First time IVF anxieties! .

pmakrillos · September 2015

Hi all, I have recently been a bit overwhelmed by the wealth of information on the boards and all that this IVF process entails. I find myself fretting about everything from the actual steps of the IVF process to things like, costs and insurance, PGS or not, effects of these drugs and whether I'll be able to pull this off especially as I've just started a new job. Last night I was up all night reviewing YouTubes of injections and various phases of IVF. I feel like a real whoos after reading your strong and inspiring stories, just feeling scared and nervous. Has anyone felt this way?

HBamama2B · September 2015

Me! Exactly that! Terrified. I'd like to say I'm not a wimp and I don't think I am, but this is freaking intimidating!!! You are definitely not alone.

lizg19 · September 2015

Hi There,

I felt the same way but I decided not to look too much into. My husband has been super AWESOME.

One thing I will recommend is to make sure you feel very comfortable with your Doctor and Nurses.

I have only been with my current job for less than a year – I haven’t told them much but they are have been very understanding.

At the same time, my doctor office is very near my job so that also has helped too.

Best of luck for you and everyone out there

athompson0308 · September 2015

This is our first IVF. (6 day transfer this morning). I felt the same way. I just took it one day at a time. Only worry about that days shots, appointments, etc. Remeber, plans changed based on your body.

LCK0830 · September 2015

All of your emotions are very normal. I feel scared and nervous but you'll be surprised with what you're able to handle. I'm a habitual researcher. I think it's important to know what the medications are for, the process, etc so you can be an advocate for yourself. But, I do think it's possible to overwhelm yourself with all the available research. There's a fine line that I'm still trying to walk (and often failing). As the PP mentioned, it's important to have a medical team that you're comfortable with. Also, this board is great for support from men and women who are going through it too. Best wishes to you in this journey!

Colleen0516 · September 2015

Anxious isn't even the word!
I'm very scared, and very overwhelmed BUT- it gets easier. Looking at it as a whole is much worse than when you look at it day by day! Print out a calendar and take it one step (and needle!) at a time.

We're all in it together! Lots of happy, healthy babies ahead!!

emsmama15 · September 2015

I'm scared to death and overwhelmed! I don't even start until November and I'm already getting heart palpitations thinking about it. When @HBamama2B talked about getting her meds, THAT even made me nervous!! I'm going to be a mess in a couple months. I'm so happy I can read this board and hear everyone's experiences. It takes the edge off.

Minnie1155 · September 2015

I'm looking at starting in November too. If I read too much about it, then it feels really overwhelming. But reading people's experiences here and how they are able to make it through reminds me that I will too!

beckihall · September 2015

You'll get through it. Seriously, when you start it looks like such a long journey but you'll look back and realize it flies by. My husband and I are much closer now and we're 8w pregnant. 3 days into my injections I didn't think I could keep going, but I did, and it's worth it. Enjoy the cool things that you get that most mom's don't. Most mom's don't get to see their baby before they implant, we do! Also most mom's don't get to see their baby on an ultrasound until 10 weeks, I get to see my babies every week starting at 5 weeks!

It's not an easy journey, but never lose hope and keep your eye on the prize!

LCK0830 · September 2015

Great points @beckihall Thanks for that!

Aashly101 · September 2015

You are not alone dear! When I first started, I was so overwhelmed I couldn't even breathe properly thinking about everything. I still remember the very first time I had to give myself the tummy shot! It took me 1.5 hours to finally get up the nerve to do it. I have always been afraid of needles so that didn't help.

pmakrillos · September 2015

@beckihall @HBamama2B @Colleen0516 Thks all for sharing your support, I can't say how much it means. However, I continue to frett about the out of pocket costs, what the process will include and how awful and disabled I'll feel halfway through. Trying to hang tough but I get so weak during my workday and I have yet to start meds...God give me and all of us strength. Thanks again

mskeenan · September 2015

I want to jump in on this thread because I am most likely starting ivf next month (October ) . I am waiting to see if insurance will cover part of it - if we get pre cert we are going to do it . I , too , feel completely overwhelmed whenever I read up about it . All the new terminology just goes over my head . I'm going to an info session on the 28th so hopefully that clears some stuff up !!

