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Infertility

Our Infertility Support forum is a space to connect with others in the same position, discuss causes, treatment and IVF, and share infertility stories of hope and success.

The mind numbing boredom of infertility

999 replies

icy121 · 14/09/2015 20:16

Two years. Month in, month out, and no change. I'm finding a huge part of this whole nightmare is trying to cope with the boredom. I bore myself incessantly googling variations of the same question, staying up late at night to the glow of an iPad, reading more and more obscure medical research abstracts. Asking my doctor friend if I can borrow her password so I can see whether the BMJ has any updates from last week. It's fucking monotonous. Nowhere else in my life have I had to strive so hard to get absolutely nowhere.

I don't talk to friends about it, they don't want to hear it and frankly I've cried too many times when it's come up for them to have any sympathy left. They're bored. So we just ignore and and plod on, except I'm not bloody plodding on. I'm wallowing side to side and achieving absolutely fuck all. And secretly dreading the fact they're all getting married and their babies will be on the horizon. I'm going to lose my friends.

I decided not to put my life on hold, got a new job in a small firm, booking holidays but it all feels very empty because what I'm really doing is waiting. And it's so fucking tedious.

OP posts:
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TammySwanson · 01/02/2016 16:26

I saw my mum at the weekend and was given the usual update on all her friend's grandchildren. Extra points to her for segueing seamlessly from news that a school friend of mine was pregnant (and apparently her family are so happy) after only getting married last summer into a story of a friend who now has 12 grandchildren. Literally, that was the whole point of the story. 12 grandchildren.

To be fair I haven't told her of our struggles, but since I told her 4 years ago that both my and DH wanted kids and I'm nearly 41 it doesn't really take a lot of mental effort to at least suspect that something may be up. But no, every time I see her I hear the 'my friend's grandchildren/people who you used to know who are now pregnant/on their fiftieth child news bulletin'.

icy121 · 01/02/2016 18:58

Bip good for you having a barrentastic Monday! And also well done on your distinction, amazing effort. Fuck the stupid majority who don't get it or have any empathy. absolutely sack off the ceremony - I'm all for not going to events. I'm also INCREDIBLY lazy, so maybe mine's not top advice.

I had a barren weekend nailing wine on Friday and Sunday and now consumed with guilt. Woohoo.
Had my AMH test (again) been told to book in for a uterus scan (again). Confidentially told the nurse that since the consultant has already laparocopied me I won't need it, right. Wrong. Getting the feeling already they're a money making machine first and a conception centre 2nd. Grrr.

potatoes must be all consuming and horrible (and boring!) to keep thinking about it - but fingers crossed for you lovie. Don't abandon the board, it's nice to have someone hanging around who is being successful. You're a straight up proper barren doing good - always welcome here 👍

Sammy those dull bints on the AIBU thread. No empathy there but to be honest they're probably (whisper it)...quite chavvy?! Am I a horrible snob? Yes In my experience the number of motherhood photos is directly proportional to how chavvy and thick they are. Is this a general experience or am I just horrible? Or both!

OP posts:
icy121 · 01/02/2016 19:15

Oops just trolled the AIBU thread.

OP posts:
Fractiousfractions · 01/02/2016 20:02

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Biscuitsforbribes · 01/02/2016 20:32

Icy - you've cheered my shitty day right up!

Personal research has shown that the contributors to "motherhood Hun babes no love like it" challenge are most likely to be the ones doing the school run in pyjamas, throwing a bag of chicken nuggets across the sofa at dinner time and farming the kids out to grandparents on the weekend so they can go flash their latest vajazzle at the club. But hey what would I know, eternally childless and all that.

loopylou1984 · 01/02/2016 20:40

I can't find the thread to check out Icys contribution!!!!! Can someone link it?

Fractious, what's gone wrong? I bet I can give you a run for your money Wink
But seriously, totally understand what it's like to have things go wrong, feel free to moan away!

Thanks all, I just get fed up with people being so thoughtless. X

loopylou1984 · 01/02/2016 20:40

I can't find the thread to check out Icys contribution!!!!! Can someone link it?

Fractious, what's gone wrong? I bet I can give you a run for your money Wink
But seriously, totally understand what it's like to have things go wrong, feel free to moan away!

Thanks all, I just get fed up with people being so thoughtless. X

loopylou1984 · 01/02/2016 20:56

Found it! Well done Icy! Smile

karlafox · 01/02/2016 20:59

sammylou please share the link. I'm intrigued now!

Lauraqc · 01/02/2016 21:16

Hey all!

Sammy what a shitty manager! Fractious hope things take a turn for the better - what's happened?

Bip very jel for your barrentastic day - sounds lush! Icy you're my personal hero and Tammy no-one needs 12 grandchildren. It's just greedy.

