Side-effects of Stim and ER?

sfleiss · November 2015

Hi everyone! I start my stims for the first time ever on 11/20, and I keep hearing how bloated, fat, emotional, and crazy I am going to get. I really have nothing to go off of here, so what has happened to you guys on IVF meds? Are they really that bad? Are they that bad for everyone? Also, I'm tentatively planned for my ER on 12/1 but I can't help but get increasingly scared each passing day. I have never been under anesthesia and I'm convinced I really won't be asleep, but the drs with THINK I am! Also, does it hurt really badly after? Will I get painkillers (I think no bc it wasn't in my meds that I received already)? Will I be able to go to work the next day? Thanks so much!

tripledaggerWed95976 · November 2015

BFP mentioned****** I actually had barely any adverse reactions to stimming, but my ER caused me severe pain for 4 days and mild ohss (even though they only got 11 eggs). I initially wasn't given pain meds but after 24 hrs since I was still in pain, my doc wrote me a script for hydrocodone. It was all worth it though because we got our BFP that cycle. Good luck!

beckihall · November 2015

I agree with pp, I didn't really have any side effects other than being really uncomfortable the day of my retrieval (i had 33 mature egss). I was in a lot of pain after my retrieval but that was because I has so many eggs. Most people I've talked to said they felt normal the day after their retrieval. Going under the anesthesia isn't bad at all, it's like you take the best nap ever. Plus for me I was so anxious, getting the drugs was a welcome way to relax. FX for you, and just keep pushing you'll get that BFP!

Colleen0516 · November 2015

Bloated- yes
Weight gain- yes but it's been over the course of all my meds for all my treatments.
Emotional- yes, but I'm normally emotional.
Crazy- no! My husband was expecting it and he was prepared lol but no craziness.

None of it was that bad! Overall, the anticipation of IVF was worse than the actual day-by-day! Because when you're in it, you only focus on one day at a time.
There's definitely a lot to it, but looking back- it wasn't as scary as I thought it would be!
You will be fine!! Best of luck!!

ChristinaV2015 · November 2015

If there was a checklist for all of these symptoms I would check them all off as yes... although I didn't get crazy until the night I triggered.

The needles are fine. The first night is hectic and you're all nervous and after you stick the first needle in you're kinda like "that was it?" You're so focused on the outcome and getting the BFP that it's all worth it. I started taking pics of things because I plan on documenting the journey in my baby's baby book.

I had my ER yesterday and it wasn't too bad. I'm crampy today but nothing too crazy and I was able to go back to work today... just brought my heating pad. Get a heating pad it works wonders.

You're going to do great. FX for you and keep is updated on your journey!

Rachd110 · November 2015

I was pretty bloated and uncomfortable after a week on stims, emotional yes, crazy no. I was expecting to feel more side effects, but didn't. I was surprisingly calm the morning of my ER. My doctor did a good job of making me feel relaxed. Once they brought me to the procedure room, the Anesthesiologist said I was going to feel a little burn as the meds go in. I felt the burn then next thing I remember was waking up in recovery and my DH staring at me. I had cramps for 4 days and it hurt to walk, but nothing too severe. It was great to have DH take care of me and do all the cleaning and cooking.

I was pretty nervous the morning of my transfer. There was nothing to be nervous about because everything went smoothly and I barely felt anything. It was just like a pap smear only better cuz I got to see my little embaby placed inside of me. The worst part of the transfer was the full bladder. I thought I was going to pee on my doctor.

You'll do great. Just remember the end goal and everything will be all worth it. Good luck to you.

Rachd110 · November 2015

And if you're in really bad pain after your ER, you can ask your nurse for painkillers. My nurse told me to take extra strength tyelonal, but if it didn't work let her know and they'll get me a script for something else. The tyelonal didn't help, but I didn't need painkillers.

lissa2505 · November 2015

Hi ladies
I had an IUI on sunday 11/8 and the shots were fine but my trigger shot was hard and on the day of the IUI I was so bloated and uncomfortable it was crazy and now it's been 4 days and I'm so bloated I can hardly walk the nurse told me drink lots of Gatorade I was wondering if this has happened to any of you.

sfleiss · November 2015

How is the trigger hard, @lissa2505? I have heard that previously, but I don't really know what to expect!

MSR1977 · November 2015

@sfleiss I am (basically) on your exact same schedule...started Stims on the 18th and my retrieval is on Dec 2 too!! This is my first IVF and had ALL of your anxiety going into this process. In fact, out of everyone I've talked to, mine is pretty aggressive. It's a total of 62 days from start of BC to ET:

27 days BC

15 days of Lupron/Ganirelex shots (plus 2 Delestrogen shots last couple days)

13 days Stim schedule:
Bravelle 525 + Ganirelex 125 + menopur 75

I've given myself every shot. Even Delestrogen Bc I'm a control freak. No pain Bc iced before and squeezed skin around the injection. Drinking a ton of g2 Gatorade, coconut juice and protein.

Just finished 4th day of Stims, so I'm almost there considering the long road I've travelled. Miraculously, I have not had any side effects yet. I was more emotional before the process started 2 months ago. My husband LIKES me better since I've started, so obviously I am a freak of nature. I almost hate to write this, Bc I know I have over a week of Stims to go. Plus, I'm scared that no side effects are NOT a good sign. My US have been promising, but it's early yet.
I will tell you that I attribute my strength to God, my prayers and the support system surrounding me.
I was SCARED. TO. DEATH. when I received my protocol schedule. It's the AACEP protocol even though my baseline numbers looked good. I'm 38, so they decided to go big or go home. Lol. I was scared of OHSS at first, but now trust the doctor and surrender my body as a science project. I began this journey only wanting a baby, which of course, is the ultimate gift. But, now I see God placed me on the IVF path to surrender completely because everything, I mean EVERYTHING is out of my control.
I had a breakdown a week ago before starting my Stims with the EXACT emotions and questions you have. Would love to stay in touch with everybody. I hope to get some friends from this forum.

MSR1977 · November 2015

Oh, forgot to mention my mock transfer was the most painful thing ever. They had to use 3 different catheters Bc I have cervical stenosis (narrow entry to uterus). Had no Valium, ibuprofen, etc Bc thought it would be like a Pap smear. Perhaps that's why it's been a walk in the park since.

sfleiss · November 2015

@MSR1977, I'm so sorry to hear your mock transfer went so badly, that sounds terrible!! It's over and done and hopefully you never, ever will have to do it again. You really are on an aggressive treatment cycle; it's crazy how it changes so much from person to person. I was on BC for 8 days then started stims (150 Menopur and 300 final-f). My stims are going really well! I do have headaches, which I am reading comes from the gonal-f, and I starting to bloat. I feel like I'm all puffy and squishy, so I'm seriously trying to avoid mirrors. My husband does them, I don't think I could unless I realllllly had too, so kudus to you for being able to do so! Honestly, I don't know what is getting me through this. Some days I'm like, "okay, too hard, too sad, I'm done". But, I always keep getting up out of bed, going to work, and making all my dr appts. I am definitely onmy emotional upswing though. We had three mc, which were super tough, then the "shock" of needing IVF, so I guess I finally realize with all of the procedures, stims, ER and implantation, that there is light at the end of the tunnel. That I'm not destined to doom and gloom. For me, this is emotionally way easier than dealing with my losses. Also, I really have enjoyed using the boards to connect with women who truly understand what is happening and can help me out and vice versa! I love that we are on the same schedule, @MSR1977! We have to keep each other updated!!!

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