I'm terrified but know this journey will be worth it . It's just so much more complicated than IUI (and I was already complaining about that ! )

villacis811 · September 2015

I also feel completely anxious about this whole process!! We are possibly starting our first round of IVF in October. I try to remain positive but when I allow myself to think about the process the nerves take over. I just really hope it works. Even though we may not know each other It does help to have the support on these boards and to read about other people in the same situation. FX for all BFP.

tripledaggerWed95976 · September 2015

I did my ivf cycle in August, it was terrifying going into it but I found it really wasn't bad! The worst part for me was all the worrying I did because my numbers were pretty low (11 eggs retrieved-only 5 were mature) My best advise is this: no matter how u respond to the stimms (how many eggs are retrieved/how many fertilize, etc) try to not get hung up on the numbers-- trust me, it's Quality over quantity :-) Also, if u can, take 2 days off work after ur egg retrieval. I was sooooo bloated it was difficult to even stand straight up afterward So excited for u! Good luck!

crispyleavce · September 2015

I just joined bump and im glad I did. Its nice to know how others are feeling and what to expect etc. Talking to someone who is actually not going through it is difficult.
I will be giving myself the trigger shot today and hopefully everything goes fine. I'm super nervous about the whole thing. It is my first IVF process. There is so much info and so many meds that it gets confusing.
I had an unexplained m/c 2 years ago and have been ttc ever since. Now that Im into the process, the m/c memories keep coming back to me and freaks me out! Hoping for a successful cycle

saleana · September 2015

I have just started my first IVF cycle and as a lot of you other ladies I am totally nervous. There are so my different emotions floating around its hard to make sense of it sometimes. I am excited and very hopeful as well and believe it is important to stay positive. I know that some of us have experienced a loss and that makes it difficult at times.
We are all strangers but in some strange way it is reassuring to know there is someone to talk to that is in a similar situation. Thank you to all of you who put yourselves out there.

triciasmith1 · September 2015

Biggest struggle of my life!! Wasn't I supposed to grow up, meet the man of my dreams, become filthy rich and have all the children I could ever want??? Hmmm...well, I got the man and I'm definitely older. The rest, well, we'll see!

I hate that through the ivf process I'm so worried about money. I want to be excited that at the end I may be pregnant, but then I start thinking about the money again. Boo. That's my next step, figuring out how to pay for it!! Hoping to start the process in December or January!

caitiemae · September 2015

I think everyone is in the same boat for their first IVF! I just started injections for my first cycle last week and still feel like I don't know what I'm doing! Don't worry, though, the doctors and nurses are great about simplifying the process to where you don't have to overthink anything. And just try to stay positive and take care of yourself and don't focus on the "what-ifs". Remind yourself that whatever struggles you go through, it'll all be worth it in the end

@triciasmith1 I know what you mean about the money! My husband and I are paying 100% OOP and it is painful to do! Luckily, my husband has known since he his entire life that there was a 98% chance of infertility so we've been preparing for IVF since we've been together. If you are looking for financial assistance, take a look at this website below.

https://www.resolve.org/family-building-options/making-treatment-affordable/infertility-treatment-grants-and-scholarships.html

If you two have a stable income but just don't want to wait forever to have all the money lined up to pay in full, there are IVF loans available. My husband and I actually opened a credit card with an into 0% APR for one year so we wouldn't have to completely drain all our savings at once.

triciasmith1 · September 2015

@caitiemae I thought about the 0% credit card, but it looks like my parents may be able to loan us the money!! That takes some of the worry out since I won't have to worry about paying back in a certain amount of time!! Things line up the way they need to

Good luck to you!!

Joyzie77 · September 2015

It's quite overwhelming when you have to pay for even part of the process. We have no coverage. I order my medications from Walgreens and they have a few different programs where you can get medications discounted. I was super excited when I got a $886.00 check back from IVF Greenlight. Hope everyone is doing well. I start the Estrace and vivelle dot patches tomorrow. Im trying to take it one day at a time. Transfer should be October 9th. How is everyone doing????

Colleen0516 · September 2015

Hi to all the new ladies that are going this group!
I am one of the people who have been panicked over this whole process. I have a major fear of needles (how ironic that I need IVF to conceive).
I have had my fair share of freak outs, crying spells, SOBBING spells lol, hyperventilating moments where I think, "is this really happening?" And I haven't even started the injections yet. Oh man!

