Kinda bummed with my WTF appointment

kathrynlo · October 2011

When I went into the appointment today I fully expected that my RE would suggest moving on to injectables.. Boy, was I wrong! Instead of suggesting injectables, he decided to add Dexamethasone to the Femara from cd 1 through O. He stated that he is not opposed to me going with injectables, however, since I was able to get pregnant once on Femara alone, he'd like to try all avenues before moving on to injectables.

I can see where he's coming from, but I am still really bummed about it. I even cried once I got to my truck, and I am not sure why. From what I've googled, there's not too much out there on Femara plus Dex. Does anyone have any experience with Dexamethasone? Has anyone taken it during a clomid or femara cycle? Sad

limpetfan · October 2011

I'm sorry you're so upset after your appointment! ((hugs))

Dexamethasone is a routine part of IVF cycles - it's a steroid to calm/sensitize the ovaries. I haven't had any issues taking it thus far.

I've never heard of that particular protocol, but I am wondering if it's a newer strategy REs are trying. My RE has talked about using Femara as part of an IVF cycle before, and when she mentioned it she made it sound like a relatively new idea.

Hope that helps!

hootie123 · October 2011

I'm sorry Kathy I'm surprised too - I know everyones situation is different but I though with one tube injects would make sense. But they deal with this all the time - so I'm sure they know better. How many of the femara/dexamethasone cycles does he recommend before moving on?

STL34 · October 2011

I'm sorry you were disappointed with your appointment.

I've heard that dexamethasone and some other steriods are used to help lower certain androgens in women with PCOS. I would guess that is why your RE wants to give it a try. Whatever the reasoning, I hope it helps! Good luck, hon!

ETA - I've used Dex in all of my IVF cycles, but it is more for the reasons limpetfan mentioned and to get a baseline level of inflammation reduction.

kathrynlo · October 2011

Hootie, he did not mention how many cycles he recommends with the Dex but I have already decided that I will give it 1-2 cycles depending on whether or not I respond and from which side I respond. After that, I am going back with full intentions of telling him what I want, and that would be to move to injects.

I saw that Dex is used for many women with PCOS with hormone imbalances, however, I do not have an imbalance, I just have anovulation and cystic ovaries. I guess I will just have to wait and see how it goes. Thanks for the repsonses ladies!