Started Lupron 10/31...anyone on same cycle?

Discussion forum for those particularly interested in IVF and embryo transfer including frozen embryo transfer.
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4ourbaby
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Posts: 93
Joined: Sun May 06, 2007 9:56 pm
Location: NY

Post by 4ourbaby »

Hi Girls!

We got back late last night from our little trip and I have been trying to catch up on our message board! I am so glad that so many people have decided to join in...already I am feeling better about this whole cycle!

I'll apologize in advance for a long post...I feel like I have so much catching up to do :)

First, a big welcome to babY0807, LAIVF, and Odie...thanks for joining!

Well, my husband and I had a wonderful time together celebrating our anniversary. Thank you for all the well wishes! And wouldn't you know that AF decided to arrive Day 1 of our trip??? Go figure.

I was on Lupron for 9 days when AF came. While I didn't have a lot of cramping, I do have a VERY heavy flow, which I didn't expect. But I think it may have something to do with the chemical pregnancy last month.

I'm a little upset with my doctor's office right now. Usually, they are great. But this past week I got 3 different answers from 3 different people/nurses about what my next steps were. This IVF cycle is our priority and if we thought going away would delay us at all, we most certainly would not have gone away.

The first time I spoke to someone, they told me to start Lupron on 10/31, call when AF started, and go to the office on 11/13. When we were thinking of going away for 2 nights, I called the office to find out when I would need to go back in after AF started. Someone called back and said I would need to go in on 11/9. This didn't sound right to me, so I called back to speak to the head nurse. In her exact words, she told me to "go enjoy myself" and not worry about anything. They can't tell me when to come in until AF starts. She also said that unless AF started on 11/6, I would NOT have to go in on 11/9. I called the office on 11/8 to say AF came that day. Then, when we came back home late on 11/9, there was a message on our machine that we were supposed to be at the office the morning of 11/9!! Of course, now it is the weekend and I can't reach anybody. So I am really upset because I feel like I was cleared to go and now it seems like I missed an appointment. Aaaarrrrggghhh! It's so frustrating! So, we are just going to show up on Monday and see what they say.

Anyway, I'm going to try to respond to a few of the questions I read.

We have not started accupuncture yet, but I had gone once before in between cycles. The accupuncturist was very positive and fully believes that this can help during the cycle. So we are going to try to go once/twice a week for this cycle.

Re: Lupron delaying AF. I asked the nurse and she said "yes"...Lupron can definitely delay a cycle...it's nothing to worry about.

itsgottawork: I believe we will be doing ICSI again. I am 35 and have had several miscarriages, 2 ectopic pregnancies, 1 BFN IVF, 1 BFP IVF with a chemical preganancy/miscarriage at 5 weeks. So I think they are going to be doing everything they can to improve success rates.

As for your questions:

1: I'm not sure how many embryos they will transfer. My first cycle they did 5 and my FET they did 3. My medications are different for this cycle. I will be on Repronex and Follistim. I have been lucky enough to respond very well to all the meds, so this time they said they are going to try to get fewer but better quality eggs. We are also going to do a 5 day blastocyst transfer versus the 3 day transfer I had the last two times. I think when they do it at 5 days, they transfer fewer embryos. I think the minimum they will do is 2.

2: I take my Lupron in the thigh, alternating daily.

3: I have never used the pen type shots. I've already received my Repronex and Follistim and those are regular needles also. I was also told that these injections would be intramuscular like the progesterone shots...ugh! Those are painful!

I guess that's enough information for now! Sorry you guys had to read these monster of a message! I'm just glad to be back! :)
Me 36; DH 35
3 natural M/Cs, 1 IUI, 2 ectopics, lost both tubes, endometriosis
12/05: 1st IVF, BFN :(
9/07: FET, chemical
11/07: 2nd IVF, BFN :(
2/08: endometrioma removed
4/08: 3rd IVF, BFP :) but beta only 34 :(
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babY0807
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Joined: Wed Nov 07, 2007 8:44 pm

Post by babY0807 »

AF finally arrived. Nice and crampy. yeah! I have an appt. monday so I hope to start stims on Monday night. I am an overplanner so I keep trying to pinpoint the day of everything- I may be driving myself crazy.

4our baby: does you clinic have a pager number that you can call. They need to see you on day 3 of AF. Your first day 11/8 may not count depending on how light it was. Day 1 should be your first full flow day. I would call the office and page the on call person. maybe they can U/S you today and check your labs. I know that I was told to page them when AF started.
4ourbaby
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Posts: 93
Joined: Sun May 06, 2007 9:56 pm
Location: NY

Post by 4ourbaby »

babY0807: I think that if I call the office, the answering service would page the on-call doctor. I thought about doing that, but I didn't want to be a pain since the nurse had told me not to come in on Friday. Do you think I made a big mistake? I was planning on going in tomorrow. That would be Day 5 of my cycle.

