My first IVF in March
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Forum Name: Coping with infertility
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Topic: My first IVF in March
Posted By: louloubell
Subject: My first IVF in March
Date Posted: 29 January 2011 at 4:17pm
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Hi Ladies,
We are starting our first IVF in March - I'm a little apprehensive about the egg collection. Does it really hurt? 
------------- Me; 32 DH: 31 Me: Gr 4 endo DH: MAR 41% 1st ICIS apr 11 - chem no frosties 6mths off IVF to try with help of Naturopath! |
Replies:
Posted By: fozziebear
Date Posted: 29 January 2011 at 5:22pm
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Each person finds this very different, for me it wasn't too bad. The drugs they gave me made me sleep through the whole process. Then afternoon of EC i slept it away. I do suggest taking at least couple of days of work it relax and take it easy. I did find that it did take alot of me.
Again each person is different. Good luck with your first IVF. I start my second round in April and I think there are are few people starting thier round in March/April of this year. |
Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 29 January 2011 at 5:27pm
They're careful with your pain management louloubell - they don't want you to be any more uncomfortable than you have to be. Put that to one side, and take it one day at a time. It's such a process, you don't want to be anxious about that. I had lots of follicles to drain (30+) so I found it to be unpleasant, but I know others that haven't found it so bad. The drugs are awesome  ------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: louloubell
Date Posted: 29 January 2011 at 5:31pm
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Thanks Fozziebear :) I'm apprehensive because I had
a horrid pelvic infection last year so I know there is a risk of infection with the EC - but the Dr advised he'll be giving me some antibiotics :) Thanks for this I appreciate your comment - Good luck for your 2nd IVF :) :) ------------- Me; 32 DH: 31 Me: Gr 4 endo DH: MAR 41% 1st ICIS apr 11 - chem no frosties 6mths off IVF to try with help of Naturopath! |
Posted By: louloubell
Date Posted: 29 January 2011 at 5:33pm
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Thanks Ginger - yes I'll be asking for as many drugs as possible LOL :) I'm going to have a massage the day I go in & plan to start accunpunture soon! :) ------------- Me; 32 DH: 31 Me: Gr 4 endo DH: MAR 41% 1st ICIS apr 11 - chem no frosties 6mths off IVF to try with help of Naturopath! |
Posted By: trouble06
Date Posted: 29 January 2011 at 6:43pm
| Hi there - it depends on like others said how many follicles etc. I was completely out to it for my EC - think I had 11 eggs collected. EC done at 10.30 am and left hospital at 1pm. I felt okay in the afternoon just a bit sore when I walked. I had the day of EC and next day off which was needed. The next day just a bit tender when i walked and panadol to ease the discomfort. Hope it goes well. |
Posted By: louloubell
Date Posted: 30 January 2011 at 10:41am
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Thanks trouble06
I'm feeling a little less panicked now about it, I will ask for as many drugs as possible  just to calm the nerves too! It's soooo good to have this forum to share experiences  ------------- Me; 32 DH: 31 Me: Gr 4 endo DH: MAR 41% 1st ICIS apr 11 - chem no frosties 6mths off IVF to try with help of Naturopath! |
Posted By: spanky77
Date Posted: 30 January 2011 at 3:59pm
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Good thread, I am terrified about the egg retrieval, hate needles in general - this is the part of ivf that sh*ts me up the most, if we get to go ahead with this.
I've heard you are sedated - anyone tell me what sedation they use? I've had oral sedation (medazolan sp?) for the dentist (thats how crap I am at invasive stuff). I think its iv sedation for this though. Is there anaesthetic used also though? (sorry I don;t want to make OP more worried) You sound well sorted with the massage and acu - great idea! I've also heard that hotwater bottles are invaluable afterwards although cannot personally testify this |
Posted By: JaneW
Date Posted: 30 January 2011 at 4:46pm
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Hi louloubell,
That's great you get to start in March!Not long to go at all! I'll be completely honest and tell you that yes, I found my egg collection painful-BUT I also had 20 eggs removed which is on the high side! And I've learned that you can't go by anyone elses experiences as I know of others who had quite a few eggs removed too and didn't find it painful. And you do tend to forget the pain afterwards, I would quite happily do it again if we need to do a second round of IVF. Spanky,I hate needles too! I think the sedation drugs might vary depending on the clinic but they used something called Hypnoval for me-they said it's one that is used at the dentists too! I have heard from others that you can actually request to have your EC done under general anaesthetic but for some clinics you can't do it on site. ------------- Me 28, DH 30 ttc #1 Feb 2009 MFI ICSI December 2010 FET April...BFP!! Baby girl due 3rd Jan 2012 |
Posted By: trouble06
Date Posted: 30 January 2011 at 8:10pm
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Hi for my one was under general anaseth and needed it done in private hospital. Fertility clinc over here in aussie tends to use their particular private hospital. I was more anxious about anesthetistic giving me all the minor risks etc. I got drip in arm which put me out and dont remember a thing. Woke up about 20 min later.
