You’re new to IVF and are having some anxiety. There is so much to remember and keep up with. This is such a big step so you want to make sure you are as prepared as possible. Here are our top tips to help you get organized and how to deal with all those injections.
Tips for Organization
Download an app.
We recommend the Ferring IVF Wheel. The Ferring IVF Wheel is FREE and offers several tools to keep you organized and on track.
Some of the app’s highlights are (Information is from the app store): “Ferring IVF Wheel is the only pregnancy wheel (gestational calculator) designed for IVF (in vitro fertilization) calculations and management. 1) Start with your known date. Ferring IVF Wheel is flexible; input any one of: • Egg Retrieval / IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) Date • Last menstrual period (LMP) • Cleavage Stage Transfer (Day 3 after ER) • Blastocyst Stage Transfer (Day 5 after ER) * EDC (Due Date) • The number of weeks and days gestation as of a given date (“X Weeks”). • Its flexibility extends to input speed. The clinic is busy, and sometimes you have two hands-free e; other times you’re on the run and just have one. Why not be able to choose based on how you are holding the phone and what else you are doing at the same time? • Use the date numeric entry pad (3 3 0 2 0 1 0 for 3/30/2010) and immediately see the results, OR • Spin the date wheel at the bottom of the screen and tap Next. 2) Get results: All the information you would expect from a standard IVF wheel, plus more: • Estimated Due Date • LMP Date • Day of β-hCG • Egg Retrieval / IUI Date • Cleavage Stage Embryo Transfer Date • Blastocyst Embryo Transfer Date • Initial β-hCG after Embryo Transfer Date • Last Progesterone Shot Date (Fresh embryo transfer) • Last Progesterone Shot Date (Frozen embryo transfer) • 1st Trimester End Date • 2nd Trimester End Date • Date range for a specific gestational week • Gestational Age • Conceptional Age • Expected Fetal Length based on standard fetal growth curves • Expected Fetal Weight based on standard fetal growth curves (“How much does my baby weigh, doctor?”) • Results are relative to ‘today’ by default; this can be quickly changed to reflect any date by tapping the ‘today’ button and selecting a new date. • Accurate results: Ferring IVF Wheel provides exact dates and accounts for all calendar variance, including leap years.”
Create a space in your home that is just for your meds
Organize them so it will be easy to grab what you need quickly. You might consider using cups, Tupperware, or a tabletop plastic drawer set to organize so things aren’t loosely laid out. Make sure your partner is aware of how you have organized so they will be able to quickly help you grab items if you are running late one day.
Get a calendar
Your Doctors office should provide you with a calendar. If not, make sure to ask for one. It needs to be very detailed. List the meds you need to be taking everyday with the dose and time they need to be taken.
Take inventory
Take an inventory of your medication once a week on the same day. That way you are always aware of how much you have left. There is nothing more stressful then realizing you are going to run out before you can restock.
Tips for Injections
- Ice the injection site
Use a small icepack to ice the injection site prior to injecting yourself. This can help to numb your skin and make it a little easier.
- Breathe
Try not to hold your breath during the injection. The best thing to do is to breathe fully and deeply. Try concentrating on something else to keep from tensing up. Try using the 7:11 breathing technique. Count your breath in for 7 seconds and your breath out for 11 seconds.
- Have an injection buddy
Having a partner to help you through your injections can do wonders. They are there for moral support, to help get your supplies ready, and offer a warm hug afterward. In the beginning, they can even give you your injections, and as time goes on you may even be up to doing it yourself.
- Switch injection sites.
Switch sides every day and try not to go too close to the other injection sites. We also recommend buying little circle or square Band-Aids instead of full-size. They will be more comfortable and won’t be as sticky. Hopefully, these tips are helpful along your IVF journey. Just remember you are not alone in your journey, there is all kinds of support out there. We invite you to be part of the Starfish Infertility Community and would love you to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.]]>
