Exercise after FET

khochanadel · September 2015

I'm 3 days post transfer (FET) and my RE advised no physical activity more strenuous than the equivalent of 30 minutes on the treadmill at a 4.0 pace, in air conditioning, with water handy. Also no lifting or bending/twisting (so yoga is out).

I'm a very active person so this practically sounds like bedrest to me and I am climbing up the walls with anticipation as it is! Part of me feels ridiculous, thinking "what possible harm could there be in swimming laps for 45 minutes?" while the other part is like "I can't walk the dog at a normal pace for 10 minutes because it's too hot outside!"

I know I should just enjoy the downtime and know that I can get back to being more active once we get that BFP (sticky thoughts and FX). I guess I'm not looking for advice so much as venting about how ridiculous it all seems, but at this point I have too much invested to take much in the way of risks!

HBamama2B · September 2015

Yeah, I wasn't expecting the strict "restricted activity" guidelines either and had to cancel my plans to attend a family reunion camping trip. Super bummed, but ifeel the same. I know there are women on he boards who got up and were active and still got BFPs, but I figure it's like drinking during pregnancy. Why take the risk? Sorry you have cabin fever! I'll be there in a little over a week if I'm lucky. Hang tough and hope you find a great book or TV marathon to keep you occupied!!!

jnissa · September 2015

The real issue is that they don't want you to do anything that could potentially spike your body temperature - but I always got told that swimming in any amount was fine (because you're in a controlled environment where body temp spiking can't happen).

If it's any consolation, I went jogging a few times on my successful cycle during the tww. I didn't during my unsuccessful cycle. Which isn't to say that you shouldn't follow doctor's orders. Just that nothing is entirely black or white!

Wicked4589 · September 2015

You can still work out, you just have to be careful about overheating. Honestly, I went right back to the gym the next day. But I wore a heart monitor to make sure my rate didn't get above 140.

ColeM91 · September 2015

I'm new on here. I just had a blocked tube removed Aug 18 which ended in a c section incision and overnight. I haven't been able to go to the gym which I was at 2 hours a day 4-5days a week. I just got my period today. I was told I couldn't go to the gym nor compete in the mudderella.com race October 3. I'm super bummed and tired of not exercising. But I want a baby so bad I think being bored like crazy will be worth it in the end. Waiting for the next steps.....

riveridgional · September 2015

Do you know if these restrictions also apply to an inject TI or IUI cycle? If not, are the restrictions just an added precaution since IVF is so expensive and taxing on the body?

HBamama2B · September 2015

@riveridgional that's exactly how my doctor explained it!

Bc the ER and hormonal stimming is so taxing, the rest is helpful to support successful implantation of an equally stressed embryo. The jam (uterine lining) will hold it, but for the hatching/ successful connection he suggests restricted activity. It sounds like every RE and case may be a bit different tho!

Wicked4589 · September 2015

You can't do a lot of exercises with IVF because your ovaries are huge. They can flip over from their increased weight.

tripledaggerWed95976 · September 2015

Yah it's really best to err on the side of caution. Ur body has been through something extreme, I know it's hard but it's definitely best to take it easy. Maybe do some brisk walking

mclorn · September 2015

I struggle with the exercise restrictions as well. I am always active so I feel it puts more stress on my body to limit activity! At the end of the day yes, err on the side of caution, and also just listen to your body..... take everything down a couple notches, I guess. I've switched over to just the elliptical, lots of long walks, and 5lb weights... I think that's okay?!

takethelongway · September 2015

I was just told I shouldn't run or lift more than 25lbs on my monitored letrozole cycle. This is incredibly difficult for me because I run 3-4 days a week and am in the middle of training for a half marathon. I even emailed my nurse back to more or less beg to run.

mclorn · September 2015

@takethelongway any exercise tips or updates from your nurse?!

takethelongway · September 2015

@mclorn my nurse said I can run 2 days a week but no more than 30-45 minutes at a time. She also said I could swim, bike, or use the elliptical. I guess the big thing with running for me was the length of time I was running for. She said it can divert blood flow from the uterus which doesn't make it an inviting home for an embryo/baby. I get it. I am figuring out ways to stay active even if they aren't in my normal realm of what I considered active.

khochanadel · September 2015

And here I thought I was being silly for feeling so much sedentary fatigue! Glad to see I'm not the only one. Been trying to take lots of short walks and some light toning. 3 more days til our beta... I'd be going nuts if I didn't have so many distractions with work (never thought I'd be happy to hear my boss say I'd be needed extra hours and over the weekend).

Maybe I'll try getting back in the lap pool this weekend if I don't end up working the whole damn thing.

KLake42 · September 2015

@takethelongway- pay attention to the way your joints feel. About 10% of women experience swollen joints on letrozole (including me) and I injured myself over-exercising when my joints were swollen. Mild exercise (walking) is okay, but if your knees, ankles, feet, hips, back, hands, etc. start to hurt, then stop your run and walk home.

If you're in the 90% of women who don't experience this, then I'm sure you're fine. Just pay attention to your body!

takethelongway · September 2015

@klake42 Thank you! That could explain my hips

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