I too was more concerned about injections taken through IVF process but got DH to administer them and they were fine. Only one that hurt was the trigger done before the EC. I think it also depends on how skilled your FS is with getting at the follicles/eggs although if you have had previous scans prior to EC they should know whereabouts they are. |
Posted By: ScaredyCat
Date Posted: 31 January 2011 at 10:27am
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Just wanted to wish you the best of luck louloubell, March is not too far away!
I'm one of the ones that didn't find EC too bad, had 12 eggs retrieved and only required the minimal amount of pain relief, its not all that pleasant but its over and done with quite quickly and you soon forget! Are you with FA in Hamilton? If so, who is your Dr? We have Lakshmi (spelling!!) and she is fantastic. ------------- TTC # 1 - 7.5 years 2 x IVF - 4 x Trf 3 x BFP's 3 x M/c  Feb 09June 10Sept 11
2 Blasties on Ice
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Posted By: Tiff8ny
Date Posted: 31 January 2011 at 10:45am
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Great thread louloubell!! I'm having my first ivf in march also and I'm terrified of the EC part!! I guess everyone is different in terms of pain but still makes me nervous and anxious! All the best for your ivf in march x ------------- Me 32, DH 30 TTC 4+ years Unexplained Infertility IVF#1 - Chem Pregnancy,no frosties IVF#2 - BFP!!!! Plus 1 frostie 
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Posted By: louloubell
Date Posted: 31 January 2011 at 2:20pm
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Hi everyone
Thanks for all your replies, it makes me feel good that I'm not the only one out there whose terrified! Sometimes, I think I'm such a big baby! LOL Good to hear the mixture of stories - it seems the ladies who had a high percentage of EC were in pain.... but I suppose as they say - 'no pain no gain' I'm thinking I may op for heavy sedation.... that way I won't really remember anything..... I had it about 6mths ago when having a gastroscopy and I was fine, I'm too nervous to have a general again....
We've decided to postpone the IVF till April because we are currently moving house
I'm fine with it because it gives me some time to get settled into my new place and then focus on the IVF. @ scareycat - we are with Dr Singh in Hamilton. He's great :-) he's been my gyno for a couple of years now. @ Tiff8ny - you'll have to let me know how you go!! LOL we sound the same!! All the best for IVF in March
Thanks everyone, will post back in here once I"ve had it done to tell you how it went :) ------------- Me; 32 DH: 31 Me: Gr 4 endo DH: MAR 41% 1st ICIS apr 11 - chem no frosties 6mths off IVF to try with help of Naturopath! |
Posted By: kiwikt
Date Posted: 01 February 2011 at 1:20pm
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I had no pain at all with my EC - the sedation they used took away all the pain, without knocking me out completely.
I found it more uncomfortable post egg collection - 24 hours later I felt all bruised and bloated. Not painful, but uncomfortable. Everyone is different. You dont know until you try. ------------- Due 14/10/11 http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: SunshineWife
Date Posted: 11 February 2011 at 1:46pm
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Hi louloubell, can I please ask who you are doing your IVF with? Are you doing anything right now in preparation for the March cycle? Husband and I are deciding whether to go for a private IVF as our public one won't be available until 16 months at the least and we just can't wait that long. I haven't researched all the information yet so not even sure where to start...what the next step would be in terms of the initial appointment with the doctors. Considering going to Repromed on the North Shore but would love to hear which other clinics girls on this forum have had experience with?
