Work and IVF Treatment - How to manage?

[Affinity289]

huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/...

Hi All,

Happy to have this network to connect with others.

Following an EP in 2009, my current partner and I, started trying to conceive 2-3 yes ago. Unfortunately due to many factors including his low sex drive and my endo & adonomyosis, it hasn't happened naturally for us 😔

So now with only two years left to be able to access NHS treatment, we're embarking on the IVF journey.

I've had around 7 laparoscopies for endo but was advised not to have another before IVF treatment. Consultants didn't want to risk possible scar tissue and delaying treatment.

We're starting the IVF journey with a few months of hormone treatment (down regulation) as have endo, PCO and fibroids. I believe this is the long protocol.

I always thought I'd have children by the time l was 40 and trying to best prepare myself physically and mentally for the journey ahead. My partner struggled with talking about feelings so I'm seeking support here to be able to share as I go through this experience.

Saw the article - link above and wondered how some of you have managed having treatment with full time work?

I'm contemplating getting signed off by my G.P after down regulation treatment. My consultant has suggested Prostrap for 3 months before Menopur treatment.

I don't have enough annual leave left as often have had to take holiday during my menstruation, to limit my sick absence. Had 12 days off sick in 12 months so far but over the trigger point. So I think I'd rather be signed off when the time comes to starting Menopur, then I can have time out for the treatment and subsequent regular appointments.

How have others managed this at work?

Sending love & light to us all through our journeys*

[Starlight86]

I was signed off for three weeks, I did short protocol so skipped downregulation and was signed off from the day I started stims. The sick line (and a fortunately timed bank holiday) meant I didn’t need to go back til 6 days post transfer. I’m currently 9+2 weeks pregnant (with everything still firmly crossed!) Would honestly advise anyone who can manage to take some sick leave to do so while in the throngs of IVF. I would have missed so much work anyway as had so many appointments (often with long waiting times!) but the drugs made me really tired and spaced out so I really benefited from being able to indulge in afternoon naps. I think some people would enjoy work as a distraction but I work in a lab linked to my IVF clinic and my doctor understood it was was just too stressful for me to work at that time. It’s a really short time in the context of your working life so I’d say look out for yourself at this time and do what is right for you. Good luck and hope all goes well

[MontsJ]

I didn’t want to take too much time off work as I wanted them to be flexible if I need time off in pregnancy. I didn’t want to use the minimal sick time I had. I also thought too much time off would leave me stewing about everything. I had the day of egg collection off, the day of transfer and two days after that. Those with significant risk of OHSS will likely need more time.

This amount of time off was fine for me. I got a positive test result and carried until 8 weeks. I don’t think having more time off would have benefited me at all.

When considering how much time you have off, do consider that you may need multiple cycles....

[LunaLovegood11]

Hey there, I popped out for extended lunches during scans. I had worked lots of overtime recently so was allowed the egg collection day off and the day after. I think it helped keep me ‘normal’ during the whole thing, I’d have been stewing too much if I had more time off at home I think xx

[Libsie3103]

I work from home so have been really fortunate with scans - I can manage my days around them so no one really knows. With both my FET and fresh transfer I’ve asked my GP to sign me off for the 2WW which they did. However my last cycle ended in a MMC so I took some time off afterwards as I just couldn’t function / work. Work were quite understanding (but my boss is a bloke so not sure he really “gets it”)

We’re doing another FET in November and I think I’ll take a couple of days leave for the embryo transfer and afterwards but not the 2WW, I feel I’ve had too much time off. I’m sure they’d be OK but I don’t need the stress of feeling it’s reflecting on me professionally. I travel with my job though and they’ve advised me not to fly if it’s a BFP until they’ve confirmed it’s not ectopic, I’ll deal with that when I get there!! Good luck xx

[Affinity289]

Hi Ladies,

Thanks for your replies. Thankful to hear about your experiences as I don't want to underestimate the process. I tend to keep calm and carry on, so won't to be kinder to myself through this journey.

I'm sorry to hear that some of you are yet to have your bundle. May you be fulfilled and wishing you all the best.

Congrats to those of you who have got there. I hope you enjoy all that motherhood brings!

It's quite an certain time in my relationship and I'm worried whether we will be strong enough to survive this journey...

Multiple cycles fills me with dread. As I'm 40, only get one go funded on the NHS. To be honest, self-funding would be a major challenge. Would need to put it on credit if it came to it. From what I've seen can cost in the range of £4k+

We have our first nurse consultation next week so will check in again, as sure I'll have plenty of questions and need advice.

Your support is appreciated ☺️