Ivf

[JustStarting1]

Hi. What are the main side effects going through IVF? I'm just about to start and that's the bit that's making me really nervous. Thanks

[Hidden]

Hi, the effects vary and are individual specific. Try not to be anxious, just take it one day at a time. Fingers crossed it will be worthwhile for you.

Best wishes

[JustStarting1 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks

[ttcemmie]

The physical side effects are obviously quite individual, but I'm sure emotionally it must also hit everyone in different ways. I don't think I was ready for the emotional side of it and the impact on my mental health, I would say. Just know that you're not alone and that you can do this!!! Lots of love. xxxx

[JustStarting1 in reply to ttcemmie]

Thank you so much. That's really kind x

[HollyT7 in reply to ttcemmie]

Totally agree. The anxiety was a killer for me. Got signed off work for our frostie cycle and it's the best thing I ever did. You just seem to carry on and on as that's all you can do but I don't think you realise how much you need to take care of yourself and make yourself and your mental health a priority. Take time to be kind to yourself, realise how you don't need to be strong all the time and know that it's OK to really not be OK when your having a rough day xxx

[JustStarting1 in reply to HollyT7]

Thank you. Some great advice. Hope it all worked out ok for you x

[KayCan]

Honestly, don't be anxious. You will be just fine and you will be stronger than you think and you'll take it all in your stride. Believe me when I say, I'm the biggest wuss, and I just embraced it all, even the needles weirdly enough!! Everyone is different and obviously depends on the protocol you're on. I was on the short, so less stress on the body. I was just a bit tender from the injections once I got to the end of my cycle, and I felt a bit of pressure from the follicle stimulation. I also had 1 or 2 headaches but I made sure I was well hydrated. You might have no side effects but either way you will definitely breeze through it. Good luck!! 🍀

[JustStarting1 in reply to KayCan]

Thanks very much. Really kind of you. I've done two unsuccessful rounds of iui so IVF is new to me. I'm also doing a frozen embryo transfer so think it will just be the length of time that it will take x

[HollyT7 in reply to JustStarting1]

For me iui was veeeerrry hard, mainly because I put so much hope into it when realistically, we didn't have much chance of it working. Ivf wasnt a walk in the park but difficult in different ways, mainly the worry about self funding if it didn't work tbh. I felt more proactive with ivf and we knew we had more chance of it working. I hope this works out for you 🍀🤞❤️ xxx

[JustStarting1 in reply to HollyT7]

Thank you x

[KayCan in reply to JustStarting1]

You definitely need to look after yourself though, take time off work if you are able to xx

[JustStarting1 in reply to KayCan]

Won't be able to unfortunately but hope it'll be fine x

[KatiesPath]

I was really nervous too when I switched from IUI to IVF. I had three failed IUI’s. I did a short protocol with fairly low-mid dose of meds and had a frozen transfer. With the stimming, I had brain fog, nausea, and stomach upset for a couple days but then my body got used to it and symptoms went away. After the egg retrieval and waiting to get my period I was super emotional- it felt like a big buildup was happening. It didn’t help that only one of my eggs made it to day 5 blastocyst so I had a meltdown about that. Then during the meds for my FET I was emotional. It is always so hard to tell whether it was the meds or just the stress of wanting to be pregnant so badly and fear of starting all over again. I agree with others that everyone’s experience is unique but honestly IVF is not an easy process. I really had to be gentle and kind to myself and remember that I was going through a lot. By the way, I got my BFP yesterday at 7dp5dt so that one little egg was worth it!!

[JustStarting1 in reply to KatiesPath]

Thank you for the advice.

Sorry I'm new to all this so the terminology...but I think you're pregnant? If so a massive congratulations to you and so glad it was worth it x

[KatiesPath]

Oh yes sorry haha the lingo 😳 goodluck starting your cycle!

[Hidden]

Hey hi, well I am about to my first injection tonight 😬😬😄 very very nervous about the whole process

[JustStarting1]

Good luck fiat 500. Apparently the first week isn't too bad but then my nurse said I might want to put an ice cube on the area before the injection...just because your leg (or wherever) will get a wee bit sore. Think of the potential end result! Good luck x

[L400ynd]

Hi darling.

You will be ok getting through this ❤️ There are plenty of us girls who will help and guide you through this.

I found the main side affects for me were the exhaustion and some niggles in my ovaries. My husband said he was expecting mood swings but apparently I was fine. Lol. 😂.