Thanks in advance! |
Posted By: louloubell
Date Posted: 11 February 2011 at 2:12pm
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Hi SunshineWife
I'm going with Dr Singh (Fertility Associates in Hamilton) I currently live in Tauranga but he's dealt with a lot of my endo (gyno) problems so I trust him dearly. A friend of mine had IVF through him too and got pregnant on the first try... I'm not having IVF till around the 27th of March, just depends on my cycle etc... I too don't qualify for public funding until June 2011 so we decided to go private. I still have kept the public funding in the background just in case this doesn't work, but I'm gearing up my mind to believe it WILL happen. In regards to preparation.... I'm going for a walk 40mins every day. I'm doing fertility yoga DVD by Brenda Strong 5 times a wk and I'm starting my first accupunture on Monday. A lady called Debbie Karl who I heard is quite good and is interested in Women's health here in Tauranga. I am not eating or drinking anything with caffine - same with hubby. I started this in Jan so hopefully it gives me a good amt of preparation... Everyone is different, I just want to be in the relaxed in the mind and body and feel this is the way I can achieve it. p.s I have put my social calendar on hold.... I'm finding this the hardest!! For me, IVF comes first before anything else... Sending lots of baby dust your way!! Lou ------------- Me; 32 DH: 31 Me: Gr 4 endo DH: MAR 41% 1st ICIS apr 11 - chem no frosties 6mths off IVF to try with help of Naturopath! |
Posted By: SunshineWife
Date Posted: 11 February 2011 at 2:36pm
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Hi Lou,
Thanks so much for your quick reply! It sounds awesome what you're doing to keep yourself relaxed and happy while waiting for it all to start. I have done one acupuncture session so far but will continue going each week for the next little while, hopefully we decide what/where we are doing the IVF soon as my acupuncturist says I need about 8 sessions pre IVF, so if we decide to wait I might have to put acupuncture on hold for now and re-start again closer to IVF (can't affort it all at the same time!). My husband is also doing acupuncture as he has very low sperm count - that's the reason we are doing IVF in the first place. Very good on you for giving up caffeine too! I keep meaning to, but then slip and have a yummy coffee now and again. Next time I'm in the supermarket will look at some yummy teas so I can have a collection at home and at work as a different option to coffee. I'm also reading and listening to meditaion podcasts and fertility podcasts on iTunes. It really helps me as I feel a lot more positive and happy learning all the new ways to relax and how to look at this dire situation from a different perspective, how to learn from what we're going through and how to stay strong. Must start exercising too though as I haven't been to the gym for more than 6 months now :-/ Baby dust to you too! I'll be following you hear on this forum to see how you are progressing with your IVF, would be great to hear how you are finding the whole process. There are so many positive stories but at the same time so many girls have to go through it again and again. I am still at the stage where I'm finding it hard to accept that this is the only way for us and am feeling sorry for myself already - having to take the drugs and injections, and all the side effects. It's so hard to stay positive and so sad that there will not be an element of surprise like in the movies when the girl finds out she's pregnant! It's all pre-calculated and worked out to the hour, ah!? Baby Dust to you too and all the best!
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Posted By: tischler
Date Posted: 11 February 2011 at 4:21pm
 Just wanted to pop in and wish you all good luck - it's a pretty tough process, but we all seem to get through it, and even jump back on the bandwagon to try again (unfortunately) 
Please feel free to jump in the IVF chat forum too - there's a few 'old hands' there and a few new people too. Otherwise if you've got any particular questions please ask away and I'll pop in and try to help if you'd like. Take care  ------------- 5 IVF/ICSI Cycles - 10 embryo's, 8 transfers, all BFN's. Our journey to parenthood is over, and we join the unfortunate many for whom IVF does not work. |
Posted By: louloubell
Date Posted: 11 February 2011 at 5:18pm
@SunshineWife Thanks, I'm really gearing myself up for it, and just praying it will all go according to plan. I know what you mean about $$$$ it really is starting to mount up! Good idea about the podcasts  I have just downloaded some! Thanks! Yes, it is hard to stay positive, I have good days and bad days....From reading some of the threads, I realise that there are so many people going through the same thing....I thought that it was just me out there!! Some stories can be similiar to your own journey whilst others just sound like plain horror! I try and block those ones out, or remember that there is always someone out there whose story is far worse than yours..... It's ok to feel sorry for yourself..... there are so many emotions or stages you go through on this journey, but it sounds like you are on to it, with the mediation etc to keep you as positive as possible. One thing that I keep saying to myself is 'never give up' I'm never going to until I'm pushing menopause LOL
I'll let you know how the next step goes. We are meeting the nurse at FA on the 22/2 to go over everything and she's giving us the drugs!! 