As far as I'm concerned I need your help. I apologise in advance for sort of turning this into a post filled with those stupid fucking acronyms (BD'ing...you know what I mean) but I trust your judgments! As you all know we're soon off to CRep and egg retrieval is due to happen on 18/3. I'm 8 DPO if I got dates right and period is due on Friday. I started spotting during Sunday completely unexpectedly and its carried on today. But clotty but still not enough for a pad. Is it just a very light period? Is it that stupid 'rare implantation bleeding'? I'm meant to have bloods on day 2/3 - what the fuck do I do? If I don't have the bloods I run the risk of not coming on at wknd and getting bloods done and missing the CRep treatment or do I just sit tight and wait for period to come on full? HELP!!!!!

karlafox · 01/02/2016 21:48

laura I asked a similar question at the clinic when I had spotting ( which I often do the week leading up to my period) they said unless is a full day of bleeding then it's not my period. Mine usually appears when i wipe after a pee. It can range from pinky spotting to full on raspberry jam!!
But let some other more experienced of us advise you as I could be wrong!

Pebbles086 · 01/02/2016 22:00

Hi Ladies, is it really frickin February already. Been putting my op to the back of my mind but the date is nearly here Sad what ever happens, happens. I am out of hope now.

Anyway I've missed a bit!
Bip you are an amazing woman. Not many people would be able to finish a masters to such a high standard on a good day, let alone with what you have had to face. your achievements deserve the same recognition as anyone else, if not more. Your DH must be so proud to have you by his side x
potatoes pls stick around. You've been through the mill and should be able to let it all out on this thread. I really am wishing everything turns out good for you x
fractious sorry to see about your cycle. Is it really that bad? Hope not and the problem can be fixed. Sorry, I have no experience on anything to do with IVF or cycles!
Tammy I wonder if my DM says things to wind me up or I am I now too sensitive to comments. I hate spending too much time with mine, as I know how it will end. I drive away with tears in my eyes. I have an idea of how you feel, sorry it's so shit x
karla,sammy what's this link? Is it on FB? I deleted FB last year, best thing I've done for my sanity. Way I see it is the people I care about, I see/speak to in person or on the phone. Anybody else is not important. I focus on things/people that make me happy. But then I get mad that I cannot be normal and have a bloody FB without freaking out!!
I hope you all have a shit free week and some good news lands our way.
Fucking bored of being barren now. Done with it. Really pissed of.....AF is brewing Angry

bucketfullofwater · 01/02/2016 22:02

Ladies, it has happened!

Friend of a friend has posted the non-motherhood challenge complete with photos of sleeping and wine. No idea who she is (but if it's one of you I applaud you!)

Sorry for jumping on the thread, fellow barren and long time lurker (this thread has made me feel normal) but had to share with you

BipBippadotta · 01/02/2016 22:04

Fractious, shit, really sorry your cycle's not going well, really hope you're OK. Thinking of you & crossing everything.

Laura 3 out of 4 times I've been pregnant I've had implantation bleeding (totally surprised me, I always thought it was a myth made up to keep desperate women hoping even as their period starts). Only a tiny little smear of blood, though, on one day. Generally around 11-12 dpo, and have always had a positive test by the time it happens. So I'd do a super sensitive test if I were you. If it's negative, go in for bloods tomorrow if you're still bleeding on the assumption you're having a light period. At worst you'll need another blood test.

Good luck whatever happens!

BipBippadotta · 01/02/2016 22:06

Haha bucket, that's brilliant! Almost makes me wish I were still on FB.

InThisTogether · 01/02/2016 22:53

Hi all - I've been reading for ages - feel like i know you all - but still only up to January 7th threads - I save this thread for my truly bitter moments and it makes me feel brilliant. I taught my DH the 'instadiff' phrase - he is now bandying it about like a good'un and I have to tell him to keep it down in case any of our instadiff friends hear.

Since ttc we have had 10 babybombs, including my favourite, the couple who we took out for a meal (on our dosh), aren't even together, and who smugly asked "don't you two want any?", when we tentatively told them about our trials, replied "oh, you just need to get pissed and have one really hungover quickie - that's what happened to us!".

Oh, great, cheers- that's right, I know where we've been going wrong now, we've just got to have one little regret-filled fuck and it'll be sorted. Smug twats. Can't even unfriend, just gotta keep watching the bump grow and grow whilst hearing about how she didn't even want it and they're still not together and what a shit he is and blah blah blah. Jog on.

Anyway - hi all! Fucking no babydust, rainbows, prayers, rabbits, fertile moonbeams and unicorns to any of you!

loopylou1984 · 02/02/2016 06:37

I've just seen the non motherhood challenge on fbook too!! Brilliant! Xx

Lauraqc · 02/02/2016 06:54

Thanks Karla and Bip! I've got a GP appt this morning and may persuade them to get me in with the phlebotomist whilst I'm there! I cancelled the private bloods so defo can't do that. Have one other option tomo, otherwise I'm waiting....will test at 14DPO anyway just to ease my mind.

Welcome lurkers - best decision you made to join and post!

