What I Wish I Knew Before Going Through IVF...
Nothing was going to stand in my way once I knew IVF was on the table. I put all worries out of my mind and took on the challenge head first. I read an enormous amount of information via the internet prior to starting my cycle. I felt ready. However, there were some challenges along the way that I wish I would’ve known ahead of time. From my experience, here are the things I wish I knew before going through IVF…
1) Regarding injections - ice your belly for 5-10 minutes prior to the injection. It really does help!
2) If you get OHSS (Ovarian Hyper-Stimulation Syndrome) even in the mildest form, you should post-pone to a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) and freeze all your embryos. If you become pregnant your situation can worsen rapidly due to the HCG being released in your body. I wish I was better prepared for a cancelled fresh cycle and freeze all with a FET cycle to be done the following month.
3) After the egg retrieval surgery, there is no such thing as drinking too much Gatorade, PowerAde or Pedialyte… whatever your electrolyte beverage of choice is, drink a ton of it. Also, sodium and protein are your best friends for the next week while you’re trying to battle or avoid OHSS. Trust me!
4) Sleep with a couple pillows propped underneath your head following your egg retrieval surgery. I wasn’t aware of doing this and I woke up the next morning with extreme nausea.
5) I underestimated the word surgery when I first heard about the egg retrieval process. Although you can’t see the incision, you are still undergoing a surgery and your body will need time to heal. Don’t expect to feel 100% the day after, it takes time to feel yourself again.
Take good care of yourself my TTC sisters and baby dust to all!
