Questionning Lupron Protocol

Hi all ~ First of all, thanks to everyone for all your postings!  You've all helped me through alot!  My first IVF cycle failed and I'm about to start my 2nd cycle next week.  I obtained a 2nd opinion about my health history and the protocol my doctor wants to do, and the 2nd RE wasn't familiar with the protocol I'm about to use. Basically, I'm scheduled to take Lupron & Gonal-F concurrently for 5 days before the next u/s to check follicle growth.  I was told by the 2nd RE that he was only familiar with the protocol where you take Lupron FIRST then Gonal-F later.  My question is: has anyone completed the protocol I'm on (taking them at the same time) and been successful?  I'm 36 y/o with NO known reason for my infertility.  We've been trying for 18 months, my husband's sperm is fine, I'm ovulating normally, healthy uterus and lining, etc.  The lack of answers for why there's no baby is excruciatingly frustrating for me.  I know I may never get any answers, but I just want to feel like I'm doing the right thing to make it all happen.  Thanks in advance for your help!

[SDScientist]

I was on Lupron and Follistim (same med as Gonal-F) at the same time but my protocol was different than yours sounds.  I did take the lupron for two weeks prior to starting the follistim and all the way up to a few days before by hcg shot but this was for ovary suppression and ovualtion inhibition.  I produced 11 eggs but got a BFN.  My first IVF I was on a a different protocol without Lupron and that was not successful eitther.  We have male infertility and there are no issues with me and the like you said it is excruciating to not know why this is not working.  I am thinking the reason you are only on it for five days is to help stimulate.  Lupron works in two ways.  The first week or so it stimulates and then prolonged use puts your body into a menopausal like state.  It sounds like you are on what they call the Lupron flare protocol where they take advantage of the rapid increase in FSH and LH to help stimulate your ovaries.  

[misomia]

I'm still a little slow with all the acronyms used on this site.  What is BFN?  Thanks for the explanation that Lupron works to help stimulate as well.  Sometimes I walk of of the RE's office feeling so overwhelmed I don't know what questions I asked or forgot to ask.  So, as I was reading about Lupron, I just found that it supresses ovulation.  I was thinking, "Why the heck am I on that?"  So, I really appreciate your response.

[1nana]

BFN is big fat negative.