Hi
This is my first time both posting a message, and trying IVF. I'm still trying to work out what half the abbreviations are, but I think I'm getting there!
I'm due to take my first 'down' injection on Tuesday 24th August, and I'm a bit in the dark about what I'm doing. The main reason for this, is that I'm going to Italy for IVF. My hubby is Italian, and his sister suggested getting a second opinion from a clinic there and whilst we were there the Dr couldn't believe we hadn't tried IVF before. He then said that it would cost us a maximum of 2,500 Euros if we had it done there (£1,700 approx). As a clinic I had been looking into over here would cost us about £4,000 - £4,500 which we couldn't afford, I jumped at the chance! It's quite hard because I don't particularly speak the language and obviously getting time off work is always difficult when you don't want people to know what you're doing! I've managed to get the drugs prescribed by my own GP who has been fantastically supportive, but I'm a bit scared in case I've mis-interpreted the instructions given by the Italian Dr, that have been translated by my sister in law! My Dr isn't sure of the procedure or drugs, so she's taking the word of the Dr in Italy! I'm going to take Triptorelin 3.75ml on Tuesday to bring my hormones down, and then I've got 10 days of Gonal F or Follitropin 300 vi a day from day 2 of my next cycle. I hope this sounds about right! I'm also a bit nervous about injecting myself, as I haven't been shown what to do, and the only advise has been to do it in my thigh or bottom!
I'm also worried, as I've been reading other messages saying that you shouldn't travel for 2 weeks after implantation, and depending on when my eratic cycle starts during the 3 and a half weeks that I've booked to go to Italy in September (worked it out so I'll be there between day 7 and day 20 as Dr requested, taking into account cycle starts anything between 23 and 29 days) I could be flying back as early as 3 days afterward if I go 29 days this month. Could this affect my chances?
The embarrassment factor is also stressing me a bit. I really really hate being examined and the thought of lying on a bed with my legs in stirrups with anyone having a look freaks me out.
If anyone can give me any advice, I'd really appreciate it!
My heart goes out to all of you that have had disappointments and heartbreak in the past, and I hope you achieve your dreams eventually.
First IVF/ICSI Attempt - V Scared!
First IVF/ICSI Attempt - V Scared!
Me 31 (dodgy ovulation)
DH 39 (dodgy swimmers)
TTC 9 Years, 12 months on Clomid 6 yrs ago
1st IVF/ICSI Sept 04 +ve, m/c at 5 1/2 weeks
Couldn't face the pain again.....
DH 39 (dodgy swimmers)
TTC 9 Years, 12 months on Clomid 6 yrs ago
1st IVF/ICSI Sept 04 +ve, m/c at 5 1/2 weeks
Couldn't face the pain again.....
Hi Jools
I am in the middle of my first icsi cycle to i have EC on monday
and like you i was terrified of it all i still am im not going to lie its the hardest thing emotionally and physically i have ever done in my life i knew it would be hard and believe me it is. but as for the injections dont worry about them there easy i do mine with a auto injector pen im on gonal f to the fsh injection that is i sniffed buserelin when i was down regging the injections dont hurt sting a little but thats about it.
i hope i have helped a little am sure some of the other girls will be able to help also.
also i started icsi on the first day of my period which i think is a little different to you but other girls have done it that way to
love Ang xx
I am in the middle of my first icsi cycle to i have EC on monday
and like you i was terrified of it all i still am im not going to lie its the hardest thing emotionally and physically i have ever done in my life i knew it would be hard and believe me it is. but as for the injections dont worry about them there easy i do mine with a auto injector pen im on gonal f to the fsh injection that is i sniffed buserelin when i was down regging the injections dont hurt sting a little but thats about it.
i hope i have helped a little am sure some of the other girls will be able to help also.
also i started icsi on the first day of my period which i think is a little different to you but other girls have done it that way to
love Ang xx
Our dream came true after 5 yrs ttc we know have 8month old twin boys Adam and Kieran and our gorgeous 9 yr old daughter.
