Hammersmith, Holly House or ARGC

scooby · Post by **scooby** » Tue Jun 28, 2005 11:57 am

My hubby and I have decided to change hospitals for our last attempt of ISCI and are down to the last 3. Can anyone let me know of there experiences, problems, pluses for the above hospitals/ clinics.

As it will be our final attempt we want to make the right choice so any advice would be much appreciated.

Im 36 and I know all the HFEA reports on these 3 are quite good, although Holly HOuse (essex) came 4th. Im not sure where the other 2 came.

scooby

Dolly · Post by **Dolly** » Tue Jun 28, 2005 1:06 pm

Hi Scooby, sorry I can't help with your question, but I will be interested to read any responses. We are currently doing our 6th cycle but will probably change clinics if it doesn't work this time.

I was considering the ARGC - not sure why - but I think they come out top on the results tables.

2 friends of mine are at Holly House (1 of them I have just discovered this morning is pregnant with twins on her first go and the other is on her 2ww). From what I have gathered from them they think it is a great clinic and very professional.

Where did you have your last treatment? I'm at Guy's Hospital - it is very convenient for us and I can't really fault them - but I think after all this time it is probably time to consider a change and see if anyone will do anything differently.

Good luck with your decisions.

Love
Dolly

dancola · Post by **dancola** » Tue Jun 28, 2005 1:59 pm

I am at Holly House and have been impressed with their service. Whilst I had to wait to get an appointment (and I suspect you may have a longer wait now that figures published show that they came 4th in the HFEA survey), once you get seen you can start quickly. My first ICSI cycle in Nov/Dec resulted in a +ve but sadly I had an early m/c. The second cycle in April was a –ve. Because I always get good quality 5-day blastos transferred (Holly House have a blasto programme that shows success rates around 51%) I was immediately tested for killer cells and bloodflow issues, which I thought was good. Some clinics don’t believe in uNKC and will let someone fail repeatedly before testing them. As it happens, I came out positive for higher levels of NKC so will be treated with steroids next time around.

They have a scientific approach (particularly the head consultant, Michael) and all the staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. They are proactive too – our problem is male factor and they have also suggested an American supplement for my DH to try to get his sperm quality improved.

The ARGC is, of course, well known know having had the number 1 position. However, looking more closely at the figures, the 59% relates to women under 35 (I think). Their success rate for women in my age group (35-38) is just under Holly House’s, so I am very happy to remain with them. That said, the ARGC will test you every day and is a very intensive process. Little P has just got a +ve with them. Holly House tend to book you in for EC on the Wednesdays, with ET being Friday, Sat or Monday (for the blastos).

Incidentally, I go for acunpuncture in Harley Street where my acu guy works closely with the ARGC. He says that he used to be able to get his patients referred to the ARGC quickly, but now this survey came out and received such publicity, he reckons even he wouldn’t be able to get quick appointments now. Worth bearing in mind if you are concerned with timing.

scooby · Post by **scooby** » Tue Jun 28, 2005 1:59 pm

Hi,

We were with the local NHS hospital where we live in Kent, and I had been waiting over 2 1/2 yeras for the treatment, which is why we have decided to go private.

They wern't too bad, but now is the time to change.

scooby

LittleP · Post by **LittleP** » Tue Jun 28, 2005 2:08 pm

Scooby

Hi there. As Dancola has said I am currently with the ARGC and they are brilliant. You do need to be totally committed as they do require a lot of blood tests, sometimes twice daily and a lot of research is done prior to beginning the actual treatment.

I only live a few miles away from the hospital so it was fairly easy for me, but if you live a fair trek away it is worth taking this into consideration before committing to them.

They are certainly a lot more expensive than the other hospital that we were with and this is something that you should discuss with them prior to starting treatment, make sure that you are aware of all the costs and potential costs that can come your way - you don't want any surprises!!

If you want any info about them then let me know, but I have to admit that they are terrific and I would recommend them to everyone.

Hope this helps

Little P

Dolly · Post by **Dolly** » Wed Jun 29, 2005 11:00 am

I just wondered if the HFEA survey is available on the internet?

I'm quite interested in having a look at it.

Thanks

Dolly

LittleP · Post by **LittleP** » Wed Jun 29, 2005 1:14 pm

Dolly

It is available as a downloadable Acrobat file - just go to their website and you will find it. There is also a phone number to order a hard copy by. I received mine in 24 hours so they are very quick.

Good luck

Little P

Vickyp · Post by **Vickyp** » Wed Jun 29, 2005 1:28 pm

Hi Scooby

I'm at Hammersmith. I have found them to pretty good. It's hard to say as I have no comparason but my consultant is very easy to talk to & has come up with some very new protocols to try me on (I am a weird case - have not done normal IVF yet) which I don't think I would have been able to try as easily elsewhere.
I am probably not the best person to tell you about Hammersmith as I haven't done it the standard way but from my experience they are very nice and always helpful. They are also a lot cheaper than my local clinic (Bath). Sorry - not much help I know! Vicky