My IVF Cycle Report

I had downloaded an App called Menstrual Calendar after 2 years of trying to conceive. It helped me keep track of my menstruation cycle and predict my ovulation times.

One of the great features of this App (which I found invaluable during IVF) is that it records all your appointments, medications, weight, temperature, tests and any notes you might add. You can email yourself (or your doctor) a report that lists everything for each day of the month.

Below is an example of my "report".  If you can be bothered reading through the whole thing, it shows a good summary of the drugs that I was taking, how long I was taking them for and any relating symptoms as well as my test results. Well,  it's interesting for me to read it back anyway.

3/02/12 - Day 1 of cycle

• Notes : Period kind of started today. But it is really light and sporadic. It kind of started yesterday but it was more like spotting. Not sure if it's because of the Synarel? I've been taking it for over a week?
• Medications : Synarel
• Menstruation : Light

4/02/12 - Day 2 of cycle

• Notes : Start Gonal-f at 150
• Medications : Synarel, Gonal-f
• Menstruation : Moderate

5/02/12 - Day 3 of cycle

• Medications : Synarel, Gonal-f
• Menstruation : Light

6/02/12 - Day 4 of cycle

• Spotting / bleeding : Low
• Medications : Synarel, Gonal-f

7/02/12 - Day 5 of cycle

• Temperature : 36.33
• Weight : 73.7 kg
• Spotting / bleeding : Low
• Abdominal cramps : Low
• Medications : Synarel, Gonal-f

8/02/12 - Day 6 of cycle

• Medications : Synarel, Gonal-f
• Medical appointments : Acupuncture

9/02/12 - Day 7 of cycle

• Weight : 72.9 kg
• Intercourse : Unprotected
• Medications : Synarel, Gonal-f

10/02/12 - Day 8 of cycle

• Temperature : 36.15
• Notes : Blood test today. Levels at 750. Increase Gonal-f to 187.5.
• Medications : Synarel, Gonal-f
• Medical appointments : Blood test

11/02/12 - Day 9 of cycle

• Notes : Saw the counsellor today. Was a bit of an eye-opener...
• Medications : Synarel, Gonal-f

12/02/12 - Day 10 of cycle

• Intercourse : Unprotected
• Medications : Synarel, Gonal-f

13/02/12 - Day 11 of cycle

• Temperature : 36.15
• Notes : Blood test and Ultrasound today. Scan showed 1 follicle in the right and none in the left. Blood Test showed E levels increased to 2900 which indicates 2 or 3 large follicles (or possibly 6 smaller follicles). Even 750 levels from Friday indicate more than 1 follicle. 1 follicle would show levels of at least 500. Weird.
• Abdominal cramps : Low
• Medications : Synarel, Gonal-f
• Medical appointments : Blood test, Ultrasound

14/02/12 - Day 12 of cycle

• Temperature : 36.07
• Notes : Ultrasound - 11 follicles found!
• Abdominal cramps : Low
• Medications : Synarel, Gonal-f
• Medical appointments : Ultrasound

15/02/12 - Day 13 of cycle

• Temperature : 36.21
• Weight : 74.1
• Medications : Synarel, Gonal-f

16/02/12 - Day 14 of cycle

• Notes : Trigger shot at 9.45pm. Stop synarel and Gonal-f. Lining 12mm
• Medications : Ovidrel
• Medical appointments : Acupuncture, Blood test, Ultrasound

18/02/12 - Day 16 of cycle

• Temperature : 35.84
• Notes : EPU @ 9.45am. Be at clinic at 8.45am. Start Crinone tonight.
• Spotting / bleeding : Low
• Abdominal cramps : Medium
• Medications : Crinone
• Medical appointments : EPU Egg pick up

19/02/12 - Day 17 of cycle

• Notes : 5 out 5 eggs fertilised! Woo hoo!
• Bloating : Low
• Abdominal cramps : Low
• Muscle / joint pain : Low
• Medications : Crinone

20/02/12 - Day 18 of cycle

• Notes : Embryos have reached 4 cell stage. Will be having 5 day transfer on Thursday.
• Bloating : Low
• Abdominal cramps : Low
• Muscle / joint pain : Low
• Medications : Crinone

21/02/12 - Day 19 of cycle

• Weight : 73.8
• Notes : Ow! Sharp pain in my right ovary!
• Abdominal cramps : Low
• Medications : Crinone