Hang in there miracles really do happen
Hang in there miracles really do happen
Hi Jools and welcome to the board.
Don't worry at all about the flying/travel. I had to fly back to my home city after ET (egg transfer) so during the 2ww (2 week wait). I got a + (positive) and have a 15m daughter to show for it.
I can't help with the drugs as they're not the same as mine but the idea is usually much worse than the actual injections. Putting ice on the spot first often helps. I used Perugon into my tummy (rolls!) and it didn't hurt at all.
I'm with you on the language issues. My treatment is in Norwegian which I can speak but find hard to understand when spoken colloquially and at speed.
Re. stirrups....well what's left to say? No one enjoys it but there's no other way. There's been much debate previously on the board about whether to keep your socks on or not. I often do a fabulous pedicure and spend the time admiring my paintwork! Actually, DF (Darling Fiance) is always there keeping me company so chats away and distracts me with nonsense and/or translates if I've missed something.
I read all about Italian IVF last week on the news section of www.bbc.co.uk and it raised some very interesting issues. The new laws are very strict and lots of things have stopped (eg. freezing any extra fertilised embroys). You might want to read it. I just found it again by searching under 'Italian fertility'.
Good luck,
Debra.
Don't worry at all about the flying/travel. I had to fly back to my home city after ET (egg transfer) so during the 2ww (2 week wait). I got a + (positive) and have a 15m daughter to show for it.
I can't help with the drugs as they're not the same as mine but the idea is usually much worse than the actual injections. Putting ice on the spot first often helps. I used Perugon into my tummy (rolls!) and it didn't hurt at all.
I'm with you on the language issues. My treatment is in Norwegian which I can speak but find hard to understand when spoken colloquially and at speed.
Re. stirrups....well what's left to say? No one enjoys it but there's no other way. There's been much debate previously on the board about whether to keep your socks on or not. I often do a fabulous pedicure and spend the time admiring my paintwork! Actually, DF (Darling Fiance) is always there keeping me company so chats away and distracts me with nonsense and/or translates if I've missed something.
I read all about Italian IVF last week on the news section of www.bbc.co.uk and it raised some very interesting issues. The new laws are very strict and lots of things have stopped (eg. freezing any extra fertilised embroys). You might want to read it. I just found it again by searching under 'Italian fertility'.
Good luck,
Debra.
Me: 44, DH: 31
Game Over.
Dates: Aug 02 - May 06
Tries: 5 fresh + 4 frozen.
Results: 1 daughter, 2 m/c, 1 ectopic.
Game Over.
Dates: Aug 02 - May 06
Tries: 5 fresh + 4 frozen.
Results: 1 daughter, 2 m/c, 1 ectopic.
Hi Jools, Welcome to the board - I think you'll find this board an invaluable support - I know I do!
It must be so hard for you having treatment in a different language - I find it confusing enough in English!! I'm afraid I can't help too much with the drugs dosage and instructions you have been given as every clinic seems to have different protocols.
But I can help with the injections - I didn't have any training either and just read the instructions on the packet. The main thing is to make sure that your syringe doesn't have any air bubbles in it (flick the bottom and they should move upwards), then push the syringe until a little bit of the fluid pops out the top. I have the injections in my leg - but a lot of people do it in the tummy as well - and I find tapping the site a few times helps reduce the stinging (or you could rub it with ice -does the same trick). I do mine straight down into my leg - but you can do it at a slight angle. It really is very easy... If you're not happy maybe the nurse at your local surgery could give you a quick lesson.
I used to be really embarassed about exams as well (and infact would avoid smear tests because of it) - but they really are so discreet - and put a cover over your legs - the only time anyone really looks down there is when you have embryo transfer and that is very quick.
Hope this helps a bit... I can't imagine how daunting this must be for you - but we are all here to help.
Hope your first injection goes well.
