Bloodwork for IVF

jackiejoey · April 2012

Im a little nervous about this. I think they said its like 8 viles. Last time they did 3 I felt dizzy. Does anyone know any tricks to feeling better during blood work. They said we can eat so we def will eat something on the way there...

I have my IVF consult/class this Thursday and Im scheduled for a hysterscopy next Tuesday...

Im already getting nervous about all this stuff... I have anxiety just booking the appointments.

ksfrye · April 2012

One time I had 18 viles drawn, so 8 doesn't seem too bad. But getting blood drawn is never fun! The good thing is they aren't making you fast. Just make sure to eat a big meal and drink plenty of water. Also, if you think you're going to be dizzy, have someone come with you to drive you home. GL!

I'm also beginning my IVF journey too!

maggie2324 · April 2012

You may have had 3 big vials done before. Just know that with 8, some will be small so it's not as much blood as it seems.

I never had any dizzy problems, so I'm no help with that.

BethanyB2609 · April 2012

Hey Jackie! I just had my IVF blood work drawn on Friday. It was 6 large viles and 2 small viles. I was concerned about getting weak/dizzy because they ordered me to fast prior to the blood work. I did not get dizzy or weak, I felt just fine. Tomorrow is my SHG! It looks like we are definitely cycle buddies! When will you be starting your BCP? I will probably start mine at the end of May/beginning of June. Good luck and breathe! We can do this

Killer Tomato · April 2012

I tend to think your dizziness is more likely a result of your anxiety and not the blood drawn. Even 8 vials is not really that much actual blood, especially since some will likely be smaller vials. I have gotten slightly dizzy when donating blood, but that was a full pint. I generally drank a cup of juice and ate overly-sweet Donating Blood Cookies, and was fine.

I looked it up...blood vials range in size from 1ml to 10ml. Blood donation is generally 500ml. Maybe it will help to think about how little blood (comparatively) they are taking, not about how much more than last time. Even if all 8 vials are big ones, it is still only about 16% what they take in blood donations. More likely it will be closer to 10%, about 1% of your actual blood volume.

When you lose blood, the body replaces the fluid volume fairly quickly (the red blood cells take a bit longer.) Fluids help.

I agree w/previous advice...eat before you go, bring a cookie or granola bar and a drink, and take someone with you if you are nervous. GL!

kflynn81 · April 2012

I've been getting blood drawn for so many years that it doesn't really phase me anymore...but when I was younger, I'd always have a big bottle of orange juice waiting for me and that seemed to help me feel better after a particularly large draw. Good luck

jackiejoey · April 2012

BethanyB2609:
Hey Jackie! I just had my IVF blood work drawn on Friday. It was 6 large viles and 2 small viles. I was concerned about getting weak/dizzy because they ordered me to fast prior to the blood work. I did not get dizzy or weak, I felt just fine. Tomorrow is my SHG! It looks like we are definitely cycle buddies! When will you be starting your BCP? I will probably start mine at the end of May/beginning of June. Good luck and breathe! We can do this

Yes! Not only are we cycle buddies but we are fist time IVF cycle buddies, Im assuming I will start the pill at the end of May beg of June too! I had a SHG those are nothing, anytime they do anything I just get a little crampy nothing has been horrible for me so far, Im nervous about the hysterscopy but Im sure I will be fine. yay for cycle buddies!

jackiejoey · April 2012

ksfrye:
One time I had 18 viles drawn, so 8 doesn't seem too bad. But getting blood drawn is never fun! The good thing is they aren't making you fast. Just make sure to eat a big meal and drink plenty of water. Also, if you think you're going to be dizzy, have someone come with you to drive you home. GL!
I'm also beginning my IVF journey too!

18! Ugh im such a wuss. I will def be drinking tons of water and eating on the way up there. Thank you

jackiejoey · April 2012

maggie2324:
You may have had 3 big vials done before. Just know that with 8, some will be small so it's not as much blood as it seems.
I never had any dizzy problems, so I'm no help with that.

