Did you self-isolate before stimulation?

[Minniemouse88]

Hi all, I'm due to start my first icsi cycle around 20th December and clinic wrote to me with a suggestion to 'work from home' in the lead up to avoid Covid exposure.

I work in NHS and patient facing, which makes isolation quite hard. My manager has been very supportive of me working from home and delegating where I can, but I am starting to worry that I'll feel guilty. At the same time, we've waited soooo long to start, I don't want to jeopardize our chance.

So much to consider! Any experiences would be welcome.

Thank you xx

[Tarasunny]

I work for the NHS, patient facing too. I went non patient facing for my first 2 rounds which were June 2021 and November 2021 when rules were a bit stricter. I still went to work as I couldn't work from home. My last round in July 2022 I saw patients as normal. Currently doing another cycle at the moment and doing the same. I'm in Scotland so mask wearing is still required in hospitals so I feel pretty safe and I just avoid group situations as much as possible. The department I work in is pretty low risk as well. I think you need to do whatever makes you feel comfortable and do not feel guilty about it. Personal life is more important than work. Do your colleagues know what you are going through? My situation is public knowledge which I've found makes things much easier and everyone has been supportive. I know its hard not to feel guilty. Good luck 🍀

[Koala365]

Yes I self-isolated/shielded and was pretty religious about it. I worked from home, got black cabs to appointments but insisted the driver wore a mask and I wore one too and opened windows in cab. I also tried to get my OH to do the same with varying degrees of success and some arguments. Having had a cancelled cycle for other reasons, I can't stress how awful that is. Also, at my age, on top of losing the cost of drugs and consultations etc, I didn't want to lose another 3 months while I waited for it to be safe for us to do IVF again because one of us had got COVID! I would say, if you can, do and certainly don't feel guilty about doing what's best for you and your future.