Six hours before this photo was taken, I was sedated while having my eggs retrieved. As I settle into my rather undesirable status of an IVF veteran - now on my seventh round - I am doing and not doing the things I feel like doing more and more. At times that means I push back when my kind doctor, to whom I have grown close, (I mean how you could you not - I see him more than most of my friends and family) advises time off work to rest, or in this instance, not getting up and going out to an awards ceremony after sedation.
I’m a fellow non-trouser owner, haven’t worn any out of the house since leaving school, but I remember having to stop wearing my beloved A Line skirts to accommodate my bloat and tenderness. There is something so cruel about how it the side effects can make you look and feel pregnant- but nope!
I truly don’t feel anyone who hasn’t been there understands how IVF taints every aspect of your life. But praise be for boho chic for now!!! Xxx
Oh my, I haven't thought about this consciously, but now that you mention it, realize that I too have gravitated toward loose clothing since IVF! I don't think I've worn my one pair of skinny jeans in a year. And forget the heels. Like you, it's loose dresses, or loose linen pants (and let's not talk about the fluctuations in weight through it all). It just goes to show how IVF really does touch EVERY aspect of your life. I long for the day when I can buy maternity clothes. I desire that change. But all these changes we make just to get to the starting line, most people don't fully understand.
I remember vividly going on stage for the last day of school (I am a teacher and was a head of year then) a few hours after egg retrieval, feeling dizzy but also somehow euphoric in my lightheadedness, wearing a loose summer dress over a bloated middle covered in purplish bruises.
I love the idea of never wearing trousers again! Lucky for IVF fashion needs there are so many beautiful flowy dresses out there this summer with enough room for all sorts of tummies. Keep sharing your story, it is so healing.
I’m a fellow non-trouser owner, haven’t worn any out of the house since leaving school, but I remember having to stop wearing my beloved A Line skirts to accommodate my bloat and tenderness. There is something so cruel about how it the side effects can make you look and feel pregnant- but nope!
I truly don’t feel anyone who hasn’t been there understands how IVF taints every aspect of your life. But praise be for boho chic for now!!! Xxx
Definitely on the baggy dresses now! A client of mine asked me if I was pregnant the day of my egg transfer. 😩🤦🏾♀️
So it will be seriously baggy maxi dresses from now on...
Thank you for not only describing the emotions but also the practicalities. The messy bits need to be shared and understood.
Oh my, I haven't thought about this consciously, but now that you mention it, realize that I too have gravitated toward loose clothing since IVF! I don't think I've worn my one pair of skinny jeans in a year. And forget the heels. Like you, it's loose dresses, or loose linen pants (and let's not talk about the fluctuations in weight through it all). It just goes to show how IVF really does touch EVERY aspect of your life. I long for the day when I can buy maternity clothes. I desire that change. But all these changes we make just to get to the starting line, most people don't fully understand.
I‘m with you!
I remember vividly going on stage for the last day of school (I am a teacher and was a head of year then) a few hours after egg retrieval, feeling dizzy but also somehow euphoric in my lightheadedness, wearing a loose summer dress over a bloated middle covered in purplish bruises.
I love the idea of never wearing trousers again! Lucky for IVF fashion needs there are so many beautiful flowy dresses out there this summer with enough room for all sorts of tummies. Keep sharing your story, it is so healing.
Respect, Emma 🙌 … so, so hard… absolutely courageous to share your story. Thank you