(Entry written prior to posted date).

 

Women who go through IVF sacrifice so much physically, financially, and emotionally. It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done and I’m sure many others would say the same. I read somewhere a while back that one woman described IVF treatment as her second job, which is not far from the truth. IVF treatment is like an elaborate symphony, that when done exactly right creates the most beautiful result. But the IVF process also requires precision. Think of it as if one violinist in the symphony gets off beat making others around him get off track as well, and soon the major sections of the symphony go awry. You must know exactly when and exactly how each step of the IVF process will work. If you have any doubt in your mind you need to call your doctor.

 

For my first round of IVF stims I was off work, so any symptoms I had I was able to deal with at home. But not this time. Due to being short on money I decided to go ahead and soldier through my IVF meds while also working. I didn’t really have a choice. Bills need to be paid. So I ended up working this whole week with a terrible migraine. It would only briefly go away here and there, but for the most part it was constantly there. I am so looking forward to this week being over so I can finally get on that plane and head out to the clinic. Time seems to be going by so slowly. But I suppose it’s normal when you are in pain and you want to get on with the next step. The sooner I can get on to the next step, the sooner I can get rid of this damn migraine.

 

I think the best advice I can give someone who is considering IVF is that you need to go in with the mindset that you will do whatever it takes. There are so many sacrifices that you may need to make in order to get through the IVF process, each person is different and each IVF round is different. I’m not trying to scare you away from doing this. Instead I want it to serve as a reality check and a way to help others mentally prepare for what they are about to go through. Here are some of the sacrifices you might need to make in order to make your dream of having a baby a reality:

 

• Financially: Just because you have enough to cover the initial costs does not mean you will not experience additional costs. Delayed cycles, low-responding eggs, and last minute travel changes are just some of the unexpected additional costs you may experience. Save more than you think you’ll need.
• Emotionally: Girl…hormones. You may cry for no reason and that’s normal. You may also be extra bitchy or irritable. Each person is different.
• Physically: Expect your stomach to look like the world’s ugliest pin cushion. You may also get some really bizarre looking bruises. You may bloat like crazy like I did. Stretchy pants are your friend.

 

Those are just a few of the major things I’ve experienced so far with this cycle, as well as with my last cycle. Ask your doctor about possible side effects and how you can manage them. Find out how others deal with the side effects by going online and doing your own research. Some people have really good ideas that may work for you. There is a whole wealth of information out there that can help you as you go through this. As far as my migraines I’ve been told good old Tylenol is the only thing I can take. I’ve noticed if I eat a carb and lie down in a dark room for a bit I tend to start feeling better. Drink lots of water too! The water not only helps you with migraines but I’ve heard that staying really hydrated can help with egg growth as well.

 

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