@tischler - Thanks heaps I'm preparing myself to the best of my ability it's just the mental part which will be challenging I think. Thanks - I will jump in the IVF chat forum, once I've picked up my drugs! eeekkk!! It's all happening so fast! ------------- Me; 32 DH: 31 Me: Gr 4 endo DH: MAR 41% 1st ICIS apr 11 - chem no frosties 6mths off IVF to try with help of Naturopath! |
Posted By: Tiff8ny
Date Posted: 17 February 2011 at 7:53am
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Hi, just also popped in to say goodluck for march louloubell. I have just got my IVF plan now with drug pickup on the 1st March and possible EC on the week of the 21st march so we may be going through it all at the same time!! Im in the IVF thread too so feel free to join our group. All the best, hopefully we get our BFPs together xx
------------- Me 32, DH 30 TTC 4+ years Unexplained Infertility IVF#1 - Chem Pregnancy,no frosties IVF#2 - BFP!!!! Plus 1 frostie
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Posted By: louloubell
Date Posted: 17 February 2011 at 4:32pm
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Hi Tiff8ny,
Thanks!! We actually don't start till late March and EC maybe 1st wk in April we put it back 4wks cause we moved house!! You'll have to let me know how it goes!! Good luck to you Yes, I really hope we both have BFPs!! xo
------------- Me; 32 DH: 31 Me: Gr 4 endo DH: MAR 41% 1st ICIS apr 11 - chem no frosties 6mths off IVF to try with help of Naturopath! |
Posted By: marniehayden
Date Posted: 28 February 2011 at 11:47am
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Hi Louloubell,
I'm about to start my first IVF-ICSI, also. I've been quite nervous too.  Isn't it great that there's so much support to be found on these forums?
We are with FA hamilton. Our specialist is Lakshmi. (spelling)She's been wonderful, so far. The whole team have been very supportive and caring. I had wanted to be totally out cold for my egg collection, for fear of the pain  but at our clinic, that can only happen if the anesthetist happens to be around on the day, so there's a good chance I may have to go through it sedated instead.
It is a scary thought really, isn't it? People tend to tell me, "Well if you can't handle the pain of egg collection, then how will you cope with child birth?" I feel that child birth is a natural process that our bodies are built for and egg collection is far from natural, so you couldn't really compare the two could ya? I'm thinking we have every right to be a wee bit apprehensive eh? ------------- Me: 27 DH:52 (MFI) Failed vasectomy reversal :( |
Posted By: louloubell
Date Posted: 28 February 2011 at 1:20pm
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Hi Marniehayden
Yes, these forums are a life saver! I'm so happy I joined...
Lakshmi is great, I was in Waikato hospital last year with a women's operation that went wrong and she was telling me the opposite of what general surgeons were telling me! She ended up being right! She's very good at what she does and up to date on new research I believe...
I have opted for heavy sedation. It costs an extra $300 or so but I don't mind.... I had two ops last year and haven't dealt with pain very well since then!  I am with FA in Hamilton as well but under VP Singh.
I totally agree with you, child birth will be different and that sort of pain I'm not worried about
There are so many up's and down's with this journey, but I feel that I'm growing stronger as each day passes... to be honest I just want the egg collection to be over with because I have built it up so much in my head that I'm petrified! LOL At the moment I am trying my best to put my engery in other things rather than worry like free podcasts from Sue Dumais "redefining fertility" and swimming, walking! It's hard though cause it always creeps back in! LOL
When do you start ICIS? My EC will be about mid April
Take care, if you ever need anyone to speak too let me know. The IVF chat thred is great too ------------- Me; 32 DH: 31 Me: Gr 4 endo DH: MAR 41% 1st ICIS apr 11 - chem no frosties 6mths off IVF to try with help of Naturopath! |
Posted By: marniehayden
Date Posted: 01 March 2011 at 12:31pm
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OMG! I've been doing exactly the same thing as you, building everything up in my head to make it seem like the scariest thing in the world! Not a good thing.
I'm just waiting for AF to arrive which should be any second now, then I'll be calling the clinic for the next step. I don't even know what drug protocol they'll be puttung me on, yet.
I,ve sort of got to the point now, where I'm nervous but also just wanting to get the whole thing started, then out of the way so I can enjoy my pregnancy.
I think my fear comes from the fact that I've never had any kind of procedure. Never been to hospital, other than visiting, never even had a single blood test before this process started. I was nervous about simple blood tests so egg collection, OH MY GOD!!
I'm relieved that my nerves have been somewhat taken over by excitment about the whole thing though, it's a good headspace to be in. 
