Just about to start IVF and wondering if Turkey day will interfere

[Anonymous]

They have me starting on BC pills in the next couple of days. I haven't yet been to the IVF class so I don't know how this works yet (going next week) but it just occurred to me my thanksgiving trip (thurs-sun Nov 22-25) may have to be cancelled. Does anyone know how all this IVF stuff works and whether it is likely I will have to cancel the trip?

Thanks for any tips!

--E

[Anonymous]

No way to know for sure this early on. Ivf interfers with life and life interferes with ivf. Good luck to you but know that you need to be somewhat flexible during this process.

[Anonymous]

Each person is different, but I was on BCP's for 19 days the first time and for 21 days the 2nd time. On the first time, I had a day 3 bloodtest and then went straight to stimming )antagonist protocol with ganirelix. I stimmed for about 12 days going in for u/s sounds every 2-3 days to start with and then every day toward the end. On the second time, I was on Lupron AFTER the BCP's and did not have my Lupron evaluation until I had been on the Lupron injections for 9 days (for a total of 30days BEFORE I had to go in and get and b/w or u/s done.) If they are starting you on BCP's, they hopefully have set up your protocol. I am with Shady Grove (I am not sure who you are with) but they were very good about emailing me my protocol - with estimated dates for everything. Obviously things change, depending on how you repond, but check with your nurse so you can get an idea of what protocol you will be on.

[Anonymous]

Thanks folks. Looks like the process varies so much from person to person its impossible to know. Darn Holidays are the worst time to be doing this in one sense but in the other, I'd rather have a baby than celebrate a holiday this year!!!!

[Anonymous]

Keep in mind too that your doctor can keep you on Lupron for a few extra days and delay stimming. Lupron suppresses ovulation and stimming is when they monitor you big time (not that you avoid appointments before stimming...) So if you want to, say, stay on Lupron for an extra week and start stimming the Sunday or Monday (or whatever you and your doctor work out), you should be able to keep your trip. I had my own stimming worked around a few trips I had planned. No harm in doing that.

[Anonymous]

Lupron gives killer headaches so you might not want to be on it a few extra days

[Anonymous]

OP, I am in the same situation, probably starting BC in the next few days as soon as my next cycle begins. My RE was totally fine with me stopping them as soon as I got back into town on Sun. Nov. 25. She said they can keep people on them indefinitely, really, until their schedule frees up.

[Anonymous]

If you're just starting BCP, it's extremely unlikely holiday travel will be an issue. You may start stims before your trip, but if you're RE is flexible about monitoring it shouldn't be a problem.

[Anonymous]

If you talk to your IVF nurse/care provider they should be able to work around your schedule. I did two cycles to get our DD, with a lot of traveling overseas for work through both of them.

[Anonymous]

You should be fine!

[Anonymous]

Talk to your RE as soon as possible and make sure he/she/your nurse knows your travel schedule. As previous posters mentioned, they can tweak your protocol so that you don't have any procedures during travel - but the more notice they have, the better. They are usually VERY willing to work with your schedule.

I agree with the previous poster that life interferes with IVF - but there are lots of ways to minimize the inconvenience (believe me, I've been doing this for long enough that I should know....)

GL to all.

[Anonymous]

PP here. I meant IVF interferes with life... though it does sometimes seem like IVF is the primary, life is the secondary concern!

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks so much everyone! Really super helpful responses. I am glad I can do both