I just wondered if anyone has any advice about staying sane during a long protocol? Is there anything you did that made it easier?
I start in a week or so and am feeling really overwhelmed by the sheer number of injections I have to do and the different drugs I have to take. I've only just fully recovered from having Covid over Christmas and I'm not looking forward to going through all the emotional and physical ups and downs of IVF.
My last cycle wasn't fun, but at least it was short; my plan for this cycle spans over 30 days! Yikes.
xxxxx
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Redsequin
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Well... you have done this before and every day is getting your body in perfect condition for your little bubs! I'm not the best for advice at the mo as I know the end day can't come soon enough, buuuuut, you can make it!!! Every injection is one less to do, and perfection takes work right!! lots of baby wishes, dust and positive feeling are sending there way to you!! xxxx
Thanks, lovely. It is true that every injection is one less to do. My husband suggested I get a square of chocolate after every injection 😂. Not a bad idea! Wishing you so much luck with your test in a week or so's time (hand on in there—you can do it!) xxxx
Hi RedsequinMake sure looking after yourself - good diet -drinking adequate fluids - getting plenty of rest - keep talking to your other half this will be a good support for the both of you. Just relax- take the long protocol on a day to day footing like steps - just be sure that you understand completely what injections you are taking and the timings The clinic should be able to explain this fully to you - if unsure at any time just ask for them to explain it to you again
I found the gigantic box of everything a bit intimidating so keep a little box that I put only the next few days worth of drugs/injections in. Take it one day at a time and watch them disappear . Good luck! X
I am the same! Starting a long protocol in a few weeks we think. Except with a frozen transfer - first time IVF. 😬 I don’t have much advice as I’m a little behind you! But if you want to message me while you’re going through it I’m here ☺️
I have no advice, just to say I am currently going through the process. I am currently doing the long protocol, stop taking the pill on the 20th January and start the nasal spray that day with injenctions starting then . Still waiting on confirmation from the endocrinologist whether he advises for the protocol to continue due to my high prolactin levels. Supposed to start the injenctions on the 31st Jan. All I keep thinking is one step closer after years and years of waiting, I am trying to not panic basically 😀
You're right that it is one step closer. We have pretty serious male factor issues, so one thing helping me is acknowledging we never really had a chance. when we were trying naturally, and though all the injections/symptoms aren't fun, we at least have a chance with IVF!
Unfortunately I received the devastating news last week that they had decided to stop my treatment for at least 2months due to my consistently high prolactin levels. They told me the night before I was to start the suprecur nasal spray. To make matters worse I was only informed as I rang the clinic to say I had not being given the spray and it was found I had been given the injection form so would have to go in to be shown how to give myself injections and be given the needles etc. So for now I stop. I cross am crossing my fingers for you xx
Oh no! I'm so sorry. And it's so sh*tty you had to find out randomly when you just happened to call. Hope the two months fly by and it goes more smoothly for you next time.
Hi Redsequin,I started down regulation with Nasarel on 21.12 and being on holidays until 03.01 really helped as didn't even have time to think about it, apart from remember to take the drug in the morning and evening. I just started injections yesterday and if all goes well, I should have an egg collection in around 12-14 days. What helps me is to just be busy! At work, at home, and then I really do not think about that. This long process is mentally going so much better then last time in April, just because of that
Can I ask, what's the pill and growth hormone for? I always go straight into IVF drugs.
I wish you best of luck! Hopefully all this time will be worth it! x
Thanks, lovely. I agree about keeping busy. I haven't had much work recently as I wait for 2022 projects to start (I'm a freelancer) and I don't think that's helped AT ALL...
The growth hormone is in an attempt to encourage my body to grow more eggs (after all my stims, I only had four last time!). The pill is to regulate my cycle before my stims start (at least, I think it is!).
Good luck with your cycle. I really hope it all goes to plan. x
After you mentioned about growth hormone I read about it a little. It does look like it might help, I wish it will in your case! You say ONLY 4 eggs collected, in my case it is plenty 😜😜 expectations all so depend on the circumstances. I was happy about 4 as was told I'm at high risk of not developing any :)Good luck to you as well! I have usg scan tomorrow, let's see how many is growing this time
Hi lovely. You're so right that our expections can change with our circumstances. The doctor thought I'd get 10-15 eggs before we started IVF, so it felt like so few. But this time I'll be happy to get a similar number because now I know I'm not someone who produces lots of eggs!
