I'm uncomfortable, I feel like I have period pains, along with the after effects of a stomach bug/food poisoning. You know that feeling when your stomach muscles ache because you have been throwing up so much ?!
Other than that I'm fine. No bleeding, and have taken no painkillers since leaving the clinic.
I had a call today from one of the embryologists. Three of the four eggs have fertilised! He said this was a good rate. I'm slight disappointed about the one that didn't, but so pleased to get three. I'm not sure what the chances of them surviving to Thursday when they freeze.
I also spoke to my PGD nurse, Karen Fordham this evening. It's so nice talking to her about doing this, as opposed to the years of conversations about why we still don't have funding !
I said I realised the number of embryos was low, and she said it wasn't a surprise and it was the reason for doing the IVF now, rather than waiting for the PGD workup to be complete. . She agreed we needed more and also agreed I can do another cycle straight away. I need to have a period first, and then can start again on the one after that (March).
Hubby asked me if I really want to go through it all again. I don't see not doing another cycle as an option! If I don't, it kinda puts to waste what I've done so far. I have heard the odds for PGD are 1 in 10. Meaning we need 10 embryos to get one, good quality, free from TCS embryo. (and this doesn't take freezing/thawing into account).
I will do it again, who knows, might get more embies next time!
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Monday, 30 January 2012
EC all done !
I arrived at the clinic just after 10am and was shown immediately to a small ward. Not proper beds, but trolleys. I had wrapped up warm, but after the walk from Kings Cross station, I arrived very cold. I wasn't too pleased about having to get undressed and put a theatre gown on.
The staff today were all so nice. The doctor came to see me while Hubby was away doing his bit ;) He asked if I had any questions, I didn't really have any so he just told me I'd be asleep, the anesthetist would come and see me soon, and he said he would do his best for me. Nice Doctor, didn't catch his name.
The Anesthetist came and asked me standard health and medication questions. I was told I'd be going to theatre soon.
Hubby came back, all done. He had a form to fill in for his sperm production, he shown joke concern when there was a space for a name by the word 'Witness' haha.
I walked to theatre about 11:30. The next 5 minutes happened so quickly I can hardly remember it. I laid on the trolloey/bed, there seemed to be lots of people in the room, all going about their business like a carefully rehearsed procedure. I guess they do it everyday. A slick operation! The anesthetist took my left hand, slapped it, stuck a needle in it and I was told I would have a nice sleep. My left hand started to get quite painful. I mentioned it in case something wasn't quite right, I was told not to worry and then .......
I woke up! I was shivering, quite violently. Back on my own trolley, in the ward, a nurse, two doctors, anethetist and Hubby all around me. I was aware I was in pain, but didn't feel quite with it. I was told the shaking could be cold or anxiety. I was told to breath slowly and calm down. I actually felt perfectly calm, just couldn't stop the shivering. I said I was in pain, and the anesthetist soon put some drugs into what I assume was a saline drip. The pain started to ease and the shivering stopped. I was very grateful of the cup of tea that appeared. Biscuits too! I was told we got 4 eggs. The 5th follicle was empty :( Apart from the pain when I woke up, which now feels like bad period pains, it was all ok and I am glad it is over.I left about 2pm, and had to have a quick external scan, through the tummy, to check everything was ok.
I was very impressed at all the staff, especially the main doctor His name began like Solo .. but I didn't get the rest. He had the balance just right, kind and sympathetic enough, without being at all patronising.
The only other effect I had later that evening, was my shoulders and muscles higher up in my stomach and chest ached. I am probably using different muscles compensating for my lower tummy being sore. Hubby has been brilliant. He cooked dinner, we watched a film and then he washed and wiped up, sending me to bed to wait for a cuppa and a hot water bottle. It was just what I needed :)
We will get a call tomorrow to let us know how many fertilised.
The staff today were all so nice. The doctor came to see me while Hubby was away doing his bit ;) He asked if I had any questions, I didn't really have any so he just told me I'd be asleep, the anesthetist would come and see me soon, and he said he would do his best for me. Nice Doctor, didn't catch his name.
