As we wait for an adoption, Clomid, IUI, IVF or other type of cycle to begin, progress or be finalized, it can be very hard to play the waiting game. We can drive ourselves crazy with obsessing as many minutes as our minds take us there or we can distract ourselves just enough to get through each day or even each hour.
As I went through IVF, I wanted to arm myself with as much information as possible so I was constantly reading, writing on the various infertility message boards out there and trying to connect with others going through the same experiences. But when I wanted to ‘un-glue’ so to speak, I usually immersed myself into my favorite TV shows and movies. I also love to be crafty so I crocheted, did some scrapbooking, and even taught myself how to quilt. Music was also a sanctuary for me. Sometimes, if I had a few moments or hours, I would listen to my favorite tunes and just try not to think about anything at all. And mostly, I napped whenever I could.
How do you cope with the waiting game? Do you have some pretty good distractions that ease your stress and allow you some peace? Sound off and share! 
I like to unwind and de-stress by taking walks with my dogs in the evenings. Animals are great companions! I love to read, too and that can be a great distraction. Praying and reading God’s Word helps the most.
Our first IVF cycle was two years ago. We did it in Seattle so we were away from home. But it was the week of the summer Olympics so we got to watch all the events as we progressed through our egg retrieval and embryo transfer. Talk about a nice distraction. I also rely on “Friends” when I need a fun distraction – its light and funny, and keeps my mind off IF stuff. When we do our next IVF cycle (hopefully in the next 6 months), we plan to be in Seattle again, but we will have our son w/ us, so he will keep us occupied enough.
Its the stupid in between IVF cycles that drives me crazy. I have taken up a lot of craft projects, which I find very therapeutic. But the driving force getting me through the waiting time right now is our home improvement projects. There are quite a few that absolutely have to get done before another baby comes along, so my goal is to complete them before our cycle even gets underway. Not only does it occupy my waiting time, but its rewarding to fix up my house. Oh, and I am also doing a half-marathon before our next cycle. Its on my bucket list.
I baked…a LOT. And made a lot of food. I also watched a ridiculous amount of movies. And I blogged a lot. Wish I had walked more, but I was so uncomfortable that it just wasn’t happening.
I’m currently in the 2ww of a clomid + ovidrel and IUI cycle and it has gone pretty well. I planned things in advance of the IUI to busy myself. Such as:
Select and start a new book
Add a tile backsplash to my kitchen
Practice YOGA
Take time to meditate and Pray
Indulge in nice, relaxing baths and use lavendar lotion once finished before going to sleep
Learn how to applique
Work in my garden
Try a new recipe
Try a new restaurant with hubby and go on a date
And do a little retail therapy…new fall clothes anyone? I decided long ago that you can’t put your wardrobe aside on the premis of “I might be pregnant”. If it happens, so be it, return the clothes or hang on to them for a later date or wear them until you can no longer
Yep, I agree, with the above poster, check off some things on that bucket list!
Remember to treat yourself!