Rest or not to rest ?

[Fingers crossed]

Well I really am at conflict point with myself! This is my 4th go at ICSI and in the past I have taken 2 weeks off work and relaxed..this time I have a new job which I have only been in for 2 weeks..so feel I can't. I am now worried that I am not giving things the best chance after reading Zita West's book. I have just called into work to ask if I could take tommorrow off to find that I am now due in today too! I wanted to rest for at least 3 days after ET (which was yesterday!) I could tell that this whole IVF thing is a massive inconvenience to them. One day I will end up saying 'you know what ..it doesn't fit too well into my life either!' 'If I could get pregnant in a 5 minute shag..do you not think I would'

What I guess I am trying to get at is..how important do you think that this sofa/bed rest is? Of course I would take things easy at work and not lift..or clean etc and would take breaks when I need them etc. My shifts are between 3 and 5 hours long so gives me lots of time to rest before and after work. I am also trying to get to bed for about 9.30 and I am drinking lots of pomegrante, pineapple and water..plus redbush tea. My diet is good too with lots of fruit and veg, oily fish and protein. I have cut out all caffiene, chocolate and alcohol..sex and hot baths etc. What more can I do?..oh yes I also take a 75mg asprin a day and Fertility plus vitamins.

Perhaps we could do a poll to see if BFP's are linked with chilling out completely for 2 weeks.

Wait to hear from you..

Take care Fingers Crossed

[Caty]

I don't think it matters that much to be honest, so long as you are sensible. Obviously if your job involves a lot of lifting, bending, stretching etc, I would say take time off. I rest at every opportunity but I havea 4-year old and I have to run around after him. I am getting out of heavy housework (lol), I don't do the hoovering, mopping etx or clean the bath. DH does all that. But I am cooking, wiping surfaces, walking the dog, playing games with my son, etc.

Are you in an office job?

[Fingers crossed]

I work on reception so mainly use the phone and speak to clients. I am however also training to be a vet nurse assistant which does involve lifting and holding etc..but work are aware that I can't do that. I just feel such an inconvenience...I know that the added stress of worrying about it is not good at all for the little ones in there whilst they are dividing away (hopefully!)

[Macca8]

Fingers crossed,

On my first IVF I was back to work 2 days after ET and I was up and down all over the place. I was pregnant from that IVF. I think as long as you are as sensible as you can be and it sounds like you are, then you will be fine. I know the consultant told me they can't fall out and that I am the same as a regular women with embryos.
I think it more important to stay calm and as chilled out as possible and be as normal as you can be. Don't let it stress you out, if it does stress you, say you're sick and go home.

I hope all goes well for you. I will be doing my 4th ICSI this July.

Lisa XX

[Tracii]

My first IVF I took 2 weeks off of work and just lied around the house...well that was a negative outcome. The 2.IVF (by this time I quit working) I did lots of housework and even shoveled snow right after ET and kept myself very busy...and I am now preggers. Just be careful lifting very heavy things..I lift my dogs and one of them is a bit fat. Sounds to me you are doing everything you possibly can so sometimes work helps get your mind somewhere else.

[sammys]

Hi FC, I too had one embryo put back yesterday and this is the longest I've been out of bed since I got home...I'm so nervous as this is my 3rd IVF and really don't want to do it again, I have to go back to work tom. and I just figure to listen to your body...and nature will take care of the rest! the embryo is so nice and warm and comfy why would it want to go anywhere????
here's to a quick 2ww and BFP for us both!!!

god bless

[gregmbarry]

Hi there,

I had a positive outcome with my first IVF and I went to work 4 days after ET. I do have a desk job - but I totally agree with everyone else - play things by ear and if you think you're doing too much or getting too stressed even THINKING that you're doing too much - it's best just to go home.

[sml]

Hi fingers crossed,

This is EXACTLY the same question that's on my mind! On my first IVF cycle, I stayed in bed for 3 days (well, stayed in the house, but went up and down the stairs, cooked, watched tv). Then was fairly active over the remainder of the 2ww -- walked a lot, carried groceries (heavy bags) home, worked, rode the tube, etc.

That cycle failed (the reasons are unclear) but it did make me wonder. I'm a Zita West fan as well and she is a big advocate of taking things very very easy (she recommends complet bed rest). I think it really does depend on your body and your work demands, but if you can at all take some more time off of work, I'd say go for it. I'm still taking injections and will likely have ET towards the end of next week -- but as of now, I plan to take things very, very easy over the 2ww. This is such a long and draining process that I figure we need all the rest we can manage!

Good luck to you!