Well, it is clearly not just in my head. My ovaries hurt. What a weird thing to say. I mean, my ovaries have been with me from day one and "active" since I was 14. Until this last June when I started Femara, I had never taken much notice of them. Femara definitely made them ache, but this is different. It isn't so much that it is painful, per se, although it definitely isn't comfy. It is more that it is such a strange feeling. I can kind of feel everything getting moved around in there and it feels so weird.
I also feel just. . . unwell. Kind of like I have a low level flu. I woke up this morning, still tired despite my 8 hours plus of sleep last night. I have a headache and although I don't really feel nauseous, I feel kind of "off" in the tummy department.
I really am not complaining - well, that's not the point of this post, anyway. Rather, I like to record my feelings and symptoms for two reasons. First off, even though I am trying to be optimistic, I know the simple reality is that this might not work. In fact, there is a pretty good chance that it won't - at least not the first time. I have seen way too many of my good friends get a few negative cycles before their positive. So, I just know that I can't count on success the first time - or, really, at all. If I have to do this again, I would really like a reference point of how it felt this time, for no other reason than some reassurance, a comparison point. The second reason, as I have mentioned before, is that I Google search for people's IVF experiences and I wish there were more details. I think a lot of people don't want to be seen as whining and complaining. I don't want to be seen that way, either, but I would rather be honest and help someone else out there know the real deal.
The bonus of all of this honesty is that I have gotten some really good tips in the comments section on how to handle some of these side effects and injections. That has really made it worth looking like a wimp. Thanks for hanging with me. Things are about to get interesting.
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10 comments:
Feeling ovary twinges/pain is definitely weird and noteworthy, thanks for sharing! Crossing all fingers for the next couple days, and good luck with the transfer if it happens before I get back!!
xoxo
If you want to read my own "whiny" posts about this check out my archive from last April, when I went through my last IVF cycle. 20 follicles is a lot growth, compared with the usual one or two. The way you're feeling very much was how I've felt when previously stimming. I think it's completely normal and probably has little influence of whether a cycle will be successful or not.
You're definitely not a whiner!
I just looked at my own archives, and just wanted to add that if you do look at them, I hope the OHSS stuff doesn't freak you out too much. While I've been pretty unlucky in this regard, it's not that common, and if your E2 levels don't get too high, you shouldn't have much to worry about.
I do not think you are looking like a wimp at all. IVF is something for the brave.. not the meek. You hang in there- sorry those ovaries are gving you a constant reminder of there inner workings.
Yes, the changes that happen are pretty weird, not really bad, but definitely not run of the mill normal either. I remember feeling the same way. It wasn't anything I really wanted to complain about, but because it seemed so different from the norm it seemed noteworthy. This is just a long winded way of saying that you are not alone! Keep up the great attitude!
Well, I don't have any advice, but the way you are feeling is normal. Maybe take comfort in the fact that this means the drugs are doing what they are supposed to be doing, and your body is responding well. I'm not going to tell you it gets any easier. You will be glad for the day of your egg retrieval.
My advice for the retrieval - in case I forget to tell you - ask for Darvacet. Do not be afraid to ask for this...you won't necessarily NEED pain medication, but you MAY, and if you DO, ask for drugs. It will not effect anything. I did not ask for it the first time, and I regretted it. On the other hand, many, many women say the ER is a breeze. I hope you fall in that camp.
XOXO
Oh man, my ovaries hurt every single month, no matter what I do. The clomid serves to make it 20 times worse, I cannot even IMAGINE what you are going through. The thought of the aching ovaries and the dildocam together is literally making my skin crawl. I hate that part.
Fingers crossed for early retrieval this Subday!!
*hugs*
I'm so envious of your follicles! I know, it sounds weird. And it sounds weirder yet to say the discomfort/pain is kind of good (since it's a result of mucho follies). My nurse told me the vag US was uncomfortable because of the swelling ovaries and resulting pressure on the bowels - and pretty much everything else in that region. I had little discomfort during my cycle and it was a bust. I only had 4 decent sized follicles and only 2 eggs retrieved (one of which wasn't mature). So, as much as it sucks, it sounds like you're doing great. Congrats! Best of luck on ER day - wishing for many many eggs for you! ;)
Um, Katie, you're about the farthest thing from being a wimp. You've got lots of follies filling up your ovaries. Of course you'll notice the extra weight in there! Additionally, you're on a ton of crazy-making meds. You are handling all of this beautifully! I applaud you for your positive outlook!
Your poor ovaries are carrying quite a load right now and the shifting and maybe even some pain is normal.
You may want to call your RE's office about the headache and such, though. With that many eggs growing, they always want to watch out for OHSS. Even though it's probably fine, it's always better safe than sorry.
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