thinking of IVF... how badly do the drugs affect you?

[robinsonpr]

Hello we are thinking of having IVF treatment. I had an ectopic pregnancy last year which left me with one tube, and we've been trying again since January with no success. My remaining tube may not be too good so that's the most likely issue.

We have been to a pre-consultation at Bourne hall in Cambridge UK and we are considering IVF.

The stimulation and egg collection all sounds a bit traumatic. How often do you need to inject? And where do you inject? Do the drugs make you feel really sick? And how bad is the egg collection under local anaesthetic?

Thanks for any advice,

Hayley

[geckogirl]

Hi,

I know IVF sounds scary but it really isn't too bad. I did injections twice daily and they weren't too bad. I got used to them quickly and they didn't hurt. As far as side effects, I felt "foggy" while on the stims and during the first cycle had some headaches. Last cycle I had no bad side effects. When your ovaries get full of follicles, you may feel bloated and your pants will be tight but that is good! EC is easy since they put you totally under. I only had AF like cramps afterwards. The worst part for me was the transfer as you have to do it with a full bladder and that was uncomfortable for me. Good luck and let us know how you are doing.

[sassynlv]

robinsonpr-
Welcome to the board!
The location and frequency of the injections will vary depending on your clinic and the medications/dosages you are on. In general it is a few times a day. They aren't fun, but most people get accustomed to it fairly quickly. I don't feel horrible on stims... just a little "off", run-down and more emotional than normal. I usually get pretty uncomfortable (lower abdomen) prior to EC, but even that isn't terrible... just uncomfortable.

IVF is a total rollercoaster. It is normal to be apprehensive because it is all unknown. BUT it is absolutely do-able. The women here on the forum can help you through it, answer questions, and be a great support system.

Good luck!

[wanttodiscuss]

I think that the treatment impact varies greatly from person to person. Actually doing the injections wasn't bad. I did the stim in my stomach and the one to stop ovulation in the thigh (2 a day at that point). I am currently in my 2 week wait and doing one nightly of projesterone in the butt. The first two were very small needles and I could usually barely feel them. The projesterone one looked scary to me but it turns out that wasn't bad either. I know different places do this differenly but I will get a minimum of 10 weeks of this one daily if I am pregnant.

My biggest problem was the emotional swings, but I think hormones impact me more than most. I cry one day a month right before AF anyway. So I had some serious emotional swings. (Sorry to DH as he caught some of that.)

Anyway egg retrieval itself wasn't bad as I was sedated and basically slept through the actual procedure. I was sore for 2 days afterward though, so plan to take it easy for a couple of days.

I think it depends how much you stimulate I was very swollen and had some OHSS. I had a friend who went through 7 rounds of IVF and she had no problems with any of them. (She was older so they had an egg quality issue but eventually it worked out and they have a beautiful daughter.)

So all in all I wouldn't call it easy, but it wasn't that bad and definately worth the outcome! I won't get a confirmation until my blood test in 5 days but I got a BFP on HPTs yesterday and today!!!

[robinsonpr]

Thanks for all of your replies!

We are off to the clinic this afternoon to have my day 2 blood test to check that my ovarian reserve. Then we have our inital consultation on Tuesday where they will also check my partner's little soldiers.

Thanks again,
Hayley

[kbat]

I know in my case I usually injected 2 times a day. However, I was on a drug called Lupron and then so many days into it I was also on Follistom. So both drugs I had to do 2 times a day for a total of 4 injections. There are websites that the drug companies can give a web site where you can watch a video on how to inject them and sometimes the clinic will show you how and where to inject them. One of the worst things for me is that the areas do get bruised and tender after many injections in the same area. As far is injecting them, I got over doing it and got to a point where I did them myself. However, the first time I had my husband give me the injections.

The actual retreivel isn't too bad because you really don't remember it. Afterwards, I felt a little tired for the rest of the day, but I wasn't too groggy.

Anyway, good luck

[Mini]

I have now had 3 cycles of IVF and 1 of IUI. The injections are not something I am too happy about but I've managed to live with them. Although I am usually very glad the day the last hcg happens.

The only troublesome problem I have faced is increase in waist size. I 've been adding at the rate of 1inch per cycle (i think) and have also piled up 2-3 kgs of weight. The weight is not too bad cause if you are careful for a few weeks afterwards you tend to loose it. But the tummy is very difficult to get rid of.

Has anyone else had this problem ? I have mainly been on puregon or gonalf and menopur alongwith the buserelin for stimming.

[robinsonpr]

We went for our consultation yesterday. We are planning to go on an IVF cycle which will commence around 27th June hopefully.

Very nervous about it all...

[beachbaby]

Hi, I have only done one full ivf cycle, but i sniffed to down reg, so the only injections i had was stimming, one injection a day lasted for about 10 days then my final shot. I had over 30 follies but never felt uncomfortable, i was licky as i had very few side effects. I have put on weight with each go though a lot i think due to the stress as i eat when stressed. Good luck with your cycle.
J

[kholtan]

I too had an ectopic pregnancy and it left me with one tube that didn't work either. My RE said that it would actually be life threatening to get pg naturally and risk a second ectopic. Being that my tubes are just too small and flat meant I was a great canidate for IVF because my body was fine everywhere else. Typically I have inmature egg growth but with the meds they could control that also. Our IVF ended up doing great and it worked on the first try.

I would imagine that you too will have a fast and effective treatment. Let us know how it goes! I'm so excited for you. Every needle is forgotten when you feel the baby kick or see them on an u/s. Best of luck to you and DH!

Take care~
Kimberly