Slow response on 3rd injectable cycle -HELP! - Infertility Message Board

quirkie · 08-02-2003, 07:50 AM

I am on my 3rd cycle of gonal-f injections. The first cycle I responded so fast I only had to take them for 6 days with 6 potential follicles! Unfortunately AF showed her stupid face 10 days later. The second cycle I responded about average according to the nurse. I stimmed for 9 days for 3-4 follicles. AF AGAIN showed up 10 days later. This cycle I had only one small (10mm) follicle after 5 days. My RE increased my dose to 3 amps (225) of gonal-f. Two days later my 10 was only an 11 and I had another 10. I am on 3 amps for another 2 days before another check up. I read somewhere that it is not uncommon to slow the response to the meds after multiple cycles, but this seems ridiculous! Does anybody know or had experience?? I see my RE on Wednesday to discuss plans, etc. I am definitely going to ask about using progesterone to lengthen the luteal phase (also read under 12 days was abnormal). I am 43 (ANCIENT!) and very, very, very, very anxious. I do NOT have time!!!

If anyone can help me - PLEASE. I am feeling like old, fat (cut back on exercise, afraid to eat less), pimply, depressed, emotionally crazed failure!!! How's that for self esteem?

))))

Katrina22with4angels · 08-04-2003, 01:01 AM

Hi hon!! On my first injectable cycle I was doing 2 amps of Follistim and stimmed well with 4 possible follies. My second, I failed to stim at all, I went in on my cd9 scan and it showed 4 follies then I went back on cd11 scan and my follies had just disappeared. We had to completely cancel the cycle. The following cycle we upped to 4 amps and I slightly over-stimmed with a possible 11 mature follies. So unfortunately it does happen. My doctor was so concerned about my body doing NOTHING that he had be do a cd3 FSH test to check my ovarian reserve and it was good, so my body just wasn't in the mood. I'm sorry that you are going through this right now but I do hope that those 2 follies grow grow grow!!!! Lotsa good luck!!!! Take care!!!
~K

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Katrina(22) Preston (29)
4 angel babies
unexplained infertility
unexplained habitual aborter

quirkie · 08-06-2003, 07:34 PM

Thanks Katrina. Just found out today we have to cancel this cycle because of poor response. RE also said I get two more tries and that is it. I am so depressed. I have cried all day. He said he does not recommend IVF because it is a lot of money for such a low chance. Any input? He had no idea why my response was so poor this time.

[This message has been edited by quirkie (edited 08-06-2003).]

laura1 · 08-06-2003, 07:39 PM

Quirkie,
Perhaps consider getting a second opinion. Maybe another RE would be more resourceful/optimistic?

Best of luck to you!!!

L

Katrina22with4angels · 08-06-2003, 11:10 PM

Hi hon, I read your last post too and I have to agree with the other ladies, get a second opinion. Sure I had a cancelled cycle too but my RE is willing to do this until I get ready to discuss IVF. And yes he think IVF is worth every penny, it is a bit costly but the success rates are really good!! Far better than IUI.

But please, this is your healthcare we are talking about and I think you should see another doc!! Take care hon and let us know how you are doing!!!
~K

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Katrina(22) Preston (29)
4 angel babies
unexplained infertility
unexplained habitual aborter