Someone please help! My stomach is li...

Hi Kirsty. I know what you mean. I had the same thing. No one tells you that may happen. I also felt really constipated. I just drank loads of water for a few days and felt better after a few days. Good luck with transfer. When is it?

Thank you for replying. I’ve never felt like this in my life and I’m really struggling. I feel like I’m drinking loads but I’m desperate to know if there’s anything else I can eat/drink to help or anything I can try? Transfer is due to be Saturday x

I had this too, it did go down after a few days - I had a day 2 transfer and I was still uncomfortable but the transfer itself was fine. Nothing really helped except rest and keeping my mind off it. Good luck for your transfer and hope you feel better soon xxx

I read your earlier posts - keep an eye on symptoms of OHSS just in case as you had a large number of eggs xx

Thank you. I’ve been madly searching the internet for a “miracle” solution but doesn’t seem like there is one..a lot of Americans have said drink Gatorade..not really sure what that is in that which helps? X

I think It’s basically an isotonic sports type drink that contains electrolytes. It’s good for dehydration and replacing lost fluids especially if you’ve had stomach troubles. Something similar is Lucozade sport.

I was borderline ohss on my first round. They had me measure by stomach daily with a tape measure to make sure I wasn’t getting bigger. Perhaps you’re borderline too. I hope you have decided to stay off work now.. Keep an eye on things xx

I did think about lucozade so I might give that a go. Il try anything! I might speak to the hospital this morning and see maybe about getting a sick note for a week. Work wont like it but i don’t see how I can carry on working like this. Thank you! How far into your treatment are you? X

Tough to work. Your health is your priority.

I’m on day 4 of stims today. I’ve had headache since yesterday though so I’m beginning to struggle.. I didn’t get headaches the first time I did stims. Different drugs this time though. I have a scan tomorrow morning xx

Once my headache started on stims, it didn’t stop till EC - so annoying - hope it settles soon!

I only had bad headaches on down reg for a fet (BAD headaches) this one isn’t really bad but it is persistent and it is getting me down. I’ll just have to muddle through it xx

Thank you. I can’t believe it’s still showing no signs of going down. The hospital are going to check my over x

Hiya, mine was like this after egg collection( I had 27 eggs) was really uncomfortable and hard, it gradually went down took about 2 weeks, I didn't have a trigger with HCG though and was taking things to keep the OHSS away xx

Hope you feel more comfortable soon you did have a lot of eggs collected so if you are worried ask to be checked over for OHSS the only thing I know is about drinking as much as you can x

Is anyone awake??? I have been up since 4.30am with horrible cramps. I honestly don’t know what to do with myself. This is just awful! X

Hi Kirsty, I would contact your clinic again. I've been diagnosed with ohss and was suffering from the same symptoms as you. I've been advised to drink plenty of water, take paracetomal and I'm at the hospital every couple of days for checks. Try putting a pillow between your legs on your side to help you get more comfortable while sleep. I also have back pain & was told I can use an ice pack which helps. I hope you feel better soon ! 🤞xx

How are you now? Have you spoken to anyone? xx

The cramps have stopped but just still like a balloon. Very uncomfortable. I’m dragging myself into work because I feel too guilty not to 🙄 I will speak to the hospital later. I don’t think I’ve let on to them how bad it is, which I know is silly but I really want the transfer to go ahead Saturday! X

I can understand that but if you’re not in tip top condition for a transfer then it could be a blessing in disguise.. I know it’s disappointing but wouldn’t you rather have a 💯% chance of it working when you’re feeling more “you”? Just see what they say first... it might not even come to that. If you can’t handle work today then take yourself home xx

Best advice I had was to drink plenty and rest -it settled down my OHSS enough to be able to go ahead with transfer. Be honest with your clinic - they can do a quick scan to double check that things are settling down. Good luck - hard to relax at work but take it easy when you get home - keep us updated xx

