IVF - We need know all the little things.

[~clover~]

My best mate has suffered from endo for years & has extensive damage from it.
She fell pg at 17, but had an ectopic pregnancy due to scarring & had to have her tube removed. Her other tube is also scarred.

The only way she can have a baby now is through IVF.

She's planning to go through Sydney IVF. She's seen a FS & discussed what needs to be done (the nasal spray, injections & gel) & is a bit put off.

Is it really as bad as it all sounds? I know it mst be hell going through all this, but we are after any tips & advice you have to make things a bit easier to cope with.

She's only 24, so she knows she has a few years, but her body is telling her its ready. (Well she's been lactating for about 6 months! I think its a mental thing, she's so desperate as she knows she doesn't have much of a chance, so I think her body is in baby mode waiting for it to happen.)

[briggsy's girl]

skye - IVF isn't by any means easy. physically, it's not too bad but mentally it's bloody full on! have you thought to suggest your friend joins BB so she can ask her questions directly???


if it's any help there is a thread dedicated to answering questions about assisted conception here - you should find a lot of answers there

if you have other questions, pop them in there - a number of us are subscribed to that thread and will jump in and answer where we can

[~clover~]

Thanks BG.
She doesn't have the net yet, but is working on it.
I think she's scared of going through it all & not having a baby at the end.

[briggsy's girl]

unfortunately there is no guarantee - but there is a very high chance of success given her age and the fact that she has endo as opposed to something like PCOS where hormones are up the pot!

she may find she needs a lap before she starts - synarel (nasal spray) will help to reduce endo, then onto the fun stuff!

if you're wanting to read experience of someone who has been through endo, had ivf, and has a bub in arms now, scope out Nic's ttc journal

[farmgirl77]

Hi,
Firstly, I'm really sorry for your friends diagnosis and congratulate you on your concern and proactive approach to finding out how you can support her - if everyone going through IVF had a friend like that it would be much appreciated!

Is it really as bad as it sounds? I agree with BG - the physical side is do-able- you can work through it but it is the mental side that is tough especially as infertility - no matter the cause, is still such an unspoken topic. For me the thing that hit home was a book that suggested that undertaking IVF was a similar stress as that experienced by someone battling a life threatning illness. Also, getting your baby is not the end of the journey - reading what I have and reading the posts of other BB memebers, it is something that never really leaves you - you are not 'cured' when you get you special little baby (or two, or three...).

Wishing your friend lots of luck and you too - you are a great supportive friend and having someone like you who is interested and proactive in supporting her will be a big plus.
FG

[~clover~]

Thanks guys.
I've known her since I was 2, so we are pretty close. f I thought I could handle it emotionally & if DH approved I'd have a baby for her myself, but right now its not an option.
I have 3 babies of my own. I was actually pg with my first at the same time as her. I hate that she might not know what its like to be a mum.
She loves my kids & treats them as if they are her own family. So do her parents. They are like adopted grandparents, lol.
I love her alot. I really would like to help & support her through it. Well as much as she wants me to.
I took her in for her last gyno appointment & for the last lap she had.
I'm moving away from her (again) next weekend, but we haven't lost touch after nearly 23 years, so I think we'll be growing old together! Hopefully watching BOTH our grandkids play together!!