Fertility counselling. Worthwhile? Will it delay treatment?

[Strawberrryfields]

Hi, I’m due to start an FET cycle soon and am starting to feel anxious about everything. I’ve had two failed cycles previously (one successful) and honestly feel anxious and scared about so many things.
My clinic offers counselling but I’m worried that starting it might delay treatment? Like I’m not ready for it if I need counselling or something? I know that probably sounds ridiculous. I’m not expecting it to solve my feelings but thought it might help to talk them through.
any advice welcome. Thank you

Hi, at my nurses paper signing appointment I was initially told potentially could start in November but I then mentioned at one point on form that I have low moods which id been to gp about recently so they post phoned it to speak with my gp first and have offered me counselling. Ive had one session and my next appointment is on Monday. I wont lie I bawled my eyes out becauze I was so excited yo start my first cycle but then after speaking to few users on here I and just thinking about it...I feel like it was the best thing for me. So now hopefully will start in the new year. I feel talking about how you're feeling will help. And even if it is delayed its just to ensure you are at a good point, as can be in circumstances like this, before you start or that if you need the extra support its there for you

Hia! I could have literally written this post! Exact same situation, 1 success, 2 failures and hopefully fet very soon, been considering the counciling route too but also wary of delay, interested to here what others have experienced

Just thought I’d update incase anyone was interested- I had my follow up today and they suggested the councilling as an option- I expressed my apprehension as I want to start FET as soon as I can and was worried that they would deem me not emotionally ready- they assured me that that is not the case- and that it would only be considered as that in extreme circumstances (didn’t explain what they were but I’m assuming suicidal/ self harm etc) so now on the waiting list, hopefully it will help :)

Thanks. Sorry you’re going through this all too but nice to know I’m not alone! Thanks for updating. Pleased to hear that. I don’t think I’m feeling anything more than the usual stress and anxiety of being on this bloody rollercoaster so will mention something. I think I just need a release. Im lucky to have a supportive partner who will listen but think it could help to speak to a professional to maybe offer some strategies/ another view or to give his ears a rest!
Really hope we can both have success this time around 🤞

Thanks for replying. So glad to hear it’s been for the better. I totally get your point around being in a good place and would say the same to anyone else but my less rational side is saying do not delay (!) I think it’s because lots of the things I’m feeling and would want to talk, the worries and the what ifs would simply be helped if I could get pregnant again. Id then have a pregnancy to worry about but it’s be a step on the right track!

Saying all that though I am going to mention it at my next appointment as I do think it could help. Good luck with your treatment. I’m hoping to do my fet in the new year too. Hope it’s positive news for us all 🤞

Again- exact same! Extremely supportive partner but when they mentioned counciling today I just broke down- I just needed someone to ask- I wouldn’t have volunteered due to the fear of being not able to do FET. It is so reassuring to find someone in the same position I agree- and having the almost false hope that it’s happened once surely ot will happen again almost makes it worse (caveat I am so completely grateful it happened I don’t mean any disrespect or to take that away) when you do your fet let me know- we can be anxiety balls together 😊

Yes so true, know there’s never any guarantees but felt really hopeful going into the last round. It’s hard to keep that positive mindset but really trying. (Same caveat - I know that we are so fortunate to have had one success & it does help to know it can work at all. I guess it not working just feels sad for slightly different reasons now).
Had our nurse appointment and feel so much better after it, she was much better than the last one we had. Didn’t feel rushed at all and she explained things so well. (Part of me had been feeling a bit ‘going through the motions’ with this new round, like if the last one didn’t work and that had been their first transfer choice then what chance did this one have). But she explained things and reassured that we still have lots of reasons to feel positive.
Asked about the counselling and she was really understanding like it was the most normal thing in the world. Like of course someone might want some support going through something so huge! I think we get so used to sucking it up and ploughing on through all this that you didn’t always pause to thing what a big thing it is to go through - mentally and physically - that most people don’t have to even think about. It’s exhausting! And don’t know if it’s like this for you but even though we’ve been lucky once, going again has definitely trudged up some old feelings that I thought I’d gotten over.

Haven’t made a counselling appointment but even talking about it and knowing it’s there and it wouldn’t affect our treatment timeline helps hugely. So glad that you were able to discuss it too!
Yes to being anxiety balls together (well I might pretend I’m going to be all cool and zen for a bit) Eek here we go again, good luck to us both!

Aw im so glad you felt listened to and reassured you can do the councilling if you want to in future- and super helpful that they have made you reassured about the positives! it is very easy to just go with the motions- do the pills/ injections collections and transfers hope for the best but expect the worst and then repeat- when you step back and think just what an emotional and physical toll it is it isn’t worth delving into- i keep saying I just want this to work this last time and I can get off this merry go round- and then I’ll try to process and work through any of the longer lasting scars- I’m just so focussed to keep going and going so I can call this chapter of my life complete!
have you started fet now or is it in the next few weeks? I have to wait for my jan cycle to start taking the pills which seems like forever away! Months on mat leave flipping flew past but 6 weeks now Is an eternity!!