about to start IVF

[Emma.M.]

Hi,

I am about to start IVF my next app is in 2 weeks, i am a bit nervous but excited.

I am going through sydney IVF, in wollongong (nsw).

I don't know anyone who has been through this, i have heard it can be very stressful, is this true?

[Lissie]

Hi Emma,

Gee - i hate to be the one to tell you but YES it is stressful. Sorry. But it is also exciting, nerve racking, full of anxious moments but boy i hope you are successful the first time around . Wishing you all the luck in the world. Just remember to look after yourself, take time out to do something special for yourself, take care and if you ever need to talk the girls on here are just great. Full of information that you WILL need, so don't forget we are all here for you. Goodluck

[Emma.M.]

Hey Lissie,

Thanks for the nice words, i will look after myself and i also will ask plenty of questions if i need to and i am sure i will.

I will let u know how i went with my app on the 13th of feb.

I like what u said about taking time out to do something special, i will do that thanx.

I also have a very loving and supportive hubby.

Take care.

[collo04]

How exciting Emma M your TTC journey is just starting to get interesting good luck with everything!!!!!!!

[summerluven]

Hi Emma.

Yes, it can be a bit stressful. I found it kinda took over so much of my life, but at the same time I felt empowered to be finally doing something about the situation, and took great comfort in the fact that once I was on the IVF road I had a greater chance to fall (if all went according to plan) than a couple trying naturally with no fertility problems. And certainly more chance of falling than if we had continued trying on our own....we would still be waiting!!

It is important to make sure you do something for yourself that is going to make you feel refreshed and energised so that you can stay strong.

Hopefully your journey wont be a long one. Wishing you lots of luck!

[belle333]

Hi Emma

I've just started myself so I'm not that far in front of you. I started Progesterone a week ago and Lucerin injections last friday. I was worked up about the injections (even though I have never been afraid of needles before) but i can honestly say that it was a breeze. I went to the clinic to be shown the first time.

Actually I've just gotten off the phone to a friend (who has two children - very quickly and naturally conceived) and even though we've been friends for 10 years, I don't think she could be less interested. Bit sad really. But I do have other friends who love me and are genuinely concerned. And no I don't really know anyone else who has been through this either.

I'm a bit concerned about the FSH - so many people seem to get sick?? So I guess I will find out more about that soon first hand - think I start end of this week.

I too am going through Sydney IVF - Kent Street Clinic. So far the staff have been absolutely wonderful - can't fault them. Very helpful and easy to talk to.

Anyway Good Luck!!

[{sarah}]

I was with SIVF in Liverpool

I'll be the odd one out & say I didn't find it stressful at all!! Other than that first injection which I was very very nervous about, I was perfectly fine. Usually I'm a big stress head, but I found that with IVF I knew we were doing something pro-active & giving us the best possible chance for a pregnancy so I was more excited than stressed. Sure the needles were ick, the daily BTs & ultrasounds were a pain to get to for a 5 min appoitment, the egg collection was a bit uncomfortable, but I didn't find any of it particularly stressful so to speak. There were anxious moments for me, but nothing I would define as exceptionally stressful!

[Emma.M.]

HI,

Thanks everyone for the replies, by the way i am stress head too!!!
I find it very hard to relax unless i watch a movie.

And i hope it won't be a long journey.

It's good to know that everyone is very caring on here.

[briggsy's girl]

Emma - if movies sto you stressing, then stock up hun!!

i think i'm a bit like Sarah - i have had moments when i've been anxious, but the process it'self hasn't stressed me out that much. i think BB has given me an outlet when i AM a little stressed, so that it really doesn't impact that much on how i'm travelling in general.

not sure if you've stumbled across it yet, but there is a Long Term TTC and Assisted Conception thread here - it's basically just a general chatter thread with lots of ladies (and a wonderful gent) at different stages of treatment with IVF and other Assited Conception treatment - very supportive, and a great place to get some extra information!

Good luck - hope your TTC journey is a nice short one for you

[summerluven]

Just reading everyone elses responses, it is good to see that not everyone gets totally stressed out by it. I had a girlfriend who really didn't take it very well at all, and then another who was fine through some stages and then not through others.

Personally...I found TTC more stressful when it became apparent that it wasn't working. I was relieved when my FS said "we are going to go straight to IVF". My biggest fear was being told to go away and keep trying. And the most stressful part for me was all the tests leading up to that decision, and what their outcome would be.

Hopefully you will be like a lot of the other ladies on here and find it not too stressy. It will make it a much easier journey to endure.

[Emma.M.]

hi,

I spose every one is different.
I hope i don't get too stressed though, we will soon find out.

And Briggy's girl i will definitely stock up on movies!!!!!

I just want my next app to come around quick.

Emm.

[farmgirl77]

Emma,
We are currently in the TWW for our first IVF cycle. On reflection, I think that I felt excited more than anything at first - especially when the meds started and we (and esp i) felt like we were actually 'doing' something.

I think that I started to get stressed when the scans started to see how many folicles were developing - I come from a science background, so wanted to know if what I was doing was 'average' or better or worse - and why. Its taken me a while (i'm a slow learner) to figure out that looking at the 'average' will cause more stress than anything else, as you will always deviate and the body does its own thing. I guess that I could have reduced my stress levels by just acepting that when my FS and DH say that it is going ok, if I just belived them, and did not try and compare myself to something that does not exist...i'll try that next cycle

Good luck and take it how it comes. Dont feel guilty for feeling one thing or another - its right for you and for your partner. I hope that your IVF journey is a short one

[Emma.M.]

We are both excited to start, but i just want my next app will hurry up as the days are starting to drag on!!!

15 days to go