Anxious about OHSS

PennyLane26

I just can't seem to get this off my mind. I've started BCPs for Ivf #1 with ICSI and am due to start Lupron next weekend. The RE said she was very concerned that I would be prone to OHSS and even though I'll be monitored closely while on stims, I'm nervous about what expect! When would I begin to notice symptoms? How Long dld this last? And most importantly- can it interfere with IVF?

 Ive been reading bits and pieces about this, but it's only making my anxiety worse! Any insight from ladies who have experienced this (or have gotten better info than me from their RE) would be greatly appreciated. Thanks as ladies!

delino

I don't have anything useful to add, but I share your concerns. My RE and nurse strongly believe that I will respond very well to stims. While this is a good thing, I am concerned about OHSS and also having many poor quality eggs vs a few high quality ones.

rjade9

I have no advice for you, but I am curious why did the nurse think you are more prone to OHSS?

PennyLane26

rjade9:

I have no advice for you, but I am curious why did the nurse think you are more prone to OHSS?

She said because of a combination of my age and size I would be very susceptible to the hormones, it didn't register when she first brought it up, but she mentioned it two more times during our consult so it totally freaked me.  

kmkaull2

Don't stress.  I was told the same thing (something like 36 follicles) and 1 day past 5dt I am doing fine.  I'm drinking A LOT of Smartwater and a high protein diet.  I'm bloated as all heck, but I don't think it is leading to OHSS.  Nurses need to make sure you're on top of it.  Just take the information and try to stay calm.

 Good luck!

dimples128

kmkaull2:

Don't stress.  I was told the same thing (something like 36 follicles) and 1 day past 5dt I am doing fine.  I'm drinking A LOT of Smartwater and a high protein diet.  I'm bloated as all heck, but I don't think it is leading to OHSS.  Nurses need to make sure you're on top of it.  Just take the information and try to stay calm.

 Good luck!

 This.  I had a mild case of it on my first medicated cycle.  On my last cycle, I drank tons of water, the low-cal gatorade, and cut out carbs. It helped a ton. 

blueberries8

The real symptoms would generally begin 1-3 days after triggering (usually almost immediately following the retrieval). If your RE is concerned, hopefully she is starting you on a lower dose of stims. Also, if you are doing the antagonist protocol and your E2 level/# of follicles places you at very high risk for OHSS, lupron can be used as a trigger instead of hCG. The good news is that OHSS doesn't seem to affect the pregnancy rate at all (unless of course your transfer is cancelled and postponed to a FET) but it can be extremely uncomfortable and occassionally dangerous. It is important to drink a lot of fluids after ER - anything with electrolytes like gatorade is really good. Hope this helps. Good luck with your cycle!

lkmiss

Symptoms are feeling extremely bloated, sharp gas like pains, shortness of breath, fever, difficulty walking, weight gain of 3 lbs or more in a day... My E2 was high at 5200 and because of that, I was put on a heart medication (Cabergoline) the day before my retrieval which is supposed to keep the fluid in the vascular system and not where it's not supposed to be. I have to stay on it for 8 days. On the day of ER, my RE added in a daily shot of Cetrotide for 4 days. My ER was on Monday and so far so good. I did feel bloated with the occasional sharp pain and my stomach is distended, but nothing extreme. That is totally normal. It's only if it gets worse where it becomes a problem. I was told to have lots of salty food/beverages and a drink with electrolytes (i.e. Smart Water, gatorade) to balance out the high salt intake for a couple of days beyond ER. I also have to go in for a follow up u/s 4 days after my retrieval just to check out the fluid levels internally. I feel pretty good though, so am expecting that to go well.

Please try not to worry...