Hi - I'm 40 and have spent much of the last six years in a whirlwind of ovulation tests, sleepless nights wondering why this or that month I hadn't got pregnant when everyone around me seemed to be having baby two or three, then hospital tests and eventually IVF.  It's been a very rocky road that I'm sure many of you recognise....not least of which because the very first time I did IVF I got pregnant. I couldn't believe it - the euphoria and excitement - it was amazing. I was so happy I couldn't stop smiling.  And then came the news that my baby was ectopic - my tube ruptured and I was rushed to theatre.  I was ok in a week or two  but it took me a while longer to get over it emotionally before I was ready to try again.

Unfortunately the next three IVF attempts didn't work - the number of eggs I produce reduced dramatically as a result of my ecoptic - the doctors now think that one of my ovaries was affected by the surgery and so now doesn't produce any eggs and while I seem to get one great embryo on each cycle, it doesn't seem to want to stay around when it is put back. So now my consultant has said that due to my age and past history there is less than a 10% chance of success and has therefore recommended that I try egg donation.  It's been quite a difficult thing to get my head around - being told that the door is pretty much closed on having a fully biological child takes a little while to come to terms with - but I really want to give  partner the child we both so desperately want and so we want to try one last time.
 
We've gone on the waiting list at the Lister but have been told it will take about two and a half years to find a donor match.  The only way that I could get treatment within a six month period would be to find someone who would be willing to provide eggs to the donation pool either as part of an egg share or just because they want to help other women like me have a baby.  There are some couples who pay £1700 to advertise for egg donors with the Lister but after four private IVF cycles (thanks to the NHS postcode lottery!), we just can't afford to pay this extra fee and, although I've looked into it, going abroad to Spain or wherever doesn't seem to be an option cost-wise either.
 
This next attempt will have to be our last so I'm writing this note hoping that you might be someone who might be considering donating their eggs to the Lister.  If you are, a massive thank you.

If you're not sure what it entails, there's an information sheet on the Lister website ito find out more  - www.ivf.org.uk/egg-donation-and-sharing
 
You can also call the nurses on the egg donation team on 2007 881 4040/1228 -  Lena, Lizzy and Deantie are really lovely and very helpful.
 
And if by any chance you do decide to go ahead, I'd be really grateful if you would quote my hospital number to the nurses - X1271183.  This will mean that I'll have the chance of a donor match in about six months time which would be the answer to my prayers.
 
Thanks so much for reading this.

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