The Anesthetist came and asked me standard health and medication questions. I was told I'd be going to theatre soon.
Hubby came back, all done. He had a form to fill in for his sperm production, he shown joke concern when there was a space for a name by the word 'Witness' haha.
I walked to theatre about 11:30. The next 5 minutes happened so quickly I can hardly remember it. I laid on the trolloey/bed, there seemed to be lots of people in the room, all going about their business like a carefully rehearsed procedure. I guess they do it everyday. A slick operation! The anesthetist took my left hand, slapped it, stuck a needle in it and I was told I would have a nice sleep. My left hand started to get quite painful. I mentioned it in case something wasn't quite right, I was told not to worry and then .......
I woke up! I was shivering, quite violently. Back on my own trolley, in the ward, a nurse, two doctors, anethetist and Hubby all around me. I was aware I was in pain, but didn't feel quite with it. I was told the shaking could be cold or anxiety. I was told to breath slowly and calm down. I actually felt perfectly calm, just couldn't stop the shivering. I said I was in pain, and the anesthetist soon put some drugs into what I assume was a saline drip. The pain started to ease and the shivering stopped. I was very grateful of the cup of tea that appeared. Biscuits too! I was told we got 4 eggs. The 5th follicle was empty :( Apart from the pain when I woke up, which now feels like bad period pains, it was all ok and I am glad it is over.I left about 2pm, and had to have a quick external scan, through the tummy, to check everything was ok.
I was very impressed at all the staff, especially the main doctor His name began like Solo .. but I didn't get the rest. He had the balance just right, kind and sympathetic enough, without being at all patronising.
The only other effect I had later that evening, was my shoulders and muscles higher up in my stomach and chest ached. I am probably using different muscles compensating for my lower tummy being sore. Hubby has been brilliant. He cooked dinner, we watched a film and then he washed and wiped up, sending me to bed to wait for a cuppa and a hot water bottle. It was just what I needed :)
We will get a call tomorrow to let us know how many fertilised.
Sunday, 29 January 2012
One more jab ....
It's Sunday, CD14, and the day before EC (Egg Collection) Are ya keeping up with the acronyms? I still see lots of them on twitter I don't know yet!
Pregnyl jab done 1 am this morning. My tummy is quite sore, feels a bit bruised. But other than that I'm feeling fine. I have been weighing myself nearly everyday, and my weight this morning was 1.7kg more than yesterday morning. I noticed last night when I put tights on getting ready to go out that my legs seemed larger. Wonder if there's a little water retention going on?
One more injection of Cetrotide tonight, and nil by mouth from midnight.
I have worked out that at the end of today I will have had 31 injections and 6 blood tests in 13 days!
Wish me luck!!
Pregnyl jab done 1 am this morning. My tummy is quite sore, feels a bit bruised. But other than that I'm feeling fine. I have been weighing myself nearly everyday, and my weight this morning was 1.7kg more than yesterday morning. I noticed last night when I put tights on getting ready to go out that my legs seemed larger. Wonder if there's a little water retention going on?
One more injection of Cetrotide tonight, and nil by mouth from midnight.
I have worked out that at the end of today I will have had 31 injections and 6 blood tests in 13 days!
Wish me luck!!
Saturday, 28 January 2012
Some good news and some bad news
The good news is that my LH is back within the safe limits. The bad news is one follicle is out of the picture. It is still 10mm which means, I think, that it is empty. Either way it isn't counted, so we are left with five.
The largest is 17.5mm and I think the smallest two are 14.5mm. The doctor, Malini this time (yes, it does sound a bit like Melanie, we didn't hear wrong) told me they measure two ways, and take the average to give the overall size. Hubby took a picture of the screen while she was doing the measurements and you can see the measuring lines across the follicle.
When we then saw the nurse (Kiwi Kate today), we were told I needed to have an extra Menopur 375, Gonal F 75 and Zomacton (growth hormone) right away. Talk about pressure! I am used to being able to take my time, but I now had to do it there and then! Another blood test, and we were on our way. We'll get a call later, and it is likely I will be told to take the Pregnyl, and another dose of Cetrotide. The injections I had just done could not be done at the same time as the Pregnyl, hence doing them immediately.