Super good luck with your scan tomorrow! I hope it goes well. xx
Mine wasn't quite as long as yours (long protocol but started with the downreg on d21 ie no pill beforehand) but I tried to just divide it up mentally into segments and get through each one in turn. Somehow segments of 2-3 weeks was much more manageable than looking at it as a long slog of 7 weeks (including 2ww). It is definitely a time to be extra kind to yourself - yes, it's good to try and eat mostly healthy things rather than living on junk, but it is totally fine to also have some chocolate, or cake, or whatever treat you need to get through it (maybe not a bottle of prosecco a day though 😉). Best of luck xx
Thanks, lovely. Good idea to tackle it in sections. The section I'm most nervous about is the actual stims starting in a couple of weeks. I don't really mind the injections, but I'm nervous that it's new drugs this time, so I don't know how my body will react/ how I'll feel. What makes it harder is that I'm a freelance worker, so I never feel like I can really have an off day!Still, even if it's unpleasant, it won't last forever I guess!
And yes, I've completely given up alcohol and caffeine and eat a generally healthy diet but I definitely will still have the odd treat too. IVF is hard enough as it is without beating yourself up every time you eat a piece of chocolate!
I hear you on not having an off day because of work. In some ways it can help because if you have a high impact job you just have to throw yourself into it, no time for wallowing, but if you're feeling really crap it can be hard. Personally, I did not find the downreg difficult - the odd hot flush, and the second cycle I had to downreg for 3 weeks and felt a bit more ropey on that third week, but overall not as bad as the clinic had warned me it would be. I did not find the stim drugs affected me really (although you'd have to ask my husband for an impartial opinion on that 🤪) and if anything made me feel better after the downreg. As you say, it won't last forever and then hopefully you'll have pregnancy hormones to contend with instead 😉 xx
I feel you. I remember it all but seriously it flies by. Try to fit in some nice things to look forward to between the many scans and injections. I had cinema trips, lunches and dinners organised, I'd pop by a local shop near my clinic for some delicious organic chocolate and binge watched a few series. Sex and the City is out 😁 I treated myself to little gifts too, some nice mascara or a dior lipstick. I thought fck it, if I'm spending 10k to have a baby, I may as well spend £20 on a bit of joy. 😁 I read a couple of books I'd put off for a while. Did a couple of mini projects around the house and practiced my Italian cooking (any excuse for more pasta!). Good luck to you, you'll be fine xo
Hi Bella. Thanks so much for your advice and good wishes!
Yes, I think things to look forward to could help! I'm supposed to isolate during treatment because of the covid risk but I'll definitely be meeting a few friends outside cafes or for walks. And as soon as I know when our two week wait is, I'm going to book into a nice hotel for a few nights or something. And I agree that spending a little more on treats to get you through is so worth it!
I am provisionally booked in for FET on 21st March which seems so far away. Been given our treatment plan and I start norethisterone on 2nd feb, then I have the suprecur injections to look forward to, the trigger, I have antibiotics to take too thankfully they are orally. And the progynova tablets! And this time I have lubion injections as well as cyclogest. It’s s little overwhelming to see the lists of meds!!
And I used to look forward to trigger which meant no more needles but now I have the lubion its mite injections after transfer 🤦♀️
Luckily it’s my birthday in February, I’ll be 40 so I have lots of things booked for that throughout the month.
I am definitely getting a few books to read, making more use than ever of Netflix and lots of walks in the fresh air. Especially looking forward to the fresh air as I am currently in isolation due to covid!!
I was told plenty of water and plenty of protein leading up to my egg collection last year 😁
Hi Fran. It's my birthday in February too! I turn 37. Looking at the calendar though that could end up being my egg collection day. Haha.
Anyway, I hope starting your meds at the beginning of February goes well. Thanks for the tips! I'm trying to up my water and protein intake. I think I'm going to need to buy a special water bottle though because I never remember to drink enough!
Aww I remember doing that... Handfuls of drags and injections every evening... It was not fun. Apart from spoiling myself with little gifts I bought lovey plasters . I know the injection is not big but just taking them out very time made me smile. I also had all the stuff in a nice box that did not seem like being in a hospital . Little things count most. Sending all the love x
Ugh, I'm dreading it tbh. I felt more or less fine on the short protocol, but I guess that's because it wasn't doing much! I think I'm a bit nervous to experience the hormone rollercoaster of a cycle that IS effective. Oh well, if we get another embryo or two it will be worth it. And if not, I guess we'll learn more about what to do next!
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