Scared of IVF...

[Lauri]

With the failure of our 2nd cycle of IUI (two inseminations during this cycle, so 3 procedures so far), we are moving onto IVF. I'm freaked. I'm very afraid of going under for the retrieval and I'm just exhausted from the cumulative effect of this whole thing. But we are pushing forward in the hope of having our miracle. Can anyone who's had IVF give me some comfort? I have a lot of control issues that date back to a history of sexual abuse as a child and the idea of having something done to my body while I'm sedated is extremely unsettling, though intellectually I understand the necessity.

Thanks for your support.

Lauri
TTC #1, 37 cycles
3 failed IUIs
July IVF scheduled
Unexplained

[NickiMark]

Hey I total understand, Ive had 3 iui's all BFN and I am about to start IUI no 4 in a few days time and I am also in fear of IVF, when we failed on IUI no3 we opted to do ivf too but decided on another iui, however this is our last iui try, and then we try ivf, but i am so scared but hey thats why i am so positive about this iui as it must work surely......

Good Luck with your ivf, xxx

[lolajones]

Lauri

Welcome to the boards, you'll get a lot of help and support here.

IVF is scary when you first start thinking about it and finding out what it entails. But it really isn't anything to worry about.
I can understand that you feel scared about being sedated during embro collection after your experiences. Why not have a chat to your Fertility consultant? They'll be able to discuss your fears and anxieties and put your mind at rest. Many women here had very light sedation for EC and were awake for the entire procedure.
As you know already from your IUIs, the whole infertility merry-go-round is tough at times but why don't you have a read of some peoples stories here and you'll see another side to it, the positives, the miracles and above all the strength and humour of women who go through this.
I guarantee it will make you feel better.
This site has good information about all the different stages of IVF and if you have any questions then the ladies here will be able to help.

Take care

Lola
x

[amfy]

Having had egg collection i can tell you that it feels like you were awake for all of it, although in retrospect, it does become clear that you "weren't quite there". I can rememeber follicle numbers 1, 2, & 11 but nothing in between. My partner was with me the whiole time and he said I just looked a bit drunk!

It was nowhewre near as bad as i was expecting. Not painful and no real sense of having been unconcious for any part of it.

good luck - you'll be OK.

[Mel_P]

Hi Lauri
Hang in there honey. The whole experience of trying is so draining its hard to come at this thing boxing fit and on top of the world.

Take it easy on yourself and just one teeny weeny step and one day at a time. I can relate to how you feel. My own history meant this whole journey was totally freaky for me, I couldnt even bear having scans and smears at first.

The retrieval, was the bit that really worried me too. Over here in NZ the norm is NOT to have general anesthetic. Maybe this is an option?Procedure took about 15-20 minutes and is mildly uncomfortable, but really truly was nothing bad at all. They give you local, equivalent to a couple of Gin and T's they reckon. I had my DH with me the whole time squeezing my hand and was listening to my ipod that my DH was feeding through supposedly relaxing music (though he kept hitting the disco tracks by mistake!)

I would have opted for the general if it had been there, but not having the option I have to say being awake really was totally fine. If you go for the GA, are you able to have a trusted person there with you the whole time? DP or good friend?


You'll be fine! Will take more than this to keep you down! Its just another wee hurdle for you to kick over into smithereens!! Heaps of baby dust your way

Mel

[LisaB75]

Lauri - the other girls have pretty much covered everything already. I just want to tell you to hang in there and be strong because the end result is soooo worth it!! I was scared of the procedures too - but it was really no big deal. I would ask if you could stay awake (I was awake and mildly sedated and it was painless) and have your hubby/partner in the room with you. That will help you get through it.

Good luck - keep us posted on your progress!

[imelda]

Hi Lauri
I am also scared. This is my 1st IVF. If it is fail I don't think that i could repeat again due to financial problem. And I also has so many problem which are overweight, High FSH level and Cholestrol.
But just a week ago i throw all reading i have that makes me more scared. I just leave it to GOD. If He wants me and my husband have a child, he will make this program success. He also healed my problem.
I also found this site very good. So many nice people here that give you support.

Good luck for you program and God Bless You.

Imelda - Indonesia

[Lauri]

Thank you all for your kind supportive words. I am getting more used to the idea of undergoing all of this. My RE said I will be asleep, so it sounds like general anesthetic for me, but that might be better. He said it will only take 10 mins and my husband can be there so when I wake up, he's the first person I see. I am trying to just take it all one step at a time, as it can feel very overwhelming. I am scared, but I don't want to live my life wondering if this would have worked. One way or another, we are coming to the end of this infertility stress, and we are glad for that.

Thank you all again.
Lauri

[KC_TTC]

Good luck to you. IVF is such an involved process, you have every right to be "worried" because you don't quite know what to expect at each stage.

The retrieval wasn't bad for me either. I was put in a very light sleep, so I don't know what happened - but it was BRIEF! It seemed like as soon as I went to sleep, I woke up. I was a little uncomfortable the rest of the day, but nothing that required something beyond ibuprofen. I was SO thankful to reach the stage of retrieval because it felt like we actually had a chance at conceiving after all of our unexplained issues.

You will do great. This is much easier than all of the shots and scans that you've been doing

[jordan22]

Lauri.. I know TTC is sooo hard.... then when you have people poking you and sticking you... it makes it even worse... Hang in there...

I had 3 IUI's (between Feb & April) and we are now strting our first IVF... Just try to take one day at a time and keep your goal (a beautiful baby) in your sights....

((((HUGS))))