Ovariam Hyperstimulation

[sugabeanzs]

I have PCOS and am currently on IVF treatment (lupron, menopur, brovelle). I have been on the meds for 11 days thus far and have prob 6 more days on them? I have NUMEROUS eggs inside of me and am really worried about OHSS. The Dr. told me today at my appt. that this can only happen once the HCG shot is given to make me ovulate. I have looked up what the condition is all about and whatnot but it still makes me nervous that I have a higher risk for this complication. Has anyone here had this before? Any information that will put me at ease a little? I am on metformin which is said to help a little but who knows. Can a pregnancy still happen if this occurs? I am 23 years of age thus another risk for this complication. Anyone out here had this before or know anything that can help?

[caligirl]

Hi, I'm new to this site. I just underwent first cycle of IVF and had BFP on 12/26/07. I started having OHSS symptoms (bloating, nausea, fatigue) on 12/24/07 while at work and this happened after my day 5 transfer on the 18th. I was totally fine up until then. Anyways, symptoms got worse, had 2.5 liters of fluid removed from my abdomen last friday. Gained almost 10 pounds. I probably still have liters of fluid inside me after the tap, but feeling little better now. I'm 5 weeks pregnant, still bloated and 7 lbs over my baseline. My RE said I have severe OHSS....can anyone let me know how long OHSS lasts, how long does this bloating lasts. My RE thinks I should start feeling much better in 3-4 days.

[Ghost]

Since you are already on Lupron, there is really no practical alternative other than hCG for triggering your ovulation. If you were on an antagonist, then you could use Lupron for the trigger. This would induce a surge of natural LH from your pituitary, mature the eggs, and then fade quickly (LH and hCG are nearly identical molecules, but hCG lasts MUCH longer).

Your doctor is correct in that OHSS occurs only after the hCG trigger shot. Some thousands of applications of agonist triggers (like Lupron) in high responders have turned up not one report yet of severe OHSS. It's an hCG thing. Oh well.

Yes, pregnancy can occur with OHSS. In fact, they tend to go hand in hand, as the hCG from the embryo can continue or even worsen OHSS.

The key predictor of OHSS is the follicle count. Under about 20 follicles the risk is not so bad. Above 30 or 40, and the risk is very high. Again, that's only after an hCG trigger.

Good luck to you.

[sugabeanzs]

I am not sure how long it lasts. Glad that you got pregnant though! I have read that in some cases they have to abort the baby but that does not sound like your case which is GREAT! I am glad to know that someone has had this before and gotten preggo still at the same time. Hopefully I do not get it but if I do I know the symptoms.

Hopefully this goes away for you soon! Did you have the HCG trigger or Lupron?

[caligirl]

I got HCG trigger, I had 32 follicles and 21 fertilized. I'm still drinking a lot of gatorade. Lemonade really helped me a lot (I used to make my own with extra salt), but thats given me a lot of heartburn. Last night I had some sharp pain right below my chest, went on for about 20 minutes and severe heart burn right after I drank some lemonade. So I guess I'm giving up lemonade now!

[sugabeanzs]

WOW! Lots of eggs like me! I am glad to hear that you are okay though. I know who I can talk to when the time comes if I get this. The Dr. scared the crap out of me when he said that I am a high risk for this and went over all of the complications. Hopefully I will not get it or get it that bad. I will start drinking LOTS of fluids!

[TammyS]

I thought Gatorade and salt were bad for you? Or do I have it backwards?

[caligirl]

Gatorade is definitely OK, probably not as much salt as I was taking, thats why I have so much heartburn now. Since I'm getting better and just really bored of drinking 4 gatorades a day, I drink 2 bottles of gatorade and maybe 1-2 bottles of water now. I've been off from work for the last 2 weeks. My doctor wants me to take another week off, my work involves a lot of walking, so I guess it makes sense.
Ofcourse sugabeanz, its always good to talk to someone who has been through this miserable complication.

[pupper]

I am going through the exact same thing. I was drained over 4 liters of fluid on 12/31 and again on Jan. 2nd. I am definitely pregnant and told that by my fertility doctors and nurses that pregnancy aggravates hyperstimulation. HOWEVER, I do not seem to get a straight answer as to how long it will last. ALthough I do feel better I am stuck on bed rest all of next week, and possible the next. Very stressful from a work standpoing as I work in NYC and have been told I cannot go to work...

However, the best news is that the condition does not seem to harm pregnancy but I feel like I am loosing my mind!!!!! not to mention feeling horrible. I am grateful I am not throwing up anymore, but I have gained about 4 pounds and feel uncomfortable all the time.

[TammyS]

Congratulations Pupper! I am sorry to hear that you are so miserable right now. I hope that you feel better real soon. Welcome to the board...hopefully it will help pass the time some for you while you are on bedrest.

[21bat]

Sugabeanz:

How are the shots coming along? I start mine on 1/9 - I am scared of the pain and the side-effects! Is it really that bad??
I am 24yrs old and I have lots of eggs too. My nurse said that that's the reason they put me on birth control first. I hope I don't have OHSS and don't get sick...I hear that's a side-effect.