Lucy's Story | I felt that my individual story was heard and understood

I had several consultations with different fertility clinics, but CREATE really stood out because I felt they genuinely listened to my concerns, particularly around being over-medicated.

"I felt that my individual story was heard and understood, rather than feeling like I was just another number."

The process started with my initial consultations and taking the time to understand and process all the information. I then had my blood tests and fertility testing, which were mostly carried out at Southampton. From there, we moved on to choosing the right start date for my medication, followed by egg collection, and then deciding on the best time for implantation.

The egg collection and implantation days particularly stand out for me. I suffer with health anxiety and OCD, so fertility treatment and medical procedures can be incredibly triggering for me. I was absolutely petrified about the egg collection, but the reality couldn't have been more different from what I had built up in my head. It was painless, gentle and actually felt incredibly special. The staff were so kind and professional and completely put my fears at ease. It's a moment I'll genuinely cherish.

"They understood my anxiety, listened to how I was feeling and went out of their way to make me feel calm and safe. I felt genuinely cared for throughout."

Every face-to-face appointment I've had has been amazing. Edyta in Southampton deserves a special mention - she always took the time to explain things to me, sometimes over and over again, and never made me feel rushed. I always felt listened to and supported.

The implantation day was incredibly special too. The staff really paid attention to how I was feeling and understood that I was anxious. They played music, created such a calm atmosphere and made what could have been an overwhelming experience feel really positive and emotional for all the right reasons.

"I felt like they genuinely cared about making that moment special for me, rather than it simply being another medical procedure. It's a day I'll always remember."

I would definitely recommend CREATE. I felt listened to as an individual throughout my treatment, and the care and reassurance I received made what can be a very overwhelming process feel much more manageable. My advice to others considering treatment would be go for it! Fertility treatment can feel daunting, but with CREATE I genuinely felt I was giving myself the best chance I could. Trust the process, ask as many questions as you need to, and take it one step at a time.