I think there was some question about whether to continue, due to the low number of follicles. I am disappointed, yes, I know you only need one, but of course the lower the number at this stage, the lower the odds are of you having one at the last stage!
Its seems a lot to go through for just 5, but having done this much, I don't want to stop now.
Egg Retrieval likely to be Monday.
I think today is the first day I am feeling anxious. Not sure whether it is because egg retrieval is near ("Fear of the Unknown"), or if it is concern about the low number of follicles, or if it's excitement. Probably a mixture of all the above.
Physically I still feel fine, although my stomach is starting to get sore where I have had so many injections.
I have just had 'the phonecall' as I type this. Another Cetrotide shot today and tomorrow and I need to do the Pregnyl injection tonight (well, tomorrow morning) 1am. Egg Collection will be Monday between midday and 2pm, so I need to arrive at the hospital 10am. I will be 'put to sleep' (isn't that what you do to a sick animal?!). It is a deep drug induced sleep and I wont be aware or feel anything, but is not as deep as a general anaethetic.
The largest is 17.5mm and I think the smallest two are 14.5mm. The doctor, Malini this time (yes, it does sound a bit like Melanie, we didn't hear wrong) told me they measure two ways, and take the average to give the overall size. Hubby took a picture of the screen while she was doing the measurements and you can see the measuring lines across the follicle.
When we then saw the nurse (Kiwi Kate today), we were told I needed to have an extra Menopur 375, Gonal F 75 and Zomacton (growth hormone) right away. Talk about pressure! I am used to being able to take my time, but I now had to do it there and then! Another blood test, and we were on our way. We'll get a call later, and it is likely I will be told to take the Pregnyl, and another dose of Cetrotide. The injections I had just done could not be done at the same time as the Pregnyl, hence doing them immediately.
I think there was some question about whether to continue, due to the low number of follicles. I am disappointed, yes, I know you only need one, but of course the lower the number at this stage, the lower the odds are of you having one at the last stage!
Its seems a lot to go through for just 5, but having done this much, I don't want to stop now.
Egg Retrieval likely to be Monday.
I think today is the first day I am feeling anxious. Not sure whether it is because egg retrieval is near ("Fear of the Unknown"), or if it is concern about the low number of follicles, or if it's excitement. Probably a mixture of all the above.
Physically I still feel fine, although my stomach is starting to get sore where I have had so many injections.
I have just had 'the phonecall' as I type this. Another Cetrotide shot today and tomorrow and I need to do the Pregnyl injection tonight (well, tomorrow morning) 1am. Egg Collection will be Monday between midday and 2pm, so I need to arrive at the hospital 10am. I will be 'put to sleep' (isn't that what you do to a sick animal?!). It is a deep drug induced sleep and I wont be aware or feel anything, but is not as deep as a general anaethetic.
Friday, 27 January 2012
Hormone concern
I am now on CD12 (Cycle Day 12)
Today's scan was on time! New (male) doctor who I had not seen before did the scan. He mentioned my hormone levels from the blood test yesterday. My LH is too high. I believe the LH causes ovulation. This would explain why I had to take a Cetrotide this morning as well as last night. I think the risk is if the LH level does not come down ovulation could happen and they don't want it to happen naturally.
Follicles have grown. Two are 16mm, two are 14mm and two are 10mm (let's hope those little ones catch up!) Another blood test, and wait for instructions on drug doses tonight. The original schedule would have been no Menopur and Gonal F tonight, but I think things are going for an extra day. I was asked if I had enough of the drugs for tonight, and I said I had enough to do one more dose. The instructions came via text message at 6:30pm. Gonal F 75 and Menopur 375! My response to the 'do you have enough drugs' was assuming the same dose as usual (225). I only just about have enough Menopur left! The instructions also say 'Take Cetrotide' ... Yes, but when? Just tonight, or should I take in the morning again too? Not clear at all.
