Fertility Clinic - Nurse Consultation

We took our anxiety, our list of questions, and our runny noses along to the clinic this morning to meet the nurse.
She fumbled around retrieving our documentation and presented what I can only describe as 'a huge pile of paper' to us.


We signed all kinds of forms, including HFEA (Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority) and the clinic's own forms. 
We both signed a form for: Child Welfare, Consent to Disclosure of Information, Consent to the Use and Storage of Sperms, Eggs and Embryos, Consent to Treatment, Consent to be tested for Hepatitis B & C, HIV and Syphilis, Consent to Egg Collection and Embryo Transfer, Consent to ICSI, Consent to Freeze Embryos, Treatment of Unused Embryos, Treatment Services, and Payment.
Of course, we had to agree to the risks associated and agree to pay our invoice. 

Privately pay for treatment because Joey already has a child from a previous relationship.

We went through an IVF/ICSI checklist and was given the opportunity to ask any questions
Joey was silent, are you seeing the pattern too? I asked whether he had any questions, knowing that he was holding our list and he perked up.
She satisfyingly answered our questions whilst putting up with my constant sniffing and nose wiping - poor woman. I even used her box of tissues. Snot has no shame!


Throughout the entire process the nurse was carefully explaining each form and what it meant. 
We then had to provide a blood test, for the HIV and Syphilis, and I was asked to provide my recent GP smear letter that concluded all was fine.


She pulled out a calendar and we decided when we would start treatment, of course it needed to be within the next two months. So it was either next week (OMG) or next month, needless to say we chose the latter. I think we need some more time to prepare before the IVF speed train leaves the station. I also want to give my acupuncturist time to prepare us both.


She advised that we would follow this procedure:


 - The drugs company, which is separate to the clinic, will be in contact to deliver my drugs week commencing 2nd April.
 - On day 1 of that pending cycle, if we haven't conceived naturally of course, I am to take one injection of Prostap, which triggers the 'Down Regulation' of my own cycle.
 - 1-2weeks later I am to attend for an ultrasound to check that the Prostap has worked
 - I will then start the 'Stimulation' phase, which is a daily injection of Merional for 10-14 days
 - During this time, I shall have two ultrasound scans to check how I am reacting to the drugs, dosage is adjusted to suit.
 - I am then to have one hCG injection 36hrs prior to egg collection and Joey is to abstain from ejaculating for 3-5 days
 - Our estimated date of Egg Collection is week commencing 7th May
 - Our Embryo Transfer is likely to take place between 2-5 days after collection
 - Two weeks after transfer we are required to attend clinic for a pregnancy blood test


She showed me how to inject myself (Yikes! Those needles are far bigger than Joey's diabetic ones!) and gave me lots of information on the drugs and potential side effects, including what to do if anything goes wrong or if you have any questions.


We now just need prepare ourselves for treatment, await the drug to make contact and pay our whopping invoice ----------> £4,500!! 


'Whatever it takes'...