Injections

(Saturday, February 5, 2005) -- My last day of bcp was last Sunday. My period started on Wednesday, February 2. I had an estrodial (blood) test on Thursday AM and an ultrasound. They check hormone levels so they can adjust drugs as needed.

On Thursday they also showed me how to do the Follistim and Repronex injections. I started those on Friday. The Follistim was pretty easy. I seem to get a lot -- 300 IUs. It has this special injection pen and cartridge and is pretty simple.

The Repronex is a little more difficult. There are 2 vials, one with a fluid and one with a powder. I take 75 IUs of that, which is the entire vial. My first try I wasted the whole vial and had to open a 2nd one. I'll probably have to get more from the Dr. To get the fluid from one vial to the other, there is a really big needle. I draw the fluid into the syringe, then insert it into the powder vial. Once all of that is mixed up, you draw it into the syringe, then change needles. The mistake I made to begin with was I left the fluid in the vial. When I took the syringe out, the pressure in the vial squirted all the medicine out! oops!

So I got the second one right. When I injected it, then pulled the needle out, I got blood and a good bruise. I'm not sure that's right, but I don't think it's a problem. I guess it's just a bigger needle.

I called the Dr.'s office - F said I could call her this weekend, but no one answered. I left a voice message, so we'll see if she calls back. I guess I'm not too worried about it. I remember seeing Anjie's tummy when she was taking fertility drugs.

My next appointment is on the 8th and then again on the 10th, then probably every day until the procedure. I'll need to get my blood work done before each appointment so they can check my hormone levels and adjust, if necessary. They consider day 1 as day 1 of treatment, which was Friday, February 4. I could have my eggs retrieved anytime from day 10 to 12 (I think). So, the earliest they could retrieve is Monday, February 14. Valentine's Day!