First timer starting puregon tomorrow - any advice?

**anyos** · July 13th, 2009, 12:45 PM

hi there,

After our very long, crazy, sad, joyous journey, we're finally starting IVF treatment tomorrow. I wanted to introduce myself and ask for any advice you might have for a first timer? How has everyone coped with self-injecting? Side-effects?

thank you

**MummaSue** · July 13th, 2009, 02:23 PM

Hey!

It really is easier than I ever imagined. I'm a nurse already so the injections don't bother me but it is different injecting yourself.

I found that I had worse side effects from the synarel but when I added the puregon into the mix there were a few days where I just didn't feel like myself. It did wear off though.

How much are you taking? You might start to feel quite full as the time goes on. Just drink plenty of water and get lots of protein.

Good luck and keep us posted on how you go with it all.
Hugs
Sue xxx

**juniper76** · July 13th, 2009, 02:56 PM

anyos, I've always been a total needle-phobe but I've managed to do all my puregon injections for 3 IUI and 3 IVF cycles without incident (something like 60 shots all up). It took a while to get used to the idea psychologically, but the pens make the injections so easy physically. I've never noticed any side effects from the puregon (except maybe some mood swings?), but the synarel has always been a shocker for me in terms of side effects.

**anyos** · July 13th, 2009, 02:57 PM

hi Sue

thanks for the feedback. Am taking puregon 300 and am also currently on DHEA for egg quality. Hopefully I'll get my head around everything soon, its quite a lot of information and as you know, very confusing!

What sort of side effects did you get with synarel? Any tips on injecting? Mind you, I have a sneaking suspicion that DH wants live out his 'doctor' fantasies and is looking forward to 'helping' me...

Will definitely keep my water/protein intake up, thanks for the tip.

take care

**anyos** · July 13th, 2009, 03:03 PM

hey Juniper I'm in awe, 60 shots!!! I'm not too bad with needles having had countless bloodtests and regular accupuncture, but for some reason have hit a wall when it comes to injecting myself. I'm not sure if I'm just nervous about embarking on this new phase of our conception journey or just plain hormonal. Probably both

take care

**Krikkit** · July 13th, 2009, 03:29 PM

Hi Anyos!

I just finished my first round of IVF and the needles were not that bad.

A few tips

- ice the area ( I never had time for this in the morning, but a GF of mine did and it worked for her)

- I did my injecting slowly (as in pushing the needle part in the skin) some people jab it in, but that hurts more in my opinion.

- I also pushing the fluid in slowly, I find that hurts less.

the 1st time you *do it* make sure someone is there that can take over... just incase

and if all else fails, keep your partner around too tell you "I told you you wouldn't be able to do it" - thats what worked for me!

**anyos** · July 13th, 2009, 03:56 PM

hey krikkit thank you for the advice, I'll definitely use the ice idea and make sure that I take my time. Am sure that DH will provide some suitably bad one-liners

good luck with your cycle!

**juniper76** · July 13th, 2009, 09:37 PM

anyos, those 60 shots were over about 10 months so it's not as bad as it sounds. As for the "injecting yourself" thing, I actually feel better about the injections that I do than the ones that DH does (IM shots in the buttock). I think that just proves I'm a control freak though?

I also wanted to add one thing to Krikkit's list - after you remove the needle put pressure on the injection area for about 30 seconds. It helps reduce/prevent bruising.

Make it two things - I read online to insert the needle at 90 degrees to the skin and that has always worked really well for me.

Oooh, three - if you use an alcohol wipe first, let the skin dry before sticking the needle in. The alcohol will sting like blazes if it gets under the skin!

Sorry, I had a total mental block this afternoon when I replied...