Retrieval 2: Stims Days 1-4

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Stimming for our second (and probably final) IVF retrieval started on Friday night. So far all seems to be going well. When I wake up in the morning, my lower abdomen feels pretty heavy but it goes away fairly quickly. My stomach is also really sensitive to weeks of pokes. Last nights Follistim shot left an immediate nice sized bruise. I considered trying the thigh or arm, but was told that it is better absorbed when you do the abdomen.

The protocol so far has been:

  • Tuesday: 1 tablet estrace twice daily, Ubiquinol 400mg, Low Dose Naltrexone 4.5mg, Vitamin D 10,000, Pepcid, Iron, Plaquenil 200mg, Folic Acid, Prednisone 5mg twice daily, Claritan, Benadryl 25mg, Omnitrope 6 units, Melatonin 3mg
  • Wednesday: 1 tablet estrace twice daily, Ubiquinol 400mg, Low Dose Naltrexone 4.5mg, Vitamin D 10,000, Pepcid, Iron, Plaquenil 200mg, Folic Acid, Prednisone 5mg twice daily, Claritan, Benadryl 25mg, Omnitrope 6 units, Melatonin 3mg
  • Thursday: 1 tablet estrace twice daily, Ubiquinol 400mg, Low Dose Naltrexone 4.5mg, Vitamin D 10,000, Pepcid, Iron, Plaquenil 200mg, Folic Acid, Prednisone 5mg twice daily, Claritan, Benadryl 25mg, Omnitrope 6 units, Melatonin 3mg
  • Friday: Ubiquinol 400mg, Low Dose Naltrexone 4.5mg, Vitamin D 10,000, Pepcid, Iron, Plaquenil 200mg, Folic Acid, Prednisone 5mg twice daily, Claritan, Benadryl 25mg, Omnitrope 6 units, Follistim 300IU, HCG-LH 30 units, Melatonin 3mg
  • Saturday: Ubiquinol 400mg, Low Dose Naltrexone 4.5mg, Vitamin D 10,000, Pepcid, Iron, Plaquenil 200mg, Folic Acid, Prednisone 5mg twice daily, Claritan, Benadryl 25mg, Omnitrope 6 units, Follistim 300IU, HCG-LH 30 units, Melatonin 3mg
  • Sunday: Ubiquinol 400mg, Low Dose Naltrexone 4.5mg, Vitamin D 10,000, Pepcid, Iron, Plaquenil 200mg, Folic Acid, Prednisone 5mg twice daily, Claritan, Benadryl 25mg, Omnitrope 6 units, Follistim 300IU, HCG-LH 30 units, Melatonin 3mg
  • Monday: Ubiquinol 400mg, Low Dose Naltrexone 4.5mg, Vitamin D 10,000, Pepcid, Iron, Plaquenil 200mg, Folic Acid, Prednisone 5mg twice daily, Claritan, Benadryl 25mg, Omnitrope 6 units, Follistim 300IU, HCG-LH 30 units, Melatonin 3mg

I go back Tuesday morning at 7:00 for a follicle check and lab work. As of right now everything has gone right according to plan. I don’t really know if my follicles will have any eggs in them or not this time. I hope so, but there is no guarantee. I’ve officially been on the Omnitrope and vitamins 2 months 15 days and I’m really hoping that it is making a difference in quality.

One thing that is definitely different this month is the addition of Claritan, Pepcid, Benadryl, Prednisone and Plaquinel. The main reason for the addition of these meds prior to retrieval is the possibility that thanks to Sjogrens Syndrome, my immune system is attacking my ovaries. With Sjogrens, the immune system will frequently attack moisture producing tissue in the body. With the increase in follicles, we can make an educated guess that my immune system is revved up and ready to attack. By adding in immunosuppressents and antiinflamatories, we are hoping that my body will settle down and let the follicles grow and eggs develop.

I am still praying every day and trying to stay positive. I have connected with an amazing support system and am nervous but hopeful.

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