Jabs, Jokes, and Joy: Navigating the IVF Emotional Maze

From Tears to Triumphs

Hey, IVF adventurers! It's Amber Jean again, diving deep into the emotional whirlpool of IVF – a journey that’s as much about finding humor in the chaos as it is about navigating the highs and lows.

Stressing about stress? Been there. Worrying that every frown could be hampering my chances? Absolutely. This is where therapy became my beacon, teaching me that it's totally fine to have not-so-fine days. With bipolar disorder and recovery in my mix, learning to voice out when I’m struggling has been crucial.

Speaking of struggles, let's talk about those two-week waits. I swear my emotions were more jumbled than a Rubik’s Cube. Some weeks, therapy sessions were like my daily bread – totally necessary for survival. And the frustration of watching my husband casually enjoying his cigarettes and energy drinks while I was bombarded with a list of “don’ts” – oh boy, did I want to (lovingly) rip his face off!

But, hey, I learned to shift my focus. Couldn’t hike? Well, park walks became a new thing. It’s all about turning the “I can’ts” into “I cans” and celebrating those little wins.

Isolation, too, hit like a freight train, especially after a failed embryo transfer. Running simple errand turned into a parade of reminders of how I've failed at life – seeing a mom comfort her crying baby, a pregnant woman in front of me and behind me in the checkout line, children laughing, end of year clearance in the baby section... you name it. My therapist was added to my "favorites list" in my phone that week.

But here’s where gratitude comes in. My journey has deepened my appreciation for the people in my life. Take my sister, for instance. She became my morning sunshine, coming over to give me my shots after my second FET. Talk about finding joy in small things – she was a pro at those booty shots, and I was so grateful for not wincing in pain every morning. While that FET didn’t go as planned, I never felt alone. Those five-minute morning meetings with her were my daily dose of love and support, reminding me that no matter the outcome, I’m blessed with incredible people in my life.

Now, coping tools. Insight Timer has been my go-to app for guided meditations, sleep aids, and courses on self-acceptance. And when things get too heavy, stand-up comedy has been my laughter therapy. Mindfulness, journaling, and being proactive with therapy have been my armor against the tough times.

So, my IVF tribe, I want to hear from you. How have you managed the emotional tide? Ever wanted to (lovingly) throttle your partner? What are your small wins? Let’s share and support each other.

Remember, every little success counts – like a perfectly executed shot in the butt (thanks, sis!). We’re in this together, one laugh, one tear, one shot at a time. Sending love, laughter, and a reminder that together, we are unstoppable.