Second fresh round - medication adjustments

[luthien]

Hey all, so we're now ready for our second fresh round and the amount of injections is scary.

Specialist has put us on the short protocol and adjusted medication to the following:

from day 2 - starting 75iu Menopur daily and 300iu Ovaleap daily (both evenings)

then from day 5 - adding in 0.25mg Fyremadel (mornings)

These are all injections, which I was okay with the just the Ovaleap in the previous round, these additional ones look scary as they are proper syringes, small needles but I need to actually make up the Menopur as it's a dry kind of powder in a bottle. The Fyremadel is a bottle.

The adjustments are to get more eggs to the right size and have more released when triggered. I had three released last round.

Any suggestions on best ways to do the injections to minimise bruising, as it's 3 per day?

I'm worried about the syringe type injections (pens are so much easier)

Any side effects you had? I know it's different for each person.

Any experiences which you think could help me.

Thanks

[Millbanks]

Hi lovely, this is a normal amount of injections I'm afraid! 😊

I found that icing the area for about 10 seconds before each injection - this helped to take the edge off - they weren't painful anyway.

I actually enjoyed making up the injections with the solutions, I think its because I felt like I was part of it more - if that makes sense?

My husband and I would make a little ritual out of it - we'd sit down together and load everything up, then he'd do the injections (which also helped him to feel a part of it all).

I also got myself an IVF diary and wrote down all the meds for each day so I could tick them off and see us getting closer to egg collection.

Make sure you are doing the injections in the fattest part of your belly (if you have any) and not in any loose skin.

I didn't have any bad side affects really - your ovaries will feel fuller as the follicles grow - but this is also normal - and I felt pretty tired - also very normal when you're pumping your body full of hormones. Try not to worry.

Wishing you lots of luck xx

[luthien in reply to Millbanks]

Thanks so much for your reply

It's good to know that's about a normal amount of meds, I was worried as it seemed a lot, but if that's usual I'll be okay.

It's all daunting to have to make them up before hand, but I'm guessing it's straightforward?

I like that you have a ritual together, it's so sweet and helps you go through it together, I'm going to suggest that, sounds awesome!

The IVF diary is a great idea; I like the being able to tick them off. Perhaps I'll add in a little instructions page just to help me remember.

Icing the area; I shall try that, do you just use an ice cube or like a cold pack?

I'm a bit curvy so there's bits of my stomach to pinch which I guess helps.

Thanks so much again for your advice

[Millbanks in reply to luthien]

You're very welcome!

Once you've made one, you'll be absolutely fine - it's really just a case of drawing up the liquid, injecting in to the vial of powder, letting it dissolve then drawing it all up - and changing the needle - don't forget to change the needle!!

Yes it's really nice to do it all as a pair I think - otherwise you just feel like it's all down to you. I also hate needles so was glad to have him do them, I didn't watch to start with but got used to it.

I bought some little ice packs from Amazon - they were really handy as otherwise the ice cube melts and makes a mess - but you can absolutely use an ice cube if its easier. I found that the packs were just more effective...

Yes grab those curvy bits - you'll barely feel it!

xxx

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi luthien. Just wanted to wish you all the best with this round, and of course for success. The injections in the tummy, work in a smile under your belly button and do the slowly. Push all needles in slowly, inject slowly and pull out slowly. This should lessen any bruising. You can let an ice cube melt on the spot with the larger needles. If they become painful, then try some lignocaine gel from GP or pharmacist. This put on as a blob, not rubbed in, and left for 20-30 mnutes. Wipe off and inject. Good luck! Diane

[Festis]

Hi Luthian,I was also daunted by all the injections and paraphernalia when I first saw it, but actually quite enjoyed the ritual of it all too. I tried to have a treat afterwards - a hot chocolate or something as a well done to myself!

Making up the menopur was a little fiddly at first especially breaking the glass vial, but the videos are great and you soon get used to it.

Wishing you lots of luck. X