22/02/12 - Day 20 of cycle

• Medications : Crinone

23/02/12 - Day 21 of cycle

• Medications : Crinone
• Medical appointments : ET Embryo Transfer

24/02/12 - Day 22 of cycle

• Medications : Crinone

25/02/12 - Day 23 of cycle

• Medications : Crinone

26/02/12 - Day 24 of cycle

• Notes : Foolin around woo hoo
• Medications : Crinone

27/02/12 - Day 25 of cycle

• Medications : Crinone

28/02/12 - Day 26 of cycle

• Temperature : 36.7
• Medications : Crinone

29/02/12 - Day 27 of cycle

• Weight : 72.9
• Notes : Bit crampy today. Could be PMS?
• Medications : Crinone

1/03/12 - Day 28 of cycle

• Temperature : 36.84
• Weight : 72.5
• Notes : Had apple strudel with cream, feeling a bit nauseous. Had a very heavy crampy feeling down low this morning and once last night. Skin looking good. 1.45pm: I'm either very hungry or feeling sick. It feels like its sitting at the top of my stomach. Gonna go eat now. 6.30pm: Feeling a bit breathless when walking the dogs. 9.44pm: Now I have a sharp crampy pain along my right side. Almost radiating from my ovary.
• Medications : Crinone

2/03/12 - Day 29 of cycle

• Temperature : 36.83
• Notes : 2.30pm: That sick feeling at the top of my stomach again! All my symptoms are Crinone side effects. Have been getting white rubbery discharge...ew!
• Medications : Crinone
• Medical appointments : Acupuncture

3/03/12 - Day 30 of cycle

• Temperature : 36.74
• Notes : Took temp a bit late, after I went to the toilet and went back to bed. Got my BFP Today!!
• Intercourse : Unprotected
• Pregnancy test : Positive
• Medications : Crinone
• Medical appointments : Blood test

4/03/12 - Day 31 of cycle

• Temperature : 36.86
• Notes : Very bloaty and gassy today. Short of breath.
• Intercourse : Unprotected
• Medications : Crinone

5/03/12 - Day 32 of cycle

• Temperature : 36.72
• Notes : Feeling really bloaty today. Actually have stomach pain. It feels really full and tight at the top of my stomach. So constipated. Will try pear juice. Incredibly itchy left boob. Ow!
• Medications : Crinone

6/03/12 - Day 33 of cycle

• Temperature : 36.86
• Notes : Symptoms not too bad today. Still very bloaty. Incredibly itchy boobs.
• Medications : Crinone

7/03/12 - Day 34 of cycle

• Temperature : 36.68
• Notes : So bloated. Heavy feeling at top of stomach. Breathing hard. Drank prune and pear juice. So full. Uncomfortable. Frightened I might mess my pants. Need to pee all the time and straight away!!
• Medications : Crinone

8/03/12 - Day 35 of cycle

• Temperature : 36.68
• Notes : Not so crampy or bloaty today. Still no period. Consistent temperature confirms the BFP...
• Medications : Crinone
• Medical appointments : Acupuncture

9/03/12 - Day 36 of cycle

• Temperature : 36.81
• Weight : 72.5
• Notes : A bit crampy tonight. It feels low. 
• Medications : Crinone

10/03/12 - Day 37 of cycle

• Temperature : 36.66
• Intercourse : Unprotected
• Medications : Crinone
• Medical appointments : Blood test

11/03/12 - Day 38 of cycle

• Temperature : 36.7
• Intercourse : Unprotected
• Medications : Crinone

12/03/12 - Day 39 of cycle

• Medications : Crinone

13/03/12 - Day 40 of cycle

• Intercourse : Unprotected
• Medications : Crinone

14/03/12 - Day 41 of cycle

• Temperature : 36.74
• Medications : Crinone

15/03/12 - Day 42 of cycle

• Temperature : 36.84
• Medications : Crinone

16/03/12 - Day 43 of cycle

• Medications : Crinone

17/03/12 - Day 44 of cycle

• Notes : HCG level @ 16978, progesterone @ 680. Everything normal.
• Medications : Crinone
• Medical appointments : Blood test

