IVF cold feet - normal, right?

[dinksandbinks]

Morning all,

I feel so stupid writing this, as I know I'm in a lucky position to have IVF offered on the NHS, but my period came early (I am doing short protocol) and I feel a bit ambushed! I have to call the clinic today to get my stim instructions, and to book scan etc., but I feel really anxious. Did anyone else get this? I'm worried about everything, the side effects, egg collection, OHSS (I'm high risk)...

I really want a baby, so does my husband... but we have a lot going on right now and have had one of those years where you just seem to go to funerals and deal with disasters.

There's never a perfect time, is there? And if I delayed the treatment it's unlikely I'll feel any better next time I get a period because they are totally irregular. So still want to go ahead but feel so unsure!!

Argh!!! This is all normal, right??

Sorry for the ramble.

It's a big deal so no wonder you find it stressful. It's not nearly as bad as you think, though. With regards to OHSS, hopefully they'll monitor you closely. My ovaries went crazy so the clinic undertook steps to prevent OHSS- froze all embryos and gave me a medication called Cabergoline (awful side effects but stops OHSS).

Also, if you're busy, the whole time will fly.

Good luck!

Thank you JoJo, so grateful for your reply... I know I'm being a stress head!!

They have said they will keep an eye on me, but the clinic are not known for following up on promises. Think I'm going to have to chase them, but at least I know that now :)

Did you know in advance you were going to freeze any embryos, or was it the OHSS that decided for you? Hope you're ok now!

We weren't going to freeze them all to start with. It was only when my follicles started multiplying and hormones went through the roof (despite lowering the dose of meds) that the doctor decided to freeze all and put me on Cabergoline. Because of it, I only got very mild OHSS (bloated stomach and feeling tired for a few days).

Severe OHSS usually happens if you have lots of eggs, a fresh transfer and you get pregnant. Pregnancy hormones really escalate the problem. My clinic does a freeze-all for anyone with 25+ eggs collected (I think).

Having said that, serious complications are rare so don't fret.

Thanks JoJo! The freeze-all with large numbers collected sounds familiar, I'm sure my consultant mentioned something like that. Really grateful for your input :)

I felt a lot like you, and I would definitely say that it never really feels like 'the right time' as it's a huge deal. We delayed by one month and went on holiday (which my consultant was more that happy with as he said it would be good for us)..don't know if that would be an option for you? May help you relax and prepare.

And the clinics are normally really good at monitoring (every other day or so), and will alter meds accordingly. I know a few people who've done IVF and only know one who got bad OHSS. I had mild symptoms but you generally just feel a bit rubbish whatever happens. I would say once you finish treatment it seems to have whizzed past although can be a bit of a slog whilst you're doing it. It's not as scary if you take it day by day. Good luck

Thanks Now, I'm glad that I'm not alone!!

A holiday sounds like a lovely idea, I wish we could! Alas my husband is a bit of a workaholic :/ I am planning to take two weeks off in October just by myself, so I am focusing on that!

I'm feeling a bit better about it. I think it was just a shock as my period came way way earlier than expected. The clinic have had to do a bit of juggling too but have sorted it all out :)

Thanks both of you for lovely kind messages!!