Hello! I'm copying below emails I've sent to a lovely lady I've met from FF, just as a bit of an update really..
Well, we went to see Mr Ramsay on 12th Feb and felt very positive, it was very reassuring to speak to such an expert in his field. What he doesn't know about men's testicles isn't worth knowing..
He said that ARGC will tell us not to bother with him as they feel they look after the girls so well that they can work wonders with any sperm. He said he would do a full investigative operation again on DH, to retrieve sperm and also to actually get a diagnosis. He said it's very unusual for the surgeon to not be able to say whereabouts the blockage is if there is one. (Although that CAN be the case, it's just very unusual.) He would also make any correction if at all possible whilst he was 'in there'.
From the BWH notes, he said that they had retrieved sperm from the epididymis and the testicles. He felt that the better sperm had probably been used on the first ICSI and not so good sperm on the second ICSI. (Wouldn't they/shouldn't they have told us that at our review?!)
He also said that it would be completely reasonable for us not to use him and to go with ARGC alone for the retrieval, as one of the prime reasons for using him would be to get a firm diagnosis. (As well as the potential of possibly getting better sperm/slight chance of having the prob fixed if it were possible.)
Then.. We saw ARGC on 1st March...
Nightmare morning, went to get the train from Birmingham International and as we were waiting on the platform, they were all cancelled so we ended up getting back into the car and driving, all fine though and made it in time, phew. (Speeding ticket is probably in the post.)
Despite warnings, I was still a bit shocked by the clinic. Not that I care, if they are giving me a baby, who needs designer decor?! I did think it had a nice atmosphere though and everyone seemed to be lounging around as if they are used to spending lots of time there.
The long and short of it all was that I'm going on Tuesday for my monitoring scan and then could start on my period at the end of March. (All being well, EVERYTHING crossed.) Am sadly going to delay it though until the following month though, due to work commitments.
So, there we have it! We have also decided to use Mr Ramsay and if it's the beginning of May that suits him well too. Finally, have decided to rent somewhere close by to stay and we'll make it an urban holiday! If we stay with friends, I just feel a bit on best behaviour and I think it's important to be comfortable and be able to please ourselves.
PS. Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster were at the clinic with their baby whilst we were there! I was starstruck
I am very very excited, but also scared as what if we go to ARGC and it still doesn't work? What then?! The emotional side of all of this is so exhausting.
Another pregnancy announcement this week and 2 babies born to friends has left me a bit fragile. I seem to have spent a lot of time feeling fragile since January. That said, I am so looking forward to being 'on the road' again at ARGC and also to being away from life as normal here whilst it goes on. It will be good to not have to answer any questions etc and just hide for a little while I think.
Thanks fabulous Fertility Friends, what would I do without all the ARGC boards and other places to lurk and obsess?!
xxx