18/03/12 - Day 45 of cycle

• Medications : Crinone

19/03/12 - Day 46 of cycle

• Weight : 71.7
• Medical appointments : Ultrasound

20/03/12 - Day 47 of cycle

• Medications : Crinone

21/03/12 - Day 48 of cycle

• Medical appointments : Acupuncture

22/03/12 - Day 49 of cycle

• Medications : Crinone

24/03/12 - Day 51 of cycle

• Medications : Crinone

31/03/12 - Day 58 of cycle

• Intercourse : Unprotected

1/04/12 - Day 59 of cycle

• Intercourse : Unprotected

2/04/12 - Day 60 of cycle

• Medical appointments : Ultrasound

7 weeks

OK, so it has been 3 days since my last Crinone prod. I have started to feel a bit better in general. Yesterday I was ready to spring out of bed again, I even surprised myself with this unexpected energy. Unfortunately, it kept me up until 11.30pm and I paid for it this morning. I narrowly missed a car parked in the emergency lane on the way to work...Aaargh! The driver's seat is no place for resting your eyes. Soo tired today. Cannot focus.

I'm also struggling to get a control over my new digestive habits. Sometimes I get the queezies (not to the point of throwing up yet though). So I eat some crackers, or salty chips. Then I'm absolutely starving and I can't stop eating the chips...

I now know the difference between starving and hungry.  When you're hungry, you can stave off the hunger pains with a little nibble here and there. And when you're starving...it changes your personality. I become pre-historic, I can't form sentences and I can only reply with shrugs and grunts. But as soon as I get some food into my stomach, my face softens and I feel human again.

I've switched my diet from high protein/low carbs to high carbs so that I can increase my fibre intake, hoping to help with the constipation. Only problem is the high carbs makes me a bit bloated. When I'm bloated, I struggle to take deep breaths and it feels as though a tight band is squeezing me around the chest. So I huff and I sigh a lot. I know that has started to annoy my husband. Especially when my dog starts copying me and huffs around the house with me! Ha ha ha!

Looks like I'm going to be in for a fun ride!

No more drugs

This week I have been weaning myself off the Crinone on advice from the Fertility Specialist. I've cut my progesterone prodding back to every second night.Tonight will be my last night.

I've been on drugs since January 20, over two months ago. But I'll be drug free from tomorrow!! I'm excited because then I'd know what symptoms are pregnancy symptoms and not chemical side effects. But I'm also a little worried because I'm on my own now. It's up to my own body, with no help from drugs. Can my body support a baby? I don't know. I guess only time will tell. In the mean time my fingers shall remain tightly locked together :)

5 weeks

5 weeks - embryo is the the size of an orange seed.

I downloaded the "What to Expect when You're Expecting" app and discovered that our embryo has grown from the size of a poppy seed to an orange seed in a week. They grow so fast :)

Positive signs
Every morning I remember to take my temperature to make sure that my BBT stays high at around 37°C. If it drops dramatically that means the pregnancy has ended. I also make a mental note each day my period hasn't arrived. So I'm now 5 days past my due period. These are the little things I do to make sure everything is still going okay. So far so good.

Chemical side effects

I'm still suffering Crinone side effects. Bloating. Constipation. Shortness of breath. The other night my stomach swelled so much it was almost bigger than my boobs. I was hunched over in the bathroom struggling to breathe. And then I gingerly waddled into the living room to lay on the couch. I struggled to roll over to my side. When my stomach expands, it pushes against my diaphragm making it more difficult for me to breathe. It has gotten a bit better today, but it's so hard to suck my stomach in while I'm at work.

It costs how much?
Today we received a major invoice for assisted reproductive services totalling $8460. We also received a separate invoice for the gynaecologist and blood tests. In total we're looking at $9630 for our first cycle so far. I'm pretty sure we can expect more invoices to come. Concept don't charge their fees upfront but they do make you sign a fee schedule which lists all the approximate costs. It's still a huge scary surprise when you open that invoice though!


Tomorrow I have my follow up blood test to check how my levels are going. Hopefully everything is going along well. Will keep you posted.

The Dreaded Two Week Wait (TWW)

Tomorrow I will be finding out the impending failure or success of this last cycle. I'm a bit nervous, but I'll be happy to find know either way. Things have been a bit crazy the last week. We found out we would be moving interstate for Mr.C's new job on the day of the transfer, which is extremely exciting for us. I also had an old school friend stay with me, so I haven't had much time to focus on the TWW. So, what have I been doing since transfer day?

