK. I hear that they are good. I would go there. Honestly I would.

Good Luck x x

christine202 · Post by **christine202** » Sun Jun 12, 2005 8:51 am

Hi Sand

Wanted to just ask if I may. I noticed at the bottom of your posts that you mention about changing clinic for next cycle.

I know that you were at St Marys like myself so am just interested to find out why and where you are thinking of trying.

I hope you don't mind me asking?

Hope you are ok luv christine xx

Sand · Post by **Sand** » Sun Jun 12, 2005 2:01 pm

Hi Christine .. Lovely to hear from you, and of course I don't mind you asking ..

Before even we started this last FET df had mentioned changing clincs a couple of times.

There have been a few things over the treatments that we've been a bit unhappy about. Only small things - granted - but lots of small things that are kinda starting to add up ... For example when I rang for treatment for my 2nd fresh cycle, they had me down for an FET next time .. when I rang on one test day to say bleeding had started, the nurse told me not to cry ... then this last 2ww I had bad itching and when I rang the unit the nurse was quite useless with her response.... and other bits of things .... We've got to feeling like we're just on a conveyor belt - in one end, out the other, and the result doesn't really matter.

Then, when the HFEA tables results came out a couple of weeks ago, I was really upset to see that St M's are right down there at the bottom. 5% live birth rate for FET for a 35-37 year old. I don't think I can go through all that again for a 5% chance.

So, we're looking to go Private. Will have to take out a loan, but I'm not bothered. We are really lucky to be within the minority that receive NHS funding, and we're not going to use it. Crazy world eh ?

Christine, I hope I haven't depressed you ... Suz was at St M's, and has just got a BFP (a couple of weeks ago).

Sandra x

christine202 · Post by **christine202** » Sun Jun 12, 2005 2:41 pm

Hi Sand

Thanks very much for your reply. It was really useful. We not thinking about going private at the moment, but was interested in why you were a little unhappy with St Mary's.

I hope to speak soon. Take care

luv christine xx

p.s no you haven't depressed me!!!!

julie n · Post by **julie n** » Sun Jun 12, 2005 3:51 pm

Sand,

I think that you are definitely taking the right decision by going private. If I had my time again I would not have gone to my local NHS facility it was a nightmare!

My records were lost (a consultant 'phoned to tell me they had been found and then afterwards the hospital denied they had ever been lost), they managed to pass some sheets they found lying around to my new clinic! They did not tell me basic things like having to lie down for 20 minutes after inserting pessaries or not having baths and the nurses were either rude or appeared to know less than me!

Bourn Hall has been amazing and from what I have seen of the Test Tube Babies programme the Care Clinic is very much the same.

Good luck

Julie

Sand · Post by **Sand** » Sun Jun 12, 2005 4:38 pm

Hi Julie ... Thanks for your post. It does sound like you've been through a nightmare with your former hospital. Mind you, just the usual day to day NHS stuff I'm sure. From my NHS experience - relatives in hospital etc - I can't think of anything to praise them about.

Glad you've found Bourn Hall and it meets your expectations.

Erm yes, that's another thing .. No advise about anything .. "No heavy lifting, but otherwise just carry on as normal" - yeah, right !

Sandra x

julie n · Post by **julie n** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 10:07 am

Sand,

Good to know that I'm not the only one who didn't get any advise from the NHS!

Julie

Going Private ..

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