First round of shot one is almost done!
It’s now been 23 days days since I have been taking daily Buserelin shots and tomorrow is our appointment to learn how to do the second shot. I’m feeling excited and nervous!
I’m writing this post to recap on our journey with the first shot.
Collecting the meds
At the last appointment, we were given a prescription to do one big collection of all the drugs we will use during our first round of IVF. When collecting the drugs from the hospital, it was the first time when it really sunk in that we were about to start IVF for the first time.
I came home, unpacked the drugs and the bucket of needles on the dining room table and burst out crying. I already have a phobia of needles so looking at all the needles terrified me even more.
Top tip : Don’t look at all the drugs!!! Especially not knowing when and how you will be using them. After opening the prescription bag and displaying all the drugs on the dining table, I quickly wiped away my tears and put everything in a bag so it wasn’t in sight. My husband now deals with the drugs and takes out what we need, when we need it! I now take each step as it comes. Looking at all the drugs and needles is frightening – but its not that bad if you take it all in, in small steps.
The dreaded first shot at home
My first shot was October 26th. We decided to do it at 6pm everyday, after work. Delaying it to the later in the evening would just make us clock watch till its time. We thought the sooner its out the way the better, and doing it in the evening means I can put my feet up straight after.
I dreaded the first shot! We agreed my husband would administer the shots in my tummy (below the belly button) so I could just look away and concentrate on something else. The whole day, I clocked watched. When At the time came, we took off the TV (so we could concentrate) and we agreed to do the shot whilst I was standing up. I watched my husband prepare the injection. As I watched him prepare the injection, I stressed myself out so much I started crying. I remember my husband also feeling nervous and me crying didn’t help the situation. After 30 seconds it was over (it wasn’t even that painful). I remember still crying and thinking ‘this is now my life for the next seven weeks’.
Thereafter, the 6pm shot
Following the dreaded first shot, things have got a lot better and it has started to become more routine. I wouldn’t say that I look forward to 6pm, but there are no tears anymore.
Top Tips: Things that we learnt on the way (for those that are a wuss like me when it comes to injections)…
- Don’t turn off the TV and do it in silence, it just makes you more anxious and nervous. We now ensure they TV is on in the background and sometimes its good to focus on what’s on TV rather than what is happening around your tummy area.
- Get your husband to prepare the injection somewhere else or look away. My husband now prepares the injection in the kitchen and then comes into the living room with it behind his back and then I look away and he injects it.
- Alternate sides. Every night we switch sides on my stomach so one side doesn’t get too swollen.
- Wear loose trousers/leggings. After the first shot, I wore tight fitted jeans to work in the morning…bad idea! I remember coming home and taking them off felt like such a relief. My tummy was bloated and the tight fitted jeans didn’t help. Thereafter throughout all my shots I have worn trousers that are stretchy and not too tight around the waist. Leggings have been amazing!
- Pre-occupy yourself with TV or a conversation. My husband is terrible at multi-tasking so I used to find talking to myself about my day at work whilst my injection was being done. I found this really helpful as it diverted by attention from the injection. It probably sounds really pathetic but I normally prepare myself with what I’m going to talk about (holidays, work, weekend stuff) so when it came to injecting, I start to ramble lol.
- Find a spot that you find comfortable. As the first injection was dreadful, I thought I would try and relax more and sit on the sofa whilst my husband did the injection. Personally I found this more uncomfortable so now we stick to standing up. I definitely recommend trying a position that you find comfortable.
- Hide the box of used injections. Once it’s done, it’s done for that evening. I found it helpful to put away the box so it was in sight.
Side effects
The first week I felt really nauseous and didn’t want to eat anything, I felt emotionally sick of my life and hated 6pm’s – but it got much better. I’m now on week three and I just feel bloated and tired all the time.
Tomorrow – appointment to learn about shot two
We have an early morning appointment tomorrow and then I will rush into work. Tomorrow we learn how to administer shot two and I’m anxious to find out how my body has reacted to shot one. I’ve been told I will have a scan and may needs bloods. I’ve started to think about eggs collection (3rd Dec) and I’m feeling bit worried as I’m going to be sedated – and therefore potentially awake. This is currently freaking me out a bit! I’m trying to not think about it too much and take each step as it comes. Next step is shot two for 10 days.
I’m excited to know that, this time next month I will know if this round has been successful…fingers crossed for some good news, just before Christmas!
Annie's IVF Journey 