Post transfer

I went straight back to work the next day. It's a boring office job, so I figured that would be okay. My spacehopper had receded, but it was still a sensitive area, so it forced me to take it easy over that weekend as well. Besides the constipation from the Crinone, I don't remember feeling any other side effects. Well, I did emotionally terrorise my husband with crying outbursts for one morning. But that's pretty much it.

It was great to catch up with my friend. We planned a whole day at the day spa. I had a massage, then we got our nails done. It was just what I needed. The masseuse said I was incredibly tense. I was also on a mission working out the logistics of moving our dogs interstate, one who is so big, they don't have a travel crate big enough to fit him! So that kept me occupied for a while.

And then a couple of days ago, things kind of quietened down, and I noticed some cramping and a little bit of stomach pain. That's when I hit the internet. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any definitive answers on what sort of symptoms you can expect after a transfer. What I really wanted to know was, will it be my normal cycle (30 days)? Or will it be shorter/longer because of meds? How do I know if I'm feeling pregnancy symptoms or Crinone symptoms? One thing I did discover was that a lot of the symptoms I felt really are Crinone side effects. The bloating, the nausea, light headedness, short of breath.

While I didn't find the answers to those specific questions, I did find some interesting information on what to do post transfer and during the TWW.

• Vaginal bleeding may occur before you are due for your pregnancy test. Although this is very disappointing, it does not always mean that treatment was unsuccessful. You should continue using the progesterone until there is a full period and/or the blood test results are known. At the same time, the progesterone itself may delay your period, and this does not necessarily mean that you are pregnant. (Click here for more info)
• Crinone should last you two weeks from EPU, and most women will not get their periods whilst taking Crinone during that time anyway.
• Don't do strenuous or aerobic activity for at least 48 hours after transfer. 
• No sexual intercourse for at least a week afterwards (I've found contradicting evidence on that one. Some centres say there is no harm at all, and some encourage it. The sooner the better!)
• Avoid overheating and try to avoid excessive rises in body temperature (eg. spas, saunas, hot baths, sunbathing)
• Just behave as though you are already pregnant to be safe.

So, it leaves me just waiting for my results tomorrow. I will be disappointed if it's a negative, but I've actually enjoyed learning so much more about the whole process. My husband is quite confident it will be positive, but I'm a bit more cautious. I've made plans for either way.

Day 35 - The Transfer

The whole Embryo Transfer went swimmingly. We were admitted at 8.45am, then were taken upstairs to theatre where Mr.C was given a gown, slippers and hair net. I got to keep my top on this time, stripped off waist down and popped on my surgical attire. The embryologist came to see us and told us that we had 2 beautiful embryos, and the rest just had to catch up a little bit more.

The procedure went well. The nurses were great. My husband was in the room with me. I was a little wary when they turned a monitor around for me to see, and I thought, "What on earth are they going to put on there? I don't want to see what's happening downstairs!" And then they showed us a picture of our embryo. The embryologist was right, it was beautiful! It looked perfect.

"The Spacehopper*"

Now, I did mention in my last post that I was suffering from an unwanted protrusion, which we have nicknamed "the spacehopper".  For those of you who need a bit of help with the interpretation, I've conveniently found a picture (left) for you. Thankfully it had receded, but it was still incredibly uncomfortable. When it came time to transfer the embryo, the doctor kept tapping my leg and saying "Relax! I can see you're all tensed up!" "I'm trying," I whimpered. Deep breaths.  I was trying so hard not to think about what the doctor could see down there. More deep breaths. Just look away and focus on something else... And then it was all over, and they wheeled me out to the recovery area where we watched the latest political developments of the Australian Labour Party. It was the best thing to make me sleepy and relaxed.

I rested for 30 minutes, changed back into my clothes and we were out the door by 10.30am. We decided to go out for a late breakfast while we waited for my acupuncture appointment at 12. We had a nice breakfast at the cafe in Kings Park, which was helping with the whole relaxing thing.

My acupuncturist asked how my transfer went, and I told him it was incredibly awkward, but the doctor was saying really positive things through the whole thing. I was told that acupuncture straight after transfer increases your chances from 40% to 60%. Relaxing is also key, so he was happy that I was going home to watch a movie that makes me giggly.

So we went home and watched Super Troopers, an old favourite. We also ate the endorphin kickers, my favourite, Cadbury Creme Eggs. The breakfast, the movie, the Creme Eggs and a hilarious phone call from a dear friend must have really increased the endorphin levels because we promptly fell asleep on the couch.



