The emotional toll of IVF

I feel like I could have written that. Felt it right fit in the feels!!! Our first retrieval gave us only 4 embryos that didn’t make it to blast, so none were frozen and the two cleavage-stage we transferred were unsuccessful. Our second retrieval we were so excited about because they got 21 eggs, 8 made it to embryo. I thought it was worth all the pain that round caused me. Then only one made it to blast and that was a punch to the gut. Then genetic testing came back as “highly recommend not to transfer” and it was a second blow. I feel like all we get is bad news. It’s hard not to start taking it personally, to not question everything you thought you knew. We will do another retrieval but it’s getting more difficult to stay positive and not feel like we have a black cloud over us all the time.

Hello @paddingtonk,

IVF is an all-consuming, often lonely process and needs an enormous emotional commitment. I know this is easier said than done, but try and look at it from this perspective: You’ve been through the worst part of the process!
Stay strong and have hope - things happen when you least expect it.

I hear you. I hope the next retrieval is the one that works. I think staying positive helps.

Good morning. Emotions are huge in this process.... I knew that it would be but not to the extent they played out. My past with endometriosis greatly affected our outlook going into IVF. After I had a laparoscopy in February of 2019 my egg reserve dropped dramatically. For my age it is considered low. Where the emotions really got to me was the initial meeting to sign consent forms and being told that not only were there signs that endometriosis was back but that we would be lucky to get 4 eggs. As you know, you need a minimum of 4 measurable eggs in order to proceed with the retrieval so I think the emotions there kicked into high gear. I was scared we would do all of this and not even be retrieving. I felt like my body had failed me, that I had possible done something wrong in this whole entire process to be dealt that hand at 32 years old. For me, I turned to my faith and prayed like crazy. What else do you do?

I so badly want to turn to my faith but I’ve been struggling with feeling like I’ve lost it. I’m very angry and I take it out on God (I know he can handle it). But I’m generally just pissed at everything. I can still feel positive going into new rounds because I *DO* still have hope, but a lot of anger too. To cope I listen to music (the louder the better!), podcasts, I read, I travel, I surround myself with friends that make me laugh, I spend a lot of time outdoors (Duluth is good for that!). It doesn’t “work” all the time but it helps pass the time and distract and as you all know, there is a lot of empty time to pass in IVF.

Guess who finally figured out her account password? THIS GIRL! Apparently if you attempt too many times, you get locked out of your account for 15 minutes and by the time the 15 min was up, I already moved on to the next thing. But not this time! This time I got that password down!

ANYWAYS... I really struggled with my faith during this process too. It is tough to see God as "good" when you are dealing with devastating news - like egg retrieval (@loren12), BFNs, or just all the emotional and physical tolls of taking all the pills and injections. I would tell myself that I would still believe in him no matter the result in the days leading up to any procedure, md appt, or other event, but once the news hit, it was hard to see God at all through the pain. For coping, I found distraction to be particularly helpful. Doing activities like @minnesotamrsa said or other activities that reminded me of "me" or the "good" in life really helped. Also, I have to admit, having an animal like a dog really helps the loneliness and the emotions. It is hard to cry when they keep trying to lick your face or have a squeaker toy and want to play fetch.

... on another note...

With all this emotional junk, when do you think it is time to see a therapist? Like what is everyone's threshold? If anyone has saw a therapist, did you find it helpful?

@abcdefghi I started seeing a therapist this summer and it was one of the best decisions I have made! It has been a safe place to talk, cry, share frustrations, disappointments, feelings about those around me and how I handle interactions with those around me during this time. I think talking to a third party person can be extremely beneficial. I will say tho.... as helpful as it is, unless your therapist has gone thru this process, it still pays off immensely to have people who truly get what you’re going thru to lean into as well. I have found I need both.

It is so difficult to not get angry. After the death of my son, I felt I could either get angry or learn to carry that grief with dignity. For me, I didn’t want to turn into a bitter, angry person and that can be a slippery slope. I rely on my husband a lot. He’s going through all the same things I am. I can let him know how I feel like I am a failure because it’s my body that is letting us down. And some days I have to go to a higher power and say that I think this is one of the times I need to be carried for a little bit. I tend to feel a bit lighter after.

Having your perspective is a gift. I’m really glad you are here to share it!