Appointments

[Justus1]

Hiya. Starting to realise that I'll need to take a late of time off during my IVF cycle. Just wondering how people copied with all the appointments and taking time off work. Any advice would be good. Thanks

[Hollibob]

I told my bosses that I was going through IVF, so that they were aware there would be appointments potentially during work time, not to cause me additional stress and to also be aware that I might need to change my leave around depending on what my body did. They are all male and were very supportive.

As I work shifts and didn't want to be stressing myself about doing the injections in the work toilet, I made sure I finished work in time to get home to do them.

I also took leave from the time of collection until test day, so I could relax away from work

X

[Lotbot]

My boss knows and was really helpful allowing me to go to appointments when needed, I came into work then left late as I could but still allowing my self time to get there then coming straight back afterwards and for big appointments like ec I took holiday x

[Justus1 in reply to Lotbot]

Thanks both that's really useful to hear x

[glorygirl]

I also told my boss and she has been incredibly supportive even offering to assist with injections etc!! ive found its much easier to be honest to reduce the stress especially as im at the stage of going to the hospital this morning for the 3rd time this week so theres no way id have been able to hide it! I start work at 8:30am and although appts at the hospital are early its always 10-10:30 before i get to the office because of travelling. I actually thought its fair to them to know so they can already be planning and know ill eventually (hopefully) becoming pregnant and needing time off. Hopefully you'll also have a supportive boss who help you through the process xx

[pm27]

I too told my manager, during the first round I arranged scans before work but got stressed with the crazy traffic so in the second round I booked appointments for 9.30/10am to miss the traffic. My employers have an IVF policy of 5 days for treatment in the first year, my manager has agreed additional time if needed. So it might be worth checking if your employers have a similar policy.

[Justus1]

Looks like I need to make a decision then...! thanks all. All really useful!

[smallcat]

This is interesting to read for me too. Its something I have to make a decision about soon.

The problem is that I work in a council facility as part of a team of staff, about 12 of us. Our team is quite close knit so it will be obvious if I'm away at lots of hospital appointments. I'm on good terms with them but don't consider any of them as friends. The staff will ask me what is wrong, so I don't know whether I want to come up with some sort of lie or what to do as I definately don't want the whole staff to know we're doing IVF. So far I've managed to have the tests on days off, but we haven't started our ICSI cycle yet and I still don't have specific dates for it. I'm hoping to take days off rather than have to tell people. I don't mind my boss knowing in confidence but no one else.

[Justus1]

That's the thing. I have a close team too. I think your right I'll have to take the odd day off for the sedations (egg collection and transfer). Then for the scans I'll have to work around it. Based on my last clinic appointment I think I've worked out once I start my injections I should have one appointment a week. I hope that helps x

[Missmmc]

Just to add a different perspective I didn't tell work. I'm sure they would be supportive but just none of their business. I am lucky because I do a lot of visits outside the office and also do flexi so don't have to be in till 10 am. So I was able to fit my appointments in without having to take leave except for EC and ET. As for scans during stims. You would normally go in every other day or at least 3-4 times depending on how you response.

[Lotbot]

There is only 10 staff inc me at my work and only 4 know but 1bis my boss and the rest I consider friends so didn't mind them knowing but I didn't want the others knowing. I go for my appointments and don't tell them if they say anything it's just oh yeah I'm fine u know wat doctors are like etc or I just don't say anything it's not their business and none if them know anything. I wouldn't worry too much I find it easier my boss knowing thou. Could u make up the hours by staying later or anything? X

[Justus1]

Ya I don't think my boss cares really. As I just say I'm working from home and he knows I have a hospital appointment some point during the day. I just worry about everyone else and worry if they'll think bad of me cz I'm at home again. But I need to just stop worrying about everyone and do what's best for me. Everyone advice has been so helpful x

[hopes_dreams]

I've just read this thread with quite a bit of interest. I'm in a slightly odd position as I started a new job 3 weeks ago after moving to Bristol. But had all the baseline investigations done before moving and now have an appointment at the fertility clinic in Bristol a week on Monday. I'm hoping things move fairly quickly after that as we were due to start treatment as soon as appointments were available at our previous fertility centre, but it does leave me in a tricky position with work and (positive thinking) to announce a pregnancy!

[hopes_dreams]

Thanks Justus1, have you decided if you will tell your work? I'm thinking I'll keep 'it' (the fertility treatment) to myself for as long as possible just because of so recently starting my new job.

[Justus1]

Yaaa I've been thinking the same thing. To keep it to myself as long as possible. 😄

[hopes_dreams]

I'm hoping its not too tricky but have a feeling there could be some awkward situations 😕 have you told many family/friends you are going to be starting IVF?

[Justus1]

Only my parents and sister know. As I know I'll need them for support x