Did anyone have their child through IVF

If so, what was the process?

Did you have to get the fertility shots? Please give me as much details as possible. A friend of mine will be going through the process soon.

I would really appreciate information.

Thank you!

I don't have a child yet, but I have been through 3 cycles of IVF.

The protocol is different for everyone, but I can give you the basics...

Depending on your situation, you might start drugs or BCP's before AF starts.

Basically, when AF starts, you start your 'stims' (ovarian stimulating hormones). Yes, these are usually injectibles. They are injected subcutaneously (in the abdomen) so they are not too bad. Again, it depends on your dx how many vials a day you do. They can be mixed into ONE shot, unless your RE wants you to split it between AM and PM (mine did).
During this time you will be monitored closely. You will go in every few days for bloodwork and 'follie checks'. The RE will do an internal u/s to check to see how many follicles you are producing, and how your endometrial lining is thickening.
Stims usually last anywhere from 7-14 days.

The second week of stims you will be in the RE's office almost everyday for monitoring.
You also might be adding another injectible drug dring the last few days to prevent you from ovulating. Its pre mixed, so its easy
A couple of days before retrieval you will give yourself an HCG shot to make yourself ovulate. For my retrieval, I got an IV and was totally out for it. It only takes about half an hour or so. When you wake up they tell you how many eggs were retrieved, and how many were mature. I was fine after...went out to eat, I was starving!!
While you are having your eggs retrieved, your partner will be making his deposit
They then mix everything together, and depending on the lab, you will get a call in the next day or two telling you how many fertilized. You also start taking antibiotics.
You and your RE decide how many are being 'put back'. The day of transfer is easy. Its just like an IUI. The dr inserts a catheter into your cervix and puts your embryos into the uterus where they will hopefully implant! Its painless. Mine did the procedure on u/s so I could see the whole thing, very cool!
Take it easy that day, and maybe the next. The waiting is the hardest part. Most will have to do progesterone shots (intra muscualr-these are the ones that hurt!) or suppositories during the two week wait.
Any questions, let me know

Lisa Thank you so much for the information, this will definitely come in handy - i'll pass it on.

That certainly sounds like a process!

How come you had to do 3 cycles. The first two didn't take? Also, the abdomen shots - how does that work??? Are you actually sticking a needle into your stomach? How long after the implant do you wait to find out if you are pregnant?

It is quite a process! So far it hasn't worked for me. I actually had 4 cycles...I feel like a pro! One was cancelled right at the beginning so I usually don't count that one (estrogen level was too high), one was cancelled towards the end (estrogen level not rising fast enough, and only produced a few follicles), and the other 2 were negative. I am NOT giving up yet. We are changing clinics and hopefully doing another cycle by the summer. A lot of this is trial and error, finding what meds you respond to, etc.

Yes, the needles go into your abdomen...the area right below your belly button.
The needle is very thin, so it really doesn't hurt, but the meds can sting a bit. They will also leave some NASTY bruises. The hardest part was learning how to mix everything. I felt like a mad scientist!!

Its usually about 2 weeks until you find out if you are pg. You might have to go in during these 2 weeks for b/w to check your progesterone levels and they may adjust your meds.

Lisa,

Just love those injectibles, especially the Lovennox, gave me bruises everywhere and they burned

Dh can't believe the way I just stick that thing in my belly w/o even flinching!!

It seems the more it stings, the bigger the bruise!

Needles in stomach - burning - ohhhh NO! She's not going to like that!

You have to do this yourself right? How long or big is the needles??? This is a process you do daily for how many days???

I think you can work out in the beginning, but as the process goes on you have to be careful. Your ovaries will be enlarged and you will probably be crampy.

Side effects? Hmmmmm...everyone is different, but yes, nausea, headaches, sweats, cramps, MOODINESS .

The needle is only about an inch long and as thin as a straight pin. No biggie.

Remember, most of this only goes on for a FEW WEEKS. Its not that bad. And, if it works...it's sooooooooooooooo worth it!!

ETA- once you do your retrieval, there is only light lifting and exercise through the 2 week wait...

Wow. It seems like this is your full-time job. How do you do all of this while working?

I wish you all a lot of

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Posted by michele31

Wow. It seems like this is your full-time job. How do you do all of this while working?

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Yes, you have to really learn how to schedule things! Thank goodness my job is so understanding!