Carmel's Story

We love making a real difference to people's lives. Carmel had been trying to conceive for many years before joining The IVF Project. She shares her story here...

What prompted you to join?

I joined the IVF Project as I was lost, I was scared that if I exercised too much I would reduce my chances of success, my routine of exercise was destroyed as a result of being told not to get hot and sweaty in the two week wait and not knowing exactly what this meant. As a result my weight had ballooned over the course of 4 years of trying to conceive.   One nurse would say don't swim, another would say its fine and I would always forget to ask my doctor (really I felt a little silly not knowing what type of exercise was ok).  So when I was talking to a friend she suggested The IVF Project. 
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Why did you choose The IVF Project over other options? 

I had tried a personal trainer, and he was great but really didn't understand the complexities of working out, endometriosis and IVF.  I was starting to read some info about IVF and exercise and had come across an article by Dr Kitic about a week before The IVF Project was recommended.  It was really the first time I felt someone would understand and was trained to support women in my situation.
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Has being a member met your expectations?

I don't think I utilised all aspects of the Project.  My partner did not get on board and I really only focused on the exercise side of things.  But in terms of the exercise programs created for me, I found that they were well suited - hard enough that I was gaining muscle and loosing some weight, without leaving me feeling like I could not succeed.  Any time I contacted Dr Kitic I had prompt, supportive responses.  The reminders to exercise and the videos of the workouts were great - I needed both at the beginning, until exercise became a part of my routine again.  Also the recipe for protein balls was a hit - so simple!
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Where are you currently at in your fertility journey?

After 5 years of trying to conceive, 8 cycles of IVF we are expecting our first baby on 16th August this year.   ​

Do you feel that you have been given a greater advantage to conceive by being a member ?

The IVF Project gave me the confidence to exercise again after my second endometriosis operation (and throughout the lead up and recovery of my third op also).  Through the support of The IVF project I stopped second guessing if what I was doing (or not doing) was counter productive to the IVF process. 
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If someone asked you "Do you think it's worth becoming a member of The IVF Project" what would you say?

YES!!! I could not recommend it more strongly.  It gave me confidence, made me feel informed about what I should be doing and when in a cycle - info that is not easy to find. The app is easy to use and the tailor made exercise plans don't require any equipment and can be done in your own home. 

Thank you for your support- your work is invaluable for someone like me who was lost and beginning to question whether it would ever happen for us. 

​Carmel​

We hope to help you on your journey too!