IVF first timer w/ injectibles.... help!

rcdunford · 11-07-2009, 01:30 AM

I am getting ready for my first round of IVF, scheduled implantation 12/5-12/11 (depending on how I respond to drugs). I'll be starting the lupron injections on the 13th of this month and I'm just worried about the pain. My DH isn't fond of needles, nor am I, so it looks like I'll be doing all of it on my own. I was hoping for any helpful hints from others.... Any good pointers on having it hurt less? I'm up for doing whatever needs to be done to get pregnant!!
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Sweetheb · 11-07-2009, 01:57 AM

First of all...Best of luck to you!!!! The Lupron isn't bad at all. I PROMISE. It's a small needle and it's so quick. Will you be taking 5 or 10 units of Lupron. Giving yourself the Lupron is prob. easier than DH giving. I gave it in my thigh rotating each night. DH might need to help with PIO if you go that route but you'll be a pro in no time!!

rcdunford · 11-07-2009, 02:31 AM

thanks for the words of encouragement! I'll be doing 20 units of Lupron followed by 150 units of Menopur. I guess I'm just nervous
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

NikiAngel · 11-07-2009, 10:52 AM

First I want to wish you good luck on your IVF Journey!!!

I know all the shots especially all at once for the first time can be overwhelming. You will see that they are absolutely nothing to fear! I do the injections in my stomach (a happy face around my belly button) - I don't think the site is too important. I don't all the time now, just because I've gotten so used to it, but I used to ice. If you put an ice pack on the area you are injecting for about 5-10 minutes when you put the shot in you won't even feel it.

Do you know what your protocol is??

MaraJ2005 · 11-07-2009, 11:44 AM

The Lupron needles are very thin. I didn't have a problem with them. Are you going to do the progesterone shots after transfer? Not to scare you, but those are worse, since they are intramuscular!

kirvygerl · 11-07-2009, 01:06 PM

I hated needles as well, and it was okay. It took me a few days to get used to it, but by the end of the needles (I did PIO shots until 16 weeks), I was a pro and they don't scare me anymore. The needles you'll be using for the lupron are really small and thin (they're insulin needles) and will be injected into your thigh. I rotated thighs each day. I injected the follistim/repronex into my abdomen. Those needles were a bit longer and it took some getting used to, but I second what a pp said about icing the area. I did my own PIO shots (DH was living out of state at that time). Honestly, even those those needles are long, I didn't find them painful/uncomfortable at all. Actually, many people feel IM shots are less painful then subQ shots. I think for me, it was really a mental thing. The Repronex/Follistim meds burned a bit going in, but other then that, it wasn't that painful. It was just difficult for me to get used to poking myself. You'll do fine, I promise
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

enigma80 · 11-07-2009, 01:08 PM

1st of all GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i just finshed my IVF cycle... alot but so worth it!!!!

i second the ice it really helps esp after the 1st couple of weeks where you feel like a pincushion
I feel your pain... i had to give myself most of the needles to as my husband is a cop and has wacky hours to begin with

the PIO shot someone has to give you...they go in the area btwn your butt and your hip so i would be very impressed by a person who could reach lolol... they look intimidating but if you ice it up ...it doesnt hurt

MaraJ2005 · 11-07-2009, 07:04 PM

Oh - I also wanted to add - the way I always looked at it was that labor is more painful, so it didn't make it feel so bad! Keep your eyes on the prize & good luck!

rcdunford · 11-08-2009, 03:03 PM

Thanks everyone!!! And yes, I'll be doing the progesterone shots as well... those I'm really leary of.
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
After reading up on it I knew it'd be hard for me to do, I hope DH is going to be up for it. lol I just really hope this works. It's so hard to think we're spending all this money to try and there's always the possiblity it wont work. I try not to think about it but it's true. Anyways, first shot it this Friday so we'll see how it goes
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

MaraJ2005 · 11-09-2009, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcdunford
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Thanks everyone!!! And yes, I'll be doing the progesterone shots as well... those I'm really leary of.
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
After reading up on it I knew it'd be hard for me to do, I hope DH is going to be up for it. lol I just really hope this works. It's so hard to think we're spending all this money to try and there's always the possiblity it wont work. I try not to think about it but it's true. Anyways, first shot it this Friday so we'll see how it goes
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

There are some video tutorials on youTube as well. You can ask the nurses to show you how to do it also. Good luck and try not to stress!

BabyDreamz10 · 11-09-2009, 02:27 PM

This is our frist cycle of clomid[100mg]

I am going to have my orvadril inject over the weekend, I Hope.

Has anyone used this brand? Any reactions? How soon after the injection did you O? How big is the needle? I hate Needles and I am very nervious. I also read that Icing before hand isnt reccomended because it affect the way the medication is dispenced. I did see something about warming the despencer in a glass of hot water for 30 sec, any other advice?

Any help is apresheated! thanks!

blueyed52 · 11-09-2009, 04:05 PM

Hello rcdunford

I am also about to start my 1st round of IVF. I will be starting my Lupron shots I believe about 5 days later then you and I was having the same concerns. Any pointers anyone can give us would be great!

rynngo · 11-09-2009, 06:07 PM

rcdunford - my DH was extremely nervous about giving me the IM shots. so i made an appt for him to come to the dr's office with me and the nurse showed him in detail how to do it to me and made him give me my first shot. Since then it's been a slice of cheesecake! Just make sure that he pulls the plunger back slightly to ensure he did not hit a vein and when the needle comes out, put lots of pressure on it and then a bandaid. My DH didn't do that once and the phone rang right as he was pulling the needle out and I'm standing in the kitchen with a drop of blood running down my butt. I grabbed a napkin cause he panic'd and he handed me the phone where I was asked by my mom, "what are you doing?" Its a great conversation opener, NOT!. LOL

Baby dreamz - I did the ovidrel shot, its so small you will not feel it. Take a big breath, hold it for a second and put the shot in when you exhale, you'll never feel it. I actually O'd about 24hrs after the shot. and I did that shot 6 times. Good luck!