So worried about OHSS?!

[kristymayc]

This is my second full round of IVF. First one, my estrogen level was 5,021 and 25 eggs were retrieved, 24 fertilized. I developed mild/moderate OHSS. I didn't have to go to the hospital to get fluid drained or anything like that. I was just very uncomfortable. Severe bloating, fullness in belly, lack of appetite, and had about 4 lbs weight gain. I continued to pee normally, and my girth didn't really change much. After about a week or so, I gradually got better.

Today, I just had my egg retrieval. Estrogen level was 4,300 on day of trigger (so lower than last time!), but 35 eggs extracted! So, 10 more than last time! I'm petrified of getting OHSS. I expect a mild/moderate form like last time, but I'm so nervous that because I had a higher amount of follicles taken out, that I am going to develop a severe case of it. I really don't want to have to go to the hospital and get fluid drained! I am drinking lots of gatorade, and eating high protein foods, and salty foods, as this helped last time. Any words of wisdom? Anybody get a large number of follicles and NOT develop OHSS?? Thanks!!

[kerpupples]

I was in a similar condition to you - 32 eggs extracted. I forget what my E2 was at retrieval (pretty sure it was around 4000) but I think it must have spiked shortly after because I had OHSS. I didn't have to get fluid drained either, just had severe bloat, shortness of breath, and 6 pound weight gain. You're on the right track with the protein (my RE recommended fatty proteins) and salt combo and Gatorade. I hope you can still transfer - we had a month wait for specialized PGD so I knew I'd be doing an FET.

[margi26]

I have had severe OHSS, and then a later cycle my E2 was over 6000 at trigger and I was fine (although I had only 12 eggs that time and much better management during my cycle). Did they give you the medicine to help decrease chances of OHSS?

Here is a link to a lengthy discussion that was had a year ago (I think). Please don't let it freak you out, just be cautious of your symptoms, report ALL to RE, and take it easy. Otherwise, it sounds like you are doing the things you need to do. I hope all goes well--remember severe OHSS is rare.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=23159&hilit=OHSS

Ghost also jumped in and gave some helpful advice regarding triggering when there is concern about OHSS. For that reason I was triggered with Lupron the two cycles after my OHSS and then the last cycle was triggered with 1/2 the regular dose.

Best of luck to you...take care.

[Ghost]

This is my second full round of IVF. First one, my estrogen level was 5,021 and 25 eggs were retrieved, 24 fertilized. I developed mild/moderate OHSS. I didn't have to go to the hospital to get fluid drained or anything like that. I was just very uncomfortable. Severe bloating, fullness in belly, lack of appetite, and had about 4 lbs weight gain. I continued to pee normally, and my girth didn't really change much. After about a week or so, I gradually got better.

Today, I just had my egg retrieval. Estrogen level was 4,300 on day of trigger (so lower than last time!), but 35 eggs extracted! So, 10 more than last time! I'm petrified of getting OHSS. I expect a mild/moderate form like last time, but I'm so nervous that because I had a higher amount of follicles taken out, that I am going to develop a severe case of it. I really don't want to have to go to the hospital and get fluid drained! I am drinking lots of gatorade, and eating high protein foods, and salty foods, as this helped last time. Any words of wisdom? Anybody get a large number of follicles and NOT develop OHSS?? Thanks!!

Congratulations on your outstanding number of eggs.

If you received hCG, then you have some risk for OHSS. I see your estradiol is lower than before but your number of eggs was greater. Unfortunately, the number of follicles is a better predictor of OHSS risk than is the estradiol level.

As for dietary changes, check with your RE. Some recommend dietary changes, others do not.

Yes, there are many examples with more follicles and more estradiol than you had, with no OHSS.