BipBippadotta · 02/02/2016 08:21

Morning all. It's Groundhog Day today! And every day, obvs. InThisTogehter your mate & her random shag babydaddy need a slap. There's something so specially gross about people who boast about their pregnancy and their carefree wanton sex life at the same time. 'Hungover quickie? That's a bit vanilla for us. We enjoy risky stranger play with a medical BDSM twist and some light humiliation. My partner and I warm up to the main event by ritually injecting carcinogenic substances into my arse. Then we get a roomful of men in scrubs elbow-deep in my clunge while stern Eastern European nurses inspect my partner's jizz and tell him it's inadequate. It takes a bit of organising but you really can't beat the thrill.'

Laura good luck!

Pebbles you sound really blue. Hope you're all right. When's your op?

Potatoes thinking of you in the awful wait - are they scanning you at 6 wks?

Barrentastic spa afternoon was slightly marred by 2 large & incredibly hairy men hogging the hot tub. So hairy. I've never seen anything like it. There were also lots of very young women in tiny bikinis with perfect bums. I got major bum envy. I have such a sad flat little arse.

Lauraqc · 02/02/2016 09:16

Bip you're a legend! And eughhhh men's hairy arses!

I just trotted into nurse appt to get my pill prescription ready to go and mentioned to her about the bloods and spotting etc and looked desperate. She actually bounced out, got all the bloods stuff and diligently asked me what I needed (cue me reeling off everything inc AMH which I know isn't normally done on NHS) and took my bloods 'just in case'! Amazing! So have calmed down, results due within the week and all I can do now is wait. Either for BFP or full period (and we know which one's coming) But either way I saved work stress and about £250! Whoop a small victory!

Of course I went for a wee on the way out of surgery, wiped and - not a fucking bit of pink! Nothing. Irony or what?!

icy121 · 02/02/2016 09:30

Bip you're hilarious! 👏👏👏 and don't worry about your flat bum, pretend it's 2002 again when no bum was the IT bum and anyway (this is my new motto) if your livelihood isn't dependant upon your figure then fuck it. So I'm not an Instagram goddess. No one cares. Haha those hairy men need a go on my ipl machine (amazing btw, I have about 10 armpit hairs left, the rest have given up). Mind you I don't hate a hairy man. I seem to be attracted to slightly short, thickset, bearish men with a full head of hair no male pattern balding - if OH and my ex are anything to go by. Send these fellas my way!

Laura YES! FUCK THE SYSTEM! Well done getting one up, it so rarely fucking happens. Sorry for all the stress, but at least it gives you an excuse to come on here and bask in our great chat...! Seriously though good luck with it all, holding breath for you.

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TammySwanson · 02/02/2016 10:20

InThisTogether> Yes, instadiffers are apparently experts in how to get pregnant. I want to go up to them and say 'Dude, in your one or two goes which magically resulted in your BFP do you really think you did something that we've not done in our years and years of trying?' If I played the lottery once and won I wouldn't go around telling people the best way to win, I would just realise I was lucky. Except of course, in the fertility lottery everyone wins after playing a few times apart from you. It's like a reverse lottery.

ellesbellesxxx · 02/02/2016 10:37

I finally feel like I have found my people... thank you ladies for your refreshing realistic honesty, not just telling me it WILL happen and telling me if I relax, it will help... HOW CAN YOU FING RELAX WHEN YOU HAVE BEEN TRYING FOR GETTING ON 2 YEARS BUT THEN YOU ARE TOLD YOUR AMH IS SHITE AND YOU ARE HEADING FOR FING EARLY MENOPAUSE? AT THE AGE OF 31 I ask?
Actually I can't always be all positive and YAY IVF is so exciting (Also, why the F**K do people say it's exciting? Having copious amounts of drugs shoved into you, people round your hooha and your husband having to jizz into a pot...how is that exciting? Sometimes a lady needs to cry, swear (I don't usually but I have turned into an angry sweary person) and actually prepare for worse case scenario.

Sorry, I digress. Icy, I totally get what you mean about putting your life on hold and waiting waiting... I haven't applied for a couple of local jobs because I naively thought, oh! I can't leave yet IN CASE IT HAPPENS.... I am now more enlightened that it's going to take a while so am now keeping an eye out for more local jobs.

That f**king motherhood crap sent me to the deactivate button on facebook - and I don't miss my daily baby bomb updates that's for sure!

I need to catch up on the whole thread properly but Fractious sorry to see things are tough :( Lauraqc - keeping fingers x Bucketfullofwater - I saw that too (Well before I pressed deactivate with the red mist) I love that woman!

loopylou1984 · 02/02/2016 13:11

If I hear one more person in my office talking about babies today I am going to kill someone. I mean it. Actual murder!
God, the weekend can't come soon enough, I need my week off! Xx

kiwiblue · 02/02/2016 13:50

I hear you sammy. Every day last week a pregnant person sat next to me- I work in an office of 200 and there are only about four pregnant people!

Welcome newbies and sorry people are having a tough week. Fingers crossed Laura and fractious hope you're okay.

I wanted to ask if anyone has tried counseling and if it was helpful? We have an employee assistance programme that you can call anonymously to arrange counselling, I've considered it but not sure if it will be helpful.