Sydney IVF - Liverpool

[L&L]

Hi,

We have made an appointment to see Dr Lok at Sydney IVF - L'pool. Has anybody been treated by him? Any info about the staff and the centre in general?

I have a question, should we try other avenues first, or am I right exploring IVF. My biggest concern is my age, I do not feel that we have a lot of time, especially given the stats (conceiving wise, as well as health of the baby)

Thank you all for sharing your stories, I
Happy days,

L&L

One more thing, what is IVF really like - ie painful, sore, emotional (in terms of mood altering drugs??? ;) ) What are the kinds of stresses can I expect, other that the obvious

[Evo]

Hi L&L

I can't help you with any info on Sydney IVF Liverpool as I went through Fertility First at Hurstville. However, I'm happy to offer you my thoughts on other aspects of IVF.

My situation is different to yours in that I am in a same-sex relationship so therefore fertility treatment was always the only way I was going to conceive. I guess I imagined - as everyone does - that I wouldn't have a problem. However, it didn't turn out that way and I went through 9 unsuccessful attempts at IUI (also lost 28kg during that period) and ended up turning to IVF. I fell pregnant after 2 attempts (ICSI). I'm 37, BTW.

From everything I have read, my own experience and knowledge of others' experiences, I think you are doing the right thing enquiring about IVF now.

As far as the IVF experience goes...I guess it's a little different for everyone. I didn't find the drugs affected me too much but the process is certainly taxing. The (seemingly) neverending cycle of blood tests, ultrasounds and injections can take its toll. I had a pretty bad time with my egg collection - suffered from ovarian hyperstimulation - but the upside of that was that we ended up with a good supply of viable eggs and ultimately embryos.

Throughout it all, it's vital that you have good support at home and try to stay positive. As far as support is concerned, my only regret is that I probably told too many of my friends all of the details of where I was up to with the treatment. The downside of this is that your friends (out of their concern for you) keep asking about it all the time and this can make things more stressful. So, I suggest keeping your inner circle down to a couple of close friends.

I hope this is of some use to you. Best of luck to you and your hubby.

[L&L]

Thanks Evo

That was reassuring.. We have decided not to tell anyone, only because we dont want people asking all the time - My blood pessure goes up 10 degrees already whenever people ask when we are going to start a family - what are people thinking whe they (constantly) tell you your 'clock is ticking' - do they think you dont already know this!!! ;). Every time I talk to my best friend (mother of 3) she asks 'how's it going, are you pregnat yet?'

Glad you had little side effects with the drugs - egg collection sounds painful.. hmm!

Once again, thanks fo rthe reassurance

L