Starting IVF - received drugs - scared! Help!

[luthien]

I'm just starting my first IVF on long protocol, so not doing anything until the 12th September. I'm on Nafarelin (Synarel) sniffy thing, two sniffs two times a day from then until the 7th October. I think that should be fine, not too concerned about that apart from side effects. What side effects did you have when on this one?

Then from the 7th October I'll be using Ovaleap 375 daily (reducing sniffs to once sniff twice a day). Just read through the how to use it with the pen etc and scared! I hate needles, but I'm okay with those blood sugar finger prick pen ones, is it similar to that in terms of needle size and feeling? Any suggestions for prep mentally? Good places for injections which don't hurt too much? I may be over worrying about it. It just seems all a bit complicated. I have curves so pinching areas to get a hold of fat isn't a problem lol! Any side effects?

There's also Ovitrelle injection, and Utrogestan pessaries, but I'll worry about those later, they seem straightforward.

I've only just had the drugs delivered so should I have a how to administer appointment sort of thing?

Thanks in advance, from a scared and anxious first timer x

[AuroraXen]

Hi Luthien. How exciting! I'm starting a cycle soon too, my 4th 🙏 Think I start down-regging injections on the 20th Sept, with Buserelin. The bag of meds can seem very overwhelming but don't worry - just take it one thing at a time 😘 The clinic should set up an appointment for you to be shown how to use your meds. I've never had the sniffy thing but the stimulation drug injections are really not so bad. I actually HATE the finger pricky things, I find them worse than the injections 😂 I did a home test recently, wth Medichecks, to test my DHEA level and had such a job😂 So I'm sure you'll be absolutely fine. And defo, I find that having a bit of flesh on you makes it much easier! The nurse will explain this but try to alternate sides of your tummy, so you aren't always injecting the same side or exact same point. In terms of side effects everyone is different. Personally I've never had a bad time on the down-regulation, nor the stims. Some people do get side effects but many don't, so don't worry about anything and just see how you go (and try to stay as healthy as you can, lots of water etc) xx

[luthien in reply to AuroraXen]

Yay, hope all goes well this time round for you x

Thanks for your helpful advice, it's great just to hear from others so it doesn't feel all so daunting.

I was somehow expecting a smaller bag of meds!

[xIVFWarriorx]

Hi Luthien, I can't comment on those particular drugs that you are being put on as I was on Buserelin and gonal-f, however, you've asked about good places for doing injections. I was given the Buserelin nasal spray then very quickly switched to injections due to issues I was having with my nose prior to IVF. I done my Buserelin injections in my tummy, and STIMS in the top of my thighs. I don't know why but I felt the STIMS pens were better in my thigh, but also didn't want to do it in the same place as the other injections. I did bruise a little with some of the injections on my tummy, so trying to find alternative places to do further injections was a tad difficult at times depending on the size of the bruising. I HATE needles so was petrified about giving myself the injections but it really is worse in your head than in reality. I sort of built myself up to doing it by counting 1...2..3 really quickly and just going for it on 3 😀 . If you take your time pushing the needle in it definitely stings.

I don't know how your clinic do it, but I was shown what I had to do with each drug by a nurse. I also googled/youtubed the drugs beforehand so felt that I understood what to do a little more when the nurses were showing me. It also helped to have my husband there as another pair of eyes. I wish you all the best for your IVF journey. I just got my first ever BFP this week 🥰 xx

[luthien in reply to xIVFWarriorx]

Thanks for your reply

Wow that's amazing!

It's so good to hear from others who were anxious at the beginning, especially with drugs so it helps to know I'm not alone

[Chiefy]

I did ovaleap 375, there's videos on YouTube you can watch. The needles are only small and I found them OK. I just put some alco gel on the spot on my tum before hand to cool the skin and alternated between left and right each day. I was then on fyremedol which I had to do in my thighs and they were quite stingy, the ovaleap though was a breeze.

Wishing you best of luck x

[Chiefy in reply to Chiefy]

I also found using the pen and cartridges really straight forward. I only "prepped" the first cartridge on the first day and didn't bother again.

[luthien in reply to Chiefy]

That's good, as I was reading the instructions I felt like it was really complicated.

[river242]

I used Ovaleap for my first cycle and will be using it again for second one starting next week. I found it OK, really not that painful at all- I'm also fairly curvy. I agree the prep was really easy and the videos online are good.

I found it easiest to do in the upper thigh, never had any bruising or anything. I did ice for a few mins before and use a hot water bottle afterwards which I found helped but it may have been psychological really. I did switch sides each day because I had a ridiculous anxiety that I'd need to balance it out- total nonsense of course but our minds do crazy things.

The Ovitrelle is a little stingy but you'll be so used to it by then you'll be fine- and so excited that you've made it to trigger!

Natural to be nervous, its a big deal but after the first one you'll get into a routine and be fine. Good luck- you've got this!

[luthien in reply to river242]

Yay, glad Ovaleap was okay. I'm trying to decide between thighs or stomach, I feel thighs would be easier because you just press down. Does the ice work? That could help reduce the pain, perhaps I may try that.

I'm planning on switching area daily, I have anxiety like you. Even in sports classes - gotta work both sides!

Thanks 🙂

[river242 in reply to luthien]

I've never done it without ice so I'm not sure but I think so. I never felt the needle any time, sometimes got a tiny sting when the meds went in but not the needle. The first time my husband did I for me and I didn't know until it was over. Once I got into it I quite liked the injections - finally a feeling of doing something. Can't wait to get started again.

Good Luck - you've got this!

[Dpwpool]

Morning! I’m not doing IVF so can’t comment on that but I’m doing egg collection and was bricking it jabbing myself the first time. I’m no good with anything to do with needles, can’t even watch hospital shows on TV…but it’s worse in your head than actually doing it. I’d be shaking like hell in the first few days and now I’m on cycle 2 and I line it all up on autopilot like Full Metal Jacket. Do you have a partner or go solo? I found it helpful to have someone read the instructions with me and watch tutorials on how to prepare the meds/how to jab, my clinic has a page with videos for each med so I can DM you the link. It’s all really overwhelming so be kind to yourself and be proud of yourself for doing this. You are a warrior xx

[luthien in reply to Dpwpool]

Glad it's not just me!

Yeah I have my partner going through it all with me, he's more than happy to help out, we'll get onto reading the leaflets etc.

The link would be brilliant, I don't think ours has that.

Thanks ❤️