So, despite the Space Hopper, I actually had a very delightful day.

Our endorphin kickers

*Spacehopper image gratefully borrowed from http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Space_hopper

Day 34 - The Embryo Stage

I've called everyday since the egg pick up to check the progress of our little embryos, and they have been progressing really well for each day.

• Day 1: Yay! We have 5 eggs fertilised!
• Day 2: All 5 embies have reached 4 cell division. Good progress.
• Day 3: Some are advancing a little bit faster than others. We have different cell divisions at Grade 2, and one was breaking from the pack at an 8 cell compacting morula (stage before blastocyst stage)
• Day 4: Have a whole bunch of little compacting morulas. We won't know which one they will use or how many can be frozen until our transfer. The embryologist says that it's unusual to get 100% frozen. We can probably expect around 2 or 3 bubsicles.
• Day 5: Transfer day.
• Day 6: Call the embryologist to find out how many were actually frozen.

So my transfer is tomorrow morning. I have my acupuncture appointment an hour after the transfer. I'm feeling optimistic, but I'm also a little apprehensive too. You'll see why, keep reading.

My latest woes

This is where it gets incredibly personal. *Gross-out alert* I woke up this morning with a very sensitive rear exit. I didn't think it was too bad, but it got progressively worse throughout the day. And I realised that the bloated feeling and stomach pains from the drugs, lead to a bowel strike, which then lead to my rear entrails becoming my painful, hideously, swollen extrails. Can this get any more humiliating?

Well, of course I had to go to the chemist and discuss my southern outback problems with other pushy customers standing right behind me. No, please, I'm loving this attention, lets call in the shop owner from next door! Grrr....

I took home my miracle ointment and then realised I would have to go the double prod in both southern orifices tonight, the Crinone vaginal gel, and well, the other one...sigh...just kill me now. I'm feeling sorry for myself and very squidgy.

Dear God, please make this thing go down before tomorrow. Don't make me get on that table with unnatural protrusions. Amen.

Day 30 - Egg Pick Up

Day 30. Saturday. Egg Collection Day.

It worked out beautifully that it wasn't on a work day as I was dreading the whole "what convincing lie can I come up with to have a sick day". Plus my husband was able to come to the appointment without any fuss.

We arrived at 8.35am and we met the nurse where I filled out more forms and collected my Crinone gel. Crinone helps to prepare the uterus lining and is applied vaginally. I was hoping I wouldn't have to be prodding or jabbing myself anymore, but there you go. I was starving from having to fast and skip breakfast, and my stomach growled the whole way upstairs to theatre. Here's an interesting side note, I was told not wear perfume, deodorant or any smelly stuff, so I didn't even wash my hair. But I've since discovered that aerosol perfumes are not embryo friendly.

 Hubby waited for me while I went into my little change room to change into my gown, hairnet and booties. As I had a "rear-ventilated" gown, I was also given a modesty blanket, which was massive, and you could hear me giggling as I struggled to drape the blanket like a toga, dragging it down the corridor with my giant handbag and belongings in the other hand. Very dignified.

I sat in the chair next my husband and the embryologist came to see us. She briefly explained the process, how she would check for the eggs during the procedure, and we would know how many fertilised by the next day. Hubby was called away for the sample. And then the anaesthetist came to talk to me and I answered all the medical questions. Then at around 9.40am, I was whisked away to theatre where my Fertility Specialist was waiting.

I walked in and two nurses were there to help me with my gown. They asked me if I'd done this before and I said, "No, this is my first time." "Well, you're a virgin then!" And I said,"Yes, please be in gentle."  My Fertility Specialist commented on my difficult follicles, but I reassured him that I gave them a good pep talk and told them not to be scared of him. He he, good for a giggle.

There were about 5 people in theatre, and they were all bustling around me while I lay on the table. The Anaesthetist put the needle in my hand and I was off to sleepyland. I woke up in the recovery room at around 10.40am with an oxygen mask on my face, very drowsy, just wanted to sleep. They rang my husband to come and get me and then they wheeled me into a little cubicle with a TV. Now, when my husband arrived, I remember him clearly coming into the cubicle and we chatted about what he did for the last hour or two and what was on TV. My husbands version of events went a bit differently, apparently I stared blankly at him a lot and had trouble stringing words together. The nurses brought in a toasted sandwich and a cup of tea, and I was allowed to leave at around 11.40am. So we were probably there for 3 hours in total. The nurses told me that they collected 5 eggs.

