I am just about to have my first cycle of IVF next month and I'm just wondering how people managed with work with getting appointments off or getting signed off?
My manager is aware I'll be having IVF as I have been fairly down and feeling depressed the last few months and she noticed the change in me.
I'm wondering whether it's best I get myself signed off for a month starting from stimms. I want to give this my best shot and be as relaxed as possible.
How has everyone else managed?
Thank you xx
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megad26
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Guess it depends on your work situation and how stressed etc it makes you. I only took time off for EC and et and made sure I didn't do any travel in the 2ww. If I hadn't have worked i would have gone stir crazy in the process.
My appointments were always early ones so no missed work.
I personally don't get signed off until the transfer as then you are in my opinion giving them the best chance of growing inside you, I think it would be a waste to get signed off just when you're taking the medication xx
Everyone is different, I got myself signed off as my job is stressful & I wanted to concentrate on just the IVF process!! My work are very supportive though, only 1 person in HR & my Manager knew the reason!!
For me practically I needed to as well....our clinic is a 3.5hr drive away so there was no way to fit our many app’mnts into a working day & a 7hr round trip to the clinic!!
I’m glad I did but the 2ww was tough, def next time I will be making more plans to do stress free activities to keep my mind busy!!
This was my third round, I have a stressful job and my doctor signed me off from the start of this cycle it is the best thing I've done as I worked up until transfer on my others and took leave for 2ww's. Even though I didn't think I was that stressed at work looking back I really was. I have had time to concentrate on me if definitely hadn't been wasted time for me.
You have to do what's right for you though. Good luck x
Hi
Probably not the best advise, but I quit my job to concentrate on ivf, I didn't want people at work knowing what I was doing, even if I had told my manager or hr then it was the kind of place where everyone would have known. I was also really stressed in my job, so I quit. I was really drained while taking injections, but I think most people work through that, but I would say you definitely need the week of egg collection and recovery off.
Good luck!
• in reply to
that's the thing what's right for you isn't right for someone else and you do what you feel is the right thing at the time.
If it's possible try and have all your check ups first thing in the morning or at least early so you can get to work after. I'd save the signing off for after the transfer when you want to chill and not strain yourself - but make sure you keep yourself occupied over those 2 weeks.
I think it's a personal choice, I felt I wouldn't need the time off but if I do it again I would. I found that towards the end of the week I would be shattered and headaches really bad on the buserilin. I had a weeks leave already booked in and that coincided with me starting the menapor, I ended up taking the following week off sick as I found the stress of ivf too much and could not face work.
I had collection yesterday and plan to go back to work on mon/tue as I'm not having transfer and will be having a FET further down the line.
I think I under estimated the toll it was going to take on me. The emotional rollercoaster that is ivf.
Hi, I worked through our first two cycles, unfortunately both failed. On our third attempt I struggled with the stress of it all a little more so decided to take the 2ww off. The GP was very understanding and didn’t quibble my request and work were fine with it. I don’t know whether it played any part but I’m currently 35 weeks so I would definitely do the same again - even just for taking time mentally and emotionally as the whole ivf journey is very demanding . Xx
what I try to do with appointments is get them early like 8.30 and before work or late say like after 3pm so it minimises putting anyone out.
Im currently taking some time off work. I have quite a stressful job and I wanted to fully focus on the treatment and get myself in the right head space. So glad I have, I feel so much better in myself. Everyone at work understands and the doctor was fine in giving me a sick note. Do what is best for you, work will still run without you and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, make it count
Hi meg! I’ve never worked through the 2ww as it’s either fallen over a holiday (I’m a secondary school teacher), or I’ve taken it off. It really depends how stressful your job is and location of clinic. I could leave bang on 3:20 and get to a late appointment, but when the frequency of appointments increased I felt exhausted, and what with acupuncture and other appointments it all became too hectic. I also found my increase of medication made me really chilled out, which is quite amusing with a bunch of 13 year olds!! This time my gp has signed me off for the first week and we are reviewing how I feel, and my clinic are signing me off for the 2ww as they’re concerned about my stress levels. This probably hasn’t helped you at all, sorry! I’d play it by ear, you can always go to the gp if it gets too much, just be kind to yourself, it’s a crazy time right now! Xxx
Hi, I'm on the first cycle too, currently waiting for the drugs to be delivered. The only person at work who know about us having IVF is my boss. He is very supportive so I don't have any issues with taking time off for appointments. Luckily my appointments were usually early mornings or late afternoons so I could still come to work even just for half a day. The only problem I have is some nosey colleagues asking why I'm only in for half a day. I usually just say I've got an appointment and give them the 'I don't want to talk about it' look 😁 My boss has also given me a remote access so I can work from home if I need to. It really helps me as I have to commute to work. Maybe this could be an option for you. Xx
i needed the time off after EC leading to transfer and I was resting for a few days post transfer. I find I could manage the appoints with work if scheduled early, plus during most of the stimms I was physically OK, not much pain, soreness, but tired yes.
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