What to expect with medications for IVF?

Mandypants30

I just recently joined, and introduced myself earlier this week. I am thankful for the warm welcome!

I don't know if this is how it works, but I have some questions about the medication part of IVF. I am scheduled for IVF with ICSI in April, with a May transfer. I think some of my anxiety is stemming from not knowing what to expect with the medication and retrieval. I am scheduled to begin meds at the end of March.

I know everyone is different, but can anyone tell me how it was for them in the two weeks prior to their retrieval? How they reacted to the medications? If you had to take any time off work due to feeling sick? I am just curious. I appreciate any incite! Thank you! 

Jerseygirl856

Hi and welcome! I recently completed my 1st cycle of IVF and I understand your feelings. As you stated everyone reacts differently to the medications but for me I didn't have any negative reactions to stims. I experienced bloating and some discomfort as my follicles grew larger but nothing that required me to stay home from work. Although once you start stimming, you will be monitored frequently with u/s to see how you respond. That can cause you to take time off from work or adjust your schedule. Good luck on your journey! 

LynnNJ

I felt bloated about 3 to 5 days before the retrieval. There was also a little bit of weight gain. I basically felt fine while on the medication,  but I  did start feeling tired. I am not sure if the meds made me tired or if I was tired because of my schedule going to early morning monitoring before work the 4 days in a row leading up to the retrieval. The medications themselves didn't make me feel bad, I was always worried I'd forget to take them. 

dragonfaerie

I'll repeat what the others said: I didn't have a lot of side effects from the meds aside from tiredness. I didn't even get a lot of bloating and only had mild discomfort. After the trigger shot I started cramping (which is normal.) Drink lots of water, go for walks, and just try to enjoy the ride!

Minnie1155

Hi and welcome! I'm in the TWW after my first round of IVF. As you said, everyone is different and I know people who have had different experiences with different cycles. I didn't have any major reactions to medications. I was on lupron which gave me some minor hot flashes, which weren't bad with it being winter! When I first started stims I was very emotional and had some mood swings, but that seemed to even off. I only started feeling bloated after doing stims for a week so just the two days leading up to egg retrieval. 
In terms of time off from work, never took any because I didn't feel good. My monitoring appointments were able to be early enough that I could get to work on time. I took two days off for egg retrieval and one day off for transfer. Wishing you the best!

momof2furkids

Welcome! I had my transfer today from our first (only??) round of IVF. I echo the same as the others, I didn't have any major negative reactions or sickness as a result of everything. I had some very minor nausea from the Cetrotide I was on and injection site itchiness that lasted a couple of minutes. All very minor and manageable.  I was able to do my blood work and ultrasounds first thing in the am and not miss any work. The trigger wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be and the retrieval wasn't bad either, some minor cramping that didn't last long. 
I did have some bloating close to trigger and a few days after, but feel back to myself now.
Best wishes to you as you move forward!

tripledaggerWed95976

Lurking...
so when I did my IVF I let all of the horror stories, and bad reaction stories that I had heard really freak me out.  I was terrified to start stimming.  Turned out all that fear was for nothing.  I responded great to the stimms, and had no bad side effects.  The only uncomfortable portion of IVF for me was the day after my retrieval, I was extremely bloated and constipated so I had a lot of pain in my stomach (it felt like really bad gas). But I was fine the following day.  

ultratomato

I'm just peeking in on this information because today was my 6th and final iui and the plan is to move to ivf next. Thanks for the information. 

Mandypants30

Thank you! All your mentioned experiences have helped to ease my mind. 

KirstenCas

Great question! Very comforting answers  . I start my stems at the end of April with retrieval and transfer in May, the drugs have been a worry of mine.

dragonfaerie

One thing my nurse recommended was the first time you have to give yourself your injection (or if DH/DW) is doing it, to record it on video. She said you gotta get your laughs where you can with this, and it can be funny to look back at a video of your hubby chasing you through the house telling you to hold still. 

KLake42

It all made me sort of hungry, cranky, and tired. 

But then, I think I'm the kind of person who easily becomes hungry, cranky, and tired, so it could partly be my personality. 

Mandypants30

We have to travel 3 hours from home for our IVF, so the unknown about the medication reaction is just something I was worried about. I spoke with my nurse this morning, and thankfully my baseline ultrasound and lab work can be done with my doctor in my home town, the week of my medications. One less thing to worry about! Thanks ladies!