Thanks for the advice :)
Me 36; DH 35
3 natural M/Cs, 1 IUI, 2 ectopics, lost both tubes, endometriosis
12/05: 1st IVF, BFN :(
9/07: FET, chemical
11/07: 2nd IVF, BFN :(
2/08: endometrioma removed
4/08: 3rd IVF, BFP :) but beta only 34 :(
dancinnancy
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Posts: 73
Joined: Sun Oct 14, 2007 3:28 pm
Location: New York

Post by dancinnancy »

Odie-
Right there with ya! I started Lupron on 10/27 & no AF yet! Arghh! I feel cramps, but Af is a no show! It's good to know we're in the same boat.
LAIVF
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Joined: Fri Nov 09, 2007 2:33 am

Post by LAIVF »

Hey girls!

Quick ? to all of ya'll - has anyone been extremely uncomfortable during intercouse? Not sure if this is part of it.....due to the stimulation meds. I was extremely dry and it felt like my ovaries were about to bust.....

I'm not even sure if we are supposed to be doing this at during this time.....the nurses didn't say anything about this subject.

Help :)!!!!
laivf
itsgottawork
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Posts: 129
Joined: Tue Nov 06, 2007 5:13 pm
Location: Massachusetts

Post by itsgottawork »

Hello Ladies!
Thanks so much to everyone for answering my questions. It really does help to get answers and see that I am not the only one going through this.
Stephanievt97 - how is it going with your stims? I hear you about begging for 2 to be transferred. It sounds like we are in the same boat and I am so hoping for 2!!!
Tina - You have given me hope about the gonal-f pens! Now it is just a matter of waiting to get to start them.
LAIVF - I am definitely drier since this started. Right now, I had been attributing it to AF coming as I tend to dry up a little before that. My protocol required us to use a condom after AF so that we definitely weren't pregnant before taking Lupron. That's a question I have for the nurse to know if one is still required. It is kind of a hassle. :)
4ourbaby - that's great that you enjoyed anniversary trip! It is nice to get away but how irritating to get that message from the nurse when you got back. Sometimes I think these people don't realize that while they are dealing with many of us, this is our one and only focus and we need to know exactly what needs to be done for us! UGH@#$!
I hope all works out today and that they were able to see you and assure you that it wasn't critical for you to get there at that time. It sounds like no one's treatment is the same. I am waiting for AF and have an appt for Friday for bloodwork and u/s. They said that I should have AF before then but they don't care what day I get it as long as I have some evidence of it before Friday. They said light spotting counted. So, I don't think the exact date matters that much and hopefully you will hear that from them today.
That said, I completely agree with babY0807 about being an overplanner and trying to pinpoint the day of everything. It is driving me crazy not knowing the exact date that everything is going to happen! I know I shouldn't get too worked up about it but it does get to me! (Congrats on getting AF by the way!)
Good luck to Odie and dancinnancy on getting AF soon!

Good luck to everyone!!!
babY0807
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Joined: Wed Nov 07, 2007 8:44 pm

Post by babY0807 »

Hi Everyone,
I had my U/S today and I start my stims tommorrow. I am on 5 amps of Menopur which is tons. I guess they aren
t worried about OHSS. 4 our baby- what did you find out?
4ourbaby
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Posts: 93
Joined: Sun May 06, 2007 9:56 pm
Location: NY

Post by 4ourbaby »

Hi Girls!

Thanks for responding! I called the office first thing this morning to explain what happened and they acted like it was no big deal. They told me just to come in today. So that was great...but at the same time, I'm annoyed. They didn't apologize and offered no explanation as to why that would happen. The nurse almost sounded annoyed with me for even bringing it up!

I agree with you, itsgottawork, I don't think they always realize how we want to know everything! I think they say the same things so many times to so many patients that they leave things out or forget what they've said to who!

Anyway, I had bloodwork and ultrasound today. I go back to the doctor on Friday 11/16 and should start stimulation meds that day. I think it is the Follistim I will be starting.

How is everyone else holding up? I am soooo swollen from the Lupron!

Good luck!
Me 36; DH 35
3 natural M/Cs, 1 IUI, 2 ectopics, lost both tubes, endometriosis
12/05: 1st IVF, BFN :(
9/07: FET, chemical
11/07: 2nd IVF, BFN :(
2/08: endometrioma removed
4/08: 3rd IVF, BFP :) but beta only 34 :(
LAIVF
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Posts: 36
Joined: Fri Nov 09, 2007 2:33 am

Post by LAIVF »

Hey girls!

