New here - Intro

ashley0723

I've been lurking this board off an on for about 8 months as my husband and I began to stumblingly navigate the whole IVF process, mostly to remind myself that I am not the only one who is struggling and that there are ways of getting through all of this. First, I should share that I am not undergoing IVF for infertility, but because I have a balanced reciprical chromosomal translocation. My mother unknowingly had the same condition and therefore my younger brother has Cri-du-chat and Cornelia Delang, fairly severe developmental disorders with physical and mental disabilities. My parents had me karyotyped (which I frustratingly had to have re-done at the genesis of this process because the doctors lost it) shortly after his diagnosis, so I have known since I was a child that having children naturally was really not an option. Anyway, my DH (28) and I (26) have been together for over ten years and, after more than a year struggling to start all of this due to a lack of medical guidance and questions like, "Where the hell are we going to get all this money?!", we are finally starting stimulation. I had some crushing anxiety about these medications, especially since we purchased a 2-cycle package and I have almost no tolerance for foreign substances; I even got most of the nasty side effects of the birth control. Also, I am actually healthy and quite fertile, so I will be a high responder, which puts me at a greater risk for things like OHSS. However, I just did 150 of Follistim yesterday and am pleased to report that I have almost no noticable reactions (a few twinges of abdominal pain and some discomfort when first laying down). But I'm wondering: is this a normal dosage or is it low? Anyone else used Follistim and how did you react to it?

O2girl

I was on 150 follistim as well. I am a high responder. Sadly for me the reality is I have a lot of eggs and make great embies, but I have complications that make carrying difficult. I wish you luck on this journey. FX you and your H find success with this process.

ronniesgirl1981

Welcome and good luck!

AngM123

I also started out on 150 due to a chance of over stimulating and then added in Menopur. My biggest fear of doing IVF was how I was going to react to all the meds, as I have a very sensitive system. I can honestly say I had not one side effect, and quite honestly felt great. My face cleared up, I lost a couple pounds, my hair started doing fabulous things, and overall I felt cheerful. I think all the hormones did me well I have now started the PIO and estrace and have some annoying side effects ( sore boobs, constipation, cramping) that I'm hoping will subside soon....but nothing I can't handle. Good luck! You will be fine!

alpCRNA

Welcome and good luck.  I hope your stay here is short.

Rangiroa

Welcome! FX for you!

Dyork

I'm not much help in answering your questions. But welcome, and good luck!

young&hopeful

Welcome and good luck!