I felt okay in the hospital laying down. Once I stood up, I started to feel a bit woozy, but still okay. But during the 45 minute car ride home, I felt like absolute rubbish. I felt terribly hung over, the car was too hot, then it was too cold. I got cold sweats and I could feel the toastie wanting to come back up again. At one point I grabbed my husband's hat and said I was going to throw up in it, but "Don't stop the car! I just want to get home!"

I put myself straight to bed when I got home and couldn't really bring myself to eat anything else. I slept most of the afternoon. Had a light tea, my antibiotic and then the Crinone before bed. I felt very crampy and sensitive around my abdomen and had two hot packs, but luckily was able to sleep it off.

The day after...
I woke up feeling quite good. I was less crampy but still sensitive. I still felt a little drowsy. I couldn't do much, I found that I had to rest after doing 30 minutes of housework. I had a few naps. 

I called the embryologist in the afternoon and found out all 5 eggs were fertilised. Woo hoo! Hubby was strutting around the house, so proud. That was a big relief. 

So now we wait for news on the Transfer Day. 

Day 28 - The Trigger Shot

Today I went in for my blood test and ultrasound to check how my follicles were going. I was expecting egg collection to be happening some time soon, so I was thought I best see the nurse for my trigger shot (Ovidrel) as well, just in case.

I didn't get to see the Ovary Whisperer this time, and I really noticed the difference. This guy was a lot more gentle than the first doctor, but he didn't spend much time explaining anything, he just rattled off the numbers to the nurse. But I heard him say there were a couple of follicles at 22mm and a few from 16 - 18mm, so things were looking good. The left side was hard for him to see as well. I mean I know these things are small...but where could they be hiding?

I went in to see the nurse to ask her about my trigger shot. She gave me the pack and my information sheet. I couldn't remember if I had taken my morning Synarel dose, so I asked her if it was okay if I missed it. She told me I should probably go home and take it, because I wouldn't want to risk my eggs escaping in ovulation before they could get collected by the doctor. Aargh! So my panic levels go up a little. I said to her, "I live an hour away and I only work five minutes down the road." She looked at me blankly as if to say"...and? How is that my problem?" Grrrrr! Anger levels rising. Just give me an emergency dose or something lady!!!! And then she said,"We don't want you to lose your eggs before we have a chance to get to them first." Sigh. She was right. I was already investing enough time and money into this whole process, what's an extra 2 hours out of my day. I would hate it if the whole thing went to crap because I didn't want to drive home and back to the city again.

So I got in my car, I was already a bit annoyed and stressed that I would have to fight all that traffic again. I had to take a few deep breaths and just accept that's what I had to do. I got home, put the Ovidrel in the fridge, sprayed up my nose, grabbed a banana and was out the door again.

The nurse called me just before 3pm and she said, "You're ready for theatre." I was so excited to hear that! Things were progressing. Good news. She ran through the instructions for me. I take my trigger shot (Ovidrel) at precisely 9.45pm tonight, exactly 36 hours before egg collection. Ovidrel is used to trigger the release of the egg from the follicle (ovulation). I also start taking my antibiotic twice a day with food. I start fasting tomorrow night and need to be at the clinic at 8.45am for egg collection on Saturday morning. It's the first time I've ever had to go into hospital for any procedure. It's a bit scary, not sure what to expect, but I'm feeling positive! We're actually doing this!

And then I had my acupuncture appointment this afternoon. (My acupuncturists are absolute legends. More about them later) This would be my last appointment before egg collection. My next appointment would be right after they transfer the embryo (if they fertilise) back in. And then he told me that after my appointment I was to go home and put on my favourite funny movie. That's the best thing that's been prescribed so far! But the reason was because when a baby is conceived naturally (that means sex, people) you've usually had a great time and a whole bunch of endorphins are released afterwards. So going home to watch a topless Ryan Gosling recreating a dirty dancing moment will essentially have the same effect. Sigh. Can't wait! I'll make sure to take home my fave chocolate bar as well...just to kick start those endorphins.

Day 20 - How easy it is to use Gonal-f

This is my 5th day of Gonal-f injections, and I think I'm getting pretty good at it! My hand does get a bit shaky to begin with, but once it's in, it's all good. So far, no skin irritations, no bleeding. I did have a bit of a mishap this morning where I couldn't remove the needle from the pen, but otherwise no dramas.

