Can someone please help me?

Kp214 · July 2016

I posted this in the August/September discussion, but no response. I'm having a really sh*tty day and could use some help. I'm overwhelmed with everything and trying to get prepped for the next cycle.

I just received my protocol for the September cycle. No suppressing, 150 of follistim, 150 of menopur, omnitrope for a few days prior to retrieval, antagonist, and trigger shot (can't remember the name). My RE said we would be doing lower doses since we are going to get a comparable number whether I'm on the max dose or a minimal one. However, the only change is no bcp and a reduction from 300 of follistim. Does this seem standard for a lower stim cycle? Seems like a lot of meds to me. Thanks for any thoughts you have or experiences shared.

LeFemmeViolette · July 2016

I would suggest asking your RE for clarification. I always feel like I pester my clinic with (what I believe to be) silly questions, but as my husband says, they're making thousands of dollars off of us. They can answer every dang question we have.

For reference, my dosage was 150 Follistim + Menopur, and I ended up with 16 eggs retrieved.

Hope your day improves!

Elyse1384 · July 2016

Sorry you had a rough day. Honestly I'm not well versed on the different approaches for IVF, but for a quick compare on my fresh cycle I was on Gonal-F (150 u), HCG (10 u) and then Ganirelix (250 mcg) from day 5 on. I had 21 eggs retrieved. Sorry I can't be more help then that, but wanted to share what I had done for my fresh cycle if you wanted a compare. Best of luck!

Kp214 · July 2016

@LeFemmeViolette and @Elyse1384 thank you for your responses. They give me something to compare mine with. I would be so lucky to have response like you both. I will probably ask. I feel like I pester them. We have been on break and have been in contact with them the whole time.

Angelic789 · July 2016

Hello, dear Kp214! Sorry for the tough period you're going through
I used to be in the same infertility boat some time ago. After 2 miscarriages in a row 6 years ago we took a long break in trying for a baby.
Then actually our journey started. I was diagnosed on endo and PCOS, had unsuccessful surgery. I wish I could use OE for IVF but their quality was just poor, dr said. He told we could conceive only moving onto egg donation route. It was heartbreak. I cannot imagine how I would survive it all without my super supportive dh by my side. Now after years of struggling I'm a new mom of a baby boy. (After months of considering the clinics we chose Ukrainian one to apply for DE ivf there).
I'd like to say that keeping on moving whatever happens to us is vital and so very important. I keep saying God blesses us for long waiting. So I strongly believe one day struggling ladies' cherished dreams do come true!!
Just wanted to share my story and say I'll be thinking of you and your next shot. Good luck, dear, and baby dust to you

AugustAng · July 2016

Hi @KP214, so sorry you are having a rough day.

I think Follistim 150/ Menopur 150 is fairly low for an IVF cycle. That is what my dosage was for IVF #1. You can see my results in my signature.

I was on Follistim 150 on my 1st IUI that resulted in ~7 mature follicles, so we cancelled that round.

The next IUIs I was on anywhere between 75-100 of the Follistim.

Hope that helps!

Kp214 · July 2016

@Angelic789 thank you for sharing your story and good wishes. They are appreciated. I wish I could say I pulled myself together and didn't go nuts over little things later last night, but I cannot. DH handled things as well as could be expected. I just feel I like running away.

@AugustAng thank you for sharing your experience. That makes me feel hopeful with your response. We've only ever gotten 3-5 mature eggs. Will you be doing a different protocol next month? Will you be using hgh for egg quality? If so, how many days?

dragonfaerie · July 2016

@Kp214 I had quite a few meds for my IVF cycle: Follistim, Menopur, then Ganirelix, a Lupron shot for a few days, and then the trigger shot. My Follistim and Menopur stayed pretty low as well (I think. I didn't get a huge response (had 9 eggs, 7 were mature) but it also depends on what's "normal" for you. PCOS ladies will get more eggs and may have a lower percentage be mature. But definitely do NOT be afraid to ask for clarification and assurance, that's what they are there for! Best of luck to you!

AugustAng · July 2016

@kp214 We will be doing the long lupron protocol this time. I go next week and will find out the specifics on my dosages. It is my understanding though that I will take a low dose of lupron for 7 days while remaining on my bcp and then I think I continue the low dose lupron with the follistim and menopur after my period begins, I'm assuming on Cycle day 3. I believe he said I would be doing 225 follistim and menopur this time. My Dr. did not mention adding HGH. Are you adding it this time or have you taken HGH in the past? I have driven myself crazy googling everything.

Some say it can be helpful and some say it isn't, ahhhh!

Kp214 · July 2016

@dragonfaerie thank you. Your response is huge to me. I hope to have those numbers in September. It is so good to see your tracker in your signature. Hope you are feeling well.

@AugustAng I used HGH on all my other cycles. It's supposed to improve egg quality. I didnt take it very long the first cycle and then on the second, only took it for 2-3 days. It's part of the protocol for September. My RE believes in it. I'm not sure how long I'll be on it this time, probably 2-3 days.

dragonfaerie · July 2016

@Kp214 I hope you are feeling more at peace, you can do this!!

Kp214 · July 2016

@dragonfaerie thank you! I am feeling better. I spoke with my RE about it. It may just be anxiety about the next cycle, but I don't know. With all the supplements I'm on, it could be anything. I started another that's supposed to help with irritability, Vitex. Also, I'm going to be working out everyday, taking walks in the evening, and possibly try to color for 30 minutes each evening as ways to lower my stress/anxiety. I'm trying to be kinder to myself. How are you doing?

sunnshine-2 · July 2016

@kp214 that sounds like a low stim cycle to me.

I started in 225 gonal F and 125 (2 vials) of menopur this cycle that was increased to 300 gonal f and 200 (3 vials) of menopur with added 250 centrotide on day 4 of stims. On day 6 my gonal F was increased to 375! My retrieval will be set for Saturday so not sure how many eggs yet. I also had no BCP or suppression.

good luck with this cycle! Working out and doing things for you sound perfect! we all too often over look the things that make us happy.

Kp214 · July 2016

@Sunnshine thanks! I'm feeling better about the new protocol. Good luck on Saturday! I can't wait to hear the results! You are exactly right. I often overlook what I need to make me happy when I feel there are others to be taken care of. This is definitely going to be something to work on to relax.

dragonfaerie · July 2016

@Kp214 Sounds like you have a solid plan in place! I definitely journalled A LOT throughout the process, tracking my symptoms, feelings, etc. I'm doing well, though this week (likely due to stress) I've been feeling nauseated and sickly again. It's minor though, so all is well!

Can someone please help me?

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