To rest or to work after transfer? (high stress job!)

[silvervn]

I would really appreciate some help and/or reassurance about whether to rest or work after transfer. I am having my first (and only) round of IVF on the NHS (preparing myself we will need private), and, as I am sure others have experienced, the NHS can be complicated (to say the least). I have received different advice about what to do. One nurse told me lots of people take the two weeks off, then today's nurse said they want everyone to go straight back to work. For context, I am an EYFS teacher with a very challenging class. It is a high stress job and I have been doing my utmost to reduce this where I can. My egg collection is Friday. I am a bit of a mess, struggling with loneliness on this journey, side effects of meds and general overwhelm. Thank you to anyone who can provide even some words of comfort.

[Embo2017]

Hiya, I personal needed a week of after my OR As was quiet painfully I am currently on my 2ww and I've taken 2 weeks of aswell just to rest take it easy but not to easy , my clinic said use your own discretion with work but no strenuous lifting very very light duties this is a emotional roller coaster and can feel quiet lonely i had a break down today and cried glad i taken the 2 weeks of work , i also did the same 7 years ago with my first round of ivf much needed time to de stress & relax even if the 2ww goes slow lmao , wish you all the luck 😊

[silvervn in reply to Embo2017]

Thank you, I appreciate your input. Wishing you all the best

[Lenley81]

I am also a teacher. Year 6 with my first round of IVF (which was NHS) & year 4 with my second round (which was private). I went back to work the day after egg retrievals & transfers. Personally I find it more stressful not being at school. I like to be busy & not thinking about IVF. I was lucky in that both times I was physically & mentally capable of going back to work straight after- I know not everyone is able to. I’m starting round 3 in a couple of weeks & my first three days of down reg will be on a residential trip with 60 eight & nine year olds! There certainly won’t be any time to think about anything else!

I think you just have to do what feels right for you.

[Darcy1996 in reply to Lenley81]

You brave lady on all accounts! Good luck on the trip & next round 🤞🏻

[silvervn in reply to Lenley81]

Thank you. A residential trip is always brilliant, there will definitely be no time to think! Wishing you all the best for your next round

[skygreen]

I've done a few IVF cycles whilst teaching in various year groups in a primary school and during each one I've felt differently.

After a couple of egg collections I only needed a day or so of days rest when they haven't collected too many eggs. Another cycle I needed a week to recover due to mild OHSS. I find it's after transfer that I've felt like I had to take it easier in school, especially when I was in KS1 and on the go constantly.

Are you doing a fresh transfer? I've only done one fresh and three frozen - I think frozen took the pressure off me a bit as I could choose when my transfer were (just before school hols). You might feel you need to rest more if you're having a fresh to let things settle down before transfer.

I'd ignore the nurse that said to go straight back to work. They probably mean keep moving, but there's keep moving and then working in EYFS!

You have to do what's right for you and put your health needs before school. Try to keep your stress levels low by doing what you need to get by the next few weeks, put off what you can and leave school early. Luckily Easter isn't too far off...

🤞 for Friday!

❤️

[silvervn in reply to skygreen]

Thank you, I really appreciate it. Yes it's fresh. I think I wouldn't be worried if it wasn't for this particular class, I got hit/kicked/punch/bit/pushed every single day of Autumn term and nearly left the profession. (I am not blaming the children, just the system.)

You are right, I need to put myself first. I will see how I feel after Friday and take it step by step.

[Eggfreezer2015]

I am not in teaching but I preferred to have the TWW off and just relax and do self-care etc I got a sick note from the doctor stating medical treatment. I believe it’s important to keep stress levels low so your cortisol levels are managed and your body can focus its energy on getting you pregnant. Best of luck with your transfer x

[Choots]

Get signed off, you want to know you gave it your all. I was signed off for two weeks

[Hanj10]

I have a stressful job and after my transfer last year just could t get time off so went in and was stressed and the transfer failed. Don’t know if that’s why but the next transfer I took 2 weeks off and it was successful and I was much more relaxed. If anything I think it’s good to have a bit of chill out after all the ups and downs of treatment! X

[silvervn in reply to Hanj10]

Thank you - yes I underestimated the emotional side of it and I can imagine that will only get harder. So happy to hear you had a success

[WHeatherW]

morning! I have a stressful job and was really worried about this too. I ended up taking a day off after collection and a day after transfer. I tried to shift tasks around and found myself feeling much calmer about work as I was so preoccupied with analysing every twinge, googling symptoms etc. I was a lot busier during the second week which actually helped me mentally.

When we go for our second round I might take a few more days off after collection (I still felt not quite with it) and maybe a few after transfer to keep myself busy with nice tasks rather than work tasks.

Everyone is different with this but just do what makes you comfortable. Good luck! Keeping everything crossed for you xx

[silvervn in reply to WHeatherW]

Thank you. Good luck with your second round xxx

[silvervn]

Thank you so much for all your replies. It has really helped me realise it is about what feels best for me. I really am so grateful. I have not really had anyone to talk too that understands. It has been really hard and has put such a strain on my marriage. Thank you for taking the time.

[Meeandembryos]

Yes I would ask your GP to sign you off for a week or 2 after egg collection mainly because it sounds like you feel work won't be the best place to be.

[Catwind]

take time off. It’s tough working and trying to process the emotions. Do what works for you.

[Essence1]

I hear that a lot of clinics advise that it is OK to carry on as normal i.e. go back to work. I suggest listening to your body, if you are experiencing side effects and feeling overwhelmed take time off to focus on your hobbies. I took a couple of days off after the egg collection, wish I had taken more as felt very sore after the procedure, but my workplace would not approve additional holiday at this time.

For the transfer I took off three days and wished that I had taken more. The day before going back to work I was 3 days post transfer and had the worst stomach cramps that kept me up all night. I went into work the next day feeling awful and almost made a major mistake at work as a result, lucky I caught it in time.

My first and only transfer was successful, resulting in twin boys, who are now 2 years old.

Please listen to your body and take it easy.

Wishing you all the best.

Xx

[Here4ivfinfo]

I think it sounds like you are leaning towards taking time off. I was quite surprised this time round the emphasis from them at my clinic was to move slower than normal and really chill for the first two days. Not bed rest but 20 mins slow walking max. So whilst I am working (low stress, part time and from home) I don’t think I would if I were you. I have walked today and yesterday but I am pacing slow and am taking it far easier than after my first transfer. Do what feels right for you xxxx

[Christianbaby]

It's important to prioritize your well-being above all else. Your job as an EYFS teacher undoubtedly demands a lot from you, both physically and emotionally. Considering the high stress nature of your work and the potential side effects of the medications you're on, taking some time off to rest and recharge might be beneficial. Positive vibes. x