how did you feel on fematab, pergoveris and cetrotide?

I’m just starting IVF for first time and nobody in my family knows!

I had no issues with fematab (was on this for a week).

On day three of pergoveris I had a really bad migraine for two days+. It has eased up now (day 7) but iv had a tender belly and feel twinges and cramps a lot. Is that normal? I was told I’m at risk of OHSS so trying to manage my expectations but not sure now if the pains are in my head or not.

I’m starting cetrotide tonight too! Over all I’m just a bag of nerves and paranoia (and hope - which is the hardest part). Any insight on your symptoms, if any, and if you ended up with OHSS would be great!

[Hidden]

The symptoms you describe are all due to the extra hormones you are taking - just make sure taking plenty of fluids as dehydration can cause headaches. You can take paracetamol to relieve headache & any other discomfort but no anti-inflammatory painkillers ie ibuprofen. Your treatment regimen is specially selected for you taking into account your blood hormone levels etc and the clinic will be scanning you regularly to check follicle growth & signs of OHSS. Maybe you could discuss your concerns about OHSS at your next scan or call the clinic - this might help put your mind at ease

Thinking of you

Janet

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much for your reply! That has settled my nerves so much as it is! I don’t know anyone else who has went through this that I could speak with and there is just so much to learn - it’s overwhelming and daunting! In for first scan tomorrow so will defo ask them about this too! ❤️

[helodie]

I was on Bemfola and cetrotide and it was fine - everyone’s experiences will be different but to my mind there is no point suffering twice - in the anticipation of an unpleasant reaction and a reaction itself. It may all go perfectly and you won’t notice. Hoping it does for you 👍 x

[Hidden in reply to helodie]

so true. Such sound advise! It’s the not knowing and getting in my own head as it absorbs your whole life! But I need to stop overthinking - which is always an issue with me! First scan was good and nothing out of the norm to report! Everyone here is so supportive it is really helping! Thank you so much ❤️

[helodie in reply to Hidden]

very glad to hear it - a little cautious optimism is good for us! As for getting out of your head, I sympathise - I am ALL in mine. Do you do any mindfulness or journalling? I’m not great with mindfulness (yet! I would like to learn!) but journalling I do everyday I need to (when I feel overwhelmed) and just write a page of whatever is in my head. Nothing is wrong and I don’t ever need to read it again if I don’t want to, but I recommend it for getting out the anxious thoughts xx

[Hidden in reply to helodie]

no I never tried either! Will defo look into it - anything that helps! thanks so much!

[Eloquentia]

Sorry you are struggling with side effects. I developed OHSS and you really know it when you have it because you get cramps like you never have had before. I had to breathe through mine. There was also nausea. I did a lot of reading on OHSS because I was at a higher risk too due to PCOS and the number of follicles I developed during stimulations. My OHSS started properly on day 5 after egg collection, on the day when I was supposed to have a fresh transfer. My consultant recommended protein shakes and yoghurts to help dissipate the fluid that was building in my abdomen. They helped a lot. I also took electrolyte sport drinks and made good use of a hot water bottle. It passed in a few days. As far as I understand, OHSS is usually mild to moderate after stimulations. The severe cases develop if you go ahead with a fresh transfer and it is successful because your HCG will start doubling every day. Good luck and I hope you don't get it!

[Hidden in reply to Eloquentia]

thanks so much! That is really useful information! I wish you all the best! ❤️