LoulouB, just think about how brief the whole IVF thing could be... Before you know it you'll be getting fat, and feeling bub moving around in there, and you won't hardly remember the silly old egg collection, lol, that's what I'm telling myself anyway.
Like you said, distractions are a great idea,  maybe go out and buy a wee sneaky outfit or two for future him/her.
I'm glad that you are feeling stronger and stronger. Just take it one step at a time, it's all we can do really.
We can go through this journey together ------------- Me: 27 DH:52 (MFI) Failed vasectomy reversal :( |
Posted By: wispy_willow
Date Posted: 03 March 2011 at 7:38pm
| Hello people! I'm jumping in here, hoping that someone else is going to have just started as I have. This is kind of my 2nd cycle, but only because the first try we didn't even get past the injection phase as I only had 2 follicles grow. This time they've put me on the microdose flare protocol to try and encourage more to grow, and I was wondering if anyone else out there has done this protocol before? I'm on twice daily injections of Buserelin (which I think is giving me headaches) that I started a few days ago, and I'm on day 2 of adding in a third daily injection (Gonal F). What I'm really paranoid about is whether I should be able to feel anything (eg. pain/uncomfortableness) in my ovaries by now or not? I have my blood test on Monday to see how I'm responding (on the first go my first blood test didn't show anything, but that was with the lower dose of Gonal F - now I'm on the max dose of Gonal F theoretically it should work better). Sorry this is a long post - I'm pretty worried about what is or isn't going to happen ... any comments/advice would be appreciated! |
Posted By: MAC35
Date Posted: 03 March 2011 at 9:56pm
| Hi there Wispy. I just finished a long phase microflare cycle, slightly different to you protocol. I was on buserelin in morning and then gonal F added at night. I got the most awful headache cured by codeine which then led me to nauseous. Once I started the Gonal F the headaches improved as did my mood, so much happier and more energy. I started to feel quite bloated and a bit niggly after first scan and then my gonal f was increased and I was given pregnyl alternate days. I did have further niggly discomfort but manageable affer 2nd scan and bloods right up to egg collection and slight period pain discomfort pos procedure. Hope this helps. |
Posted By: wispy_willow
Date Posted: 04 March 2011 at 8:41am
| Yes, that helps thanks! I've only had 2 injections of Gonal F, so maybe the headaches will improve soon ... I have a killer one right now and was told I could only take Panadol or Paracetamol! |
Posted By: marniehayden
Date Posted: 07 March 2011 at 2:30pm
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Hi LoulouB, how are things with you?
Did you manage to calm your nerves abit? You're getting closer and closer to starting your ivf cycle, pretty exciting times eh? (Although, that dosn't exactly help you stay calm lol!) I'm on day four of my Gonal F jabs. The first one was the worst. I managed to stick myself accidentally while psyching myself into doing it, which hurt more than when I did the actual injecting, lol! What a dork eh? In for a scan tomorrow morning to check the growth of my follies Hope they're doing what they're supposed to. If all goes to plan, egg collection should be around the 15th of this month....eeeek!
------------- Me: 27 DH:52 (MFI) Failed vasectomy reversal :( |
Posted By: louloubell
Date Posted: 07 March 2011 at 9:46pm
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Hiya!
@ marniehayden - I'm good thanks hun yes not long now till I start the injections - 28th of March!! Can't wait Congrats on getting past your first jab Good luck with the scan tomorrow - I hope the follies are growing!! Sending you lots of baby dust!!
wispy_willow - I haven't started the injections yet so I can't give any advice I'm afraid -you should jump into the IVF chat room, there are a bunch of awesome ladies who can help support you! I'm in there as well I hope you are feeling better tho?
------------- Me; 32 DH: 31 Me: Gr 4 endo DH: MAR 41% 1st ICIS apr 11 - chem no frosties 6mths off IVF to try with help of Naturopath! |
Posted By: marniehayden
Date Posted: 08 March 2011 at 4:55pm
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Hi there! The scan went well. I handled it better this time. Feeling silly about being so uptight during the last one. Learning hasta start somewhere, I suppose.
Follies arn't quite big enough so I'm on another 2 days of gonal F then another scan on thursday. Should be sweet as by then.
Does anyone know if it's normal to feel lethargic while the follies are swelling? Maybe I'm just lazy... lol
Thanks for the baby dust, LoulouB.
Might jump into the ivf chat aswell 'n have a wee look  ------------- Me: 27 DH:52 (MFI) Failed vasectomy reversal :( |