My scan is booked for 10am tomorrow. I think I'll opt for not taking Cetrotide in the morning. At least if I should have taken it, I can then take it at 10am when I check. If I take it and shouldn't have, there's no going back. I did call the clinic when the text message arrived, but they were closed.
Today's scan was on time! New (male) doctor who I had not seen before did the scan. He mentioned my hormone levels from the blood test yesterday. My LH is too high. I believe the LH causes ovulation. This would explain why I had to take a Cetrotide this morning as well as last night. I think the risk is if the LH level does not come down ovulation could happen and they don't want it to happen naturally.
Follicles have grown. Two are 16mm, two are 14mm and two are 10mm (let's hope those little ones catch up!) Another blood test, and wait for instructions on drug doses tonight. The original schedule would have been no Menopur and Gonal F tonight, but I think things are going for an extra day. I was asked if I had enough of the drugs for tonight, and I said I had enough to do one more dose. The instructions came via text message at 6:30pm. Gonal F 75 and Menopur 375! My response to the 'do you have enough drugs' was assuming the same dose as usual (225). I only just about have enough Menopur left! The instructions also say 'Take Cetrotide' ... Yes, but when? Just tonight, or should I take in the morning again too? Not clear at all.
My scan is booked for 10am tomorrow. I think I'll opt for not taking Cetrotide in the morning. At least if I should have taken it, I can then take it at 10am when I check. If I take it and shouldn't have, there's no going back. I did call the clinic when the text message arrived, but they were closed.
Thursday, 26 January 2012
Human pin cushion
Today's appointment was at 12:45. I took an appointment as late as possible as I was on a course this morning. As it was I had to leave 15 minutes before the end to get there on time. Just made it! Then sat for 50 minutes waiting !! I wonder if I turn up late for appointments will I wait less ? :)
Scan and tests all done. Lynn said I have 6 follicles now (I lost one ?!) and there were two smaller ones, but they were about 10mm. The larger ones were 14mm which is much more what they need to be. Seems the growth hormone is working.
There is a chance egg collection (EC) might be Monday rather than Sunday. I asked whether they try to aim for ER at a certain time of day, and tell you when to take that final Pregnyl shot to aim for that. This is not the case, the timing is based on your cycle and follicles.
Another blood test, I'm getting the hang of this! And a scan booked for 12:15 tomorrow.
Got a phonecall at 5pm. Start Cetrotide this evening and Gonal F and Menopur to stay the same. Second dose of Zomacton to do tonight also. FOUR injections!! That's 5 needles all in one day, who'd have thought I would be choosing to do this ?! :)
I have also been told to do a Cetrotide injection in the morning, and another tomorrow night.
I think this means I am at the stage now where they want to prevent the natural ovulation. I think this is good and things are progressing OK. I am disappointed with the low follicle count, and just hoping they continue to grow.
After finishing the four injections I asked Hubby for a reward, a cup of tea. He replied "I don't think you should drink tea, it might just leak out of all of the holes!!" :)
Scan and tests all done. Lynn said I have 6 follicles now (I lost one ?!) and there were two smaller ones, but they were about 10mm. The larger ones were 14mm which is much more what they need to be. Seems the growth hormone is working.
There is a chance egg collection (EC) might be Monday rather than Sunday. I asked whether they try to aim for ER at a certain time of day, and tell you when to take that final Pregnyl shot to aim for that. This is not the case, the timing is based on your cycle and follicles.
Another blood test, I'm getting the hang of this! And a scan booked for 12:15 tomorrow.
Got a phonecall at 5pm. Start Cetrotide this evening and Gonal F and Menopur to stay the same. Second dose of Zomacton to do tonight also. FOUR injections!! That's 5 needles all in one day, who'd have thought I would be choosing to do this ?! :)
I have also been told to do a Cetrotide injection in the morning, and another tomorrow night.
I think this means I am at the stage now where they want to prevent the natural ovulation. I think this is good and things are progressing OK. I am disappointed with the low follicle count, and just hoping they continue to grow.
