Well I just got my IVF protocol to begin with my Sept period. I will then be put on birth control pills for 2 weeks and then I am doing 2 amps follistim/1 amp repronex and then they said they will add in an antagonisitc drug for 3 days during stimulations. Has anyone else used these meds together? Can you tell me how you felt or any symtoms? Did they burn going in? Thanks all.

I've just finished an IVF cycle using Follistim and Repronex. They do burn a bit, especially at the higher doses. But an ice cube before and/or after helps, and the burning didn't last long for me, 5 minutes max. My nurse suggested letting the syringe sit for 20 mins (but no longer than 30) after you mix the medicine to help reduce burning. Also, once I tried diluting with the sodium chloride that comes with the Repronex and that burned much more than when I diluted with the sterile water that comes with Follistim. They told me I could use either, so I always used the sterile water after that. It gets much easier after the first couple of times. Good luck!

Rachellara- Did you have any other symptoms? What was the outcome? Did you test yet? Plse let me know. Thanks

Teener- I'll be testing on Aug 6 while I'm away at the beach. We'll have the results the next day, and I'll let you know when I'm back!

As far as other symptoms, I had none, except one of the injections bruised for some reason. The bruise was about the size of a quarter and lasted about 10 days, but I gave myself 32 injections and only one had that reaction. Usually, there'd just be a smallish pink welt that would go away within an hour or two. I used to practically faint when I'd see a needle, so it was real progress for me to be able to do this. If I can do it, anyone can. I really believe in using the sterile water, but you could try both and see which works better for you. You'll be fine, and this could be the cycle for you! Good luck.

Rachellara- Thanks that makes me feel so much better. I was so terrified of IVF I swore I would never do it. I am actually getting a little excited about it. I am so glad I am waiting till september. I have one month off and it is really helping to get me excited.

GOOD LUCK on the 6th! I will be praying for you. Let me know as soon as you can.
Take care

teener,

congrats (in advance!)! It's great to feel sincerely hopeful - and you have no reason to feel otherwise!

Enjoy this month off - do you have any big plans?

May I ask what prompted you to finally try IVF? I also swore off it and now with 4 failed IUIs behind me, I think about it a lot. Does your insurance cover any of it for you? My sister works for a company that covers IVF and I'm seriously tempted to quit my job, move to Maine, get a job at her Co. just to have those benefits! Though, it might be difficult for my husband to do his "contribution" if he's out in Los Angeles huh...? I better keep thinking.

Best wishes to you!!
Laura

Laura- No big plans just lots of little ones for my month off. I joined a tennis team and a health club hoping to shed 10-20 lbs in preperation for pregnancy. Also since we just moved to Atlanta 6 months ago I will be going home to NY for a week to celebrate my 37th Birthday with family and friends. Also I just had a hysteroscopy with a D&C to remove a polyp so I want to get one complete menstral cycle so my lining is good and ready.

Since we have no insurance coverage for infertility. We are moving on to IVF. Injectables with IUI have a success rate of only 15-18% for us. So if we do 3 of those at $3000-5000. That equals one IVF which has greater odds than 3 injectables/IUI's put together. I guess we are looking for more bang for our buck since it is all our buck. Plus I am going to be 37 and DH is going to be 43. Got to get on with things. Hoping to have 2 children still. I am scared to death of all these drugs. I lost my mom to Ovarian cancer. So I want to be on them for as short a time as possible. SO IVF makes the most sense for us.

yay! good luck Tina! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif

Teener,
That's exactly the way I've been thinking... you articulated it very well!

Best of luck to you! And happy birthday (in advance)... are you going to see any shows when you're in NY? Pamper yourself!

Laura- Yes we are planning to see a show in NY. I love the theatre. I usually go into the city to have my hair done so dh will come with me and then we will go to the theatre. Thanks for the birthday wishes. What are you planning next?

Lisa thanks for the good wishes too!! Hope you are feeling better.
Tina

Hi Teener

My first IVF cycle I was on follistim and repronex also. I did not respond well at all to these meds. The follistim did burn when you put it in. My second IVF I did gonal f and pergonal and did well. I guess everyone responds differently. I was very emotional on the follistim and not on the gonal f so be prepared to be weepy for a few days. It will pass though. I was also terrified of the needles and my first cycle - DH had to do all the injections. I couldn't even look. By my second IVF I did all the injections including the progesterone shots in my butt. And those needles are big suckers. Once you put your mind to it you can do it. Just keep thinking the end result- a baby. Good luck and have fun in NY!!

temerone- thanks for the good wishes. I am going to start the zoloft when I start the cycle. I just got AF so my next one should be Sept 1st which the one they will start on. I have to do 2 wks of BCP so I figure I can start the zoloft then and by the time I get to the injections I will be nice and relaxed and should help with the blues from follistim.

I hope you are feeling better. Have you thought about what your going to do next? It is probably too soon you need to just feel better first.

Hi Tina!! I'm feeling sooooo much better! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif Are you really excited about the IVF? I'm excited for you, sweetie! Happy BIRFday too - hope you enjoy your family in NY.

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Lisa, Glad to hear you are feeling better. I bet with each passing day you will feel even better.

Yes, I am getting excited. Today I actually figured out when the baby will be do if this works. DH and I figured the baby could be here right around FATHER'S DAY. My DH got choked up for a minute at the thought. I so glad I have this month to get my head and body in the game.

What is your next plan of action? Sounds like your surgery might help you alot.

Good luck to you Teener! I'll be thinking about ya http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Denise- Thanks! I just got AF today. They said my next cycle after this one we will start. That makes my next cycle due around sept 1st. So I will be on my way in the begining of the month. Good thing too, because the embrology lab closes for a week in Oct for cleaning and machine rechecks. So the last retrival will be Oct 3rd. But I should make it no problem the RE assures me.

teener - i am so excited for you! it is always so exciting to prepare for treatments and to prepare for a possible bfp!! best of luck to you and please keep us posted... hugs, jen

The best of luck Teener http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/t_up.gif !!!!
Thinking of you! Sarka

Jen and Sarka- THanks for the good wishes. I really hope this is the one!! Since we have to pay out of pocket for everything. We are literally "putting all our eggs in one basket"!!!!