I'm starting injections tonight . . .Words of Wisdom

[Anonymous]

I am starting my Bravelle injections tonight. I went to the doctor this morning and had a sonogram and they said my ovaries look "perfect." I am starting this to do with timed intercourse. I was pregnant last year the old fashioned way, but we had to terminate due to a severe abnormality. The RE said I have a luteal phase defect and he is putting me on the injectables in the hope that I will produce enough of my own progesterone to get pregnant.

I'm not sure what I am asking here, but if anyone has any wisdom, I'm all ears. (or eyes)

[Anonymous]

I read something on a veterans board that I think is so true - newbies fear the shots, but it is really the emotional aspect of treatment that is difficult. So good luck, and take care of yourself during the TWW.

Also, if it is not too late, I would refrain from telling most people that you are TTC. I have way too many people giving me a look or asking indirect questions when they really want to know whether I'm pregnant, which is becoming painful when the answer may be never.

[Anonymous]

You'll be fine. As the PP mentioned, the shots are easy to administer and not at all painful. Just take your time, breathe, and have everything prepared.

I'm an expert Gonal-F injector myself!! Did six IUI cycles with Clomid/Gonal-F and Ovidrel injection to conceive my DS.

I am now on my first cycle to conceive #2, and it's like riding a bicycle.

Infertility, unfortunately, is never something you want to get used to. I've also had two early term miscarriages, so the pain of prior losses is always in the back of my mind.

Good luck! And best wishes for success!

[Anonymous]

Ice. Psychologically---Ice was my best friend for injections. Ice the injection spot for 60 seconds and you won't feel the needle. Then immediately apply pressure after withdrawing the needle and you'll minimize bruising. (I learned this the hard way after I would up with large purple polka dots across my belly)

Good luck!!!

[Anonymous]

It really doesn't hurt that much. Just be quick, move your injection site around with each injection, and if you go in with the attitude that it won't be that bad, it'll likely be a self-fulfilling prophecy. Good luck!!

[Anonymous]

I agree with previous posters. The shots do not hurt and are very quick and easy to give. Now the progesterone oil shots after IVF are another story....

[Anonymous]

Ice, ice and more ice.

Yes, actually, the shots do hurt. But like pulling off that bandaid, the quicker you are, the sooner it's over with.

[Anonymous]

Experiment to discover what works best for you. Most people find doing the injections fairly quickly works, I found that sliding the needle in very slowly hurt a lot less for me.

Overall, I think the psychological aspects of shots are far, far harder than the physical stuff.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

May I ask what doctor you are seeing OP? I have heard that injections with timed intercourse has a good success rate. My DOctor will only do injectibales with IUI. I am starting to look for another doctor and was wondering who you are seeing? I have been asking why I can't do injectibles with timed intercourse?

[Anonymous]

If it burns while pressing the plunger for the meds to go in, go slower, not faster (it sounds counterintuitive, but really works)...different issue than he slow vs.fast needle poking part that pp was referring to...

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for your advice about the shots. To the 9:17 poster who asked which doctor I am seeing, I see Dr. Rifka at CFA. I am glad to hear that someone has heard that injectables with timed intercourse has a good success rate.

I am 40 and Clomid isn't usually recommended for women over 40. We were given the option of using Clomid with IUI. My husband and I opted for the injectables w/ timed intercourse. I don't know if this makes a difference but I was diagnosed with a luteal phase defect. I have been pregnant 3 times. The first two times were when I was very young and very stupid (broken condom and a slipped condom) and I exercised my right to choose. The third time was last summer and we had to terminate the pregnancy due to a severe (fatal) defect.

The theory is that the injectables will coax my ovaries into producing a lot more progesterone along with the follicles. I am hoping that the injectables will give me the boost I need so that I can get pregnant.

[Anonymous]

OP -- I saw Dr. Rifka for Bravelle with timed intercourse. We did one cycle. My beautiful twins will be 6 months old tomorrow! GOOD LUCK and please report back!

[Anonymous]

OP here. 22:36 poster, thank you. Those are the stories I want to hear. I am hoping that the Bravelle gives me the boost I need.

[Anonymous]

OP here. I've been doing the shots for 3 nights now and they are no big deal. I go in tomorrow for some monitoring. Thus far, everything seems to be going along fine. We'll see what the monitoring says.

[Anonymous]

I hope your scan is good, but be forewarned sometimes they need to adjust your medications because you aren't responding exactly like they want you too. Don't get worried, I think they changed my dosage nearly every time I went in and we are happily pregnant now.