BUT I have been given a ton of advice from a TON of wonderful women who have been through the process or are currently going through it. And because of THAT, I am able to tackle this day by day. This thread is legit my lifeline. I read it for comfort, to know people are on a similar journey, to support others through their struggles, and to celebrate with those who receive good news (especially follow growths and the BFPs).
This forum is amazing, and I don't think I'd be able to go through this process without it.
So WELCOME! While it may be very overwhelming at times- I think @beckihall, said it best- we get to experience a lot of things that other moms don't! So embrace the positives and breathe through the rest! It's most defiantly a roller coaster.

(Note to self: read this post when I freak out in 2 days,

) Because I know I will lol)

Joyzie77 · September 2015

It's ok @Colleen0516 ..... When you freak out... We are here for you.

ColeM91 · September 2015

By reading everyone's posts it does give me comfort. I don't know all the terms used. I had both tubes blocked for years and couldn't afford to go farther. Recently I went to a new doctor had a fem view, by the grace of God I have one clear tube! I just had surgery on August 18. Which ended in a, c section incision and overnight. My tube was so blocked it looked like a black mass tumor. We going forward with IVF. Reading & signing all the paperwork made my head spin. I start meds October. I can't even remember what steps come next. Luckily I have a family come with me to appointments & that really helps. I'm happy to be on here to read the experiences & share stories. I wish the best for everyone. Hugs

wenikilina · September 2015

Hi everyone! I have been reading different boards for some time now and finally decided it was time to join in on the conversation. I would like to share my story. I am 31 years old and my husband is 32. I have been off of birth control for 20 months now. I thought that I would become pregnant right away. Needless to say, that did not happen. I have pretty regular periods but at times they can run a bit short. We have tried two cycles of Clomid. Two more cycles we were unable to take the Clomid due to large cysts that had formed on my ovary from taking the medication. We considered one more round of Clomid and then IUI as our next step. However, I then received my Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) level result (the test that measures ovarian reserve) and it was very low. My level is at 0.49, meaning that my egg reserve is that of a woman in her 40s. I am very scared and sad! My heart aches. I feel like my body has failed me. Even though I know that it is not true, at times I cannot help but to think that I am a failure to my husband. The last thing I would want is to disappoint my husband and our families. I have to remember that none of this is my fault! But it sure can be a difficult and often very lonely journey.

My RE has recommended that we go straight to IVF now. She said that there is no way to know how quickly or slowly my ovaries will continue to change. She also said that the success depends on the age of the female. So although my numbers are low my egg quality should still be good. I really hope she is right. At this point, I am not sure what to feel. Part of me is happy, part of me is sad. But overall I think it is good that we have a plan and I am ready to get started. I am waiting for the call this morning to schedule our first IVF consult. I am happy to be a part of this board and to know that we are not alone and so many others are on this same journey. Hugs to all!

villacis811 · September 2015

@wenikilina I'm sorry that you are going through this. This whole process is not easy. Try to remain on the positive side. You will have a baby, we just have a few extra hoops to jump through. wish you luck on your journey!

wenikilina · September 2015

@villacis811 Awh, thank you so much for the support.

It is definitely a tough road to be on. My first IVF consult is October 5th. I am nervous, anxious, excited and much more. I am really trying to remain positive at this point. We will see where this road may take us. I wish you the best of luck as well!

athompson0308 · September 2015

I spent every moment panicking before we started the meds. All the tests, cost, worry about getting pregnant. I found that the time while waiting to start was the worst. Once we started stims, it was easier. Being in the middle of the process soothed me a bit. I still had moments of stress...waiting for trigger day, waiting to see how many embryos fertilized, waiting for transfer. IVF is a lot of waiting. You hurry up to wait. Lol. Just relax best you can, and enjoy the process. It's weird to say, but it's a part of your soon to be babies journey. It'll all be worth it in the end=)

wenikilina · September 2015

@athompson0308 That is just what I needed to hear right now! Thank you. I find myself having so much anxiety lately over starting my first IVF cycle. I have not even gone to my first IVF consult yet. Haha.. Just a little over a week til my consult. I am sure I will find out so much more info.

Want a personalized experience?

First time IVF anxieties! .

Re: First time IVF anxieties! .

Choose Another Board

Search Boards