Ok, so I am just catching up on the post as well.

Odie & Dancinancy - have you guys started AF yet?

4ourbaby & baby0807 - how are the stims going so far?

I am on day 5 of stims, I feel pretty good so far. I have a little pooch in my stomach, but I think that is from my ovaries swelling. On the 3rd day of stims the ultrasound showed 4 mature eggs so far so we are doing really good on the meds. Go again to the doctor tomorrow for another ultrasound and bloodwork and speak to our actual doctor. I have a feeling he is setting the actual date for ER.

Saying praying for everyone :)!
4ourbaby
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Posts: 93
Joined: Sun May 06, 2007 9:56 pm
Location: NY

Post by 4ourbaby »

LAIVF: That is so exciting!!! 4 mature eggs already...yeah! I'm so happy that it is going well!

I haven't started the stims yet...should be Friday. I just can't wait to get this show on the road! I so badly want to be pregnant by Christmas. It's been 5 long years!!!!

Let us know how it goes at the doctor's tomorrow. I hope you see more eggs! I'll keep praying!
Me 36; DH 35
3 natural M/Cs, 1 IUI, 2 ectopics, lost both tubes, endometriosis
12/05: 1st IVF, BFN :(
9/07: FET, chemical
11/07: 2nd IVF, BFN :(
2/08: endometrioma removed
4/08: 3rd IVF, BFP :) but beta only 34 :(
itsgottawork
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Posts: 129
Joined: Tue Nov 06, 2007 5:13 pm
Location: Massachusetts

Post by itsgottawork »

Hi Folks!
LAIVF - Congratulations on the eggs! And, that is terrific that you are meeting with the dr and will soon have an ER date!!!
So much of this process is waiting for the next step! I am excited someone on this thread is so close to ER!! I think it makes the wait easier.
4ourbaby - I am glad it worked out with at the dr's on Monday but said that you still had to deal with their attitude. I guess it is one more thing to put behind you. What a pain. Great news that you are back on Friday to soon be on stims! We are on the same schedule. I got AF last night and will be going to the dr on Friday to hopefully find out I'll be starting stims that night or Saturday. :)

Good Luck to all!
4ourbaby
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Posts: 93
Joined: Sun May 06, 2007 9:56 pm
Location: NY

Post by 4ourbaby »

itsgottawork: I am glad everything worked out ok too. Phew! Actually, the doctors and nurses are all very nice...it's really just this one "head nurse" that is kind of abrupt when she talks to you. But I'm really happy with my doctors and that's all that matters.

Congratulations on your AF! Haha! Yeah...I hope we get to start our stims together. Do you know what you'll be taking?

Baby Dust!
Me 36; DH 35
3 natural M/Cs, 1 IUI, 2 ectopics, lost both tubes, endometriosis
12/05: 1st IVF, BFN :(
9/07: FET, chemical
11/07: 2nd IVF, BFN :(
2/08: endometrioma removed
4/08: 3rd IVF, BFP :) but beta only 34 :(
itsgottawork
Regular
Posts: 129
Joined: Tue Nov 06, 2007 5:13 pm
Location: Massachusetts

Post by itsgottawork »

4ourbaby - I agree. While good bedside manner/attiude is nice, it is so much more important to have confidence in the drs themselves.
For stims, I will be taking 5 units of Lupron in the morning (I am currently on 10 units a day) and in the evening I will be doing Gonal-F shots.
At some point I'll be taking what seems like a bunch of pills but I think that is between ER and transfer. I only know the next step right now and my info is at home. :?
What are you going to be taking?
dancinnancy
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Posts: 73
Joined: Sun Oct 14, 2007 3:28 pm
Location: New York

Post by dancinnancy »

Yahoooo! AF arrived full force today! I've never been so happy start her - I started the Lupron way back on 10/27.
I have my u/s and bloodwork Friday morning & if all goes well I guess I might start Gonal-F that evening. It looks like we are all right around one another - itsgottawork & 4ourbaby!

4ourbaby - I know what you're saying about wanting to have news for Christmas, I really hope it works for us... all of us! I just have such a good feeling about this!
Baby dust to all!
stephanievt97
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Posts: 43
Joined: Mon Oct 08, 2007 12:16 pm

Post by stephanievt97 »

1st day of stims went fine last night....took about 20 minutes because we wanted to take it slow and make sure we did every step correctly! I go the RE Friday am to see how I'm progressing.

LAIVF- hope you get to find out a ER date!
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