Good luck! I just had my first cycle (so far, we are successful). I was scared and confused too. I watched videos on the injections, researched all the meds, and just took it one step at a time. I also did the Circle Bloom meditation series every day, and acupuncture. Take care of yourself, mentally and physically. Do what you need to keep yourself happy, and think hopeful but know it is normal to need a couple cycles. Pedialite is a great thing to stock up on. It's good to be hydrated and that helps with added nutrients. I underestimated the hydration thing and had a bad headache day 1 of injections. Other than that, it was not too bad. I did over stimm, which was not pleasant, but bearable. Over stimming is not normal, I just had the max dose of stimms because I was expected to be a poor responder but turned out to be a good responder. The first round is sort of trial and error, so even if it does not work, you learn a ton!

Good luck!!

Thanks! Great tips... especially regarding the Pedialyte & the meditation! I will absolutely do that. I've looked into acupuncture, but it likely won't benefit me, since mine is a tubal issue due to adhesions from when my appendix ruptured at age 13. That's pretty much the one thing that doesn't respond to acupuncture. Darn!

I am concerned about over stimming, mostly because I've always been on the lowest possible dose of OCPs (before TTC), and my body generally responds quickly to any kind of drug and/or hormone. Glad to hear it wasn't unbearable. Did you have to take time away from work during the over stim period, or were you ok to go about your daily activities?

I'm so glad to hear of your success, to date! I hope all goes smoothly from this point forward! :)

I did IVF in 2012 and it was successful. My little man is now 18 months old! My biggest piece of advice is write down your questions when you think of them. I would take my list of questions to my appointments and it really helped me to stay focused and also gave me reference to look back on. I would also suggest not making any big plans or commitments in the nest couple months. Just simplify your life. IVF is a big deal it takes a lot of energy, plan and time. Just try and keep other obligations and events to a minimum.

Hahaha! I write EVERYTHING down! I just can't help myself... it's my personality type.

As for keeping commitments to a minimum, I will try my darnedest, but I work a pretty busy job in higher academia. It's tough to get classes covered and it's not always possible to take days off. I know that post-retrieval & post-transfer I'll HAVE to. Though I do wish I had the luxury of taking time off because I'm not feeling well or if I have adverse side effects. Honestly, I initially thought about waiting until next May (when the academic year is over), but as everyone on this forum knows... time is of the essence. My regular Ob-Gyn & my RE both recommended I start with this next cycle, seeing as I'm over 35.

I'm also seeing a therapist who specializes in fertility issues & downloaded my IVF meditation series today.

Hi Im going to start my 1st FET once my cycle starts.. ill let you know when that happens.. most probably it will be on 4Oct2014. All the best to the both of us.

If you buy the Circle Bloom, look for a coupon code. I didn't and missed out on 40% off. Darn.

I took one day off for the retrieval, and then 2 days after transfer. My Dr is very conservative so he wanted me on 4 days bed rest. Luckily 2 days were the weekend. I thought it was kind of stupid, but being in my own little happy bubble for 4 days while implantation was taking place was a very good thing.

MRSstrong, yes, I DID find a coupon code (for only about 20% off, I think). I like the meditation series. Sadly, now I'll get to repeat the "pre-cycle" sessions for the next 2 weeks, since my cycle has been postponed. :( Oh, well. I find them helpful and I feel very mentally present but physically relaxed.

And so, again, we wait...