I hate the ride that is IVF. Everything’s still ok, but my follies aren’t quite the right size yet, and so we wait… Keep taking those meds, go in for another monitoring tomorrow, and maybe the retrieval is Tuesday or Wednesday. Which makes the transfer Sunday or Monday, assuming we can do a 5-day transfer. Which adds to the number of days I have to take off from work. Oh vacation days, how I wish I had more of you!!!
And I just want to get this show on the road! My ovaries hurt like hell, I’m exhausted every day, and I just want to be done. Let’s fast forward to retrieval, then another fast forward to transfer, then beta. Ok??? I don’t want to wait anymore!!!
Sorry, had a little temper tantrum there – thanks for listening and not judging – I know I can always bitch to you ladies. I had the first intralipid transfusion yesterday at home using a home health nurse. It wasn’t bad, except it was a bit MacGyver – esque. Don’t have this kind of tube? Let’s improvise! Don’t have an IV pole? What about those pictures – can you take them off the wall and use the picture hooks? I guess the good thing is the transfusion got done, in time for the transfer, and now that I have a bunch of fat running around in my body (like I didn’t have enough before), the NK cells will calm themselves and not attack my embryos. OK, seriously – how does this work? Does anyone have a real explanation for this? How does fat suppress NK cells – seems bizarre.
Oh, and I started the day off with a fight with the hubs – what a wonderful way to start the day. I asked him to come to my appointment with me this morning a couple days ago. He usually can’t, or won’t, whatever, due to his job. But I knew his boss would be out of town, and he could go in a little later, but he said no. But then this morning he slept in later than usual, so I was wishing, hoping, that he changed his mind and decided to go with me. But no, instead of going to work, and instead of going with me, he decided to sleep a little longer. Needless to say, I wasn’t happy, and I started bitching at him when he got up, right before I left for my appointment. Definitely did not handle it well – starting using words like priorities, and such. He didn’t handle it well either. But now we’re fine and made up, so that’s good, it just sucked to start the day out like that. We’ll see if he gets up early with me and drives an hour each way for a 10 minute appointment tomorrow morning – the Saturday appointment is downtown, not in the burbs where we live. I bet he won’t – he’ll want to sleep in. Oh yes, that “priorities” word keep popping up in my head.
Wow, I think I’m grumpier than I thought. I’m just sick of this IVF thing, and when the nurse told me my follies weren’t as big as they’d like by now, I was not pleased. C’mon follies, do your thing and grow,OK???
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OK, I had that all written, and was just waiting for the nurse to call with the results of the blood test and with the plan before I posted this. Well, based on my estradiol levels (3,049), I’m at a high risk for OHSS, as it will only go up from here (it was at 1,697 two days ago). In order to alleviate this risk, instead of taking the HCG shot as a trigger, I’m supposed to take a Lupron trigger shot instead. I guess this just about eliminates the risk, as it essentially shuts down the ovaries, when the HCG shot speeds up the ovaries. Then they’ll go in and do the retrieval, and I shouldn’t get OHSS. But the bad thing is that then my ovaries won’t produce progesterone and estrogen, so I have to do additional supplementation. Instead of using the Crinone gel (I’m using this instead of PIO – anyone ever use this?) once per day, I’ll use it twice a day. And I’ll have patches of estrogen and pills as well. Start the progesterone and estrogen supplements the day after retrieval. I’ve done a little googling, and it looks like using Lupron as a trigger happens out there some, but not common. Most IVF patients use Lupron as part of the protocol, and if you’re already taking Lupron, you can’t take it as a trigger. And I go in for monitoring tomorrow, and the doc should decide tomorrow whether I have the retrieval on Monday or Tuesday. Crazy rollercoaster.
I don’t like hearing that I’m at a high risk of OHSS, but I guess with the Lupron trigger it should be ok. But now I’m worried that the supplementation won’t be enough for the embryos, as my body won’t produce progesterone and estrogen on its own because of the Lupron! I guess there’s always something to worry about… Oh, and the hubs agreed to go to the appointment tomorrow morning with me…
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Waiting sucks but gosh wouldn't 11 eggs be fabulous!!! I know the feeling of just wanting to fast forward. I keep telling my husband to wake me up when it is all over. If only you and I could meet in the middle. Your ovaries would slow down a bit and mine need a major kick in the butt.
ReplyDeleteTake care of yourself and thanks for the positive thoughts on my blog!
KC
Sucks about being at risk for OHSS! Sounds like they are watching out for you though. I hope you get some relief soon!!!
ReplyDeleteKeep on hoping for the best!
As part of my protocol I triggered with Lupron. It worked out just fine. They didn't tell me anything about the added estrogen & prog. I am on Endometrium 3 times a day.
