Ugh...Frustrated with this cycle...

Chasity08

So after 2 months on the bench I was finally able to start my first injectable cycle this month and it's just not going how I had hoped at all. I started out at 75u, did that for 5 days, went in and had my labs/US done. My estrogen level was at 36 (my low estrogen levels have been an issue the entire time), and my largest follie measured at 8. So they bumped me up to 150u. Came back in today after being on that dose for 3 days, and my estrogen level did rise to 106, but that's still low of course, and the largest follie was 12.

So the nurse called me and told me that I had two options; Scrap this cycle, get a pack of bcp and try again next cycle when I will start at 225u from the get-go, or go ahead and bump up to 225 starting today, and come back in Tuesday to see where I'm at. I asked if the Dr thought this cycle was a complete waste, and the nurse said the Dr didn't necessarily think there was no hope, it was just a "much smaller chance this cycle." Ugh.....I'm just so frustrated.

I wasn't ready to give up hope yet so I'm going to go ahead and continue with this cycle, but I'm just not feeling hopeful at all. Thanks for letting me rant ladies.

RazzyRN

So sorry for the bad news. I don't know what I would do wish I had so advice for you.

mmmKayy

So sorry. That has to be super frustrating having to wait that long, then end up with a questionable cycle. I hope It goes well for you and it's not a total bust.. GL!

Chasity08

rainbowbridge14 said:

Sounds very similar to some cycles I had. I started low dose and nothing happened, then they upped my dose and I responded way too much and almost got cancelled. Injects can be unpredictable and sometimes even worse so with PCOS. 

Sorry you are going through this, it is super frustrating; however, do not lose hope. I always do respond eventually, it just takes some time for my ovaries to wake up. They just have to find the right dosing and your response should get better next time as well. 

See I think that's why I'm so frustrated. They were preparing me for OHSS, and so I was expecting to go in and have them tell me my ovaries were on overdrive. But then to go in twice and only have 2 follies and super low estrogen, it just really caught me off guard. I'm just an emotional mess, I suppose.

BunnyBerry

I'm so sorry, that's not what anyone expects or imagines to happen in their first injects cycle! I would probably ask the RE for his/her opinion on how much chances have dropped this cycle by starting slow...and if it isn't a huge difference, I would keep going because it would suck so much to put all those meds so far to waste. Of course, the only thing worse would be to add $100s more meds to a cycle if it had really poor chances...which is why I'd want a clear answer from the doctor before deciding.

I hope this cycle ends up being successful! But whatever you choose, even if you have to start again...next time must be a really spot-on protocol now that they have seen your response.

Chasity08

Thanks ladies. I opted to continue the cycle since I had already bought another vial of meds (after they doubled my dose I wasn't sure I'd have enough to get me even through today so I bought another one). I figured I'd already spent the money on it so might as well use whatever chance I have. The Dr said the cycle isn't a total bust when I called back but that starting on a higher dose would have just gave me a better chance. Not sure how that breaks down in percentage chances or what not, but DH and I both thought she seemed hopeful enough to at least try. She told me TI Monday then bw/us Tuesday to see if I can schedule an IUI. So we will see. Thanks for the support ladies!

Shauntee

Sorry to hear about this frustrating cycle. I hope the upped dosage does the trick for you. Good luck!

dogshowgirl

I'm so sorry you're frustrated. Just know that there are people here wanting to listen and help. But remember, Miracles DO happen :-) Baby Dust to you!

rachelkeller

My reaction was similar on my first cycle. I stimmed for 15 days, and finally had a 17.5mm follie... Still not great. My estradiol was on the lower end in the beginning while on the lower dose (150) but when they bumped it up to 225, it started to rise. They were hesitant to up my dose at first due to the risk of over-stimulation. We ended up with a BFN, but it wasn't a "waste." It was still a viable cycle. I am currently on my 2nd cycle with Follistim and it has gone so much better. They learned so much about how I responded from the first cycle. So, it will be beneficial for your RE to gain information regardless of the outcome. Good luck to you!

BunnyBerry

Chasity08 said:

Thanks ladies. I opted to continue the cycle since I had already bought another vial of meds (after they doubled my dose I wasn't sure I'd have enough to get me even through today so I bought another one). I figured I'd already spent the money on it so might as well use whatever chance I have. The Dr said the cycle isn't a total bust when I called back but that starting on a higher dose would have just gave me a better chance. Not sure how that breaks down in percentage chances or what not, but DH and I both thought she seemed hopeful enough to at least try. She told me TI Monday then bw/us Tuesday to see if I can schedule an IUI. So we will see. Thanks for the support ladies!

SO glad to hear that!! Good luck.