After finishing the four injections I asked Hubby for a reward, a cup of tea. He replied "I don't think you should drink tea, it might just leak out of all of the holes!!" :)
Wednesday, 25 January 2012
Needle sizes
Nothing much to report today. No scans or blood tests until tomorrow, no Cetrotide or Zomacton (growth hormone) Just Gonal F and Menopur, usual 225ui dose.
I compared the needle sizes and was interested to know how long they all were:
The Cetrotide needle is definitely longer, about 18mm. The others are about 12mm:
The Pen is by far the easiest to do.
Lets hope for some good news tomorrow. Grow follicles, grow!!
I compared the needle sizes and was interested to know how long they all were:
The Cetrotide needle is definitely longer, about 18mm. The others are about 12mm:
The Pen is by far the easiest to do.
Lets hope for some good news tomorrow. Grow follicles, grow!!
Tuesday, 24 January 2012
Ickle Follicles & Frustration
Scan booked for 11 am today. The way the trains worked out, we'd either be 5 mins late or 25 mins early! We opted for early and arrived cold and soaked about 10:40.
Scan happened about 11:15. Follicles are a little small, the doctor, Lynn said some of the measurements, but I can't remember them! She suggested that they give me a growth hormone, a dose today and a dose Thursday, which sometimes helps. My blood test was done while Lynn was getting ready to do the scan, so I thought great, we're out of here quick! Lynn said she would now be seeing me every day, so I needed to book a scan for tomorrow. We had to wait in the waiting room to see the nurse to get the extra drug. We waited an hour and 20 minutes. The nurse was about to do a blood test and I mentioned it had already been done. I am starting to wonder whether things are being written in my notes! They didn't have the drug in stock so we had to go to a pharmacy to collect it. We waited 10 minutes for a prescription to be signed, then headed off to a pharmacy in Warren Street, by now a little frustrated at all the waiting as it was 13:30! We had to pay, and we'll claim it back; £260 for two doses of Zomacton! As I guessed, it's an injection! ...
Scan booked for tomorrow, although they were fully booked so it's a double booking! I got a text later in the day to confirm Menopur and Gonal F doses to remain the same. The text also said next scan Thurs. so it looks like they don't want to see me tomorrow after all. I expect I will have to go in Friday as its getting close to egg collection day, which made me wonder why they didn't book me in for a scan Friday at the time. Three injections done. I was given syringes and needles for the Zomacton and was relieved to see it was a small needle, like the ones I am using for Menopur.
The Zomacton, like Cetrotide and Menopur has to be mixed. The solution comes in a small ampule. The top has to be snapped off, the liquid (at least 1.3ml of it) drawn into the syringe with a mixing needle attached and added to the vial of powder. You then change the needle (given the size of the mixing needle you're not likely to forget this step!)
A text message confirmed my doses at 17:42 .. "The dr has reviewed your bloods and would like you to take 225 Gonal F and 225 Menopur tonight and tomorrow night, and Zomacton on alternate days. Please come for a scan on Thursday. CRGH"
Scan happened about 11:15. Follicles are a little small, the doctor, Lynn said some of the measurements, but I can't remember them! She suggested that they give me a growth hormone, a dose today and a dose Thursday, which sometimes helps. My blood test was done while Lynn was getting ready to do the scan, so I thought great, we're out of here quick! Lynn said she would now be seeing me every day, so I needed to book a scan for tomorrow. We had to wait in the waiting room to see the nurse to get the extra drug. We waited an hour and 20 minutes. The nurse was about to do a blood test and I mentioned it had already been done. I am starting to wonder whether things are being written in my notes! They didn't have the drug in stock so we had to go to a pharmacy to collect it. We waited 10 minutes for a prescription to be signed, then headed off to a pharmacy in Warren Street, by now a little frustrated at all the waiting as it was 13:30! We had to pay, and we'll claim it back; £260 for two doses of Zomacton! As I guessed, it's an injection! ...
Scan booked for tomorrow, although they were fully booked so it's a double booking! I got a text later in the day to confirm Menopur and Gonal F doses to remain the same. The text also said next scan Thurs. so it looks like they don't want to see me tomorrow after all. I expect I will have to go in Friday as its getting close to egg collection day, which made me wonder why they didn't book me in for a scan Friday at the time. Three injections done. I was given syringes and needles for the Zomacton and was relieved to see it was a small needle, like the ones I am using for Menopur.
