ivf

kangela25 · Post by **kangela25** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 4:44 am

The is my first cycle for in vitro. We've been trying for 2 years. We finally are going to due this. Problem is I suffer from anixety and panic attacks. I coming off my meds for anixety because of in vitro. Question is do most people panic and become increasingly nervous during this process, or is it just me and my anixety disorder? Today I went for the the consulation and practice run for retrival, they also showed me the needles and all the meds I'd be taking. Then the nurse said we have to do a practice run for the HCG shot. I panic and freaked and almost called the whole thing off. Anyway I did it. But now I feel terrible. Any advice?

bekkie31 · Post by **bekkie31** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 1:41 pm

Hi there,

I was absolutely terrified when I had my first IVF cycle in October 2006. From nature out, I am a very anxious person indeed. My first IVF failed and the doctor even said one of the reasons may have been because I was very frightened and anxious. It was not the only reason for the failure but possibly one reason. I am also scared of doctors - on thing that also did not help. All I can say is go for it! You may be scared as it your first time, but you will be less scared for the second try. It also was not so bad as I had expected. Just because mine failed does not mean yours will and if it does fail we are all here on the boards to help you and to cheer you up. if you can survive a round of IVF you can survive anything. It made me less scared about having a laproscopy (something I am having in January to check the uterus and right fallopian tube ).

if I can be of any further help throughout your IVF cycle and whilst you panic then let me know - you can PM me anytime.

Good luck! Thinking of you, Bekki

Me 31 DH 35
TTC since our marriage in 2000
Feb 2005 - ectopic pregnancy - left tube removed
October 2006 - 1st IVF + BFN

sassynlv · Post by **sassynlv** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 4:00 pm

kangela:
I have a history of panic attacks, but mostly now just anxiety. I know how horrible that is. IVF is a stressful process, no question about it...but it can also be exciting. I was more nervous my first cycle than the others simply because of the unknown, and i imagine that is quite normal. Since you had to go off meds, have you found other ways to decrease anxiety and stress... i.e., yoga, biofeedback, cognitive therapy, etc? Some people find these things hokey, but they have good data, and have helped me significantly. Be patient with yourself and breathe deeply. The board is here if you ever need to vent.

good luck to you!!!!

kangela25 · Post by **kangela25** » Sun Dec 31, 2006 2:35 am

thank you for your encouragement. i am feeling much better today about all that i'm about to go through. i'm sure my emotion will change at any giving time. hope all goes well with you. my sister had trouble getting pregnant her first time around. she went through infertility treatment as well never in vitro. after her laproscopy they found out her uterus was not shape correctly. after that was fixed she became pregnant. she now has two beautiful children 4 and 18 months. good luck.

kangela25 · Post by **kangela25** » Sun Dec 31, 2006 2:53 am

I've been doing my deep breathing exercises, and walking on the treadmill to get rid of stress. Also, I listen to meditating music. Whenever I go for a procedure I'm unfamilar with I bring my ipod with me and turn up the volumn and let them do what they have too. It helps a lot. But like you said it's really the unknown that get me all nervous. What makes me sad, and scared is that this is my one shot to do in vitro (insurance only covers once) and I'm terified that it is not going to work. That's when I start to cry

because I don't know how I'm going to handle it. What keeps me on track is adoption, there has to be some beautiful baby who needs us. I just need to stay focus though on the here and now, and know that I am strong enough to get through this, and if it doesn't work, it will only make me stronger because at least I tried . thanks for letting me vent.

sassynlv wrote:kangela:
I have a history of panic attacks, but mostly now just anxiety. I know how horrible that is. IVF is a stressful process, no question about it...but it can also be exciting. I was more nervous my first cycle than the others simply because of the unknown, and i imagine that is quite normal. Since you had to go off meds, have you found other ways to decrease anxiety and stress... i.e., yoga, biofeedback, cognitive therapy, etc? Some people find these things hokey, but they have good data, and have helped me significantly. Be patient with yourself and breathe deeply. The board is here if you ever need to vent.

good luck to you!!!!

sassynlv · Post by **sassynlv** » Sun Dec 31, 2006 4:36 pm

kangela: So glad to hear that you have found some ways to decrease your anxiety while going through IVF. Sounds like you are doing a great job! I am especially glad that you can look beyond this cycle to adoption (i have found that being able to consider options after IVF has relieved a lot of the pressure i felt, and makes me feel much less desperate re: upcoming cycles. I strongly believe by relieving some of that desperation, it opens the door so that the cycle will be as successful as possible). My motto has become "Hope for the best and prepare for the worst."

I don't know if joining a thread would be helpful for you, or it it would increase your anxiety. i have found the threads to be very helpful for me as the support of the other women is great. Just be aware, sometimes i think i have gotten anxious about things that were unnecessary because girls are talking about it on the boards. Overall, i find it to be a very supportive help for me. I am on the Dec/Jan board anad you are welcome to join us (there is also a Feb thread if you are going to be retrieving then).

Best of luck to you, and keep us posted!

99 · Post by 99 » Sun Dec 31, 2006 8:43 pm

I've always had a problem with anxiety too but what I keep reminding myself after every procedure is that the fear of the unknown is always worse than the actual procedure, test, etc. I completely agree with everyone saying this will make you stronger. This is a dumb example, but I've always been afraid of shots... Until all of this started and I get shots and blood drawn on a regular basis. I had my flu shot the other week and was actually talking to the nurse the entire time the medicine was going in. When I walked out I thought, Wow! I REALLY HAVE gotten stronger! This time last year I would have been so nervous about a flu shot! I would like to know what women who have experienced IVF and all that goes into it say about actual labor... Could it be easier for us because of all we've already gotten use to?

ambrosine · Post by **ambrosine** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 8:40 pm

Unreality is the most awful symptom of my panic disorder, and the fear of going mad. This is my second round of ivf, i had icsi then a miscarriage, and i had post natal illness symptoms after, now i just had my first injection for fet next month, on friday, and i had the most terrible panic attack this afternoon, ...

Why?

I think mainly that its the whole hormones. I had terrible symptoms from the hormone withdrawal,....

I know this is an older post , but im glad i found it

ambrosine x

jennifer1112 · Post by **jennifer1112** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 6:32 pm

I also suffer from high anxiety as well as anxiety attacks. The most important time to relax is during the transfer. It does not hurt - well maybe a little period cramp - but nothing that hurts to the point that you have to get upset/nervous about. The more relaxed you are during the transfer, the better chances you have of the embie sticking. I read that somewhere, but I can't remember where. Bring soft music for your I-Pod and have DH or your partner stroke your arm while you are going throught the transfer.

Good Luck Sweetie and it's normal to be anxious about IVF. iF you weren't then we should worry.

ambrosine · Post by **ambrosine** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 8:26 pm

but has anyone having bad effects from the hormones?:( anxiety, weird thoughts ect??

ambrosine x

ivf

thank you

stress relief

hormones causing panic

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