My Thoughts on Hitting the Mother Load of Sharp Pointy Objects

October 18, 2009

By Melissa Moog, Itsabelly Founder & CEO Mama

I'm not going to sugar coat anything about the injections I had to go through during IVF. I HATED them. Not to mention the meds injected into you cost several thousands of dollars! Sorry to any of you who are about to go through the shots but if you want to know what to expect I'll be sharing my personal insights here. I was basically poked with a needle almost 60 times for two weeks excluding acupuncture needles. Yes, I subjected myself to more needles in acupuncture too. I figured I might as well become a well used pin cushion and face sharp pointy objects with vigor!

I think the worst part of IVF for me was surrendering your body to the Needle Gods and the unforgiving hormones primarily because you have NO control over what is happening to your body once you commit to the treatment. Ok, maybe you have a little of control but really that's not how you feel in reality when you know you've spent several thousand of dollars for the meds that need to be injected and there's no way around it! You have to go in with your mind open and your eyes closed (closing my eyes during my injections eased my pain)! Having a supportive partner is also VERY important and if he or she can't give you the shots then find a good buddy or relative that can! I think that this process for Randy & I has brought us closer (& I'm serious!) - who would have thought I would be so grateful to my hubby for sticking it to me! :) My reason for suggesting this is that it's hard enough that you have to give your body up to the needles let alone having to do it yourself. And you know for some reason I think giving a shot to yourself would be much more painful than having someone else do it.

I'm now in the last phase of IVF where I'm only getting one shot, Progesterone a night for the next month or so. We implanted last Friday. This shot basically helps the uterine environment be in the best possible state for the embryos to survive in. It's better than the 2 shots I was getting in the AM and the 2 in the PM but I warn you it's a bigger needle. Luckily it's given in your buttock so you don't have to see it but you definitely feel it. Icing it helps numb it for sure! The funny thing is your partner has to massage the area where your shot was given so you get a nice butt massage every night (no joke)! It's nice the IVF treatment can add some comical moments to the process, isn't it!? :)

So my advice on preparing yourself for the mother load of injections is:

• First, ACCEPT that you have to go through the treatment completely both mentally & emotionally otherwise it will be a battle. You have to give in, don't fight it if a baby is what you truly want!
• Try to find someone to do them for you, preferably your partner.
• Ice the area beforehand and ice it afterwards.
• Apply some pressure with a cotton ball after the shot is done to relieve any bleeding. Bleeding is minor so don't be afraid!
• Think positive thoughts please. I had a small fertility statue I bought and would look at photos of my daughter. PSYCH yourself out, it helps!
• Relax afterwards and treat yourself to something nice like a cup of your fave tea & a movie or do something fun like a girl's night out - anything to get your mind off IVF!
• Last but not least, be amazed at what medical technology can do for people who want to conceive a child but can't. Giving birth is a miracle, babies are miracles (if you have a child feel blessed and cherish every moment)!