New to fertility procedures and medications--anyone that can help/give advice??

klpangrcic

So, I went and got my HSG test done (um, I have a very high pain tolerance and this was terribly uncomfortable for me) and all results are normal. My doctor wants to start me immediately on Follistim and Pregnyl. However, we never even discussed going on clomid. I'm not sure if we're just jumping right ahead to a destination we'd reach in the near future anyways, but it makes me a little nervous. I'm not scared of needles, but I'm kind of terrified of the side effects. Bruising, weight gain, sluggishness--has anyone been on these two medications that could give me an idea of what to expect. I teach and coach and usually have a 12+ hour day. I am taking so much time off work to get all of the procedures done, I really don't want the meds to make me take anymore time off. Tips? Advice? Stories of success?? All are appreciated and welcome!

hibiscus118

Hi and welcome.  I'm a teacher too and after trying for so long I kind of took a "I gotta do what I gotta do" approach this year.  That being said, I didn't need to take off because of being on the meds, just the procedures, transfers, and appointments (we had to go straight to IVF).  Even my morning monitoring appointments were before work.  I actually didn't gain weight when on the meds, but I was so bloated I felt like I had gained a ton.  The bruising was no big deal for me, that went away.  Good luck! 

thothscribe81

Hi!  I did follistim this month and didn't have to take any time off work because of the meds.  I got a bit bloated and was tired sometimes but nothing that made me not be able to function during the day.  I probably just slept a bit better at night this month!  Are you doing IUI with the medication or just timed intercourse?  My appointments I was able to make pretty early in the morning for monitoring (7am usually) so I was able to make it to work close to on time (maybe 15 min late) and I start at 7:30 so hopefully it won't mess with your work schedule to much. 

Good luck with your journey and just remember to try and relax and think positive!!!

funkykey

Welcome @klpangrcic!
I wrote a little about my experience on clomid in this thread, on the T-TTC board: 
https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12703837/clomid-pros-and-cons

I have gained some weight, but it's really hard for me to tell if it's the clomid or just the mild depression accompanying IF. The failed rounds have been tough on me - but you might get KU-ed your first try, and just have pregnancy weight gain! Hahaha! FX!

ETA: By "some weight" I mean maybe 5-10lbs, which is not a lot on my frame. It it just as easily could be attributed to what an awful, cold winter we've had in my region - it's been really hard to go for jogs.

dragonfaerie

Depending on the reason for your IF, Clomid may not be helpful to you, so that may be why you are on the protocol you are.
Bruising may occur, but it tends to be relatively minor. The only time I had a bad bruise was when I injected into the same spot two days in a row. I was a little hormonal on the meds, but not unmanageably so and I never needed days off due to side effects. Rest when you can, take time for a bit of pampering/self care, and don't be afraid to reach out to a therapist or someone else you can talk to.
I hope this goes as smoothly as possible for you. FX!