I'm on the eve of taking part in a new study looking at growth hormone and IVF .. I'm a little apprehensive as I have a feeling i'm one of the first candidates.. I have a 50% chance of getting the drug or the placebo (but will have my usual FSH dose as well) - and even my doctor won't know which one I get (it's only revealed at the end of the study). The good news is I don't have to pay for the GH part of the IVF cycle.. but I'm a little worried about any side effects I may get ! But It's only 8 days of injections so very short-term. Also apparently GH has been used with clinics for some years, just not much solid research done around it. So even if the study finds that it has no effect, it's still useful I guess in saving us from forking out heaps of money to try it.
I'd be interested to hear if anyone else is considering being involved if their clinic offers this study - aimed at "poor responders".
Wow deni, that's awesome that you are prepared to jump right in a join a study. Either way (placebo or GH) I hope you have a successful cycle.
If you feel happy to, it would be great to see an update with the results. How long does the study go for? I wonder how long it will take for the results to be published.
I am due for egg collection this week, so I'll know the outcome within a few weeks - but I won't be told whether I had the placebo or GH until the end of the study, in a few years' time!
So far things look as they always do for me, my scan today showed 1 good size folli and 1 almost to size - my average has been 2 follis on 325 iu. But the idea of GH is not to increase follicles but to improve egg quality (well, that's the theory anyway).
The study drug (whatever it was) has been no problems for me, ie no symptoms. A bit fiddly to draw up from the ampule but otherwise fine. (And now I've started Orgalutran it means I have to take 3 injections per night until trigger, yuck!)
Just hope I get to transfer. I've had a previous cycle this year that was cancelled due to no fertilisation, very disappointing!
Thanks Lenny. Egg collection was yesterday, they got 2 eggs, and I was told today that both fertilised successfully (ICSI). So far so good.. transfer on Monday, we're going for both.
Just an update... on Monday they transferred 2 embryos - a 6 cell and a 7 cell with no fragmentation. This morning I felt very slight cramps/twinges so I'm it's implantation ... BT on the 20th.
Sorry I don't have a happy news story to finish this thread - AF arrived this morning 1 day before bloodtest
So maybe I got that placebo after all. I don't regreet taking part though - I feel happier knowing some scientists have a blood sample from me - with other participants in the study they might be able to find a gene link to low responding to medications and have a solution for future couples.
As for me, it's back to the drawing board as I don't have frosties again!
Reply With Quote
Registered User
Nervous and excited - taking part in a study..
Bookmarks