Good luck
Love
Dolly
It must be so hard for you having treatment in a different language - I find it confusing enough in English!! I'm afraid I can't help too much with the drugs dosage and instructions you have been given as every clinic seems to have different protocols.
But I can help with the injections - I didn't have any training either and just read the instructions on the packet. The main thing is to make sure that your syringe doesn't have any air bubbles in it (flick the bottom and they should move upwards), then push the syringe until a little bit of the fluid pops out the top. I have the injections in my leg - but a lot of people do it in the tummy as well - and I find tapping the site a few times helps reduce the stinging (or you could rub it with ice -does the same trick). I do mine straight down into my leg - but you can do it at a slight angle. It really is very easy... If you're not happy maybe the nurse at your local surgery could give you a quick lesson.
I used to be really embarassed about exams as well (and infact would avoid smear tests because of it) - but they really are so discreet - and put a cover over your legs - the only time anyone really looks down there is when you have embryo transfer and that is very quick.
Hope this helps a bit... I can't imagine how daunting this must be for you - but we are all here to help.
Hope your first injection goes well.
Good luck
Love
Dolly
Me 38 / DH 40. TTC 8 yrs
3 natural pg - 2 ectopics and 1 miscarriage
2nd IVF +ve but miscarried
1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th IVF all -ve
Moved to the ARGC.
Just started for the 7th time (!) Feb/March 2006.
3 natural pg - 2 ectopics and 1 miscarriage
2nd IVF +ve but miscarried
1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th IVF all -ve
Moved to the ARGC.
Just started for the 7th time (!) Feb/March 2006.
Hi Jools
I can understand your nervousness but once you get into the flow of it, it does get easier. Mine is not a success story - I'm the one who drank too much water and had a brain seizure! (It's detailed in a thread about the dangers of too much water, plus another one where I've got a bit more info about the why it happened. Don't worry this is very unlikely to happen to you). However, right up to the point where I was very nauseous and had the seizure things were going really well and I was actually surprised at how easy it had become.
The main thing to get used to is being totally out of control of your life. Once you accept that you can't plan very much and may have to drop everything to go to the clinic, you get into a kind of rhythmn with it. As others have said the injections aren't really anything to worry about. I had injections for both my down regging and my stimming. The down regging was with a traditional syringe and the stimming with one of those new pen things. I much preferred the syringe as it seemed to go in more easily. I also found it less painful if I pinched a little handful of flesh (sadly there seemed to be plenty!) for it to go in. It stings a bit afterwards, bit like a bee sting, but it's not unbearable.
As far as the examinations are concerned, I always made sure I was covered up over my lap before the doc came back after leaving me to get myself ready. I found that they are so expert at this that they can get the probe in hardly looking and they are really looking at the scan on the screen not at your bits. It's not really an internal exam at all, they just have to stick a probe in you and they only look at you for a split second to get it in. Also remember that when we all finally get pregnant (bit of PMA, ie positive mental attitude, required here for me at the moment!) we'll be subjected to all kinds of intrusive examinations and once you give birth you lose all dignity in that area so you may as well get used to it now!
The language barrier is a difficult extra factor but presumably your husband and his family are billingual so you'll have help. At the moment it's all a bit overwhelming but take it one small step at a time and it will be much more manageable. People here are a fantastic source of support so make sure that you can log in wherever you are. It'll really make a difference.
Best of luck with it and here's hoping for a beautiful bambino from your Italian adventure.
love Caroline
I can understand your nervousness but once you get into the flow of it, it does get easier. Mine is not a success story - I'm the one who drank too much water and had a brain seizure! (It's detailed in a thread about the dangers of too much water, plus another one where I've got a bit more info about the why it happened. Don't worry this is very unlikely to happen to you). However, right up to the point where I was very nauseous and had the seizure things were going really well and I was actually surprised at how easy it had become.
