when my BMI is under 30 i started IVF

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5 posts on this thread and the last post was on February 26th, 2011 5:06 AM by nicemom_26

simplyDonna - February 26th, 2011 2:23 AM

Hi everyone!
I need some advice and thought this was the best place to ask - it's my first time posting in here. First, a bit of background: I'm 31, DH 34. Been TTC since June 09 and not even a sniff of a BFP in that time (have wanted babies for a lot longer - waiting for DH to be ready). I am overweight, with a BMI of 32.1 (taken today by the hospital), down from 37.7 (at it's highest). Since losing weight my periods have regulated a bit (though this last one was a bit crazy). I had a FS appt today and he looked very excited when I told him about the strange period, until I said I had two BFNs. He prescribed more clomid (50mg is working for me) and said that if I lose enough weight to get my BMI under 29/30 then IVF is most likely the next step. My next appt is 29 June which seems like ages away, but is probably realistic enough for me to lose the weight (if I can! It's not easy). I was very distressed in the appt and had already been there for a while so we don't have any more info on IVF, but my question is, how long after that initial consultation did the process start? I couldn't bear the thought of waiting even longer when I go to that appt as it will be two years TTC by that point (which I know is not as long as some ladies out there). Any advice or information would be really helpful.
Thanks in advance

preciouswoman - February 26th, 2011 3:13 AM

Hey! I didn't want to read and run, although I can't really help...I wanted to say a big well done for losing the weight you have already and wish u the best of luck for losing the rest. My referral for IVF left the addenbrooks hospital and went to Bourn hall the week before Christmas, I was then booked on the next available group seminar which is 3rd march and we have our first appointment with the consultant 13th March, I will know then when we actually start. I have to say our last appointment with the fertility specialist at addenbrooks was 17th November, I can't believe it's been nearly 4months it's gone super fast...so what's another 3months wait to know if we have our BFP when u've been trying 3 yrs : ) sorry I'm rambbling now. Fx'd u get ur BFP before u need to hop on the IVF boat.

Bea_me - February 26th, 2011 3:26 AM

OH! I haven't had the bmi issue but I have been trying to lose weight and I know it's a nightmare. You seem to be doing so well though! Why did fs suggest ivf? If clomid is working for you and you don't have any mf issues that bfp may well happen before June!

Maragirl - February 26th, 2011 3:43 AM

When I first saw the FS my BMI was 36 and I was told that after a lot of failed clomid cycles that IVF was our next step for which I had to have my BMI at 29.9 or below to be referred. It took me a year to get it to 29 but there is no greater incentive

I was really unlucky that my referral meeting came AFTER they cut IVF treatments in Surrey so we went private, I understand though that its the same process for NHS or Private once you are at the top of the waiting list, it just depends how long the waiting list is in your area. For reference I was on the long protocol and from first IVF appt to test date was 3 months.

Really well done on your weight loss so far, what diet are you doing?

Good luck in your journey and fingers crossed that you wont need IVF at all !

Roxy_25 - February 26th, 2011 5:02 AM

Some places and the nhs demand that you are below 30, my clinic didn't and my bmi was 35.

Best wishes.

nicemom_26 - February 26th, 2011 5:06 AM

I've been in the same position as you - told to loose weight in order to get NHS treatment. GP's never mentioned it while I was discussing it with them, referral to the hospital in Feb 2010 - consultant said 'you do weigh alot' that's why you haven't got pregnant. Go away and loose weight before we'll even consider you for help. I asked if I drank a bottle of scotch a day and smoked 40 fags would I get treatment now - they said yes. I weighed 99kgs. It feels so unjust. I cried and cried and cried. I've always been a bit overweight but also INCREDIBLY sensitive about it.
Anyhow, I lost 22kgs last year and had my first shot at ICSI in dec/jan, unfortunately it wasn't successful, but i'm looking to March for the next one.
I'm in Sussex and am very lucky with my clinic - as soon as I was properly referred by the NHS I was scheduled in within a month or so. The treatment starting then depends upon your cycle and the protocol they put you on.
I have been told that by my clinic that you are really no better off clinically losing the weight, but the NHS choose to do it as a selection process. It feels so unjust when you can see so many people with kids who clearly don't give a damn.
Sorry I'm ranting now, it does feel so unjust, hope this helps.