When does OHSS resolve?! :(

[Blondie37]

Hi all looking for some advice from anyone who has had OHSS. I developed it pretty severely following fresh transfer and ended up in hospital at almost 5 weeks pregnant with almost 2 litres of free fluid in my abdomen. Im almost 12 weeks now and im still uncomfortable and bloated, cant sleep on my side as it hurts my stomach - worry should be sleeping on my side now not my back. Having to sleep propped up on a wedge pillow on my back still which means i dont really sleep at all. Have been off work sick for ages. Just want to feel normal again and enjoy my pregnancy but still dont feel right and worried i never will do. Anyone else been in the same boat?

[XOXO13]

Hey,

Congratulations on your pregnancy, but so sorry about the OHSS. I also had it severe and was hospitalised between weeks 5 and 7 of my pregnancy and away from work for a few weeks. It started to settle around early the second trimester, I thought it had completely gone. My ovaries had definitely shrunk as the clinic were monitoring the size of them. I’m now 23 weeks pregnant and have actually just started to feel pain in my right side again that to my surprise is my ovaries, they’re swollen. My (non) IVF doctor thinks it’s still the OHSS so just says to rest and don’t over exert myself.

Are you drinking lots of water? When I had it bad, I was drinking 4L a day and was advised to drink a pint of milk (I didn’t achieve that but would have a full glass!).

If you’re still in loads of pain though, speak to your clinic as it should ease off soon.

Big hugs ♥️ Xx

[Blondie37 in reply to XOXO13]

Thanks for your reply, comforting to know it lasted a while with you too. My ovaries werent too swollen, but a lot of fluid in my upper abdomen as well as surrounding my uterus. Still cant get comfortable at night and lying on my side hurts my upper abdomen which is wierd, but im assuming its the fluid still there. I do prob need to drink more water actually, hospital told me to only drink to thirst and clinic told me to drink as much as i could, so always seemed to get conflicting advice on that!

[XOXO13 in reply to Blondie37]

I had fluid on my right side too that caused an infection… the fluid went though when I was twelve weeks and it isn’t back. My blood thinner dosage was increased due to the infection.

That is conflicting - I’ve also read mixed reviews but for me personally, drinking more water really did help. I was trust the advice of your ivf clinic as that’s what they’re experts in. If it’s really uncomfortable however then do raise it with them as it should settle for you soon and I really hope it does as I know how uncomfortable it can be! Xxz

[JA-fnuk Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

As previous posts say trust your ivf clinic - it can take a couple of weeks to resolve . Try to stay active but avoid doing strenuous exercise and if in discomfort take painkillers as directed by your clinic -paracetamol or codeineIf you feel symptoms are increasing or notice not going to pee as much get in touch with your clinic right away

Hope you feel more comfortable soon

Janet

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Blondie. Oh dear you poor sausage! This has been going on for longer than the normal few weeks. Although you still feel bloated you should still be drinking plenty of water daily. Do your best not to get constipated as poo passing sore ovaries can "ouch". You can still take some paracetamol if you need to, unless you have been prescribed something else. However, be wary of anything that contains codeine, as that can add to constipation. Sending gentle hugs and I truly hope you feel comfortable again soon. Diane