Everyone says that infertility is a roller coaster. In fact, I specifically referenced IVF as a “crazy roller coaster ride” when I pitched Ordinary Miracles, my new memoir, to Hollywood executives. Well, here is my analogy (written for The Analogy Project).

Ever stand on line to get on a roller coaster? A ride that looks really fun, one everyone has been talking about? And then, as you trudge through the metal aisles and the line bends inside a tall structure, you realize the wait is a lot longer than you thought it would be. Your palms get sweaty, you get a little shaky, and the anxiety builds. You can’t see the ride or where it takes you but you can hear the screams through the walls. It terrifies you but still, you wait. You know it will be worth it in the end. When you finally get up to the front of the line, you are exhausted, mentally and physically. Now as you climb in, you put on your seat belt and wait some more. The car begins to take you into an intense labyrinth. You’re thrown from left to right, around this turn and that one. Suddenly, you’re thrust upside down and you feel like you’re going to vomit. Sometimes, you feel like your floating.  You feel giddy inside, not only by how much fun the ride is, but how fun life can be. Then, with a few more twists and turns that aren’t what you expected, you come to the end of the ride with satisfaction that you made it through. It was scary, thrilling, and exhilarating all at the same time. But, was it worth it?

Well, when you’re riding the TTC roller coaster, it can be just as thrilling. But for some of us, the line to get on the ride is a lot longer than it is for others. You could also have several bumps that can take you off the line like not having enough money to ride. And, then the ride itself can be quite a story….

Here is a roller coaster to match each stage of IVF:

•  Preparation for IVF (the injection class, seminars, papers to sign, medicines to order, and all the blood-work) : Batman the Ride @ Six Flags ~ In this ride, the floor literally comes away and your feet are left dangling all around and even up-side down. When your feet are grounded in your life, your partnership/marriage, you’re happy. But starting an IVF cycle is like loosing that footing and it’s unsettling and frightening.
• The suppression (usually the stage of Birth Control Pills and/or Lupronn injections): Batman and Robin The Chiller (*This ride is no longer at Six Flags in NJ.) This ride has a countdown that signals the car to shoot out of the tiny building and straight up while twisting you all around and inverting you, only to stop at the very top and then go back down on the same path in reverse! It can feel like you’re going backwards when you start taking the one pill you thought you’d never need while trying to have a baby. This ride was so scary and heart pounding. I remember feeling that and more when my husband started my first of many injections and the hormones coursed through my body.
• The Stimming Phase (the time to inject hormones that stimulate follicles to grow, lots and lots of follicles): Big Thunder Mountain Railroad @ Disney World ~ this is a very fast moving train on a rickety track. It’s quite a bumpy ride which is exactly what stimming is like. You may not like each dip and turn, and when it’s over, you might feel a little sick to your stomach.
• The Retrieval and Transfer (where they take your eggs, fertilize them and transfer the embryos back in): Space Mountain @ Disney World ~ This futuristic ride really takes you on quite a trip in the dark. You’re not sure of the turns, the tunnels, or where you’ll go next. Well, the ER and ET are each just as emotional but also so scientifically advanced, you may feel privileged to be a part of it.
• Waiting for pregnancy results: Kingda Ka @ Six Flags in NJ ~ This ride goes from 0 to 128 mph in 3.5 seconds!  And the scariest part is the waiting in line before you get propelled. You’re already strapped in the ride, not able to get off and you’re forced to stare at the people in the cars in front of you go as they scream their heads off toward the 90 degree climb. Yes, anxiety is quite heightened for this ride and I would say it is the best analogy for the 2WW after an IVF cycle.
• 

  Nitro Roller Coaster at Six Flags

  Getting a positive pregnancy test (the finale): Nitro @ Six Flags in NJ ~ This ride has pretty steep cliffs (reaching 230 feet in the air). At the top, you actually feel weightless for a moment and it is an incredible feeling! This is exactly what it feels like to finally be pregnant after all the stress of an IVF cycle.
  
  
  

*Sadly, if you get different results, (and that has happened to me four times), you have to head back on that very long line and start all over again….

My best advice: Have a roller coaster buddy to share the experience with if you can (even if it’s a virtual friend!)