Today I've added some pictures of my prepared shoot-up area, with a description of the whole procedure below.

Preparing the injection site

My nurse recommended that I inject after I have a shower, because I'm already nice and clean, otherwise I would have to swab my stomach etc. But I just wash any lotions from my hands, throw on my bath robe and I head out to the Shoot-Up Area.

Preparing the Shoot-Up Area

I've chosen the bench next to the kitchen to be my Shoot-Up Area. It's close to the fridge where you should be keeping your injection pen. I keep my roll of paper towel and sharps disposal unit on there, and give the bench a quick spray and wipe down before I start. I lay down some paper towel and grab the kit from the fridge.

The prepared Shoot-Up Area with all the necessary bits

Preparing the Gonal-f Pen

My kit has a whole bunch of screw-on needles that come in little sealed packs. Once I remove the lid on the pen, I peel off the seal on the needle pack and screw it on to the end of the pen. There's a small window that indicates the dosage amount. I dial the end of the pen and stop when it reaches 150. Check there's no air bubbles. Then I'm good to go!

The prepared Gonal-f Pen with needle

Get down to business

OK, usually I inject below my belly button and to the side, where there's plenty of fat. And I will alternate sides every day. I grab a nice chunk of fat between my thumb and forefinger and insert the needle at a 90° angle. Once it's in, I let go of the fat, let it rest in there for a little bit, and then press down on the button at the end of the pen. Hold it down for 10 seconds, then remove the needle. Easy!

Needle Disposal

I screw the outer cap back on to lock it on to needle, then unscrew the whole thing and toss it into the yellow sharps container. Done! Then I pack everything up ready for the next day.

I've found the whole "injecting myself" thing deceptively easy. Almost too easy. Thank God SOMEONE put a lot of thought into it, because you can't really screw it up. I hope the close up of the needle doesn't freak you out, but it really isn't as scary as I thought it would be. I can hardly feel it.

Good luck if you're trying this for the first time!

Day 17 - Sniffing and injecting drugs

I conquered the Gonal-F injection yesterday! I have to say that this is the part (or ONE of the parts) that I was dreading about this whole cycle. The thought of having to inject myself in the stomach…(shudder).

Thankfully it all comes in a very convenient little pen, with very easy to follow instructions and accompanying DVD. Needless to say, I was incredibly nervous about my first injection. I read the instruction booklet, and then watched the DVD (which wasn't any more enlightening). I prepared my "drug administration bench". This is where I keep the nasal spray and it's right next to the fridge where I keep the Gonal-F. I had my cotton wool, tissues, syringe disposal unit, Gonal-F pack and I lay it all out on paper towel.

When I took the cap off the needle, I immediately thought I would puncture my internal organs - it was that long! Luckily I enough layer of fat to protect my precious innards. But it honestly did not hurt! I was expecting it to be something similar to getting a needle in my arm, or even getting a blood test. But it's much less painful than that.

So, look at me now! Confident needle user and drug sniffer. Now that's something to write home about.

Day 15 - Enter the next phase

Okay. So let's recap. It has been 15 days since I met with the Nurse Coordinator and started taking Synarel.

LMP - Last Menstrual Period

Usually a normal person would start Synarel and they would get their period within the first 10 days. I only just got mine today! My acupuncturist  reassured me that it was normal for Synarel to delay your period. And as I ovulated so late in my normal cycle, it was normal for me to have delayed for 5 days.

I started spotting last night, and I noticed my period is a little different than usual. It's definitely a lot lighter in colour and flow. Cramping is a lot worse. That may not mean the same thing for you though, because I rarely experience PMS symptoms at all. So a little bit of cramping is quite a new thing for me.

Hot Flushes

So one of the side effects of Synarel is hot flushes. I was told that you experience menopausal symptoms when taking Synarel. So I was picturing a red, sweaty face and a thin, blouse clinging to my sweaty bosoms. That's what happens in the movies isn't it? The reality is, your core body temperature increases. And the best way to tell is when you still feel hot in a cold room.

Now, I live in Perth and it's the middle of summer with 38°C days, so it was a little difficult for me to tell the difference. However, since starting Synarel 15 days ago, there have been a few nights where I woke up because I had over heated. I was so physically hot, that I had to sleep like a starfish. I couldn't sleep on my side, because I got too hot with my legs together. I also noticed that (Gross-out Alert!) when I went to wipe myself on the toilet, my nether regions were...hot...I know, WTF? My lady giblets were radiating heat. I'm pretty confident that's not normal, even for 38°C days.

