Isolating for IVF

[Agapanthus13]

Hi all, I’m starting another round of IVF this week and (understandably) my clinic have said collection will be cancelled if I catch Covid. What are others doing? Are you isolating for the 2+weeks? How have you broached this with work. Our office policy is currently 1day wfh a week allowed.
Thoughts and comments much appreciated.

Recent family member did lots of lateral flows and kept isolatedas much as possible. All went ahead no problem

We have just had our baseline scan today and should be starting stims tomorrow if AF arrives 🤞🏻 I have been isolating since last week. I'd always planned to from today but I had a scare after I went to a kids party last weekend as one of the parents tested positive. It set me into such a panic, I tested negative but after that, for my anxiety and stress I've decided not to go anywhere or see anyone. My OH is just doing the minimal too, getting our shopping (in Scotland we still have to wear masks so he's doing that). Our clinic just said we get a Covid test on day of egg collection. For my peace of mind I'm just doing what's best for me. Myself and my OH are still WFH so easier too xx

I told my manager I was have a 'little operation' and needed to a negative covid test beforehand or it would be cancelled and asked if I would therefore be able to wfh for the two weeks prior. So basically just explained the situation exactly as it is without mentioning that I'm having fertility treatment and the op is the egg collection.
Would you be able to do that? I'm lucky in that my manager and wider team is pretty flexible and understanding in general and won't pry too much either

I’m a teacher so had to run it past various people, but as covid is still so rife they were fine about it. I’m now self isolating for the next three weeks but I’ve taken work home with me. Finding the stims stage tough and glad to be wfh as being in work would be unbearable. Is there someone in HR or management who would be extra supportive?

Ahh thank you ladies. Your experience really helped me pluck up the courage to ask, and my director was totally fine. I should have my baseline scan at the beginning of next week and can start my meds on cd2 (hopefully this weekend). Feeling much calmer not having to go into the office- the whole process is stressful enough with our Covid & cancellation fees to worry about!

@HJen22 hope AF has arrived for you and you’re getting on well with your meds.
@BoysBagsShoes how are you getting on? Hope things have improved for you. Is it the jabs your finding tough or the side effects?
@KatRee I essentially said the same as you did- thank you for the suggestion! How are you getting on, have you had your egg collection yet?

Hi @Agapanthus13 that’s great you’ve got it sorted. The jabs have been fine…I was quite a needle-phobe, but not any more! Side effects have been bad at times, but 🤞🏻they will be worth it. Lots of luck to you x

Yep, I'm in isolation right now too, just in case. When are you starting?

@Agapanthus13 I'm so glad your Director has been supportive! It really really helps! Are you able to now work from home full time instead of just the one? Totally agree, adding the worry of Covid onto everything else just isn't what anyone needs! Stay safe ❤️

AF did arrive and I started stims on Tuesday! Getting on ok, the needle itself is fine but I feel like the medication stings when it goes in. My OH is doing a great job administering though! Felt a bit overwhelmed with it today and cried a little afterwards. . Have had a few headaches, night sweats and tired but overall it's been ok so far xxx

This part is freaking me out the most. I’m also in Scotland. Stims start 14th and I’m off work from 21st but I’m in a job where wfh isn’t possible so having to work through it all. It’s causing me so much stress though. I’m now in a position thankfully where everyone in my workplace has had it in last 2 months other than me so it is probably relatively safe but I’m just trying to hide away as much as possible. Partner having to go out for work too. Just need to cross our fingers

Glad that worked out for you @Agapanthus13
I had EC on Monday. We got 9 eggs, which is in line with what they were aiming for for me. Hopefully tomorrow we will have an embryo transfer 🤞

Wishing you a smooth and successful cycle! x

@IsabelHerna I’m just waiting for AF to come and then i can start my meds. Hopefully this weekend!
@HJen22 yes, able to just wfh now for a couple of weeks. I’ll prob still need to go in now and then, but at least it’s more on my terms. The two people I sit next to have tested positive today so at least I don’t feel like I’m over reacting! Sounds like you’re doing a great job with your meds. Is it fyremadel by chance? I always find I have a bit of a reaction. If you’re the same try injecting slowly, the. keep the site clear of clothes and put a cold disinfectant wipe on it straight after- I’ve found that to help in the past.

@KatRee congrats on collecting 9eggs, that’s great! Wishing you all the best for your transfer tomorrow - hope it all goes smoothly for you.

@LT103 that sucks you’re unable to isolate. As you said, if most have recently had it then there’s a good chance they shouldn’t catch it again. Such a horrid added stress.

@Agapanthus13 fingers crossed AF arrives and you get started this weekend 🤞🏻 the one time we want it to come!

Definitely not over reacting, so many people are still catching it. Treatment is way too important to chance it, so glad you're not in work next to them!

It's Menopur I'm on just now, then add in cetrorelix tomorrow I think it's called. Thank you, will give that a try! Tends to be fine afterwards just during it's a bit stingy. I did deep breathing last night and that helped haha.

@LT103 I know, the added stress is no fun is it. Just try and wash your hands loads and keep your mask on whenever you can! It really started to give me anxiety too so I just started isolating before I'd even planned to.

@KatRee fab news on your 9 eggs! Well done! And all the very best for transfer tomorrow 🥰 let us know how it goes xx

Thank you @Agapanthus13 @HJen22
I have had a good quality embryo transferred this morning and there are three more that they are going to freeze.
Although we still have to wait and see if any of them will make a baby, I am actually over the moon with the result so far. This is our third fresh cycle and the previous 2 resulted in 3 embryos and two BFNs between them

Good luck for starting stims soon @Agapanthus13

@HJen22 I hope the side effects settle down soon. I was so overwhelmed the first time I had to inject meds. I cried during the nurses appointment when they showed me the needles, when the massive box arrived from the pharmacy and again after doing my first injection! Bit of a pro now though!

🤞🤞everyone stays covid-free and wish you all success xx

I have recently had my ET and now in my TWW. We isolated throughout the whole cycle. I told my manager and I'm glad i did as i was the able to wfh and it made my life a lot easier with all of the appointments which could change at very short notice. I also spoke to HR who informed me my company treats IVF like maternity and i didn't need to make the time up, which was a bonus to find out! 🙂