Bless u. It is so awful can def relate as I was the same after mine. Felt like it would never ease. Hang in there hun it really does go down and ease. As ppl said lots of water. Peppermint helped me a bit too but yep had to endure a week of sleepless nights. It will get better take good care x

Please either contact your clinic or your nearest hospital and get checked out. I haven’t had OHSS but it can be serious. The clinic should be able to do a freeze all on your embryos if it is OHSS. I know this will feel disappointing right now but you have to put your own health first right now. A friend of ours had a freeze all with OHSS, had her transfer a couple of months afterwards and now has a lovely little girl! Good luck xxx

Hi Kirsty, could you try some gentle yoga poses? Search for yoga to ease tummy ache and I’m sure some will pop up. I have a set of yoga cards with different poses that aid different ailments. I find them really useful. I had terrible back pain the other day and did some really gentle specific yoga exercises and it really helped relieve my back. It’s been less sore since. You’d be amazed how just some gentle movement or stretching of specific areas can release tension inside your body. Good luck. x

I am only starting to feel a bit better today, still a bit bloated, had EC last Friday and transfer yesterday. Ive been on a few short walks, avoided bread, used a hot water bottle and paracetemol when needed. Just rest when you can x

The nurse told me I wasn’t allowed a hot water bottle 🤔 Not sure why because I think that’s the only thing that probably would help! I’m glad your starting to feel abit better x

Hi kirsty I was told no hot water bottle either. You're not really supposed to have hot baths or put anything really hot on your belly during pregnancy because of the potential increase in temperature to your uterus so not sure if that's the reason (I know you're in the midst if ivf). I noticed you mentioned to Tugs about gatorade but I think it's better to stick with water - I saw this also on loads of American sites, I think it's cos they don't really 'do' water and they think gatorade is the same (it really isn't!). Would lucozade not make you very gassy? I avoided soft drinks after EC and when taking progesterone cos I was so bloated. Definitely would recommend the yoga poses, I bought a Swiss yoga ball to help cos I even felt getting to the floor to do the floor poses really painful. I found sleeping with a pillow between my knees opened everything up so to speak, so allowed a bit of relief (apologise to the person who has to share a bed with you, but it's gotta be done!). Hope you feel better soon, it can be agony xx

Thank you for your reply 😊 I think I will stick to water, thank you. A yoga ball is a great idea I will definitely have to get one. How long did the bloating last for you? X

Yeah even just sitting on the ball and rocking from side to side/back & forward made me feel better. I was bloaty until I stopped taking progesterone which was about 10 weeks pregnant - it was delightful, nothing fit me. Oh and I got haemorrhoids, double yay! 😫

Oh no poor you!! I am praying it doesn’t last that long because I am tearing my hair out with it! 😢 x

Peppermint tea hunni xx

I feel like I’m the only person who is struggling so so bad right now. I don’t know what to do with myself. I would kill for a hot water Bottle on it 😫 this is just awful! Absolutely awful! 😢 There has to be something else that can get rid of this!?! Anything 😫😫😢😢

I wish I could give sensible advice as you are struggling so much I think maybe you should be seen and checked really hope you feel better soon x

Yeah I think I’m going to have to call in sick tomorrow if it’s still like this and speak to the hospital again. I know it’s normal to be bloated but surely it shouldn’t still be this bad and this uncomfortable!? X

I agree and think you should definitely go to the hospital and not to work Good luck x

It’s horrible been so uncomfortable when all you want to do is try and relax and get ready for your transfer. My stomach was like that after EC and up until a couple of days after transfer. I was so worried thinking something wasn’t normal and thought this can’t possibly be good for you, pressing on all your organs! I was drinking hot water with lemon and it did seem to help a bit especially as not going to the loo made it all worse. I also tried doing gentle stretches to try and get rid of some of the gas. I really hope you get some relief soon and deflate 💕🤞! I was gutted when they said I couldn’t use a hot water bottle as I’ve previously had spinal surgery and a hot water bottle is all I can use for back pain since if had to stop all my medication for ivf 😩! Xx

I had my EC on a Tuesday & felt really bloated and constipated until the Friday, when I suddenly felt almost back to normal again. I’d had a lot of eggs collected (26 I think) and my clinic were monitoring closely for OHSS. I had to drink loads of water and closely measure my fluid balance.