The Next Phase

So what next? As today is Day 1 in my menstrual cycle, I start giving myself Gonal F injections tomorrow. Scary! Hubby starts taking anti-biotics today. I've booked in for my next blood test in 8 days.
I think this is the phase that pumps up those eggs, ready for harvesting!

My first IVF Cycle begins

I'm currently on Day 10 in my IVF cycle.

I've been taking Synarel since my meeting with the Nurse Coordinator on 20 January. I spray Synarel once in each nostril in the morning and at night for 7 days. It goes down the back of my throat and doesn't leave the most pleasant taste. Then two days ago (Day 8), I cut my sprays back to one spray in the morning and night. You can find out more info about Synarel here.

Moodiness

I did feel quite moody the other weekend, just after I started taking Synarel. I was hyper sensitive, I just felt really glum and I had to force myself to function that day. And I know it was the most pathetic things that set me off. But it lead me to start worrying about the whole IVF process. "Will it be successful?" "How are we going to afford it?" So many questions. When my husband got home from work, he came to give me a hug because I obviously looked so gloomy, and I nearly burst into tears. But then the next day I was right as rain.

PMS or Chemical Side Effects?

The other night I was laying on my bed clutching my abdomen, crying "Ow! My ovary hurts!" I also noticed this morning, I had a few little sharp twinges in the same spot. Hhhmm...not sure what that meant. Then I realised, of course, it means I'm about to have my period. I was thinking so much about chemical side effects, I'd forgotten about PMS. Then I thought, was I just super sensitive because of PMS or drugs? I dunno.

Now, my menstrual cycle is normally 30 days, and I'm approaching Day 31. I'm usually pretty regular, but Synarel has probably delayed my period. As I'm on Day 10 in my IVF cycle and my period still hasn't come, I expect I will have to go in for some blood tests. And then my next round of drugs should be starting soon.

Tomorrow I'll be contacting the nurse to find out what bloods I need to do and what my next step will be. I'm excited, but nervous at the same time.

Synarel

Synarel Nasal Spray

So, I've been using Synarel since I started my IVF Cycle. Synarel is commonly prescribed for use for IVF programmes. It assists in decreasing the amount of oestrogen produced by the ovaries. This  means they can control your normal cycle and prepare it for subsequent stimulation of the ovaries to produce eggs. I think my acupuncturist explains it best, "It suppresses your natural hormones that want to release those eggs. It holds those eggs in there so they can be harvested later."

It is also used to treat endometriosis, as it thins the lining of the uterus wall.

Using the drug has been pretty easy. From Day 1 to Day 7, it's just one spray up each nostril in the morning and night. Then from Day 8, I reduce it back to one spray in one nostril in the morning and night. Then my period should be due around Day 10 or Day 11, which means I would start on my next round of drugs?

I was told to expect menopausal symptoms but thankfully, I haven't really suffered from any of the described side effects. I've listed some of those side effects below.

• Hot flushes - I have been so sweaty lately, but it's hard to tell if it's the heat or the drugs. I've been told that you can tell because you still feel hot in a cold room...so, nope, not a problem.
• Change in sex drive - Hhmmm...no?
• Vaginal dryness - Que?
• Headaches - You may experience estrogen-senstvive migraines or epilepsy. But thankfully, not for me!
• Mood changes - Happy one day, stabby the next. Sure, that's normal isn't it?
• Depression - Eh! I've had a few bummer days, but that could be PMS.
• Acne - As you know I'm being treated for acne, but I'm still getting more than usual at the moment. It's still manageable though!
• Muscle pains - Yes! Sometimes my legs feel a bit achy and sore. Muscles are a bit more tense as well.
• Decreased breast size - I don't think I've noticed anything...
• Irritation inside the nose - Nope
• Pain and/or swelling of the joints - Not really
• Change in weight - I wish I could lose weight!
• Insomnia - Sleeping like a baby, snoring like a lumber jack.
  
• Tingling feeling of the skin - Nope.
• Increased hairiness - Nope, that's what a razor's for! LOL
• Hair loss - Nope.
• Blood pressure change (high or low) - Nope.

So far so good! I've remembered to take the spray everyday. I haven't experienced any strange symptoms. I'm just waiting on the next step in the cycle.