Hi everyone,

I am starting my first IVF cycle. I've been on the contraceptive pill for the past 3 weeks (seems weird when I'm not even having sex and I want to get pregnant but I understand it is to get your cycle into sync with what the clinic want). Anyway I start on the nasal spray (can't remember what it is called) on Tuesday morning.

The IVF counsellor told me that it basically puts your body into a sort of menopause and you may suffer from mood swings, facial hair and hot flushes. My mother suffered really badly with hot flushes when she went through menopause. She would wake up covered in sweat 3 times a night and have to change the sheets and her nigthie etc. She ended up suffering so badly with the physical symptoms that she had no choice but to go onto hormone replacement theraphy to ease these. I asked the IVF nurse about this and she told me that they have never had any one suffer more than a few headaches. So I wondered what others experiences have been?

I find the clinic I am going through aren't very supportive. I always feel like they think I'm stupid for asking questions etc. I'm feeling nervous about the whole thing and I am doing this as a single woman so no partner to offer emotional support. I do have a 13 year old daughter and I'm worried about her coping my crappy moods so would love any advise on how to keep the mood swings in check. I normally don't suffer with PMT at all... just a bit of depression with my failed AI attempts and the emotional rollarcoaster of trying to concieve.

At this stage I've been told my egg pick up should be 12th of April if everything goes well. I only have enough money for 2 attempts (my parents are loaning me this money otherwise I wouldnt' be able to afford it at all). I've already spent over $3000 on my failed AI attempts.

Any advice or support gratefully accepted.

Lori

Me 36
DD 13
Sperm donor hunt since Dec 06. First AI attempt Jan 09. Crazy cycles meant only 3 AI attempts over 12 month period - last one Jan 2010. Now 1st IVF cycle. Egg pick up scheduled for 12th April.