First cycle nerves

Dragonfly6191

Hi All,

I'm just about to start my first cycle of IVF (Will probably start stims early next week) and all the sudden the nerves and anxiety are really getting the best of me. At first I was so excited because I felt like we were at least making REAL progress, but now I'm just rattled after doing some research and reading other experiences. I thought it best to be prepared, and still do, but I'm just so worried about how impactful this is going to be on my daily life.

I know I will have to make a lot of sacrifices, and take care of my body first and foremost, but I also want to be able to work and live, you know? I did not do well with Ovidrel, Progesterone, or IUI procedures (my uterus is crazy tilted), which I think is only adding to my anxiety. It's just SO many drugs and procedures and seems like so many things can go wrong any given cycle.

Any pep talks out there?

brooklyngirl18

you got this girl! I am a ball of nerves also, about to start my first round of ivf. I'm been mentally giving myself a pep talk all day actually that I am strong and bad ass and can do this. chin up!

Momifbysea

Me three on the anxiety! I start stims Monday. I hate medications, never even take Advil, needle phobe...BUT this will be so worth it, try and breathe deep, love yourself and just go one day at a time! You're not alone in feeling like this!

mc4dj13

I am in the same boat! I am on CD4 and it is starting to feel really real!

To calm my mind and relax I use guided meditation. Belleruth naparstek is wonderful! Her voice is calming and so comforting. She does everything- fertility, sleep, anxiety etc.

I am religious so I do a lot of praying and reading about infertility affirmations.

Acupuncture has helped me with stress and anxiety and "letting go". I now realize that I cannot control everything and must trust myself and listen to the doctor. I truly believe that a positive mindset ensures the best outcome. Then our body will be in the best possible state to receive the gift of pregnancy.

This is the only thing I have experienced in my life where I have learned to NOT plan for the worst because then the negative images and doubts will flood my mind. I am big over-thinker and don't even allow myself to get started now down the dark rabbit-hole of anxiety.

Best of luck to you! All the meds will be worth it!

 

Aera11

@Dragonfly6191 you are already so much stronger & braver than you know!  I was scared to death of even having the IVF 'talk' with my RE and DH because it felt like such a massive decision, and it is.  But ask questions, find a support system, take care of yourself, and just have hope.  

Just like you, I got excited when we had a plan laid out and things started moving...but then the day I started stims I was so nervous.  It really isn't that bad, at least from my experience.  I had a little system of laying things out and it helped.  What meds are you on for this cycle?  Treat yourself to something that makes you feel good like a pedi, coffee, etc to help get you in the mindset best of luck on this crazy journey, we are all rooting for you!

Dragonfly6191

Thanks ladies- glad I'm not the only one! It's just all so overwhelming. My meds are supposed to arrive in the next hour or so- I bet that's only going to make be even more anxious!!

Momifbysea

@Dragonfly6191 you can do this! When the drugs arrive it can be overwhelming, but again, take it one day at a time.

Dragonfly6191

OMG I just opened them and I can't decide if I want to cry or puke. I've got to find a way to get these organized and learn the schedule, that will help I guess!

babylonghorn16

*TW* pregnancy mentioned...

Hi! Lurking from another board. I was SO overwhelmed when I first got my box o' meds. Getting organized really helped me. I bought sandwich ziploc bags, filled with meds for each day of my cycle along with alcohol wipes and gauze, and then labeled them! That way all I had to do every day was to go to my box, pick out my ziploc for the day, and get goin! It also looks nice and neat . I also taped my medication calendar on my bathroom mirror and crossed off each day... that helped me mentally get through each day. It seems like a lot now, but it rarely affected my schedule... there were a couple of times I had to take meds in the car, but it wasn't a big deal. Here's the *TW*... I am now 38 weeks pregnant with a singleton (waiting to find out gender) and the whole process of IVF is a distant memory. SO WORTH IT. We can't wait to meet our little one in the next week or so!

Good luck to you and everyone else. It's a lot to take in and deal with, but the end result is worth every little inconvenience. Y'all are strong and can do this!!! I promise, you won't even really remember all this pain after you hear that it worked!!!

nmd9168

I've never had any IVF, and just started seeing an RE, but I wish you the best and pray that all works out for you!! Sending baby dust and good vibes from MI!!!

FuzzyDust

One day at a time. One hour if you must.
Every moment of the process takes you closer to your goal.

I also found it so very overwhelming to begin with, because there are so many steps, and something might go wrong on each of them. Once you start moving along with the steps, it helps to feel that some are already over and it's still ok, there is still a chance of success.

I was a total google junky for the whole duration. I know many recommend not to do it, but it actually helped, I think. My numbers were right along with all the statistics for my age

MrsJ2410

I feel the exact same way, I went to an RE just a few weeks ago after no intervention whatsoever and we are planning to start IVF beginning of May (my next cycle). I felt so positive and proactive about it, and yesterday when they started walking me through the meds and the schedule I got super anxious and overwhelmed. It feels like everything is moving super fast even though we have been trying for 15 months and I have been so impatient that whole time. Its definitely filling me with a lot of self doubt, but I know that this is the right move and reading all of these boards and knowing that everyone feels this way starting out and everyone is overwhelmed really helps me when I am spiraling. FX and good luck! 

Dragonfly6191

@Mrsj2410 You are definitely not alone! For what it's worth, I started my stims last night and have been crazy nervous for days now. Now that I've actually got one set under my belt, I feel a lot better- I think so much of the anxiety comes from being overwhelmed by everything you need to remember. Once you actually start doing it, some of that subsides I bet!

sm05-2

@Dragonfly6191, glad to hear that some of the anxiety subsides. I am likely starting my stims tonight--had my ultrasound and bloodwork done in the morning, and ultrasound tech said everything looks good--and I'm just waiting for the nurse's official OK and whether they'll change the dose. I'm a little nervous about tonight, but am trusting I can do this. We got this!

katherind

You aren't alone! It can be a very overwhelming process especially the first cycle. As others have mentioned, just try to take it one step at a time.