The Zomacton, like Cetrotide and Menopur has to be mixed. The solution comes in a small ampule. The top has to be snapped off, the liquid (at least 1.3ml of it) drawn into the syringe with a mixing needle attached and added to the vial of powder. You then change the needle (given the size of the mixing needle you're not likely to forget this step!)
A text message confirmed my doses at 17:42 .. "The dr has reviewed your bloods and would like you to take 225 Gonal F and 225 Menopur tonight and tomorrow night, and Zomacton on alternate days. Please come for a scan on Thursday. CRGH"
Monday, 23 January 2012
No Cetrotide
Eventually managed to speak to a nurse at 5pm. I told her I was keen to know why I had been told not to take Cetrotide from yesterday and asked if it indicated a problem. Also I mentioned that I had already stated taking it Saturday, and was concerned I had taken a dose when perhaps I shouldn't have.
The nurse said she couldn't tell me, it wasn't in my notes that I had been told not to take it! She would speak to a doctor and call back.
She called 15 minutes later and told me it was correct that I should not be taking Cetrotide. She said usually Cetrotide is started on CD6, but only once confirmed with the clinic after blood test and scan. I pointed out that my scan had been booked for CD7 so this would not have been possible! I feel perhaps a mistake has been made here. I was assured it won't have done any harm, and the reason you take Cetrotide is to stop ovulation. They did not feel due to my hormone levels that this was needed yet.
I found out from another (unofficial) source that taking Cetrotide too early could slow growth of the follicles.
I forgot to mention that I have now also started taking the antibiotic tablets. Seems so insignificant compared to the injections that it didn't even occur to me to mention it! Just 1 tablet a day.
Next scan is tomorrow as originally booked.
The nurse said she couldn't tell me, it wasn't in my notes that I had been told not to take it! She would speak to a doctor and call back.
She called 15 minutes later and told me it was correct that I should not be taking Cetrotide. She said usually Cetrotide is started on CD6, but only once confirmed with the clinic after blood test and scan. I pointed out that my scan had been booked for CD7 so this would not have been possible! I feel perhaps a mistake has been made here. I was assured it won't have done any harm, and the reason you take Cetrotide is to stop ovulation. They did not feel due to my hormone levels that this was needed yet.
I found out from another (unofficial) source that taking Cetrotide too early could slow growth of the follicles.
I forgot to mention that I have now also started taking the antibiotic tablets. Seems so insignificant compared to the injections that it didn't even occur to me to mention it! Just 1 tablet a day.
Next scan is tomorrow as originally booked.
Sunday, 22 January 2012
First progress scan and blood test
We arrived for our 10am appointment, scan was with Melanie, she said everything looked fine. We waited in the waiting room to see a nurse for my blood tests. Apart from having quite a wait for the nurse, it was all straightforward. Hubby handed in a urine sample, for some reason the nurse thought he had already done this.
We then waited for a phonecall to confirm the injection doses to continue with.
The call arrived when we were in the cinema, so the doctor left a voicemail. next scan Tuesday, Menopur and Gonal F to stay the same, but no Cetrotide. Fine with me! One less jab. He didn't say the reason. I'll see if I can find out tomorrow.
Roses from hubby for being brave :-D
We then waited for a phonecall to confirm the injection doses to continue with.
The call arrived when we were in the cinema, so the doctor left a voicemail. next scan Tuesday, Menopur and Gonal F to stay the same, but no Cetrotide. Fine with me! One less jab. He didn't say the reason. I'll see if I can find out tomorrow.
Roses from hubby for being brave :-D
Saturday, 21 January 2012
Purple!
I have a nice purple bruise where the Menopur jab went in. Lump has almost gone, but something was definitely different about that jab. I will ask the nurse when I have my scan tomorrow.
It's a shame as it has put hubby off giving me the injections, because he is worried about hurting me.