The main thing to get used to is being totally out of control of your life. Once you accept that you can't plan very much and may have to drop everything to go to the clinic, you get into a kind of rhythmn with it. As others have said the injections aren't really anything to worry about. I had injections for both my down regging and my stimming. The down regging was with a traditional syringe and the stimming with one of those new pen things. I much preferred the syringe as it seemed to go in more easily. I also found it less painful if I pinched a little handful of flesh (sadly there seemed to be plenty!) for it to go in. It stings a bit afterwards, bit like a bee sting, but it's not unbearable.
As far as the examinations are concerned, I always made sure I was covered up over my lap before the doc came back after leaving me to get myself ready. I found that they are so expert at this that they can get the probe in hardly looking and they are really looking at the scan on the screen not at your bits. It's not really an internal exam at all, they just have to stick a probe in you and they only look at you for a split second to get it in. Also remember that when we all finally get pregnant (bit of PMA, ie positive mental attitude, required here for me at the moment!) we'll be subjected to all kinds of intrusive examinations and once you give birth you lose all dignity in that area so you may as well get used to it now!
The language barrier is a difficult extra factor but presumably your husband and his family are billingual so you'll have help. At the moment it's all a bit overwhelming but take it one small step at a time and it will be much more manageable. People here are a fantastic source of support so make sure that you can log in wherever you are. It'll really make a difference.
Best of luck with it and here's hoping for a beautiful bambino from your Italian adventure.
love Caroline
Jools,
Wow 2,500 euros is cheap, here in the US it's about 11,000 euros! I also had gonal-f, and my shots were sub-cutaneous, meaning under the skin not intra-muscular. I just pinched up a fold of skin on my stomach and stuck the needle (making sure you are using the small tip needle) all the way in, let go of the skin and push in the plunger. You will be a pro in no time. And it really doesn't hurt, it's just strange.
Traveling should make no difference, just try not to get stressed. There are so many do's and don'ts that I think everyone gets too stressed about it. Like the other ladies have said there are really no times that they are looking except during ec and et. I was really nervous about this too. During the ultrasounds they give me the probe to put in so they don't look. Good luck. I know it's scary at first but you going to do great! It's amazing the things that we can overcome!
Wow 2,500 euros is cheap, here in the US it's about 11,000 euros! I also had gonal-f, and my shots were sub-cutaneous, meaning under the skin not intra-muscular. I just pinched up a fold of skin on my stomach and stuck the needle (making sure you are using the small tip needle) all the way in, let go of the skin and push in the plunger. You will be a pro in no time. And it really doesn't hurt, it's just strange.
Traveling should make no difference, just try not to get stressed. There are so many do's and don'ts that I think everyone gets too stressed about it. Like the other ladies have said there are really no times that they are looking except during ec and et. I was really nervous about this too. During the ultrasounds they give me the probe to put in so they don't look. Good luck. I know it's scary at first but you going to do great! It's amazing the things that we can overcome!
Me - 35 Unexplained DH 37
TTC#1 since '97
5 IUIs
1st IVF 5/04 - transferred 2-neg
2nd IVF 7/04 - transferred 3-pos but MC at 8 wks.
TTC#1 since '97
5 IUIs
1st IVF 5/04 - transferred 2-neg
2nd IVF 7/04 - transferred 3-pos but MC at 8 wks.
I know it looks like I'm replying to myself, but I just wanted to say a big thank you to all you girls that replied. It seems so strange 'connecting' with complete strangers, but your lovely comments brought a lump to my throat, so thank you for all your help. Good luck yourselves, and I'll keep you posted how my 'Italian job' goes! Fingers crossed!
x
x
Me 31 (dodgy ovulation)
DH 39 (dodgy swimmers)
TTC 9 Years, 12 months on Clomid 6 yrs ago
1st IVF/ICSI Sept 04 +ve, m/c at 5 1/2 weeks
Couldn't face the pain again.....
DH 39 (dodgy swimmers)
TTC 9 Years, 12 months on Clomid 6 yrs ago
1st IVF/ICSI Sept 04 +ve, m/c at 5 1/2 weeks
Couldn't face the pain again.....