After going through the process of tests, genetics, scans and shopping for sperm, I was finally ready to lock in my first cycle attempt. I called the clinic when my menses arrived to let them know it was day 1 of my cycle (full flow- if it starts after lunch, they consider the next day to be day 1). I had 2 blood tests a few days apart starting cycle day 10. I was finally told to get a blood test and ultrasound done, in the days leading up to my ovulation day.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t get a booking in for an ultrasound anywhere near me, so I had to travel interstate to my clinic to have my scan done in-house. I travelled the night before, and then early the next morning, went into the clinic for the test and scan. The offices were large, the staff busy and a bit distracted – I didn’t feel like anyone had read my file notes, and was left waiting quite a while with no information. The ultrasound tech was rushed feeling, and spent very little time scanning me compared to every other scan I’ve ever had. The nurse who took my bloods was rushed, in and out in moments, and ushered me back out to the waiting area. Once I was done, I was dismissed with a ‘the doctor will call when they’ve reviewed your results’.
I had to hang around the city for the results to know if I could go ahead with the cycle or not. A few hours later, having occupied myself visiting the local aquarium, I got a phone call from another nurse, not the doctor, who casually informed me the doctor had cancelled the cycle. I was surprised – I know my cycles, and I was a few days off actually ovulating, but apparently, they felt informed enough to say I would ovulate too soon to do the trigger. I got very little information and felt when I did ask questions, it was a hassle for the nurse to have to answer them.
I left the city disappointed and annoyed.
When I got home, I contacted the clinic to make sure I would either be refunded or credited for my next cycle (as they can’t charge for one they cancel, and I’d already paid). It took over a week to get an answer in writing, and if I had wanted a refund, it would have meant yet more paperwork – not a simple ‘yes, we can see the doctor cancelled your cycle, here’s your refund’.
Not the most encouraging first attempt.
If you’re reading this because you’re on or have been on a fertility path, what was your experience like?
Horizon Homestead 
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