[tina3421]

Hi I am going through IVF this month and would like to speak with other women that have gone through giving shots and the side effects. Pretty nervous but willing to go through with it. praying that it works

Thank you

[TTCAngel34]

Hey Tina, I haven't gone through it yet, but I'm going to in August. There are actually a lot of women having IVF this month, and you'll be able to find discussion from June or July IVFers if you click on "Infertility Treatments" above (right below "General Infertility Support), and then scroll down to the IVF section. Just jump right in on one of those threads, and I'm sure someone will be able to tell you what to expect, or better yet, go through it with you.

Good luck!!

[Cemp]

Originally Posted by tina3421

Hi I am going through IVF this month and would like to speak with other women that have gone through giving shots and the side effects. Pretty nervous but willing to go through with it. praying that it works

Thank you

Hi Tina3421, I have had many shots over the past few years. I actually do not give them to myself. My husband gives them to me. I wanted to give them, but the first shot I just couldn't do it. So my husband gives them to me. It is nice because we have a system down and it is good because we both check the dose and I feel better that we don't give too much or too little. As far as side effects, it just depends. I think the worst medicine for me by far was the pill clomid. I have done better with the shots to be honest. I am taking now Gonal F, menopur (shots) and Prednisolone (steriod pill). I have been feeling a little dizzy after shots and I can't sleep at night, but I think the steriod plays a role in that. I have had weird reactions to some meds, but others don't bother me at all. I usually get emotional my first shot because I usually can't believe I am doing another round, but then I just stay focused on the outcome and I get through it. Good luck to you! Cemp

[HopefulinCO]

Hi,

First of all, good luck on this journey. It's really emotional, but the meds are not nearly as bad as I was afreaid they might be.

Most inportantly, I would DEFINITELY agree with TTCangel that getting onto the IVF thread for this month would be a huge help. My thread in January saved my sanity many times. There will likely be other first-timers and also more experienced folks and you'll have a built in cheering section and people to answer questions.

Like I said, the meds were not bad at all. I did give many of them to myself due to DH's work schedule and in all honesty I sometimes preferred that. I was on Lupron, Follistim, Menopur, and Progesterone for my injectibles, plus doxyxycline and Prednisone around ER/ET. The subcutaneous injections (all but progesterone) didn't really hurt at all, except the Menopur stung a bit when it went in. The progesterone wasn't bad either, more awkward when self-administering (hard to reach around to your own behind!). Plus if you're on progesterone for many weeks, it can get a little sore. The ladies on the thread (or anywhere in this forum) can give you advice on how to make it the most pleasant experience possible. The only side effects I had were being bloated and emotional, though it was hard to tell how much of the emotional aspect was just from the whole process.

Good luck again!

[dec30]

Originally Posted by tina3421

Hi I am going through IVF this month and would like to speak with other women that have gone through giving shots and the side effects. Pretty nervous but willing to go through with it. praying that it works

Thank you

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

My first IVF wass in April. I'm pretty scared of needles and blood (I can't look when having blood drawn). I gave myself most of the shots, with help from my husband. I had to take Luperon first, then after awhile I started with FSH and HMG. They told I could take them (Luperon FSH HMG) in the stomach or the thigh. I tried both and found the stomach much easier. It didn't hurt like the thigh did, and it didn't bruise. If you're given the option try both to see what works best for you. The only shots I had a problem with were the HCG and Progesteron. I was told to give those in the butt, and the needle was longer and thicker. My husband helped a lot with those. They will most likely cause a small knot at the injection site. Mine took forever to go away, maybe I'm just different though.

Again,

GOOD LUCK!!!!!