How are you feeling about it all? It’s totally normal to feel a whole host of emotions. Are the nerves just about the side affects or the whole thing?

It’s a hard process. Not going to lie to you but talking things over can help you. With your hubby or with us. Just don’t bottle anything up.

Best wishes and good luck. Xxxx

[JustStarting1 in reply to L400ynd]

Thank you so much for your kind words.

Yeah not really looking forward to the daily injections (I've got 3 a day to do)...but just keep reminding myself that it's temporary. Side effects definitely not looking forward to and just hoping it all works out ok.

How was it for you? Have you been successful? I really hope you have! X

[L400ynd in reply to JustStarting1]

Ah you get used to the injections after a few days. I had to do them myself as my husband can’t bear needles. 😂😂. You’ll be okay.

Is it unexplained infertility for you or is it a male or female factor? Ours is male factor.

I’ve unfortunately had 2 unsuccessful rounds but don’t let that get you down or anxious! You just concentrate on your journey. Lots of success stories to focus on.

Xxxx

[JustStarting1 in reply to L400ynd]

Lol oh dear. I think my husband is looking forward to causing me pain 🤣🤣

We've done two rounds of iui which were unsuccessful. I have polycystic ovaries (so basically don't ovulate) which is our problem.

Thanks for the advice.

So sorry to hear about your struggles. Never easy. Like you say lots of success stories . I've been trying to focus on the law of attraction...not sure how much I can...but trying.

Really really hope third time is the charm for you xx

[L400ynd in reply to JustStarting1]

Haha oh that’s just mean. 😂😂😂. The men have it easy don’t they? Although mine was very much mortified when he forgot to lock the door during his “part” and the nurse walked in on him. 😂😂😂🙈🙈.

Focusing on anything can be hard. Do you have Netflix? I found that to be something of a wonder for me. I watched some amount of garbage but it kept my mind occupied so I didn’t get myself stressed out.

Are you taking any time off work?

Thank you sweetie. It’s been a tough old journey. 3rd and last chance will be in a few months. I need to give my body and mind a wee rest first.

Keep me updated with your journey and remember we are all here for you. Xxxx

[JustStarting1 in reply to L400ynd]

Oh they sure do!!!

🤣🤣That's hilarious.

Mines said the worst part was when he left and said bye to the male nurse and went to shake his hand and the nurse just smiled and looked at his hand as though....."no chance mate!" 🤣

Yeah definitely binge watching shows helps and I bought a wee candle making kit to try a new wee hobby too.

At the moment im not planning on taking time off until the actual procedure but might change once I start the injections next week.

Yeah I think we are so quick to say that we don't want a break because we're "wasting time"...but your body and most certainly your mind will need some time. You should try to plan a few wee days/nights out with friends or hubby to look forward to. Thanks for your support. If you need anything ...I'm here x

[L400ynd in reply to JustStarting1]

Hahahaha brilliant. 😂😂

Yeh we’ve booked 2 weekends away to watch our football team playing and booked a summer holiday. Not even thinking about round 3 until after the holiday.

So much pressure on us ladies and I’ve just decided nope! I’m not doing it. Yeh I’m 35 and time is not on my side but if I’m full of stress, nerves and tears it’s not going to work anyway.

Xxxx

[JustStarting1 in reply to L400ynd]

Absolutely. Take the break and when you're ready try again.

I'm almost 35 and always getting told how young I am in IVF world....I'm happy with that 🤣

[Reer in reply to JustStarting1]

Hi I have polycystic ovaries but not the syndrome. I would advise you do isci, which is what we did the 2and time around expecting in june. Also did your dr put you on metformin? Have you had your prolactin checked?

[JustStarting1 in reply to Reer]

Hi Reer. First of all... congratulations. That's amazing news.

We've had to go private due to my BMI so they've put me on noristothene to induce a bleed and then emm two different types of injections. They said I didn't need icsi but a frozen embryo transfer.

It's all so complicated but I guess they know what they're doing x

[Reer]

I just think icsi gives a better chance, that's what we were advised. Also I had fet 3 months after collection. We used a greek clinic really good. Wish you all the best too.

[JustStarting1]

Hi ladies. How are you all feeling?

Well I'm two days out from my egg collection (providing we don't get cancelled due to everything that's going on at the moment).

Feeling pretty sore and really sick all the time. Taking my trigger injection tonight and then I'm done. Thank goodness!

Been told our frozen egg transfer might get put off for a while though if the hospital closes. Not looking forward to the HRT drugs but just need to play it by ear x