ReplyDeletehi alex - my first ivf, we triggered me when my e2 was 5000 and i did overstimulate, but it could've been worse (meaning hospitalization). i've heard GREAT GREAT things about the lupron trigger, and in fact, we were going to trigger me with it this time, but my e2 ended up cooperating. from what i hear, a lupron trigger gets you more viable eggs and even though you have to supplement with extra shit afterwards, i think it'll be well worth it. no worries at all, okie???? you sound like you're doing great, so hang in there!!!! fingers, toes, everything crossed for you :o) xoxo.
ReplyDeleteThe delay sounds frustrating, even if it is only a couple of days, and even though everything is looking great otherwise (and I'm so happy about that!).
ReplyDeleteI wish I knew anything about what you are talking about with the protocols-- it all sounds very mysterious and high tech. I really really hope it works!!!
I'm sure IVF is seriously an emotional roller coaster! I wish you the best : )
ReplyDeleteWow, that sounds like a lot. Good luck. I really hope you don't get OHSS. I'm crossing my fingers for you.
ReplyDeleteMan, what a crazy time. I hope it All works out well!
ReplyDeleteEven this post is a roller coaster! I'm sure it also sucks to have to be dealing with all this around the holidays. Hang in there, and don't stress too much about the Lupron trigger!
ReplyDeleteYikes! I am just beginning to deal with this awful headache!
ReplyDeleteHow many follies do you have growing now? I'm curious. You are my IVF twin. I am following your lead!!!
I am in the same boat Alex. Slow stimming for this cycle. I am looking at a Tues/Wed retrieval as well, thanks for the company during this cycle. hang in there, I know the later part of stimms just sucks, but i know you can get through it. I hope your husband comes with you tomorrow. It took me to ivf 5 to get my husband to come along to those appts, men will just never get it.
ReplyDeletei am thinking of you. Grow follies, grow (but not so much that you cause ohss).
good luck.
Hang in there - you've almost made it! That at-home transfusion would just about send me over the edge. Picture frame hooks?? Yikes! It sounds like your doctors are taking every precaution they can to keep you from getting OHSS, so I hope everything from here on out is smooth sailing!! Thinking of you!
ReplyDeleteHere to make you feel better. I had all of that stuff-the Crinone gel is commonly used at my clinic. Well, it's a cream. I assume cream/gel, same thing! I used it twice per day. Also I had the progesterone and oestrogen supplements, both in pill form. I took them up to 10 weeks. I didn't have a Lupron trigger, still had a HCG one. The reason I had the supplements was that Pregnyl (HCG shots) were not available at the time of my transfer, so my doc uses this treatment instead as a work-around. I wouldn't worry, I think the supplements do provide a dose very similar to what you'd produce on your own. Remember the Crinone gives you more progesterone too! Your body will recover from the Lupron and catch up, don't worry :)
ReplyDeleteTake care
It sounds like you're in caring, competent hands at your RE's office. Try not to worry about they "whys" and "hows" (I know, impossible, right?). Sorry your hubs isn't more understanding during this trying time :(
ReplyDeleteKeeping my fingers crossed for a perfect cycle!!
Sounds like a rough few days...hang in there!
ReplyDeleteIt's hard for men...IF. They don't know how to discuss it or show it like women do. They don't talk to other men, get advice, or lean on each other. They just sort of keep it all bottled in until it slowly leaks out in weird odd ways. Hang in there lovely lady. Give your man a big hug and even though his actions weren't supportive know that he is probably super anxious and ready to get this show on the road too.
ReplyDeleteIt's natural to be on edge with the hubs - you are pumped full of hormones. Hang in there and try to focus on yourself and things that make you happy to help you relax. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping that the lupron trigger is exactly what you need to stay on this side of OHSS. The PIO is not terrible, I promise. It's not fun, but once you get the hang of it it gets easier. Thinking good thoughts for that 5 day transfer.
ReplyDeleteArgh! All of those stupid meds make us women crazy. Be angry all you want. We completely understand. Those meds made me do things I would never do - like throw things at my husband.
ReplyDeleteI am peeved at your husband too! He should have gotten his @$$ up out of bed and gone with you! That was crap on his part.
Good luck this weekend girl. I hope those ovaries start doing their jobs!
Waiting is horrible!! I hope no OHSS.(((hugs)))
ReplyDeleteOk girlie get drinking those electrolytes like I had mentioned...Gatorade...Powerade...or Vitamin Water...Pedialight....and salt...Broths etc....Def dont drink water tha will make things worse crazy huh:)
ReplyDeleteNever heard of Lupron as a trigger as it has always been part of my protocol but whatever works:) With this last IVF they put me on a medication for 7days to help prevent the OHSS and I also did the above and was OK....But the first time I had OHSS I was hospitalized and then got the clot in my lung...and then heart issue so really scary:( But it sounds like your Dr's are on top of things and if you do get Prego then the OHSS gets worse and those ovaries wont go back done to normal size to like 13wks of pregnancy and the horrible bloat
Well sounds like even though you have to wait a few more days that the follies are still on track together which is great...They always say somethings are worth the wait:)
Take Care!!!!!