Starting IVF - round 1

[SeaChange]

So after what feels like ages we are about to start our first IVF cycle. My period is due any day now and so I’ll be calling up to book in and get the meds. Overall I feel pretty calm about it, the clinic we are at have been very kind and supportive so that’s all good.

The one thing I’m feeling more anxious about is the egg collection op. I’ve never had an op before and I’m more anxious about the anesthetic and coming around than anything else (not particularly logical) so I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone on how they found this?

Also, lots of people keep telling us how stressful this whole process is going to be, and I’ve been told I can’t do any excercise (at all!) once I begin the injections. Do you ladies have any top tips for keeping calm through it all?

Thanks, x

[Apdp]

I was really nervous about egg collection too. I was out cold and can’t remember a thing lol. Was very quick, think I was only knocked out for about 30 mine, felt like a nice wee sleep. Afterwards was tender for about 2 weeks standing up and things x

[SeaChange in reply to Apdp]

Thanks for replying! Glad it doesn’t sound too scary. Xx

[LegoBatgirl]

Good luck x

[staceymac83]

I had my first op (removal of one of my Fallopian tubes) last December at the age of 34 so I know how u feel, but for me egg collection was a walk in the park. Felt like I had a nice sleep, was in recovery for a few hours and headed home. I felt a bit tender for the rest of that day but the day after I felt completely normal and was out having lunch.

Good luck xx

[SeaChange in reply to staceymac83]

Thanks Stacey, the silly thing is I’m not feeling nervous about the soreness or pain post op. For some reason it’s all about being out of it and a bit out of control of my body.

Glad it wasn’t too a bad experience for you and you recovered quickly! Xx

[Caza2009]

I was SO nervous about egg collection, but for me that was prob one of the easier bits in the end - the anaesthetist just told me to squeeze their hand and the next thing I knew, I came round with my partner sitting next to me. I felt groggy for a bit afterwards and slightly sore but otherwise ok.

I did sufffer from stress (majorly) so for my upcoming FET, I have downloaded a mindfulness IVF app which has really helped me get in the right frame of mind and I’m also going to try acupuncture (although it’s not cheap).

Wishing you the best of luck 😊🍀

This site is also a godsend for advice and support xxxx

[SeaChange in reply to Caza2009]

Hey Caza, thanks for sharing your experience I’m starting to feel better about the whole thing. Sometimes it’s the fear of the unknown.

What is the mindfulness app you’ve downloaded called?

I hope you enjoy the acupuncture and it helps to relax you. Would love to hear how you find it. Not cheap but might be worth the investment!

Good luck to you too 🍀

[Caza2009]

Hey, I downloaded ‘Mindful IVF’ - I think there are a few out there but I decided to go for this one on someone else’s recommendation. At first I felt a bit silly, but after a few days I noticed how much calmer I felt - it’s just been 10-15 mins every day where I focus purely on myself! 😊 hope it works for you if you decide to give it a go.

I’m starting my FET meds on Tues, so I’m having my first acupuncture session the following Sat. I’ve found someone who does home visits and guarantees to see you on the day of transfer (pre and post) so I’m giving it a go - it it helps me relax then I’m all for it and will just suck up the cost. I’ll keep you posted.

Good luck - you’ll be brilliant, I’m sure 😊💪🏼 xxx

[Yammie1973]

Me, I did acupuncture. I have just completed my 3rd EC last Friday. The dr who did the sedation inserted a canula in the back of my hand before I walked into the theatre. I sat on the operting table with stirrups, had a pleasant chat with my consultant and nurses, shared a couple of jokes. Had heart monitors attached to me, had an oxygen mask put on my face and just drifted off to sleep after the sedation was inserted in the canula. Coming round was quite quick and I was given some water and two sweet biscuits to munch on and kept under observation for 2-3 hours and then allowed to go home. There was a dull absominal ache for 3-4 days after but everything, thank god has been fine. Hope that this helps.

[SeaChange in reply to Yammie1973]

Thanks for sharing your experience, it is really helpful and helps to “demystify” the whole thing. I’m glad your EC went well and fingers crossed for you xx

[medzed09]

Welcome! Great that you feel calm about things from the outset. I have been mostly calm except for a few blips and when they happen, I come to this forum or do something nice like go for a walk, have a bath, read a good book, treat myself in some way. I have found a bit of exercise really helpful actually. Especially in the mornings when I'm feeling very sluggish and a bit meh - this started with stims, I'm more emotional. But after a light workout I feel more like myself.

I have also used the mindfulness app mentioned above and though it seemed odd at first it is actually very helpful! I am used to meditating and this is quite different, worth a try.

All the very best, I remember before I started I couldn't wait for my period to come so I could get this show on the road! Good luck x

[Hidden]

It's really not as bad as people make out! Just take it easy and keep busy, I felt the same other than a bit swollen. Egg collection was fine too, really quick and I was up ready to leave the clinic within 15 mins lol after them collecting 27 eggs. The next day or so I was a bit tender and felt like bad period pains.

[LWisbey]

Hiya, we've just done our first round of ivf and had egg collection 11 days ago.

I found it so easy. They really put you at ease and it just felt like a deep sleep. Apparently when I woke up I asked 'is it much longer to wait?' I didn't realise it had already been done. After a cup of tea, biscuit & chat I was able to head home and was a bit sore that day but the next day was fine.

The hardest bit is definetely the 2 week wait!

Good luck! Keep positive with the it all!