I’ve been having fertility treatment at the lister since 2019 and have 2 children. We self funded so I can’t comment on the nhs referral and the timeline or if that makes a difference in any way, but I wouldn’t imagine so in terms of the service or facilities. I’ve always found them quite good to get hold of - emailing the nurses can be quicker than waiting on the phone line though. In my experience it’s always better to be proactive with anything medical so I would contact the clinic now and explain that you’ve been referred and you’re wondering how long it takes as you’re keen to get going. I know it’s a cliche but time is really of the essence with this stuff so there is no point waiting around - if you’re eager to crack on then let them know.
Fertility in general can be so complicated and few people have an easy road but I feel like I have learnt a huge amount during the journey, I am always very happy to talk about this - I didn’t know anyone having ivf when I started and it felt quite lonely, but it shouldn’t be like that! Regarding the Lister I can wholeheartedly recommend it, and have to many people who need some help with fertility. All the nurses are extremely kind and happy to spend time listening and talking and answering questions when you need it, my doctor will answer my text messages or call me on his way home if I’m having a wobble, and I always felt as though he sees it as his personal mission to help us have the family we want.
Your first appointment will probably depend on a few things:
1) do you know the reason for needing fertility treatment - eg low sperm count, recurrent miscarriage etc
2) have you already had tests for both you and your partner, or just you if you’re doing it alone
3) what, if any treatment you’ve previously had/ nature of your referral.
4) what type of ivf you need
For most people it will be a chance to discuss the process, the medications and how it all works, but also probably to do some blood tests and arrange anything further in the way of tests you might need (scans, sperm samples etc).
It can feel overwhelming but all I can say from my experience is that it is totally and utterly worth it to have children, and sadly if it’s necessary for you then you just have to embrace it and try to get through it the best you can. Please don’t feel alone, I’m always happy to chat if you want to, just drop me a message and we can have a call or go for a coffee. I’d extend the same invitation to anyone reading who is facing this
Always feel free to send a message x
I’ve been having fertility treatment at the lister since 2019 and have 2 children. We self funded so I can’t comment on the nhs referral and the timeline or if that makes a difference in any way, but I wouldn’t imagine so in terms of the service or facilities. I’ve always found them quite good to get hold of - emailing the nurses can be quicker than waiting on the phone line though. In my experience it’s always better to be proactive with anything medical so I would contact the clinic now and explain that you’ve been referred and you’re wondering how long it takes as you’re keen to get going. I know it’s a cliche but time is really of the essence with this stuff so there is no point waiting around - if you’re eager to crack on then let them know.
Fertility in general can be so complicated and few people have an easy road but I feel like I have learnt a huge amount during the journey, I am always very happy to talk about this - I didn’t know anyone having ivf when I started and it felt quite lonely, but it shouldn’t be like that! Regarding the Lister I can wholeheartedly recommend it, and have to many people who need some help with fertility. All the nurses are extremely kind and happy to spend time listening and talking and answering questions when you need it, my doctor will answer my text messages or call me on his way home if I’m having a wobble, and I always felt as though he sees it as his personal mission to help us have the family we want.
Your first appointment will probably depend on a few things:
1) do you know the reason for needing fertility treatment - eg low sperm count, recurrent miscarriage etc
2) have you already had tests for both you and your partner, or just you if you’re doing it alone
3) what, if any treatment you’ve previously had/ nature of your referral.
4) what type of ivf you need
For most people it will be a chance to discuss the process, the medications and how it all works, but also probably to do some blood tests and arrange anything further in the way of tests you might need (scans, sperm samples etc).
It can feel overwhelming but all I can say from my experience is that it is totally and utterly worth it to have children, and sadly if it’s necessary for you then you just have to embrace it and try to get through it the best you can. Please don’t feel alone, I’m always happy to chat if you want to, just drop me a message and we can have a call or go for a coffee. I’d extend the same invitation to anyone reading who is facing this 💜 Always feel free to send a message x
