Time off work after failed IVF?

[Rollypops]

Hey everyone,

I just wondered how long people have had off work, if any time, after failed IVF. We had a full failed IVF cycle in June and another failed full cycle in September. I've been off for 2 weeks in total, but 2 separate times. I shouldn't have gone back the first time, as clearly wasn't ready.

Just wondering if anyone has any advice and when you know you're ready to go back?

I'm a social worker and the job itself is so stressful at the mo, so that adds to the pressure.

Thanks guys xXx

[Cassie_56]

Hi, so sorry to hear your failed cycles. It’s so hard. I’ve been recently considering this and asking others and really don’t think there is a definite answer. Some people like to get straight back in as a distraction, others (me included) find it too difficult. I had a failed round in June but had taken 4 weeks off during treatment and including TWW. I went back after BFN (tested on Sat, returned Monday) but because it was still lock down and was working from home it didn’t seem quite as bad and could work whilst still being a bit emotionally unstable. I do worry about my current round, having to go back in if it’s negative. Just listen to your heart and your feelings n s and not other people. You have to do what’s right for you xx

[Ivfgotadream]

It’s different for everyone but personally for me I had to be back in a routine as quick as possible and didn’t take any time off after my 3 failed transfers. I didn’t feel like it did my mental health any good to be a home on my own dwelling on things that I couldn’t change.

But then I also had 4 miscarriages when I went straight back to work and 2 ruptured ectopics where I nearly died on the Monday and was back working the following week.

[Babyhope8]

Sorry on your failed cycles. After my first failed cycle I took a month off Cos i miscarried from one fet and second fet failed. Then I did an injectable IUI I fell pregnant again and miscarried . Heartbreak and then when I started second ivf and when I realized my right ovary is not responding and poorly doing my 2 ivf . I totally lost it, I’m not able to get back to work since September 13. Cos I’m not healed I’m irritated emotional . I don’t have interest to focus on project when my own treatment and body is failing. Sorry I myself struggling to get back to work, not sure when. I’m unable to give you an answer

[Goldie24]

So sorry to hear you’ve had such a rough ride. I’ve not yet made it to an embryo transfer but am on my 4th and last protocol to get me there! (Has a freeze all due to OHSS and a couple of cancelled cycles) but I’m currently off work and have been since my last cancelled FET. I’m a midwife so no distraction from things there! And for me that’s the main issue. I’ve kept going all through covid whilst having treatment and a couple of weeks ago I just couldn’t hold it together in that environment for a second longer and went home. I’m not going back now until after transfer and the 2WW (I’ll cross the BFN bridge if I come to it and make a plan from there) and my GP is wholeheartedly supporting that. It’s been a hard and guilt filled decision to make but I owe it to myself and my husband and our embryos to focus on the treatment and ourselves for a couple of months. Everyone is different and you just need to do whatever is right for you x

[lablover5658]

Hiya Rollypops,

We failed our first fresh IVF cycle last December I took three weeks we had the treatment early December and when it failed I didn’t go back until early New Year. I couldn’t face anyone. It took me a long time to get over the treatment and the failure. We are only now thinking of going through a frozen cycle. I just needed the time to reset and build myself back up. The whole process it extremely stressful and emotional. I think it is important to look after number one.

Hope this helps

Best wishes,

❤️❤️

[Abs37]

I’m so sorry, the worst thing you can do is go back to early, I did with my first. I took a month with the second. You know yourself when you are ready. Be kind to yourself. Good luck x x