Help - This is all new to me!

[LC]

Hi - going for my first appt on Saturday. It's happened so quickly...op etc showed severe Endometriousis (strange cos I don't have any problems!!!) and because as the consultants says "I don't have time on my hands" - cheek, I am 39!!!!.....we have opted for IVF.
Although I have known some friends go through this, I really don't know what to expect. I have read lots of other threads and know that it's going to be a very emotional time. We both feel that this is a very positive move but also know we have to be realistic. Have been reading about Acupuncture and Hypnotherapy with IVF......anyone have any experience???
Any other helpful tips girls?????

[Dolly]

Hi there, welcome to the board.

You're right - it is a very emotional time - but you're in good company here - the girls are a great support.

I am about to start my 3rd cycle and have my first hypnotherapy session on Saturday - so I'll let you know how I get on. I spoke to the hypnotherapist for a long while the other night and she reckons it will help me overcome my fear of injections and also remain stress free which at times (especially during the dreaded 2ww) can be difficult.

Good luck with your appointment on Saturday - let us know how you get on.

Dolly

[DebraP]

Hi, you're a year younger than me so don't let your consultant get to you with age gibes!

Welcome to the board. There isn't a thing you could want to know that someone won't have experiences of - sadly. Between us we've done the lot!

I'm on tmt 4, which will sadly end tomorrow with confirmation of a negative result. BUT....I'm already planning and thinking positively about No.5 which will be in September. To date, I've had 2 IVFs (the 1st of which was successful) and 2 FETs. Planning and getting ready really helps psychologically. If you're not sure how quickly everything is going to happen for you both, you might want to start a pre-tmt regime sooner vs. later. Both stop/cut right down on drinking, reduce caffeine intake to just a couple of cups a day, lose weight if necessary, change your diet (or take supplements), I've not read it but I know lots of people like Zita West's advice on male and female nutritional preparation.

Good luck with the apt. on Saturday.
Debra.

[LC]

Coffee/tea etc, no problem as I only drink herbal teas and lots of water...........but ALCOHOL!!!!! - Oh dear????? It's amazing how much terminology I am going to have to learn...DH, FET, OHSS - it's a minefield!

[Dagny]

Hi there LC

Welcome to the site. The terminology is easy once you know what they mean I will give you some examples.

DH/DP/DF - Dear Husband/Dear Partner/Dear Fiance
EC - Egg Collection
ET - Embryo Transfer
TMT - Treatment
BFP - Big Fat Positive
BFN - Big Fat Negative
PMA - Positive Mental Attitude
OHSS - Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
FET - Frozen Embryo Transfer
HPT - Home Pregnancy Test
DI - Donor Insemination
DE - Donor Egg
PG - Pregnant - Hopefully one day

I hope I haven't missed any but someone will say I am sure.

The whole IVF thing is a real rollercoaster but there are so many of us who come back for more each time it can't be THAT bad. I am on my 4th TMT now with EC tomorrow and it's been a total nightmare 4 years for me as you can see from my sig at the bottom but I won't give up.

I have had reflexology which has been amazing and I had booked in to have acupuncture but my fertility team wouldn't let me as I was half way through my TMT and they didn't think it was wise at that stage but I think it's good to have it in the run up to TMT. I had a session of hypnotherapy last week to keep me focused and positive and I think it's worked although I was told there wouldn't be any immediate effects as I wasn't being cured for something like smoking etc. I have felt positive so I suppose it has done some good. It should do it flipping cost enough

There is such a great support network on here if there are any questions you need anwered there will always be someone with one.

Best of luck

Love Dagny xkx