Assuming you will be on short protocol.
The stim jabs may be same or different but all same purpose, ie. to stimulate follicle growth. E.g. common meds include Puregon, Menopur, Gonal-F, Pergoveris
Dosage will be higher as you want to stimulate more follicles so as to retrieve as many as possible but under control to prevent over-stimulation (risk of OHSS).
Mid-way through the stimulation period (about 10-12 days), there is additional jab to suppress LH hormone (e.g. Orgalutran, Cetrotide, Ganirelix, etc) so that you will not ovulate naturally before planned egg retrieval.
In a long protocol, down regulation with LH suppressing med (e.g. Lucrin) is started earlier (about CD21) for 7-10days before starting stim injections.
When at least 2-3 or most of the follicles are at least about 18mm, the final jab (usually HCG horomne) is to be given at precisely 36 hours before egg retrieval to trigger maturation of the eggs so that they will be released and collected through OPU (oocyte pick-up) which is a ~15-20min egg retrieval procedure performed by doctor. For OPU, you will be under sedation.
Prior to the egg retrieval, you will be given oral antibiotics. Some docs may order this to be taken after OPU, so depends.
-If you are at KKH, sisters also with KKH have shared that you need to be prepared for 1/2 day required depending on the queue for scans. At TFC, doc is in only mornings before noon and it is pre-arranged appointment so you may be able to manage with time-off if you have earliest first few or the last appointment. So far have not heard of MC taken, it's just time-off or personal annual leave.
- Average 3 scans (some do only 2 scans and at most 4 scans) over a period of about 10 days
-See above reply to previous msg. Side effects have been seen to be inconsistent across ladies.
I referred to this article many times to mentally prep myself of the potential side effects when starting a fresh cycle -
http://www.cityfertility.com.au/wp-...tility-Medications-and-Their-Side-Effects.pdf
As follicles grow, tend to feel increasingly bloated and ovaries areas feel tender. Minimise strenuous activities and no heavy lifting. In my first ivf, I was still working and only took HL after egg retrieval till BT. It is manageable.
The oral antibiotic may cause diarrhea for some people. The sedation drug may cause constipation for some ladies.
To prevent OHSS esp if you have many follicles, you are advised to already start adding more protein rich foods (also good for egg health) such as egg whites, fish, chicken to your diet and drink min 2L water daily.
Good reads on OHSS -1)
http://www.kkh.com.sg/Services/Women/KKIVFCentre/Pages/OHSS.aspx ;
2)
http://www.path2parenthood.org/article/are-you-at-risk-for-hyperstimulation-syndrome/
- Yes, continue folic acid throughout the IVF and even after. If you BFP, doc will advise any increase in folic acid dosage.
- Anytime of the day is possible so long as same time everyday and works best for you based on your daily schedule. Nurse will advise further and demo on first day when you collect the meds. Only the last HCG jab is given precisely 36 hours before OPU (for TFC, this jab is not self-administered and we have to go to 24-hour clinic for this jab usually night time)
- Injection site may hurt a little and may hurt more or bruise only if you hit a vein. Some meds give a stingy sensation that goes away once the med disperses. Nothing that will seriously affect work. If you are concerned, can take the jabs in evening or before sleep.
- If you are working, I feel work helps to keep me occupied and become oblivious to the side effects. Only thing is that I feel stressed at times due to frequent absence time required and also feel rush and worried at times thinking if we are eating well and taking care of body enough because of the lack of time outside work. Just do your best and rem that staying positive and mental strength is very powerful. Try keeping communication with hubby and getting support from this forum. What best then to get support from sisters who truly get you going through this.
Can find time to start thinking and preparing what you need to get and what you will do during 2ww.
When ever you have any doubts or qns, try to note it and grab opportunity to clarify with doc/ nurse whenever there is opportunity because it is really difficult contacting them unless you meet them at scan or procedure
Hope this helps. Jia you k!