I had to go for a (planned) check up at the clinic on day 3 because of the OHSS risk so if things are the same or worse I’d probably agree with the advice to call your clinic for reassurance or for them to review you prior to your potential transfer date. I’d maybe check their reasoning for not letting you have a hot water bottle between EC & ET as well, as my clinic advised me to use one and it did help!

After my 3 days of feeling rubbish I went on to have a day 5 transfer which turned out to be my little boy (now 3 months old )😊

Hope you feel better soon and good luck. xx

I have been up since 4.30am doubled up in so much pain, sweating, feeling sick. The stomach cramps have been so bad I’ve debated going to hospital...what you all think?

Bless u not sound good. Could call the clinic and see what they think or yes do go hospital if feeling that bad for sure. Not sound nice n I can’t remember getting that bad so u may need medical assistance. Better to be safe a. Best wishes. Hope u feel better soon xx

Can you go to a&e? Or wait til the clinic is open?

They might need to check you out....

Xxx

Please go and get yourself checked out - if you’re in that much pain, defo go to a&e. You’re better off being safe than sorry! Sending you loads of love 💕 keep us updated xxxx

Definately go get checked out Hun! And I'd say contemplate delaying your transfer, your body will need the break xxxx

I would just to be safe x my clinic actually scanned me at a review as I was getting pain. Or your gp but id definitely get checked x

Thank you. I eventually managed to get back to sleep but I’m still crampy this morning so I just can’t risk going to work. They probably won’t be impressed but everyone is telling me to rest and my body is too. I’m going to ring the hospital when they open and see what they say..x

Yes you have to be sure and get yourself checked out. Xxx

How are you doing now? Hope you managed to get some advice from your clinic and some rest x

I spoke to the hospital and they advised me to come in. I am just waiting now to be seen. Thank you for asking. I’m not sure if I should get signed off or not..work are making me feel stressed and I’m worried I might not be well enough for Monday. Thank you for asking xx

Glad you’re being seen today.

Very very disappointed. They have scanned me, taken bloods etc and decided to freeze them so transfer tomorrow is cancelled. Going to have to wait a couple months now. This is never ending. I am gutted x

Hey hun, I know it's gutting at the time, the process can feel never ending and it is so disappointing. I promise you this is for the best for you and your little embies and you will start to feel better once you have managed to process this latest news. It's such a rollercoaster of emotions when it all goes well let alone when things start to go wrong. Take care of yourself and you just make sure you're ok right now and it will all work out in the end, sending a hug xxx

Aw hunni, there’s some evidence to suggest FETs are more successful and that’s definitely going to be relevant if you’re not well. The waiting is hard but you will get there and the frozen transfer is easier on your body than what you have just done, I promise xx

Yeah and ohss can get worse if you get pregnant so although it’s disappointing now, it sounds like the best decision for giving you and your embryos a good chance. Make sure you take care of yourself rather than forcing yourself to carry on at work whilst you’re feeling poorly. x

Thanks all. I was kind of expecting it and I don’t think I could bare anymore discomfort but I just can’t believe I have to wait months..I’m glad to be resting at home and they have said I can have a “warm” water bottle on my tummy..just not a “hot” one.

