About to start ivf

[Jojo8311]

Hi everyone. I have my information counselling appointment on 14th March where we should start the ivf journey shortly afterwards. I am finding that as I am getting closer to the appointment date the slightest thing that I could normally cope with quite well overwhelms me. I sometimes feel like I am suffocating. Not sure whether this is Normal to feel this way? The enormity of the situation has hit me I think and where I used to be able to support people I can’t at the moment.

[Birdboy1]

Hi jojo. Do not worry about feeling this way I think it pretty normal. I get very emotional all the time. I’m better in my second cycle but my first I cried most days. It’s not a nice feeling. However it may all end in a little miracle. It’s great though that you are having a counselling session. I’m sure that will be a massive help. Good luck xxx

[Jojo8311 in reply to Birdboy1]

Thank you. We’re hoping they will order my prescription at this appt in March and then we can hopefully get started. Xx

[Buisquits]

Hi hun

The way you feel is perfectly normal and I know exactly where you’re coming from. We found out in September ivf is the only way for us. I was so so angry on the whole world around me (4months of pure anger) but then I accepted it, or so I thought...

we had our ivf nurse consultation last Monday and it hit me again. Then the box of meds arrived on Thursday and I cried...

the whole process is overwhelming, scary, stressful, terrifying but at the same time exciting and full of hope. All these emotions make us frustrated and confused, short tempered. For me, the best way to deal with all that is counselling, it makes me calmer and more excited about the given opportunity. Taking to your partner helps too.

Just take it easy (as my partner says to my annoyance)

Sending lots of warm hugs xxx

[Jojo8311 in reply to Buisquits]

Our appt on 14th March is the nurse appt. your prescription arrived really quickly. I am glad how I feel is normal. It’s an emotional experience. I just feel really overwhelmed and suffocated by anything else on top of the ivf xx

[Cora87]

Hi Jojo! I just read your whole post. Trust me! I am also in the same situation. I am also undergoing an IVF. I know it excites you. Well, yeah! Just stay calm. It's pretty normal. Many people go for it. I was also terrified of having my check-ups. I was also terrified of you. But, I went to the clinic in Ukraine for the IVF. I saw so many people. They also counseled me, they later asked me to undergo counseling sessions. It helped me strengthen myself. So, just stay calm and go for it. Anyway! My best wishes are with you. Stay calm and relaxed! xx

[Jojo8311 in reply to Cora87]

Thank you. It’s good to know how I feel is normal xx

[41nearly42]

Hi Jojo,

We have just picked a clinic after visiting a few and now have taken the plunge to have our initial consultation. I found out in October last year that IVF with ICSI would really be the recommended route for us, and I was heartbroken to discover that our chances of success are as low as 10-15% due to my age. Our first consultation is next Monday (26th Feb) and I'm feeling quite nervous about it. I know what you mean about feelings of overwhelm. At the moment I'm apprehensive about what the results of an initial scan will be, about having to inject myself (this freaks me out), not knowing whether we will get any eggs/fertilised embryos that are good enough, how many cycles we may need, whether I will have to look at donor eggs, whether we can afford it all...the list goes on. I guess the way I'm dealing with it is just taking one day at a time. Just get done what you need to do each day to move you a step closer to the end goal. Most of all I'm trying to stay calm, respect my body, and make myself feel as good as possible (to keep the nasty stress at bay).

Just a thought, but perhaps those of us newbies just embarking on our first round of IVF should start a little facebook group or whatsapp group so that we can be support for each other? Let me know if this would interest you. Obviously if anyone else reading this is in the same boat and is interested in setting something up with me, just let me know.

Sending you reassurances and positivity for the start of your ivf journey.

xx

[41nearly42 in reply to 41nearly42]

P.S. I can highly recommend listening to Matt and Doree's IVF Journey podcast if you haven't already

[Jojo8311 in reply to 41nearly42]

You have just described everything I feel. It is good to know how I feel is normal. I have low amh and this is the only way we will get pregnant. Once I found out I was really worried about whether I would be able to produce any good quality eggs, whether any would fertilise and how many they would get. It’s all consuming. I am doing fertility yoga and reading a really good book atm xx

[Jojo8311 in reply to Jojo8311]

Wishing you all the luck in the world. We are just giving nature a nudge and it will all be worth it xx

[Caroliono4 in reply to 41nearly42]

Sorry to butt in but I also really recommend this along with The Fertility Podcast. Listening to them on the bus to work really calmed me down. I can also recommend acupuncture for relaxation. X

[pachelbel]

I am in the same boat as you. Just had a good cry by myself and I ended up looking like a panda - non-waterproof mascara ran down my cheeks - so I pulled myself together and put on some fresh makeup and came on here!

Rang my clinic this morning to confirm my period started this morning so awaiting their call on Monday for an appointment to see the nurse. Then hopefully get on with ICSI in March.

Now that I made that call this morning makes it more real. All the paperwork I’ve been given to read seems to have gone in and out of my brain. It’ll all make sense hopefully!

We have to be brave and strong! It will be over in a few weeks and we can look back and feel proud of ourselves.

[Jojo8311 in reply to pachelbel]

I think you are right it does hit you just when you think you have come to terms with it.

It all becomes very real. You’re right. Wishing you luck with your forthcoming treatment xx

[pachelbel in reply to Jojo8311]

I’d given myself a few months off from the time we had the follow up appointment with the consultant after all the fertility tests were done.

Got myself together in the last few weeks but recently I seem a bit fragile at the prospect of actually now going ahead.

Never mind we all have to face the unexpected and sometimes it’s not as bad as we imagined.

[Jojo8311 in reply to pachelbel]

Wishing you the best of luck. I think it’s fairly normal to feel all over the place. Xx