I did tonights injections myself. Felt quite proud of myself really, I could never have imagined doing this. The new Cetrotide one that I had to start on today has a bigger needle!! Ugh. Still, it was fine.
I read through the instructions carefully. Like the Menopur the power in the vial needs to be mixed with solution first. However, each vial is one complete shot. A new vial is mixed and used each day. the instructions for injecting suggested injecting at a 45 degree angle (not 90 as we'd been instructed by the nurse). The extra millimetres in length of the needle convinced me this 45 degree angle was the way to go! there is something more comforting feeling that you are sticking the needle along rather than straight in!! It worked, I took a deep breath and did ... it ... very ... slowly ... ! :)
It's a shame as it has put hubby off giving me the injections, because he is worried about hurting me.
I did tonights injections myself. Felt quite proud of myself really, I could never have imagined doing this. The new Cetrotide one that I had to start on today has a bigger needle!! Ugh. Still, it was fine.
Friday, 20 January 2012
CD5 checking in
The third and final day of just Gonal F and Menopur. This days jabs didn't seem to go as smoothly. We did the Menopur first as that seems slight more noticable to me so we get it out of the way. This time it did hurt a little. It's only minor, but concerned me. I could feel a lump afterwards too. The Gonal F (Pen) would have been fine, but hubby forgot to pull the end of the pen out, so when he was pushing, he was pushing into me, not pushing the end of the pen in. Once I realised, we took the needle out and did it again.
Despite the slight hiccups, I still survived! No side effects from the drugs ... Yet! I start on Cetrotide tomorrow.
Despite the slight hiccups, I still survived! No side effects from the drugs ... Yet! I start on Cetrotide tomorrow.
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
A day of stimulation !
First day of injections has arrived.
We decided to start with the pen first (Gonal F) as it seemed the easier one
The pen already contains the medication, so we turned the dial on the end to the correct dose (225 in my case), took a needle out of the packaging and fitted it on. A pinch of the skin in the stomach to lift it, needle in at 90 degree angle and pressed the end of then pen. It clicked about 5 times then would not go any further. It was harder to push than expected. Hubby did it for me, and it was fine!
Next the Menopur. The two syringes of liquid had to be added to the vial of powder and mixed. This will now be used for several doses. One new syringe fill it to 225 from the vial, and then inject same as the pen.
We decided to start with the pen first (Gonal F) as it seemed the easier one
The pen already contains the medication, so we turned the dial on the end to the correct dose (225 in my case), took a needle out of the packaging and fitted it on. A pinch of the skin in the stomach to lift it, needle in at 90 degree angle and pressed the end of then pen. It clicked about 5 times then would not go any further. It was harder to push than expected. Hubby did it for me, and it was fine!
Next the Menopur. The two syringes of liquid had to be added to the vial of powder and mixed. This will now be used for several doses. One new syringe fill it to 225 from the vial, and then inject same as the pen.
Hubby found this easier, as the syringe was easier to hold, the pen seems to slip a little as you dont have anything to grip. I felt the needle slightly more with this one, but again, it was fine. I was relieved to get the first one out of the way. Now we've done it once I know we can do it again. ... Phew Perhaps I am not such a wuss afterall. It's amazing what your mind can overcome when it is important enough.
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
On to the next stage
When I called to make our appointment for today I was told scans need to be in the morning. I was disappointed as our injection lesson wasn't until 5pm and it meant hanging around. I mentioned this and they told me to go in for a scan at 12:45 and a nurse would explain how to do the injections. Pleased with that!
I had my scan just before 1pm. It was the same doctor who did my first (unsuccessful) scan on my first appointment. I think her name is Melanie, or similar. she said everything was fine and I could start the stimulation injections tomorrow which would be my cycle day 3 (CD3). I didn't have a blood test today.
We then waited about an hour to see a nurse to tell us our medication timetable and the doses I need to take. She also booked me in for all the scans and blood tests. (Sunday 20th, Tuesday 24th, Thurs 26th)
For now all I need to worry about is doing Gonal F and Menopur injections 225iu each starting tomorrow, after 7pm and add the Cetrotide injections on CD6 (Saturday). My next scan is Sunday and they will also do a blood test to check hormone levels. The doses may or may not be altered, depending on my reaction to the drugs.
