Protocol Schmotocol March 29, 2006
My clinic usually requires a teach session before every cycle. It’s not really to teach you anything unless you’ve never gone through this stuff before (good thing, because I think I’ve got the IVF/FET process down by now) but rather to sign consents, go over and order meds, etc. My IVF coordinator was nice enough to let me do my consents by mail and to go over the other stuff over the phone so I could save a trip over to Houston.
I now have a more detailed schedule and know exactly what meds I’ll be inflicting on my poor body. Things should (should being the key word) go like this: (I’m typing this all out for my own records and because I always think it’s interesting to compare protocols among clinics. Feel free to scroll down quickly.)
3/23-4/12 BCPs (a third of the way done with that one!)
4/10 start Lupron
the following dates are approximate because they’re done on specific cycle days
4/18 Vivelle 0.1mg- 1 patch; reduce Lupron to 5 units, start aspirin
4/20 Vivelle 0.1mg- 1 patch
4/22 Vivelle 0.1mg- 1 patch
4/24 Vivelle 0.1mg- 1 patch and E2 check appt
4/26 Vivelle 0.1mg- 2 patches
4/28 Vivelle 0.1mg- 3 patches
4/30 Vivelle 0.1mg- 4 patches (I should be good and gooey by this point)
5/1 E2 and u/s
add vaginal Estrace 2mg every night (oh joy) if E2 <300; come back for more E2 checks
5/7 Vivelle 0.1 mg- TBD # of patches; PIO 50mg AM; Progesterone suppository 200mg PM; stop Lupron; start Tetracycline & Medrol
5/8 PIO 50mg AM; Progesterone suppository 200mg PM
5/9 Vivelle 0.1 mg- TBD # of patches; PIO 50mg AM; Progesterone suppository 200mg PM
5/10 PIO 50mg AM; Progesterone suppository 200mg PM
5/11 Vivelle 0.1 mg- TBD # of patches; PIO 50mg AM; Progesterone suppository 200mg PM
5/12- ET & more progesterone fun to continue throughout 2ww
I really tried hard to get out of the progesterone suppository thing. Oh, I did try. With my two FETs at my previous clinic I did double PIO (100mg/day) and was hoping to do that again this time. Apparently not. I was told that they’ve done it both ways for FETs and have had better success with the PIO plus suppository method.
I really am not of fan of anything suppository related. I’d much rather deal with 1.5″ needles stuck in my ass. I know some people aren’t a fan of PIOs, but I’ll take them any day over sticking crap up into my nether regions. I guess I could go against orders and do the double PIO anyway, but I’m going to attempt to be a good girl and follow instructions. (Well, at least on that one anyway. Talk to me about the Lovenox later.)
When going over the rest of my meds with my IVF coordinator I again failed to correct her on the fact that I needed a Valium ordered for ET. I can’t take it on ET day since I have my transfers done under anesthesia, but I know from experience that it sure does come in handy in the aftermath of a BFN, chemical, miscarriage, or whatever other crappy fate I get dealt. I mean, if I have to take the evil birth control pills and Lupron, I sure as hell am going to make sure I get at least one yummy drug.
I’m so counting down the days of this FET. It’s such a freaking long protocol. Every night after I take my stupid little pill I think to myself, “1 down, 20 to go. 2 down, 19 to go.” Etc, etc. I guess I shouldn’t be doing that so much, because I know once it all comes to an end I’ll be wishing it wasn’t so.
- Posted in : IVF Part 7: FET #3
- Author : amanda
Comments»
Sounds intense! You’re on stuff I’ve neve even heard of…I wish you the best with everything. I’m jealous that you have dates on your calendar!
Yikes. I’m not 100 % sure of the FET protocol at the new clinic I’m going to (will find out soon enough) but, based on what I’ve heard from others who go there, it’s pretty much just the patches then once a day PIO after the transfer. BCP’s are optional (I guess just if someone has erratic cycles and needs them for scheduling reasons) and no lupron. It amazes me how different protocols are between clinics. My old clinic had a really complicated long FET protocol.
Before I forget, I noticed you said you inject PIO with a 1.5″ needle. I’m surprised your clinic didn’t give you the 1″ needles instead? I’m sure they would if you asked. I seem to recall that you’re thin and that’s what my clinic gave me since I’m on the lighter side. I guess you’re probably used to the other ones by now…. I just find the shorter ones a little less intimidating, especially if you ever have to inject yourself.
Staci- I did ask my previous clinic about using the 1″ needles when I was having so much trouble with painful injections and soreness. They said they preferred that I stick with the 1.5″. Now I’m totally used to them. The more cycles I do, the less my ass minds them. One of the few perks of being a multiple cycle gal.
oh yeah, get all the valium you can. great stuff to have stashed. I personally prefer it to vicodin. it’s softer, less intense, but oh-so-pleasant. sigh. I’m feeling wistful just thinking of it and my empty bottle in my medicine cabinet. :)
I think IF has made us all closet prescription drug junkies. At least me, anyway.
Good that you have your protocol written out. That is a long FET cycle. Sheesh. But at least it’s underway.
Mmmm, Valium.
That does seem awfully long!
I am the same way about PIO versus suppositories. I’ve done both and I much prefer the shot in the ass versus the icky, oozy mess.
never done PIO, just anal suppositories which given I did them in the evening, weren’t that bad as there was no leakage. This time it’s PIO so let’s see how I deal with it.
Thanks for writign out that protocol, it is helpful to see it all laid out.
Oh my goodness, seeing it all written out like that really hammers home how much you have to take, and for how long… you poor thing.
May all this be worth it, my dear, suppositories and all!
Ironically I have been doing injectable estrogen and progesterone suppositories. You are braver than I, wanting those PIO’s. Anyway, I just came across your blog and wanted to say good luck. Love M
I love your blog. Currently on a mock cycle for IVF w/DE. I figured that I’m on 16 pills, 2 patches, and 3 shots per day. 2 of those shots are the PIO that I requested ’cause I, too HATE suppositories!
I am about to start my first IVF cycle and those progesterone shots are scaring the living daylights out of me. I keep thinking of the needle hitting the muscle and start to really cringe. I know it will be worth it if it works, but relative to the needles for the lupron, those are some seriously intiminidating needles. My DR is recommending them daily for up to 10 weeks gestation if the IVF works. What do you know about this?
Thanks and good luck to you!
Two IVF’s and one FET under my belt–all successful! I did some PIO first IVF then got numb and doctor admitted the Prometrium is just about as good. So, that’s when I figured the docs must be getting some perks from ordering such horrible stuff by the drug representatives (seen some nice restaurant lunches come their way quite often). Did the Prometrium as suppository for a while and then said to myself, what the heck! They are pills anyways, so I just swallow 2 three times a day. Guess what?? NO Fuc@&ng difference! Also, he wanted me on protocol for 3 months!!! What??? I stopped 2 weeks after confirmed pregnancy test and now have 3 beautiful kids–absolutely NO PROBLEMS! I think these docs just do a freaking checklist and it is really overkill. I’m on my 4th time (FET again). Doing it my way and again, no problems–am PREGNANT again! I’ve done a lot of research and cannot say this is for everyone, but it is certainly for more than not. Same things with taking stuff for colds while pregnant. Did 2 months of nyquil pills and NOT one Problem! Doctors just want to prescribe stuff that has had some stupid blind test of 200 folks and is mild or works for about 5 minutes. I believe it is better to be comfortable and it helps the baby than to be irritated or stressed or in pain for the sake of following stupid directions. 4 times it is working for me and screw the doctors is what I say!