Not everyone does the tablets - they had me on them to regulate my period so I bled at a certain time to start the injections. My cycle was a bit irregular / long so think it was to make it easier for them.
Have you been open with your work/boss about the process?
I spoke to my manager and drew up a very very rough timescale, and kept him up to date with appointments etc so he knew roughly if I may call in sick or might need a few hours off for the appointments. I know alot of jobs won't be as flexible, but may help if they think you're having an off day to be a bit more understanding.
Your pain should be fairly minimal. It's literally just being uncomfortable for most of it. A good hot water bottle and also those stick on heat patches were a wonder!
When the ovaries swell they can get a bit tender and bruised feeling (mine are still a bit big cause of the hormones) so don't be too concerned if you maybe feel a light 'nip' if you bend over quickly or turn later in the process, your body is going through a lot so it will feel tender.
I cried when I was given the sedation, stupid hormones made me cry, woke up crying too, but it was just the medication and the exhaustion from it all 😂 Just get yourself to bed after it and have a nice lazy day.
The embryo transfer itself was very very quick. Again, just uncomfortable as needed a full bladder for them to see what they were doing. But basically feels just like a smear. I had to sit for a while with my legs in stirrups because they couldn't find a speculum long enough 😂 nothing like having a flash light shined straight at your doot! But partner was allowed in and they showed us where they implanted.
The actual waiting game after - I was still tender from the egg collection, but I started getting implantation cramps about 3/4 days later which were again, like period cramps. Then came the sore boobs. The incredible thirst. Very very light spotting (which can also happen from the progesterone pessaries annoying the cervix). We tested 10 days after the transfer and got the positive.
Then came the next wait for the 3 weeks to get the viability scan, which is frankly, also a shitty ass wait! They don't tell you that it can nearly feel worse than the 2ww.
Your body will take a while to heal from all the hormones. My ovaries are still big (they don't shrink down as quick if pregnancy hormones kick in) so take it as easy as possible for next month or so and don't be worried to cancel plans. Very important to put yourself first.
Also something to be aware of, obviously Covid rules have lessened, but we had to have Covid tests before the sperm/egg collection, registered with the government site saying we were negative. Covid still can unfortunately place another delay or cancel the cycle. We kept a distance from people as much as possible for the month beforehand until egg collection was done. Know it's not possible for everyone, but am extra bottle of hand sanitizer just incase won't hurt!
I'm excited to hear about how your journey will go, if you're comfortable, hearing updates would be fab!
Also again, any questions any time throughout, here to answer.
Btw if you need any good reading, worth reading IVF Got This book!