IVF questions - Patch Protocol anyone?

Lady2010 · November 2013

Hi Ladies - I just had my pre-IVF check-up where they listen to your heart, lungs and do a pelvic exam. I also met with the nurse to get the list of meds and learned how to mix / inject each. First of all - holy crap there is a LOT of them! I walked out of there totally overwhelmed.

I am on what is called a patch protocol. I am taking this cycle 'off' (currently day 10). On day 21 I go in for a blood test to confirm I have ovulated, then apply a patch every other day to my body (Vivelle dot) - an estrogen patch which I think is supposed to suppress my hormones.

Then on Day2 of my cycle I go in for labs and U/S. And begin 5 days on Menopur and Gonal-F. After 5 days I start going in daily for U/S and labs - they will adjust the doses and then eventually I will add Cetrotide (antagonist) to keep me from ovulating too early. And finally a trigger shot of Novarel. Then of course retrieval followed by the transfer a few days later. Once the retrieval is done, I start back on the Vivelle and add Crinone.

My question - has anyone been on this (similar) protocol? If so, what should I expect in terms of side effects, etc?

On the 3 cycles of Clomid+Ovidrel+TI & IUI, I definitely put on some weight and went up 2 cup sizes! (DH loved that since I am smaller!) And of course I was definitely moody (DH did not like this and bore the brunt of my ire!)

Definitely a little anxious! DH is off to London for work next week so I am going to join him mid-week to make a mini-getaway out of it. Since I am no longer working (entire team let go at the start of this month) and he has tons of FF miles, and hotel is already taken care of by his work - we figure, why not. This may be the last chance we get with all the treatment stress coming up.

So hoping to try to relax then - but seriously, every time I start to think about this I start just freaking out!

Thank you!!!

HeathernSteven · November 2013

I have no experience in IVF just wanted to wish you good luck, I did an injectible IUI, the meds to seem overwhelming at first but you quickly get the hang of it.

Hope you have a very enjoyable mini vacation!

Lady2010 · November 2013

Thanks @HeathernSteven! I wish you all the best!!!

PrivateOne · November 2013

My first IVF was the microdose lupron flare protocol which is not quite the same as yours, but similar components. I did birth controls pills for 18 days starting on CD 1. On CD20 I had a baseline u/s and blood work and began twice a day micro dose Lupron shots with each dose 10 units. On the third day I added my stims which were 450iu Follistim and 150iu Menopur. U/S and blood work monitoring continued every few days throughout. I took the stims and microdose Lupron for a total of 10 days. On the evening of the 11th day I took the trigger (Pregnl). 36 hours later was my ER.

I was VERY nervous about taking all these meds for the first time, but to be honest I did not have very many side effects. Towards the end of the stimming phase I was a little crampy and bloated but nothing that wasn't tolerable or in any way severe. Try to not worry about doing it until you actually start the process and see how it affects you. You may be pleasantly surprised like I was that it was really not bad at all.

Keep in touch and if you have any questions just let us know. So many great folks on here with lots of knowledge, experience and support to give.

Lady2010 · November 2013

Thanks @PrivateOne! I am trying not to think too much about it and just see how it all goes. And I like that thought - maybe I won't really have any side effects since it is a different hormone than the clomid!

Wishing you all the best.

Nootbar · November 2013

This sounds like an agonist/antagonist protocol with estrogen priming. This is what I wanted my RE to do but he is not familiar with it and our clinic is very old school, standardized/by the book. My "standard" antagonist protocol was just canceled and converted to an IUI. I had a feeling all along I would not respond well due to my bloodwork / DOR. If you feel comfortable, could you PM me with where you're being treated? I'm curious if it's in my area...

Lady2010 · November 2013

Hi @Nootbar - sorry to hear your protocol was cancelled this month but I wish you all the best with the IUI and future protocols (jf needed). I sent you a PM with the info - feel free to reach out with any additional questions. And good luck!

Nootbar · November 2013

Thanks- the IUI is tomorrow. Super nervous.

Lady2010 · November 2013

Good luck! From your sig this may be your first IUI. It is just a little uncomfortable but over quick.

Thinking happy thoughts for you!

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