One thing I was suprised at was when the nurse showed us the length of the needle :) Even Hubby looked suprised. He confidently reminded me how he did his part in giving our diabetic cat injections for over 2 years.
Wish me luck !!!
I had my scan just before 1pm. It was the same doctor who did my first (unsuccessful) scan on my first appointment. I think her name is Melanie, or similar. she said everything was fine and I could start the stimulation injections tomorrow which would be my cycle day 3 (CD3). I didn't have a blood test today.
We then waited about an hour to see a nurse to tell us our medication timetable and the doses I need to take. She also booked me in for all the scans and blood tests. (Sunday 20th, Tuesday 24th, Thurs 26th)
For now all I need to worry about is doing Gonal F and Menopur injections 225iu each starting tomorrow, after 7pm and add the Cetrotide injections on CD6 (Saturday). My next scan is Sunday and they will also do a blood test to check hormone levels. The doses may or may not be altered, depending on my reaction to the drugs.
One thing I was suprised at was when the nurse showed us the length of the needle
Wish me luck !!!
Sunday, 15 January 2012
Nice timing, thanks AF :)
AF arrived this evening, this means Tuesday will be CD2 (Cycle Day 2) so should be perfect for scan and blood test. I'll be on the phone to CRGH in the morning to make an appointment.
Thursday, 12 January 2012
So far, so good ...
Last tablet today, 24 tablets in total over 12 days. I guess that's the easy bit done with! No horrid effects, I don't feel any different. I did wonder about day 6 if they were affecting my moods as I felt very irritable. It didn't last, so I think I was just not having a great day!
Now I just wait for my next cycle to start, then I need to make an appointment for a scan and blood test and hope we get the go ahead to start the injections. I need to go in day 1-3, and I'm hoping that coincides with our injection lesson Tuesday, to save us doing 2 separate trips!
Now I just wait for my next cycle to start, then I need to make an appointment for a scan and blood test and hope we get the go ahead to start the injections. I need to go in day 1-3, and I'm hoping that coincides with our injection lesson Tuesday, to save us doing 2 separate trips!
Monday, 2 January 2012
It all starts here
The day is here where I start the process (as opposed to the waiting, although there's still plenty more of that to come!)
First tablet this morning of Norethisterone, and a second this evening. I'll be taking this until Thursday 12th Jan inclusive. Here's hoping for no side effects!
I've looked up Norethisterone and found :
Type of medicine: Man-made form of progesterone
Used for: Problems with your periods
Breast cancer
Also called Primolut N®, Utovlan®
Available as Tablets
Norethisterone contains a hormone which is similar to the hormoneprogestogen that is naturally produced by the body. It is used to treat a number of menstrual cycle disorders. Norethisterone is also used to help treat breast cancer.
It is important for some people to start taking this medicine on a particular day of the menstrual cycle for a specific number of days. This depends on which condition is being treated.
Once you have finished taking a course of Norethisterone, you will usually have a menstrual bleed a few days after taking your last tablet.
I also read it can be used to delay menstruation, or control the timing.
First tablet this morning of Norethisterone, and a second this evening. I'll be taking this until Thursday 12th Jan inclusive. Here's hoping for no side effects!
I've looked up Norethisterone and found :
Type of medicine: Man-made form of progesterone
Used for: Problems with your periods
Breast cancer
Also called Primolut N®, Utovlan®
Available as Tablets
Norethisterone contains a hormone which is similar to the hormoneprogestogen that is naturally produced by the body. It is used to treat a number of menstrual cycle disorders. Norethisterone is also used to help treat breast cancer.
It is important for some people to start taking this medicine on a particular day of the menstrual cycle for a specific number of days. This depends on which condition is being treated.
Once you have finished taking a course of Norethisterone, you will usually have a menstrual bleed a few days after taking your last tablet.
I also read it can be used to delay menstruation, or control the timing.
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