Trigger shot

callalily · 11-28-2009, 11:33 PM

Can someone give me details about trigger shots? I am supposed to receive one on my first Clomid cycle. Sounds scary! Thanks a lot!

Gwenneh · 11-28-2009, 11:42 PM

Nothing scary about them.
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Are you doing it yourself or going in to have it done?

Basically, the trigger shot of hCG induces ovulation within 12-36 hours of it being taken. This lets you time everything -- be it intercourse or IUI -- precisely.

I do mine myself and use Ovidrel injections, which come prepackaged, already in a little syringe. I'm monitored by ultrasound every other day as my follicles progress, until one hits 18mm or so and is "ripe". I go home, that night I do the Ovidrel injection (easy peasy intramuscular injection -- jab by the belly, press the syringe, done) and the next two days I have IUI done. I get bloodwork done 3 days past the IUI, then usually I have to do a second shot of the stuff since it boosts progesterone. If you're using Ovidrel at home, it's really easy, and I'm the world's biggest wuss!

I've not actually had any side effects worth mentioning. Some people get sore boobs, cramps, etc. but the only time I really had those after the IUI was when I was actually pregnant. All in all it's not my favourite thing to do -- I'd rather go out for ice cream or read a book than poke myself with a needle -- but it's also not the world's most horrible experience, either.

pradolimon · 11-28-2009, 11:49 PM

I actually just gave myself the Ovidrel trigger shot about five minutes ago. It really isn't that bad, and I HATE needles. The needle is pretty thin, so it doesn't hurt much. Getting yourself prepared to do it (if you hate needles like me!) is much worse than the actual shot
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I'll have the IUI in 36 hours.

I don't think I've had any side effects specifically from the Ovidrel.

callalily · 11-28-2009, 11:51 PM

Thanks! I am not sure whether I will do it at home or at the fertility clinic. On my instruction sheet it says Ovidrel 250 mcg but nothing else. I guess they will explain the procedure when I get to that point. I will have an US on day 12. We are going to try without IUI. I've never had to inject anything into myself before. Aggh! I don't really like needles. I'll suck it up though. It's worth it. Thanks again for the info!

eileenmary · 11-29-2009, 12:17 AM

I'm taking my trigger shot here at home in 15 min. with an IUI planned for Monday morning. I've been giving myself shots all month (Gonal F) so not too worried about this one. The needles are so tiny that you can't really feel it. I'm actually just excited about this one... hopefully it will be my last one for well over 9 months!
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Best of luck!

Cheers,
Eileen

greyt00 · 11-29-2009, 01:27 AM

I have NO instructions. I have 1 vial of HCG, 1 vial of bacteriostatic water, 2 tiny needles, and 2 syringes. When I go in for my follicular ultrasound they will have to show me how to use it. I think they have classes or something (saw it listed on the sign-in sheet), but no one ever said anything to me about signing up for one. Sometimes I think they are just not very helpful! I have to ask about EVERYTHING.

callalily · 11-29-2009, 01:12 PM

grey00, I wish you luck! I'm sure they will explain it to you when you get there for the US. My Dr and the nurses at the fertility clinic are pretty good with explaining things, but I know they do this all day, every day and forget that newbies might not know all the info. Whenever I visit I take a list of questions, but then when I get home I think of 10 more that I should have asked! I end up calling and talking to the nurses there. I guess they are used to it!

drphobic · 11-29-2009, 01:44 PM

greyt00- I too had the HCG that came with the water. I was told to bring it with me to my appt. and they would give it to me. Well I O'ed very very late and stopped taking it with me because we ALL (nurse, RE, u/s tech and me) thought this cycle was lost. Anyway long story short when I had the follicle nobody expected I didn't have the shot. (I live over an hour away) So they gave me a sheet with the mixing instructions and my dad gave it to me (he is a doctor and my hubby was at work) but with all that said the mixing is very simple and if I hadn't been told to get it in my upper hip/cheek intramuscular I would have given it to myself. My advice don't worry and take it with you to your appt. Plus I have heard there are some instructional videos on youtube.......

greyt00 · 11-29-2009, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drphobic
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greyt00- I too had the HCG that came with the water. I was told to bring it with me to my appt. and they would give it to me....My advice don't worry and take it with you to your appt. Plus I have heard there are some instructional videos on youtube.......

Thanks (callalilly too!). My pharmacy sent me a little sheet that supposedly has a video link so I will look at it. My other question is, why do I have 2 needles and 2 syringes? Is that just in case something messes up? Or do you only give yourself half, and then in case everything doesn't release, you have 1 more batch to try the next day?

I will definitely take it to my appt. but I just worry they will say, "Oh you need to go to the injection class, so you have to come back on such and such day" and that day would be too late. I feel like they're kind of rigid, like everything works a particular way, but no one tells you until too late, and they just expect me to know all this stuff when there is no WAY I would know it. I should just hope I have a good follicle and lining. I'm scared there will be nothing there. Sorry if I hijacked the thread....

Missbebe12 · 11-29-2009, 02:43 PM

I just took my first trigger shot yesterday! It came all prepared in the syringe ready to use! I was kinda freaked out about doing it to myself but it really was nothing! Taking out blood hurts more than the shot! Like others have said, it's a small needle! I just pinched my belly and then poked the needle inside and pushed the syringe! No side effects other than MINOR swelling at the injection site. I am hoping I get my BFP this month so I don't have to do it again, but if I do need to do it again I am not worried about it. The worrying is worst than the actual injection. I am bding for the next 3 or 4 days starting with yesterday (day of injection). This way there are lil swimmers there waiting for the egg and more to join later once the egg is there!

Good luck!
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drphobic · 11-29-2009, 03:29 PM

Greyt00- The two syringes, needles etc are in the event you miss the muscle, in that case you would switch out the needles. This is just my opinion but the injection classes you saw the sign in sheet for are more than likely for the ladies switching from oral (ie Clomid) to injectable medication. A lot of ladies have to give themselves multiple injections a day. You just need to press them and make them give it to you, you can't miss out on the shot to accomodate their "class." As for your follies and lining don't worry.....it doesn't help....(easier said than done I know!!!)

greyt00 · 11-29-2009, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drphobic
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Greyt00- The two syringes, needles etc are in the event you miss the muscle, in that case you would switch out the needles. This is just my opinion but the injection classes you saw the sign in sheet for are more than likely for the ladies switching from oral (ie Clomid) to injectable medication. A lot of ladies have to give themselves multiple injections a day. You just need to press them and make them give it to you, you can't miss out on the shot to accomodate their "class." As for your follies and lining don't worry.....it doesn't help....(easier said than done I know!!!)

Thanks Natalie. You're probably right about the injection classes. I think I'm just a little anxious because no one has ever looked for follicles before, so I have no idea if I've ever had good ones.

drphobic · 11-30-2009, 09:38 AM

I am praying for you to have large follicles...and to be right on track with your cycle....but don't worry if you are not it can take time. From what I have been told it is not uncommon with PCOS to be a slow grower/late bloomer in the follicle department. :-)