My advice to friends and family is
to take your cues from the patient. If it is unclear what the patient wants, ask them. It can be helpful to start the conversation with a statement such as, “I know you are going through a rough time. I’m not sure how to respond, but I want you to know I care and I am here any time you want to lean on me. I won’t be intrusive and ask you questions but understand that I always want to know how you are doing.”
What Can Patients Do to Help Their Rela- tionship With Their Partner? To help maintain a good relationship
and give patients something positive to look forward to, I encourage them to plan time together. The holidays can be a good time for a trip to an adult-only resort. For patients who plan to stay in town, I encourage them to fi nd something that they enjoy doing together, such as going to a movie or show. Thoughts about the treatment may persist but if the patient focuses on the show even 50 percent, that’s 50 percent not focused on treatment. It’s also good to get out of the house, even if we are not always up to it.
There may be a lot to discuss, but it is important not to allow infertility treatment to consume every discussion. I suggest patients limit their infertility discussions to 20 minutes per day, and then put it to rest. If anything else comes up, write it down for later. Tomorrow will come.
It may be hard to imagine that one day all the pain of infertility will diminish and eventually fade, but it will. If patients can take the time to care for themselves and plan for their interactions with others, the holiday season will be the best it can be under the circumstances. Most importantly, emotional well-being and relationships will be kept intact so that future holidays can be truly wonderful...
Dr. Spencer Richlin, is the Surgical Direc- tor and a Fertility Specialist in reproductive endocrinology at Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT). Richlin also holds the title, Chief of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI), in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Norwalk Hospital. He is Board Certifi ed in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility as well as Obstetrics and Gynecology.
www.NaturalNutmeg.com 21
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