pre-IVF anxiety... Help!!

[WinterBub]

Oh wow, 26 eggs! That's awesome news. I'm so happy that all looked really positive. I was trawling IVF info pages the other day and it seemed like there's a pretty wild range of how many eggs people get. Perhaps it depends a lot on why you're doing IVF in the first place. How exciting for you- I take it that the more eggs, the more chances of healthy embryos!!

 

[Megan0625]

Oh wow, 26 eggs! That's awesome news. I'm so happy that all looked really positive. I was trawling IVF info pages the other day and it seemed like there's a pretty wild range of how many eggs people get. Perhaps it depends a lot on why you're doing IVF in the first place. How exciting for you- I take it that the more eggs, the more chances of healthy embryos!!

Thank you! Well, it is likely that not all of them will be mature upon retrieval, so I'm definitely glad I have so many so far. I'm honestly surprised I'm responding so well to the meds. In our medicated IUI cycles, we tried high doses of Clomid and Femara and I only had between 1-2 follicles each time, so I'm just feeling hopeful about this cycle. Thank you for your support!

 

[WinterBub]

Yep, it sounds like things are starting out really well, and the odds are in your favor thus far. I'll have everything crossed that it all keeps going this well. That's interesting that you had such a different experience with clomid and femara. I am curious as to whether clomid would help me- I don't know if it helps you just to ovulate, or if it supports the process all happening "properly". I'm more open to IVF at this point than my OH is. So . Will see what the fertility specialist says when we see him. I'm in the doldrums right now re: my own situation, and it is really nice to hear that things are going so well for you These struggles are really isolating, and it definitely does help to share. Happy to be a random internet stranger cheering you on!

 

[Megan0625]

Yep, it sounds like things are starting out really well, and the odds are in your favor thus far. I'll have everything crossed that it all keeps going this well. That's interesting that you had such a different experience with clomid and femara. I am curious as to whether clomid would help me- I don't know if it helps you just to ovulate, or if it supports the process all happening "properly". I'm more open to IVF at this point than my OH is. So . Will see what the fertility specialist says when we see him. I'm in the doldrums right now re: my own situation, and it is really nice to hear that things are going so well for you These struggles are really isolating, and it definitely does help to share. Happy to be a random internet stranger cheering you on!

I totally understand, it's exhausting and heart breaking and stressful. Fertility struggles are INCREDIBLY isolating, and most people don't even think about it. It's so helpful to have a support system.

 

[WinterBub]

Thank you for the kind words. And I'm sorry that we're both in this stupid boat.

How are your treatments going?

 

[Megan0625]

Thank you for the kind words. And I'm sorry that we're both in this stupid boat.

How are your treatments going?

So far so good! As of my scan yesterday, I've got about 17-18 follicles that are maturing and currently measure 12-15mm. I think we are triggering when most of them reach around 17-18mm with hopes that they will keep growing to reach maturity by the egg retrieval date (they grow 1-2mm per day). I have another ultrasound and blood draw tomorrow morning, but as of yesterday, my RE thinks we are on track to probably do egg retrieval Wednesday morning, Thursday at the latest . I'm honestly just excited to stop the stims because I'm not feeling great. But it will be so worth it!

 

[WinterBub]

That's really good- just a few more days to go! What are the side effects you've been getting? It makes sense that it doesn't feel great- you're basically being manipulated into ovulating a year and a half's worth of cycles all in a one month. Nearly there to the retrieval!!

 

[Megan0625]

That's really good- just a few more days to go! What are the side effects you've been getting? It makes sense that it doesn't feel great- you're basically being manipulated into ovulating a year and a half's worth of cycles all in a one month. Nearly there to the retrieval!!

I noticed the stims (Gonal-F and Menopur) give me headaches and fatigue, but insomnia at the same time... So I feel exhausted but I haven't been sleeping well. I also have a lot of stomach issues - nausea, digestive problems, and bloating. My ovaries are DEFINITELY feeling sore today, it's uncomfy to move around. But I know they are doing their job, so I'm feeling excited and hopeful! Also, the Cetrotide (which I inject in the mornings to prevent early ovulation) gives me really nasty skin reactions. I was swollen, red, and itchy for 24 hours after my first injection 5 days ago, and it still causes an unpleasant reaction every time but my nurses told me that's pretty normal with Cetrotide. Other than that, I'm feeling pretty good overall, just feeling a little sick and crampy. Good news is I have about 10 follicles that are between 15-21mm in diameter and then about another 8 that are a little less than 15mm. So I think I'll be triggering either today or tomorrow! So depending on my bloodwork, either last night or tonight will be my last night of stims.

 

[WinterBub]

I'm sorry- ugh, not fun. Though fingers crossed you won't have to deal with all the physical side effects for much longer. And at least it sounds like you will get a decent amount of eggs for all of the work you've put in! Good luck for the retrieval. Thank you for sharing how it is all going for you. It's really interesting to hear in real time what the experience is like.

 

[Megan0625]

Thank you! I did the trigger shots last night at midnight and the egg retrieval is tomorrow (February 16) at 11AM! I'm super excited!

 

[Bevziibubble]

Yay! I hope all goes well

 

[WinterBub]

Good luck! I'll be hoping all goes well.

 

[elencor]

Best wishes! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you

 

[Megan0625]

Yay! I hope all goes well

Thank you so much!

 

[Megan0625]

Good luck! I'll be hoping all goes well.

Thank you

 

[Megan0625]

Best wishes! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you

Thank you!!

 

[Megan0625]

Update: The egg retrieval went very well! They retrieved 36 FOLLICLES! Of course, some of them were smaller but I'm honestly shocked at that number. We will get the fertilization report from the embryologist tomorrow and I can't wait for that call!

 

[WinterBub]

Congrats! That's awesome. Glad all the hard work and side effects were worth it. Good luck for the call tomorrow- let us know how you go!

 

[Bevziibubble]

That's great news!

 

[WinterBub]

Been thinking of you, and hoping that y'all get great news today!

I posted this question elsewhere, and just thought I'd ask your opinion, given that you've been through an IVF cycle-
We have two IVF options.
1. Clinic run by one doctor, very short and easy drive, do like the Dr, didn't like the business feel of the office. Expert in genetic testing seemingly runs that part of it.
2. Large hospital system IVF program. Would have the security of a large system, but have to drive an hour into downtown city. Likely less personable experience.

Just curious which you think the smarter choice would be!