Introducing myself

Mandypants30 · February 2016

Hello all! I am new to this whole sharing thing, as I am a pretty private person. My husband and I have been trying for a child for about 2 years. In October 2015, we started seeing a fertility specialist and were diagnosed with male factor infertility. We are scheduled for IVF in April, and it is all a little overwhelming. I don't think I am handling my stress in the best way, as I always feel exhausted and on the verge of crying all the time. Does anyone have any tips or words of encouragement that can relate? Thank you!

BrightenMySky · February 2016

Sorry for all that you are going through and hugs. It definitely can be overwhelming, and it's ok to be stressed and upset. As for things that help...I have done acupuncture during my IUI cycles and found it relaxing, I also like that opting for acupuncture and making diet modifications suggested by my acupuncturist give me more of a feeling of control. I love my dog, and walking her almost always helps, I also like petting the other dogs at the dog park we go to (if you like dogs but don't have one, you could go spend some time at a park or volunteer at a shelter). My husband is quite supportive, and I've totally given up any thought that I will hold back tears for his sake--I can just tell him I'm crying because I'm sad and he will try to do things to make me more comfortable, but knows there's nothing to make it all better right away.

Mandypants30 · February 2016

Thank you for responding! I do have a dog, and he is very therapeutic for me! I have never tried acupuncture, but I will definetly look into it. I just thought reaching out in a community like this might help me as well, because others can relate. My close friends and family are very supportive, but it's always nice to be able to talk to others that know what you are going through, first hand.

BrightenMySky · February 2016

Yes, reaching out can be very helpful, too. On that note, welcome

KirstenCas · February 2016

Hi! I'm new too. We've been trying for awhile too and found out that IVF was our only option due to his fertility problems. I actually go to my first official IVF consultation tomorrow morning. I go through periods when i'm optimistic and periods where there is just a pang in my gut and complete despair. I'm really anxious about tomorrow, i'm not looking forward to more drugs. I'm trying to exercise when i'm down, read more, anything to keep my mind busy. I'm trying to avoid, continually looking up info and statistics (and costs) on IVF.

I'm not sure if that helps much, just wanted you to know that you aren't alone.

I'm totally going to try acupuncture...see a new project to look into

tvh1982 · February 2016

Welcome and thank you for sharing your story.
Joining this forum has definitely helped me. Just to be able to say a few words and have others understand helps.
Having questions and get tons of advice of women (and men) who actually know what they talk about as they been through it.

Hope you don't have to join us too long though.

I also go to an acupuncturist. Unofficially it gets recommend by my clinic. She gets me to relax while sticking needles in me..who would have thought.
So I recommend trying it out, it might do wonders, or you might hate it, but it won't do you harm trying.

GL on your journey!

Mandypants30 · February 2016

I know exactly what you mean! Google is my worst enemy. Our clinic is actually 3 hours away, so we have had a lot of phone consultations and emails. Right now, I am just waiting to go for more blood work, ultrasound, and start my meds in March. Good luck with your appointment tomorrow. Think of all the questions you can tonight and write them down in a notebook! I found that helped a lot, because they throw a lot of information your way!

kms456 · February 2016

Welcome! I'm new to the board as well gearing up for IVF in April. It can absolutely feel overwhelming and isolating - But I agree with the other ladies that talking with people who are going through the same things is so so helpful. No one truly gets it until they've been there.

wifeinraleigh28 · February 2016

Welcome @Mandypants30! You've come to the right place to find those who understand what you are going through. We were also diagnosed with MFI in October. Our RE said our best chances are with IVF but we're trying IUI first since we get 3 IUIs covered under our insurance (we have no IVF coverage).

Yes, this stuff is overwhelming. And there are times when I feel completely downright hopeless, and other times when I feel more optimistic. This community has helped me become more optimistic, because I've been able to connect with women who are also struggling, and those who have had success and get their BFPs, which gives me hope.

I hope your stay here is short. Best of luck with your IVF in April!

kaityh1 · February 2016

Welcome! I am also a pretty private person, especially when it comes to our IF struggles but this group has helped me stay positive and allowed me an outlet when needed!

LynnNJ · February 2016

Welcome! I'm relatively new to this board too. I think everyone has similar feelings going through this. Thinking about the goal has helped me feel less scared and more motivated to deal with the exhausting schedule. I also have been extremely busy with things that are unrelated. So as much as this has taken over a big part of my life, there is so much more going on in my daily life (ex work, house projects) that it distracts me. It had just added to the craziness of everything. Good luck! This is a great group!

Mandypants30 · February 2016

Thank you all for warm welcome. I am glad I finally decided to reach out. I ordered a stress relief yoga dvd to see if that helps me at all. Good luck to all you strong ladies, as well!

Introducing myself

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