We all have those moments, when we have a turning point in life. Whether it is achieving a job promotion, illness or loss of a loved one, ticking something big off your bucket list or finally bringing home a much wanted baby. It’s an event that changes you forever.
I had one of those moments last year. I lost a friend to brain cancer and then swam solo across the English Channel to raise money for Brain Cancer Research. I was successful in my attempt and staggered onto French sand 14hrs and 44mins after diving into the icy water off the English coast.
You are probably wondering what on earth this has to do with IVF. Once the swim was completed I started looking at going back to work as a nurse and was lucky enough to get a job as an IVF Nurse Coordinator. Working within the IVF community I started to see similarities in the principles of preparing for an ultra-marathon and a life altering event such as undergoing fertility treatment.
There are 3 critical components in preparing for a marathon.
1. Physical training
2. Assembling an expert team to help along the journey
3. Developing positive mindset and encouraging self-talk
With IVF the first 2 steps are relatively straight forward and can include maintaining good health with a healthy, well balanced diet and regular exercise.
Finding the right team to help you along the way is absolutely critical. The team must provide a holistic approach to your care. At Bulk Bill IVF we maintain at all times that your emotional and physical needs are met. Success rates and recommendations are very important, effective communication is non-negotiable. Staff are supportive, understanding, happy to answer your questions and strive to effectively prepare you for all components of your treatment.
IVF is tough. We all know that. But what if we could make a few small changes to help us cope with the strains associated with the rollercoaster of fertility treatment.
During my swim across the channel, my crew had a cardinal rule that I’m never told how far to go or how long it will take, because we don’t know how far it is. What’s going to happen to you between this point and that point what’s going to happen with the weather and the tides. I just had to stay in the moment and keep swimming until I ran out of water.
Fertility patients may find it helpful to try and stay in the moment. Take each day as it comes and expect a few obstacles along the way. Positive self-talk can be invaluable when it comes to self-injecting, scans and procedures. Your inner voice can be best ally or your worst enemy. Be kind and praise yourself on how far you have come on your journey.
Attempting fertility treatment is a strong and courageous act. No matter what the outcome of your IVF cycle may be, you have taken charge of your life and dreams. That is something to be very proud of.