Once this excess fluid goes from my ovaries, I might actually smile again lol xx

Ugh so sorry to hear. It is crushing when something stops you in your tracks like this, I’ve been there. BUT from what I read, I think there is a lot to be said for FET especially if you’re sensitive to hormones and meds etc (here’s hoping anyway as that’s me too!). The waiting is miserable though so hope you can find things to distract yourself for the next few weeks. Sending love 💕

It’s so crushing. I was told that ovaries are usually about 3-4cm and mine are like 10cm and sooo much fluid. No wonder I’m soo uncomfortable. When’s your FET? X

I’ve had it already - it was last Friday. So I’m in the horrible waiting phase. Unbearable! Gosh that is a significant difference in size isn’t it, as you say no wonder you feel rubbish. Thinking of you, hang in there 💕 xx

Hi Hun, sorry to hear you’ve been in such pain, I was in a similar situation last month, I desperately wanted to feel better to go ahead with the transfer but after a few days it sunk in that it wasn’t going to happen, I also didn’t want to get worse if I did get pregnant so was actually quite relieved when the doctor suggested freezing all my blastocysts. I have to say I’m quite enjoying having my life back for a couple of months as I have been super strict with diet and everything for the best part of 6 months. I feel when I go back I’ll be raring to go and so much more ready for it being in 100% health. We’ve waited so long for our miracle as my DH keeps reminding me in the grand scheme of things a few more months won’t matter xx

Thanks for your message. I’m trying to focus on the positives being that at least when they do the transfer I won’t be as uncomfortable as I am now or worse. Also frozen is meant to have better success rates. Just gutted that I might have to wait months. When is your frozen transfer? How long has it been since your egg collection? Xx

I’ve read your bio and think we are in a similar situation, I’m also 28 and going through 1st round of IVF. My egg collection was 1st August and originally was hoping for transfer on the 6th August. My doctor said I would have to have a period once I was off the drugs then after 1 more normal period he would be happy to go ahead as long as I was happy to. I’ve got a follow up consultation on 20th September (I was offered 11th but I couldn’t do that with work) I’m hoping by then we might be able to set a date to get the ball rolling again. I was also quite pleased when he said frozen transfer didn’t involve any more injections 😀 I feel like we’ve done one of the hardest parts 🤞 xx

I’m glad that things are slowly looking up for you and that you don’t have to wait too much longer. How many eggs did they collect from you? X

They collected 34, and 22 were fertilised. I was super glad for maxi dresses and leggings in the week following! When are you next seeing the doctor? Do you know how many embryos/blastocysts they have if they need to freeze them?x

Wow that’s loads!! I can’t even imagine how bloated you must have been after! I got 25 and 20 fertilised x

That’s a great number fertilised 😀 I know it was pretty uncomfortable for a few days before egg collection as well, good news though is stomach was pretty much back to normal a week after egg collection and is certainly back to normal now. I drank loads of water and the clinic also advised me to have lots of protein, I found it quite painful eating for almost a week after egg collection and the doctor recommended milkshakes which actually went down really well!x

I’m glad your feeling yourself again. Fingers crossed I can get back to normal soon but for now all can do is lay on the sofa like a beached 🐋 and occasionally pace the living room floor 😂

Take care of yourself and good luck with your transfer. Keep me posted xx

Thanks, you too. I knew it was bad when I missed being able to do the hoovering 😂 but it will get better!xx

I’ve got some brown spotting today (sorry tmi)..is this normal?? X

I would think so, yes. Presumably you’ve stopped your pessaries etc as your transfer is being delayed, so your womb lining will begin to shed. My period started 9 days after egg collection on my freeze all cycle. However, I didn’t have ohss so if you are at all concerned, please get medical advice x

Yes stopped my pessaries and going to have a frozen transfer when I’m well. So it might be my period coming then? I hate bothering the nurses out of hours 🙈 x

It certainly could be. But remember the nurses are paid for answering out of hours calls and they would always rather you ring if you’re concerned xx

I had the same issues as u Kirsty x they’ve froze mine to x

You starting to feel any better? I’m hoping it’l all work out for the best and they do say a better success rate so fingers crossed but just hate having to wait even longer. How many have been frozen for you? X