For me, it's definitely taken longer than I thought it would. As Julia'sMom said - testing took a couple cycles (initial work-up followed by CD3 bloodwork), then we found out I had uterine polyps so those had to be removed and everything has to be timed with your cycle so that was another month and then a couple months to recover from that (I also had some scar tissue removed at the same time). By then time you get started on the meds, it's around 6 weeks before egg retrieval (depending on what protocol you're given) as long as you don't encounter any detours along the way.
I would suggest hope for the best and plan for detours, that way if all goes as planned, great and if it doesn't, it's not the end of the world. I would also suggest once you start the meds, only have protected sex (as in a condom). I conceived on the pill while doing lupron shots and while it was great while it lasted, the meds I was on were designed to do other things than sustain a pregnancy and we knew within 3 days that my hormone levels weren't rising like they should be. We've lost 2 cycles now waiting for my hcg levels to drop enough to start again.
As Julia's Mom said, it's definitely a marathon. I encourage you to get lots of self-care strategies in place if you don't already have one - for me that's included a therapist, massage therapist, craniosacral therapist, acupuncture, bodytalk, Heart Math, knitting, etc. a couple forums, and a few close friends/family. Think of it as if you're going to climb Mt. Everest and you're not sure what the weather is going to be like - could be a piece of cake, could be difficult. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