Im sure I will be fine, Im becoming a darn pro! but I still get nervous before hand. It's just a little overwhelming

jackiejoey · April 2012

Killer Tomato:
I tend to think your dizziness is more likely a result of your anxiety and not the blood drawn. Even 8 vials is not really that much actual blood, especially since some will likely be smaller vials. I have gotten slightly dizzy when donating blood, but that was a full pint. I generally drank a cup of juice and ate overly-sweet Donating Blood Cookies, and was fine.
I looked it up...blood vials range in size from 1ml to 10ml. Blood donation is generally 500ml. Maybe it will help to think about how little blood (comparatively) they are taking, not about how much more than last time. Even if all 8 vials are big ones, it is still only about 16% what they take in blood donations. More likely it will be closer to 10%, about 1% of your actual blood volume.
When you lose blood, the body replaces the fluid volume fairly quickly (the red blood cells take a bit longer.) Fluids help.
I agree w/previous advice...eat before you go, bring a cookie or granola bar and a drink, and take someone with you if you are nervous. GL!
Wow this was so insightful! Thanks so much. It def makes me feel better knowing that it actually isnt that much blood after all.

Thanks so much!

CousinVicki · April 2012

they didn't tell me how many, so this helped HA. i had 9 taken, and i was pretty uncomfortable ( i HATE blood), but just did some deep breathing and did NOT watch. this helped!

oh and as for the appointments, i know it's overwhelming, but just take them one at a time, and try not to think too far ahead. at least this is what i (try) to do ha

JBDamonM · April 2012

May I ask what they are looking for? Just curious if it is the Infectious Disease panel?

jackiejoey · April 2012

JBDamonM:
May I ask what they are looking for? Just curious if it is the Infectious Disease panel?

i actually dont know, I figured I would ask when I get there..

LSU Tigers · April 2012

jackiejoey:
BethanyB2609:
Hey Jackie! I just had my IVF blood work drawn on Friday. It was 6 large viles and 2 small viles. I was concerned about getting weak/dizzy because they ordered me to fast prior to the blood work. I did not get dizzy or weak, I felt just fine. Tomorrow is my SHG! It looks like we are definitely cycle buddies! When will you be starting your BCP? I will probably start mine at the end of May/beginning of June. Good luck and breathe! We can do this
Yes! Not only are we cycle buddies but we are fist time IVF cycle buddies, Im assuming I will start the pill at the end of May beg of June too! I had a SHG those are nothing, anytime they do anything I just get a little crampy nothing has been horrible for me so far, Im nervous about the hysterscopy but Im sure I will be fine. yay for cycle buddies!

Are ya'll planning on retrieving/transferring in June? If so, I'm also cycle buddies for my very first (and hopefully only!) IVF!

BethanyB2609 · April 2012

LSU Tigers:
jackiejoey:
BethanyB2609:
Hey Jackie! I just had my IVF blood work drawn on Friday. It was 6 large viles and 2 small viles. I was concerned about getting weak/dizzy because they ordered me to fast prior to the blood work. I did not get dizzy or weak, I felt just fine. Tomorrow is my SHG! It looks like we are definitely cycle buddies! When will you be starting your BCP? I will probably start mine at the end of May/beginning of June. Good luck and breathe! We can do this
Yes! Not only are we cycle buddies but we are fist time IVF cycle buddies, Im assuming I will start the pill at the end of May beg of June too! I had a SHG those are nothing, anytime they do anything I just get a little crampy nothing has been horrible for me so far, Im nervous about the hysterscopy but Im sure I will be fine. yay for cycle buddies!
Are ya'll planning on retrieving/transferring in June? If so, I'm also cycle buddies for my very first (and hopefully only!) IVF!

No, I think my ER will likely be in July. Close enough though

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Bloodwork for IVF

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