Survived the First Shot - IVF is Really Happening!!

I figured I should do a  little post on the first shot of Lupron I had to have on Friday. I was incredibly freaked out about giving myself shots. I have been avoiding the big box full of meds and needles the past week... trying to forget what was to come. We had our training with the nurse on Wednesday... which was interesting but fast. She pretty much focused on how to mix the meds (when I get to the Bravelle and Menopur shots), with a quick little blurb on how to fill the syringe and where to give the shot.  I was so freaked out about it all that I had nightmares of random strangers chasing me with needles. It was awesome.

So Friday rolls around. We were told to give the shot at night but make sure we choose a time that will be convenient since we have to give the same shot at the same time every night. So we decided on 9:30... which would be right before bed. So I had butterflies in my stomach all day at work but tried hard not to think of it. As the day went on, I was able to be more calm. I actually calmed down a lot... at least until about 8:45 pm. I knew what was coming and I was scared. We were watching a show that ended at 8:55. So I decided that I didn't want to wait anymore and I wanted to get it over with.

I pulled out the syringe, alcohol swab, and Lupron and set them all out. I then filled the first syringe. Mike was there watching and said I was filling the syringe wrong. I felt very sure about my ability at doing this since I had spent the last month watching You Tube videos of people giving themselves the shots. Apparently the way I did it just caused a lot of air bubbles in the syringe. So shot number two we tried the way Mike said it should be done, and it worked better. I hate it when he is right! 

Anyways back to shot number one. We were flicking the syringe like crazy trying to get rid of the air bubble. Mike even tried to slowly push the syringe to see if he could get the air out and inevitably shot a bunch of Lupron all over the kitchen floor (Yes, for some reason we decided the Kitchen to be the best place to play dr. I think its a sign that we spend way too much time in the kitchen). So we got the syringed filled back up to where it needed to be and gave up on the air bubble. The nurse had assured us that because this is just a subcutaneous shot, a little air bubble would not kill me.

So I decided I would try to do the shot first. I knew Mike was not wanting to have to do it, and I felt bad putting that burden on him. So there I was in the kitchen holding the needle trying to get up the guts to shove it in my belly. I would get all ready and start moving my hand to do it, then would freak out. So Mike stood there smiling and laughing at me which did not help. I finally told him I couldn't do it, and handed him the syringe. He got in position and I freaked out and grabbed it back from him. For some reason, seeing him with the needle really scared me. So I tried again to give myself the shot and finally just handed it over to him. I couldn't do it and I knew someone had to. So I looked away and he was able to get the needle in and the Lupron without any problems. I was surprised because I didn't even feel it going in. The only way I knew it was in was because I felt the plastic part of the syringe touch my skin. So really it was nothing. All that hype and fear over nothing. It really helped me to feel better about it and realize that I can do this.

We have already survived two shots and the 2nd one was nothing. There was a little stinging after the fact but not bad. Mike is getting to be a pro at this and almost seems to be enjoying himself. I still get to be the one to fill the syringe and use the alcohol wipe on my stomach. He just shoves the needle in and pushes the plunger. We make a great team!

Really, I have a lot of hope that this wont be so bad. The needles are painless...they are little diabetic needles, and really pretty small.  I think the worst of it is that Lupron seems to make me incredibly tired. I am usually ready for bed a half hour after the shot. I have been drowsy all day today and have had a slight headache... which I am hoping is because I slept in too late this morning... although I have heard people complain of having a constant headache while on Lupron. I am hoping that tomorrow I feel better and that I wont have any nasty side effects. I guess we will see! For now I am fine with everything and just trying to stay optimistic. I really hope to be carrying a bundle of joy before the end of the year. Everyone keep their fingers crossed for us!