Waiting for the day 5 phone call

[Hopeful_2279]

Undergoing our first round of IVF, had 8 eggs retrieved, only 3 fertilised. Since the phone call telling us that 3 fertilised I have been so overwhelmed with disappointment and upset and have convinced myself we will never be able to have a baby. Have tried to go back to work as a distraction but only managed an hour before having a meltdown and having to come home. Think the meltdown was triggered by a conversation by my colleagues about how those on "dual income no kids" or 'dinks' are living the life. It's so difficult when people don't know what you're going through. I still have a couple of days left until the clinic either phone to let us know none made it, or for potential transfer but I am really struggling with this limbo period. Knowing we have 3 embryos but not knowing if they are still going. Any advice for how to cope with these few days would be greatly appreciated! I am struggling to take each day one at a time and I'm still feeling a bit bloated following egg collection but suspect that's likely due to the progesterone I am on.

[JA-fnuk Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hope you have people around you for support Just take it easy - eat well - drink plenty of fluids and rest when you can Try to keep yourself busy - watch something silly on TV or a boxset - reread your favourite book Keep talking to your OH Might be an idea to take some time off work if you can till you feel more grounded Sending you a hug and growing wishes to your 3 eggs

Thinking of you

Janet-Partner

[Hopeful_2279 in reply to JA-fnuk]

Thank you for your response. I've been for a walk and my head is feeling a bit clearer now. I have an amazing husband 🥰 and I know we will get through this together

[Christianbaby]

I'm really sorry to hear how difficult this journey has been for you. The IVF process is super challenging, both physically and emotionally. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, and gentle yoga, can help manage stress and anxiety. Try to engage in activities that you enjoy and that can serve as a positive distraction. It's tough when people around you are unaware of what you're going through. It's completely understandable to worry about the worst-case scenario, but try to hold on to the positive aspects as well. Three embryos fertilizing is a step forward, and keeping hope alive can be a powerful tool during this waiting period. ❤️

Sending you positivity and strength. x

[Hopeful_2279 in reply to Christianbaby]

Thank you. I have been for a walk and booked a session of acupuncture! I was expecting the IVF process to be tough but think I was just triggered at work, otherwise could have held it together! Hopefully once day 5 is here we will have a plan whichever way it goes 🤞🏻 the not knowing is the worst part!

[Christianbaby in reply to Hopeful_2279]

Yes, hang in there and send an update if you can. Praying for you. x

[Football61]

Wishing you all the luck in the world. Do you have the option of asking for a Day 3 update? My clinic usually waits until Day 5 to impart the news, but I knew that I would struggle with the wait (and didn’t want to have a big shock on Day 5) - and so they were flexible and gave me an update on Day 3. Good luck xx

[Hopeful_2279 in reply to Football61]

Before egg collection I honestly didn't want to know updates as we went along as I felt it would depress me knowing the numbers were likely to drop off every couple of days. I was so disappointed to learn we only had 3 fertilised as well, you put your body through so much! I don't have the option to ask for a day 3 update, the clinic don't like to take them out of the incubator until day 5, so I'm dreading my phone ringing on Saturday morning to tell me not to go in because they've checked them and none are viable. I have to try and believe that what's meant to be will be, and try to put it out of my mind and keep distracted.

[Hopewhite in reply to Hopeful_2279]

Hi lovely hang in there , I know the anxiety is very real , just went through this last week, 7 eggs 4 fertilised and 1 little strong embryo made the 5d transfer. Try to stay positive and keep busy doing something you like, try to see friends/family or read a book , watch a new series or whatever gives you joy xx , hopefully one of them will be the strong one and we only need 1. I know it’s very tough but hopefully it will all work well for you in the end, sending lots of good luck your way x

[Hopeful_2279 in reply to Hopewhite]

Thank you for this, it helps hearing of people who have been in similar situations. I hope you are doing well 🥰

[Minniemouse88]

Sending lots of love and hope your way. It's really tough hearing the drop off but hopefully it falls your way xxx❤️

[MD54999]

Hey I'm also waiting for a day 5 update on Saturday! It feels like a very slow few days! I've made plans with friends to go to a music gig tomorrow to distract myself and have tried to just do activities to help me relax. I also struggle with those types of conversations at work, especially from one manager who is always commenting on how great my child free life is, it's really hard to hear sometimes! Sending support and lots of luck your way for Saturday! 🤞🏻❤️ xx

[Hopeful_2279 in reply to MD54999]

And sending luck to you too! I've been doing a lot of online shopping and walking the last couple of days to help me cope 🤣 what will be will be. Just posting on this forum and seeing the replies has really helped me feel less alone with this, it's hard for my close family who know what's going on as they don't know what to say and my husband is very practical and won't let himself worry about anything until we know on day 5. How I wish I could be like that!

[Minniemouse88 in reply to Hopeful_2279]

My husband is just the same - it amazes me how calm he is sometimes! Good luck xx