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I want you to focus all of your positive energy on the outcome you want. It will get emotional, you will feel the physical pain, and each time you get into a sad or dark place, I hope you can correct your mental state. You are a warrior and you’re actively choosing this path because you want to successfully grow your family. This is the best chance you have. You can do this - you will do this. It may take some time, or more cycles than you want- but each step you take is one step closer to your dream. And when you’re very low, come back to this bowl and get some more encouragement. We are all rooting for you!
I'm about to start round 3 tomorrow. I was like you in round 1. I hate needles with a passion - take deep breaths, follow people's tips above, and you get used to it (also set aside enough time for the first couple of injections. it took me 10 min at first to muster up the courage to inject myself). As everyone above said, the injections aren't bad because the needles are short and thin.
Side effects wise, it wasn't so bad. Just felt bloated at the very end. The surgery to harvest wasn't too bad either. The worst part was having to have the IV in my arm - it didn't hurt but just felt so weird. And best tip I ever got, take laxatives as soon as you get home. The anesthesia relaxes ALL your muscles, so you will get really constipated unless you take laxatives and drink lots of fluids.
So want to end on that. It's not the needles or the hormones to worry about. It's the constipation after the surgery 😂. You got this! You have us too, and we're all sending all our ❤️❤️❤️ to you!
Bowl Leader
Those injections are not as painful as you fear. The needles are tiny and as long as you perfect the technique you shouldn’t feel it. Make sure that you select a “good” area to inject. For me it was my tummy ( on both sides of my belly button -1-1.5inch from it or under ). Grab/ pinch your skin with the fingers of your left hand and with your right hand try to inject at 90 degrees the medication. After a few weeks you will get bruises around those places but they don’t hurt and they quickly go away.
Most importantly know that we are much stronger than we think we are. You can do it !
And stay positive and try to maintain a regular life so you don’t get fixated over the process. You need to eat well, exercise and see family / friends as it was any other period from your life.
Good luck! I’ll keep fingers crossed for you!
Chief
You are stronger than you think. I’ve done two rounds. After the first round of stim injections I thought I can never do this again. Then I did the PIO injections, they were worse, and I thought never again. Then I did it again. And again. We got pregnant and lost her at 7 weeks. I thought I couldn’t make it. Then I did the PIO injections again and lost another at 5 weeks. I told my husband I didn’t know if I could go through it again. And then I did. Now we have 3 more embryos frozen to be transferred in a couple months and the PIO injections are like nothing. I don’t wish my experience on anyone (and most people have success waaaay earlier, I had an undiagnosed underlying condition the first time around) but it’s made me so much stronger and helped put so much else in perspective. Work doesn’t stress me out. My toddler’s tantrums just remind me how lucky we are to have him. I’ve gotten closer to my family and realized who my real friends are.
You have so much strength. You got this.
Pro
Update: we did our first shot today!! Did it in the upper thigh. And it was totally fine. I can do this.
I want to thank everyone again for all the encouraging words and support. None of my friends have gone or are going through this. So to finally feel like I’m not alone and that my mom is showing herself (through an online forum of all places) has given me light and hope. Thank you thank you thank you
❤️❤️❤️ we've all been through this (or are going through it) and we're here for you!
I did three rounds of IVF. The injections are not too bad really. Just make sure to use ice to numb the area and then pinch where you will inject and then just push the needle in. I know it looks and sounds scary but I swear most of the time you won’t even feel it if you numb the area long enough!
As for your body changing, I think the impact of the injection is different for everyone. For me it wasn’t too noticeable until the last few days. Kinda like PMS and feel extremely bloated but again wasn’t too bad.
Don’t stress about if it will work or fail, since it is not really up to you. Just focus on the day to day routine of getting the shots on time and relaxing! You are doing all you can do and it will work out.
Wish you good luck!!!
Good luck, wife went through the process and it worked for us. Happy to connect you with her if you need someone to chat with. Send me a DM.
Good luck!!! Injections are ok, I couldn't inject myself, hate needles, so husband did three shots/day.
The worst side effects I had from pills and inserts you have to take after the transfer. You can do this. Best of luck.
Pro
You guys. Everyone. Thank you so much. I’ve been trying not to read any negative stories and experiences and you’ve all buoyed me so much. You’re amazing. Thank you thank you thank you 💖💖💖💖💖
I can sincerely relate. I too just started my IVF cycle on 6/8 and my mom died a year ago. Through this process I have missed her so much just wanting to share this experience with her. I had all your same fears and more. I wanted to start this journey as my best self. This process is stressful enough I didn't want to add to it. I got caught up with work and removed a lot of work stress. I then wrote all my fears, hurts, down on paper acknowledged them, released it and burned it. I only wanted to focus on the positive and be grateful for what I have. There are days where I get emotional and sad missing my mom. I started journaling or writing letters to her which helped in some way. The IVF process isn't easy please surround yourself with positive people that support you. Don't let the negative thoughts or worries control you. Accept and do what you can control and let the rest go. I'm wishing the best for you and sending positive thoughts your way. All the pain of IVF will be worth it in the end. This time next year we will be holding our babies continuing our mother's legacy.
