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[missingnola]

The old 'IVF and teaching' thread was mostly about the actual retrieval and transfer days. I am more concerned *at this moment* about the first 8-14 days on medication prior to the retrieval. I'm teaching a 4/4 right now and am just so worried about how I am going to react to the meds especially since I will have to take a couple of days off for the retrieval and transfer. I'm really hoping not to have to take any days off due to the meds themselves. I'm really interested in hearing others experiences about stimming while teaching.

(A little background info -- I have had 7 failed IUIs. Two of them were on injectables but they were low levels. The first try was 75mgs of Bravelle pushed up to 150mgs later in the cycle due to low response. I had two follicles. The second try was at a different fertility center <the one I'm working with now for this first IVF cycle> and the goal was one follicle. I used 50mg of Follistim. I received my IVF meds and I will be doing 225mgs of Follistim and five days of 250mg of Ganirelix... so far, of course, this could be changed as the cycle progresses. No Lupron, which I have heard most women say is the worst part.)

Any thoughts and feedback would be so greatly appreciated. I know everyone reacts differently. 

[biomancer]

I wish I could help you, MissingNOLA, but I haven't a clue.  However, as a biologist I'm rather interested in the discussion so I'm posting to get replies.

MissingNola, I wish you the best of luck!

[missingnola]

Well, I start tomorrow so I'll let you know how it goes lol

[biomancer]

Good luck!  I'm starting Lupron in a week or two, but not for infertility - I'm having some major problems with ovarian cysts and other reproductive system dysfunctions.  I have to try it for at least 3 months for my insurance company to be willing to pay for an ovariohysterectomy.   (I'd give you my plumbing if it were any good, but I seem to be made of scrap parts.)

[missingnola]

lol... Well, at least you are keeping a sense of humor about it! Good luck to you, as well. I hope everything works out okay :-)

[noof_]

I did well with the meds. Your protocol is more an issue imho than the drugs themselves. I was [over] suppressed with Lupron than hopped up on stims (Follistem). In the end I felt like I was going to pop. Sitting was uncomfortable, I walked slowly, and I felt full all the time. Women who are hyperstimulated suffer far worse.

Many REs try to schedule retrieval or transfer on a Thursday or Friday. This would potentially give you a long weekend to rest. Of course there is no guarantee that your ret/xfr day will take place as scheduled. It's a good idea to have a back-up plan should one or both of these take place the day before you are supposed to teach.

My biggest problem was PIO. My first IVF worked, so I had to continue the injections for quite some time. It was not fun, but I was able to keep my normal routine.

Good luck!