The Art of Queuing...

Today was my CD5 visit to the clinic.. my first since starting downregging and my chance to see how a 'normal' IVF visit works.  I got there at 8.15am to register and knew I needed to do my blood test as early as possible but wasn't sure if the test had already been entered on my clinic 'credit' card (and if I had paid for it). I managed to grab one of the English-speaking postgrads to ask and, yes, I was all set to go.

Had my blood test and went to wait for my ultrasound with the Doctor. It seems that you have to wait for the blood test results before you can meet with the Doctor. So I waited... and waited... and waited. Waiting is not a new theme for this blog, but I have been implementing a new 'Zen' approach to the craziness of the Chinese clinic and this was my first chance to really put it to the test. So I read my book, sent a couple of emails and listened to my iPod. I didn't constantly go to the window of the consultation room to see what was happening. I didn't ask the Doctor if they had my file/test results (in other words.. 'I'm here and waiting.. please see me!'). I just waited calmly.

This gave me chance to observe how the other girls spend this time. Having the advantage of a common language, they mostly chat together (Yes, I feel left out. Yes, I know I should have made more effort to learn Chinese). Others had more productive occupations... One girl was doing Sudoku, another knitting what looked like slippers and another doing cross-stitch which I loved as a kid.. now thinking it might be time to get back into it!

At about 12.30 I got to see the Dr... quick ultrasound and all must be fine with the tests because I can start stimming! Gonal-F.. 225 IU for the next 4 days and a return visit on Friday.

Then followed the usual trek to different floors to pay and then pick up my meds - mammoth queue of about 30 girls formed to pick up meds/learn how to do injections/get injections from the nurse. Luckily I was about 8 from the front, so I was home by 2pm.

6 hours of my life I'll never get back!  Luckily I remembered to ask if I can go home whilst waiting for the blood test results and I can. At least I can wait around in the comfort of my own home next time (5 minutes walk from the clinic).

Now drinking lots of water and hoping those eggs are forming :)

PS: the pic above is a comparison of usual British vs Chinese queuing systems. Luckily, the clinic is an exception or my 'Zen' would really struggle!