I did 2 retrievals back to back. I'm also afraid of needles but it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought. I was actually more comfortable doing it myself than having my husband do it. Only one of the meds--I think Ganirelex--stung a bit afterwards. Agree with recommendations to use an ice pack to numb your skin. Or you can also ask your dr to give you numbing patches. I tried that and it worked, too, though, the ice packs worked just as well. For me the injections didn't really have any physical impact.
Close to retrieval time I did feel a little bloated but not terribly uncomfortable. Retrieval was fine--I hated getting the IV syringe but it mainly depended on how gentle the nurse was. I did get really bad nausea after one retrieval but I think it was a combination of the anesthesia and eating a heavier lunch than I should have afterwards.
TBH the worst pain during this whole IVF process was when I did an ERA test to see if I was on the right progesterone protocol. That hurt like a motherf'er but only lasted half a minute (a looong half a minute, though).
First 2 FETs didn't get pregnant but the 3rd one took and I'm currently 6 weeks as of today.
Arnica! Get some! It really helps with the bruising! Like others said, you really do get used to the shots are they aren't so bad. I was afraid of the biggest shot, the trigger shot. But, I didn't even feel that one AT ALL.
I had some weird emotional bursts. But it was basically super bad PMS. Honestly not nearly as terrible as I was afraid of.
You got this!!
Yeah I remember now, I was so cencerned about the trigger, was laying on the bed, clenching fists and teeth making weird sounds. My husband is like: it is done. I am like what??!! Totally psyched myself out.
I read on reddit that some couples traveled and were doing injections inluding the trigger on the plane. So there is THAT you don't have to deal with now!!
I stressed myself out with the shots too but the advice given above is spot on. The needles are so tiny and once you’ve given yourself the first one, it’s far less scary. Occasionally it stung for me but I think it was because I didn’t let the alcohol dry after wiping the area for prep. Also, my emotions stayed relatively stable but I did cry because the medication kept exploding out of the syringe after I mixed it. Ultimately, there was a step where you had to draw back 2x of air to mix, but only needed 1x for the injection. So I had too much air in the syringe and the pressure kept pushing the extra (with the meds) out like a fountain! After we figured out the issues, it made total sense! 🤦🏼♀️ Just had my first PIO injection this AM and had mega-psyched myself out for that one but again - wasn’t bad at all! Best of luck!!
Also, there was a small, localized reaction to the certotide (if you use that). Apparently it’s common to have a bit of redness around injection site. I used some spray anti itch / allergy stuff and it went away quickly. First time I saw it I though OMG I’m allergic! But, alas... I was being dramatic again! So much unknown at the beginning but you’ll be an expert soon!
Good luck OP with your current cycle and wish you success. Sending good vibes to you. I too might have to go through ivf cycle in couple of months for the first time and I am as scared as ever.. anyone, is it a good idea to take time off during some of these days? If so, during which phase of the cycle is it best to take time off? I am afraid of the mood swings that the medicines and injections might cause as I already get heavy mood swings during my PMS.
Thanks OP! Good luck and keep us posted. Wish you have positive experience at the end of it, after having to go through the process!! ❤️
Pro
How was the egg retrieval? I think I’m most terrified of that and the days after??
Rising Star
Shots are okay. Did have a stingy one a couple days ago that sucked. Had my first monitoring appointment yesterday. Have to keep stimming but going back Saturday to see if they can add the Ganirelix. I think my husband is slightly frightened Of me and my mood swings...
Rising Star
Hi everyone I’m back. Last night I had a serious mental breakdown/sob attack. I feel like I can’t go through with this. I’m so so scared of the egg retrieval and afterwards. I had a panic attack reading stories online. Nobody told me the after effects. My husband didn’t even know what to say, just that he’s tired of seeing me suffer and having to poke me and stand by and watch. On top of all of that, it doesn’t look like i have that many eggs. Maybe 4? Any advice?
Rising Star
I love you guys so much!! Ahhh. And it’s not the hormones talking.
The stuff I read was about how painful it was. How their stomach was super stretched and tight. How bloated they are. Stomach aches etc. Just sounded awful.
My husband has also had to talk me through it on some days. He’s like this totally sucks. I hate seeing you this way and doing this to you.
The egg retrieval is Friday. I’m gonna be buying ALL the colace and prune juice. I’m getting heating pads for the ride home too. And I read I should eat super salty food so I think I’m gonna get chinese food.
And don’t worry! I don’t feel pressured by your comment. I think it’s good to think about my limits. I hadn’t set one yet cuz i didn’t know what to expect. But we are talking about it now.
Thank you all so much!!! 💖💖💖💖💖
Rising Star
Update! Had the retrieval. The morning of I had severe Mittelschmerz/ovulation pains. I was doubled over and couldn’t get into the clinic without help. I was super scared but the procedure was super quick and anesthesia lovely. That was yesterday. I was pretty crampy all day. And today it’s the same. I’m only drinking Gatorade and coconut water and trying to eat high salt and protein. I pretty much have just been on the couch with a heating pad.
But my boobs are massive and my stomach just looks so big. Please tell me this goes away soon. I wasn’t this bloated before hand.
I’ve been taking colace religiously but still waiting for the lucky poop.
Any advice here? Is the bloating normal? How did you deal? Does it go away?