Coping tips when waiting in the ivf process

[Kiri23]

Hi All,

I’ve been for my last scan today and have egg collection on Saturday. I know the what ifs are out of my control but can’t stop my mind still asking those questions so wanted to know how people coped with waiting periods. Whether it’s the lead up to egg collection, waiting for calls from the lab, the 2 week wait etc. I can’t help but obsess about things and over think so really in need of distractions!

Thank you and good luck to you all x

[Mlove12]

Hey,

Personally for me the most difficult wait was the two week wait. And sadly, i dont have much advice! Just that it’s extremely difficult and your not the only one going through it. Have positive people around you, eat nice food and treat yourself! X

[Kiri23 in reply to Mlove12]

Thank you, some good ideas there

[Millbanks]

Hi lovely,

My strategy was to do research - I basically just looked in to every test and treatment available that I could try if that particular transfer didn’t work….

It just helped me to have hope really.

Xx

[Kiri23 in reply to Millbanks]

Thanks. I guess it’s just making sure you try everything you can so you don’t regret anything and that’s what we are all doing. Such a challenging process to go through but hopefully we all get there x

[StarsAllAround]

I would suggest finding something to binge watch, try to find a hobby to focus your mind and treat yourself to nice things or plan nice treats for yourself. Personally I watched lots of things on Netflix and did a lot of craft stuff I found jewellery making really helped as it was fiddly and I had to really concentrate on it so while doing it I wasn't able to obsess. Now I have a box full of earings, necklaces and charm bracelets planning on giving them away as Christmas presents 🤣. Good luck.

[Kiri23 in reply to StarsAllAround]

a hobby is a good idea. I’m losing focus watching anything so something that I need to concentrate is a good idea. I might just go to a crafts shop and see what interests me. Thank you!

[StarsAllAround in reply to Kiri23]

Good luck, hopefully you find something enjoyable that focuses your mind x

[Hidden]

There is a great Mindfulness App called Mindful IVF which has a 10 min mindfulness for each day of an IVF cycle. I found it a really useful 10 minute calm moment which really did calm my brain down a bit every day, and I hadn't really been into mindfulness until I found that. Good luck xx

[Kiri23 in reply to Hidden]

I’m glad it helped you, thank you for sharing, I’ll definitely give it a go too

[ZiggyandBC]

Hey lovely, it’s such a stressful and worrying time and having those what ifs and worries is normal and I think we’ve all had them at some point. It’s not easy at all but I just tried to stay as distracted as I could and I made sure I kept away from Dr Google as it always made me feel worse afterwards. Anything you can do to take your mind off it all, whether it’s watching TV, going for a walk, being with family… Just try and keep yourself busy and always hold on to the hope that it will all work out ❤️ Sending you lots of love

[Kiri23 in reply to ZiggyandBC]

Thank you, you completely understand where I’m coming from. Maybe a no phone policy to stop me from googling everything! Some good tips that I will use

[ZiggyandBC in reply to Kiri23]

My partner was really good for telling me off when I googled, I swear he just had a sixth sense for when I was doing it and made sure I stopped! 😂 Xx