2ww

[joanne442]

Hi guys

I am new to all this and I am starting my first cycle of IVF in October. I have read the do's and don'ts but still have a question.

I work shifts in quite a stressful job and was wondering if I should be taking time off during my 2ww. I have already told my employer about the IVF (had to as will need time off!) and so far they have been great. I read on another post that someone's doctor signed them off for the 2 weeks. I don't want everyone at work knowing my business but I also don't want to think 'what if' if it dosen't work , any suggestions??

If my DH had his way, he would have me locked in the house wrapped in cotton wool for the 2 weeks!!!!

Thanks
Jo

[CarolineP]

Jo

I had a very supportive manager and my GP signed me off for the 2ww in my final treatment. My manager agreed to tell my work colleagues that I was on 2 weeks annual leave so that I did not have to let on about the treatment.

I did not feel comfortable upon my return when everyone ask me usual questions about my holiday - I just said that I relaxed at home, which was true!

CarolineP

[Tracii]

I was written sick for the 2 weeks by my clinic...but they were very hesitant but explained I worked in a very stressful environment. I don't work anymore but if I were, I would not take the time off. I would take a couple days off after ET but that is it...otherwise you are at home with too much on your mind. Everyone is different...and being at work will not hurt anything (unless you have to lift heavy objects).

[dancola]

I’m at the opposite end of the scale – during my last two cycles I was back to work after EC and again the day after ET. The first cycle I had a +ve but then had an early m/c and the hardest part was returning to work (I took that one day off) and acting as if nothing had happened. I work in a small office with 3 men who own the firm so they would not have been sympathetic at all. I just used annual leave to cover the days I needed for EC/ET.

That said, this time I’m doing things a little different, but only because treatment falling in August means it’s easier to take holiday – I’ll take 3-4 days off after ET to rest at home and then will work a couple of half days before flying out to Italy for the rest of my holiday. I have a journey to work that involves an hour each way on the tube – often standing – and given all the security delays in London I wanted to avoid any extra stress this time.

Personally not sure I could manage 2 weeks at home – I’d get too tempted to start decorating or something! Also, my acupuncturist is strongly against a 2WW at home being inactive as he says you need light activity (ie your normal day to day routine) to keep the blood flowing to the uterus. Everyone’s different though – the Zita view supports the first 3 days in bed.

[CC]

Hi, I agree that a few days off is great but if you're in very stressful job get the full two weeks signed off and get doc to put gynacological or abdominal surgery as reason or someting like that then people won't be tempted to ask.

Hope all goes well,
Cherylxx