IVF

My IVF Journey

Although IVF didn’t work for me, I still have praise for the doctors and clinicians who helped me whilst on my IVF journey, in particular those at the 2nd clinic.

Their approach was to tailor the program to you and your hormones, rather than the ‘one size fits all’ method adopted by the first clinic.  

The Process

It was a very intense 2/52 process. In the first week I’d be at the clinic early in the morning for a blood test and then wait for a call a few hours later, telling me how much of each drug I needed to take. 

I was usually at work stressing for this call to arrive, with my ‘bag of meds’ at the ready. 

I had only told a few people I was undergoing IVF, so when the call would come through, I’d go through my ‘injection drill’. I’d shut the door to my office and turn the lights off. Then I’d struggle to prepare the needle and inject the medication in the dark, all whilst holding the door shut with my bum to stop anyone from coming in.

A nightmare approach and it really didn’t help my stress levels!

On my third attempt of IVF, I was also given viagra to trial ( I can’t remember why). Not only was I anxious but also quite lightheaded and sweating heaps!   

I’m sure my colleagues must have thought I was having a nervous breakdown or the menopause. 

Those who knew what I was doing, were ever-so supportive and I will forever be grateful for their support (Michelle and Sonya x). 

In the 2nd week of my IVF procedure, I was advised to stay close to the clinic in case an afternoon blood test was needed. This was usually a 4 hour wait. London is a beautiful place to wait especially with all the parks. I now know Regent’s Park like the back of my hand & I can definitely recommend a visit the rose garden! 

We were fortunate that eggs were produced in both clinics, but it just wasn’t meant to be. 

I now joke and say Sofia didn’t want to be test tube baby, but at the time we were both heartbroken. 

I have no regrets for having gone down the IVF route and maybe some of the medications and procedures helped with Sofia’s conception indirectly. 

How I dealt with the failed IVF rounds

During my morning routine, I would always hold the knowledge that my body was able to produce eggs and that helped with the visualisation process. 

One of the  most valuable lessons I learned after my 3 failed IVF procedures, was to find the positive in all situations. It had been heartbreaking to not achieve what we had set out to, but the journey to find the positive in that situation made it less painful. 

Your Journey

If you are on your IVF journey, here is my advice.

1. Try and sleep (read my gratitude post for a link to a paper on this)
2. Eat well and take your vitamins
3. Take time each morning to meditate and de-stress (again my gratitude post has a link to a paper)
4. Visualise the process you are going through and see a positive outcome 
5. Write out your affirmations and read and listen to them daily.
6. Stay hydrated and limit caffeine to one cup a day or none at all if you can
7. Keep your partner or close friend in the loop. Someone who can calm you down and not be upset when all you do is talk about IVF!

Good luck in your journey and I genuinely send you love and strength.  

If you’re in London, enjoy regent’s Park!

Thank you for reading x