Monday, November 22, 2010

The Protocol

It's called the "BCP Ganirelix Gonadotrophins Protocol".  And I still really don't know what it means...

  • 15 days of BCP - done
  • 5 days of nothing  - done
  • 300IU of Gonal-F started today for 4 days
  • 10 units of Novarel Microdose (HCG) started today for the next four days
  • Doxycycline (antibiotic) started today for 14 days
Friday morning I go in for more labs/ultrasound and will get further instructions from there.  I've got far more drugs in my kitchen than I know what to do with.

Starting Point

Wouldn't you know I started bleeding this morning... AF I guess.  She's early (only CD22) but I expect the starting of BCP and stopping it 15 days later messes with my cycle.  Dr. T wasn't phased that AF was arriving so I guess all is okay.  

I had 6 follicles on each ovary less than 8mm.  I think 12 follies is a good starting point (before BCP I only had 7 total).

The First of the IVF Shots

After a bad day in the office today I got home around 6:30 and realized I didn't know how to take my HCG.  It's not a prefilled syringe like every other self-injection I've done to date.  I didn't know which type of syringe to use (because I have two different types of empty syringes and an extra set of big-ass needles).  How do I get the medicine into the syringe?  Was it supposed to be a muscle or fat injection?

When I googled how to inject the Novarel there was nothing on the microdose I was taking... all instructions were related to mixing a concentrated vial with saline (or something).  I panicked.  

I called my neighbor for guidance (an ER doctor) but couldn't get her on the phone. Finally I called the pharmacy that sent me the drugs and at that point I was choking back tears explaining my dilemma... immediately I was put on with a pharmacist who had me laughing and relaxed within 30 seconds.  The microdose is already mixed, use the small insulin syringe, draw my dose, insert in fleshy abdomen.  It's as simple as that. Crisis averted.  

Telling the Boss

As for telling work about being out...  we've got all kinds of resource issues that have just hit the fan and so I'm taking on yet even more - when I'm already well over capacity.  I was IMing with my boss about the resource chaos late today and went ahead and slipped in "probably not the best time to bring this up... but I have to have outpatient surgery in early December - it will cost me 2 - 3 days".  She said "we'll deal"... and that was that.  

12 comments:

  1. ack..why such small font? Sorry...want to read but it's such small font.

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  3. Happy to hear the crisis was averted with humor at the end! Great news that your boss is okay with the days you need to take off. Hopefully, it will take some stress off your shoulders.

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  4. How are the shots going aside from the panic about the one? I think I'd just about shit my pants doing my first IVF. The first time I read that you do the shots yourself I got really freaked out. I'm not great with needles, but would handle it if I had to. I think its not even the needle, but the actual shot giving. I'd panic I was doing the damn thing wrong every time. Good thing I know a lot of nurses..

    Despite the tiny response from your boss it sounds like they've got your back at least, right?

    As always, praying for you and can't wait to hear how it goes.

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  5. I remember taking all that medicine out-it was a little overwhelming! In a few days you will be an expert-believe me. Good luck!!

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  6. This is a great protocol.. When are you starting the Ganirelix?

    I am keeping you in my thoughts and want this to work for you.

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  7. How scary & exciting all at the same time! Glad it went well telling your boss! I'm so excited for you!

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  8. I still haven't told my "boss" and wont' until we know for darn sure this is going to stick, and who knows? anything could happen! Keep us updated on those shots, they honestly aren't too bad!

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  9. I had one of those panic attacks too. all those needles -- it seems straightforward at first, but when when you sit down to actually do it, a whole other story... so happytohear the pharmacist really pulled through for you. Good luck!!!

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  10. Yay for a pharmacist who saved the day!

    And an even better yay for 12 little follies to start - that's awesome!

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  11. 12 follies - that's awesome!!! Can't wait to hear how everything is progressing on Friday.

    And your boss's response was very true-- they will deal with it.

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