IVF - How bad is it?

[travelcat7]

Hi all,
We've been TTC for the past five years.  My husband had two vasectomy reversals (2nd one worked) and yet we still couldn't conceive despite his amazing numbers (completely normal range).  I started infertility testing 7 months ago and have been on clomid only for 3 months and now clomid, HCG trigger, progesterone & IUI for the last few.  Next week is my last IUI.  If it doesn't work, they recommend considering IVF.  I'm 35.

All of this has been so far out of my comfort zone, but I have pressed on.  I admit, I'm a wimp and hate needles so the thought of injections and the retrieval freak me out a bit, but I know the end result would be worth it.

Nine people in my department are pregnant right now, as is my best friend.  That certainly doesn't help. :)

For anyone who hesitated, has it been better or worse than you thought?  How many cycles did it take for the BFP?

Thanks & best of luck to you all.

[seattleview]

The first round of medications leading up to egg retrieval are subcutaneous shots...three or four different ones a day depending on your regimen (I did one in the morning and two in the evening).  Then, to get your body ready for implantation and pregnancy, you have to start doing progesterone shots in the butt a day or two prior to transfer and continue them several weeks into your pregnancy.  I think most people get bloated because of  overly stimulated ovaries.  Unlike IUI where they're looking for one or two good follicles, they've looking for up to 20 (depending on your age) for IVF, so they give you lots of stimulation medication to make sure that happens, resulting in lots of follicles and fluid bloating you up.  I was not fitting into my jeans within about a day or two of egg retrieval and still can't get back into them.  I think usuk was referring to the whole process of retrieval and transfer since your transfer date is undetermined until the embryologist has had a chance to observe the growth of your fertilized embryos.  The retrieval is one day and then depending on your doctor, embryologist, and your embryo quality/quantity, the transfer can be anywhere from 2 to 6 days later.  Like usuk, you kind of have to be on call during that time because they can call you the day after retrieval and say "your transfer is tomorrow" or they can call and say "we'd like to wait another day or two, we'll call and update you tomorrow".

[sjsmiling]

I promise the injections are not that bad!  The trick is to use a little bit of ice to numb the spot and your all good.  The HCG/trigger shot is much bigger and is only one time.  Probably two days before the retrieval.    Again, I really focused on numbing by behind with ice and I barley felt it.  

The biggest thing I would prepare for is the amount of time you'll be spending running back and forth to the doctor and pharamcy, as well taking to the dr. on the phone.  Hopefully, you or your docotor have a flexible schedule.  While some people may see it as a hinderance I really appreciated the thouroughness of my doctor.  

It'll seem very overwhleming at first!  We had to attend a class with one of the nurses and she trained us on how to give injections, timing of meds. etc.  I was so concerend i wouldn't be able to remember it all and somewhere along the line make an error.  The nurse reassured me that millions of people have completed this protocol and I would too!  And we did!  We are now 7 weeks preganant with twins!  Our first time with IVF!!!  We are so darn excited!!!!!  Wish you all the best!

[pregnancylove12]

I am DEATHLY afraid of needles and that was my biggest concern going into IVF. But we tried IUI 4 times and it didn't work, so this was our only option. I am not going to lie because the box of meds that came to my house was a little intimidating. My hubby did all of my shots and I NEVER looked at the needle and to be quite honest...it wasn't to bad. It was a lot easier than i thought it would  be and a very good friend told me that I wouldn't remember the needles when I was in the labor room. Well the first IVF worked and I don't even remember the needles now and I am only 18 weeks pregnant! It is truly worth it in the end (it even brought my hubby and i closer together in a weird bonding way)
Lots of sticky vibes.....
P.S. the only shot that ***** is progesterone and that doesn't start till after the retrival, so get a nice warming pack and apply it to the area and you will be as good as new!

[seattleview]

Want to let you know I got my official BFP today!  HCG = 268.  Back in on Friday to make sure level is increasing appropriately.

[travelcat7]

seattleview - congrats

Congrats to all of you have had a successful journey so far.  Best of luck to the rest of you and thank you for sharing your experiences.  

[feather2e]

I did 6 IUI's that were cancelled  due to overresponding to meds. I got pregnant with my first IVFand my son is now 19 months. I would have skipped the IUI's and did IVF right away if I had not got pregnant naturally the second time.