New to IVF--Question About Early Symptoms

[SingleMum]

Hello friends.  I am 41 and doing this alone.  I have support from family and friends, but I can't wait any longer to find "Mr. Right."  My fertility diagnostics revealed a blocked fallopian tube and low Inhibin B numbers, so my doctor recommended I go straight to IVF.  I had six eggs retrieved on February 25th.  Five of them fertilized and three grew to day five blastocysts.  I had all three blastocysts transfered on March 1st.  I experienced light cramping on March 3rd and 4th and I have felt very light headed off and on since March 4th.  My nipples have been sore since I started taking progesterone after retrieval, but they have become particularly sensitive since March 4th.  I slept most of the day today (Thursday, March 6th) and I still feel rather light headed--even after eating.  My beta will be on March 12th.  Could the cramping, dizziness, nipple soreness, and fatigue be early pregnancy symptoms, or merely side effects from the progesterone?  Thank you in advance for your wisdom. :-)

[FaithNHim]

I do not believe you caused any damage. Don't over do it and try to get rest when you can. The embryos will stick and your body will safeguard them as long as you do not attempt to be Superwoman. Keep us informed of your progress.

[SingleMum]

Thank you for the reassurance!  I feel much better now. :-)

[SDScientist]

You have not injured or damaged anything.  If the embryos want to stick they will.  Not much you can do about it. :)  My Dr says nothing over 20 lbs.  But I have to say that I know women who after a transfer lifted their children which were much greater than 20lbs and still got a BFP.  You are fine.  I know it is hard not to worry.  My opinion...don't do anything you are going to blame yourself for.  Takes that part of the stress away.  

[SingleMum]

Thank you for the kind words, as well as for the words of wisdom.  I think I'll wait until the day before my beta to test--if I'm feeling brave enough! :-)

Question about lifting...  My doctor said I shouldn't lift anything heavier than 5 pounds for the first three months (assuming I'm pregnant).  I've been relying on family, as well as the kindness of strangers, but I was in a bind this afternoon.  I had to lift my computer case into the car today and it's at least 10 pounds.  I'm not in any pain, but of course I'm obsessing...  Have I injured the embryos?  Have I damaged my uterus?  Any thoughts or advice on lifting?

[SDScientist]

I am with ZevasMom.  You probably could test now, but if it wasn't positive it wouldn't mean you weren't pregnant.  And no need to cause undue stress.  8 or 9 days past a day 5 transfer is probably safer.  Good luck!!

[ZevasMom]

I would say that the HCG is out of your system by now... but it is probably too early for an HPT to register an accurate result form the IVF...

[jamnmark]

Family is all you need; good luck to you!
The symptoms could be anyones guess, I had the same symptoms on two cycles w/no luck but have heard many stories of those symptoms being promising also.
I know this is easier than done but try to stay busy and the answer will be here quicker than you know.

[Helen72]

Just wanted to wish you the best of luck!!!  It must be very difficult to do ivf on your own and to finance it as well.  I have so much respect for you.  You must be a very strong person.
I hope it's a BFP!

[SingleMum]

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my post.  I appreciate your positive energy and I am very grateful for your feedback. My best wishes for success go out to all of you! :-)

As hopeful as I am about this process, I don't want to get too excited about symptoms that could be caused by the meds.  Thank you very much for the reality check.  

As for the home pregnancy test--what are your recommendations?  I had 10,000iu of hCG on February 23rd.  Would it still be in my system now?  What were your experiences with home pregnancy tests?  Please advise.

Thanks, again!  

[FaithNHim]

I am sending positive thoughts your way. You are brave to do this on your own. Children are such a joy so keep doing what you're doing.

I hope these symptoms are signs of pregnancy.
As for me, just like SDScientist, I exhibited the same signs due to the side effects of the progesterone with both failed cycles. I am currently on my 3rd cycle and praying for a positive outcome for all of us. Let's just think positively and believe we will all be giving birth to healthy beautiful little ones in 9 months :)

[jjsh44]

I just wanted to say good for you! It is hard to make the decision to do IVF as it is but to do it without a "partner" would be even more difficult-I think it's wonderful. You must have so much stregth and courage, I commend you. I hope your fertility journey is a successful one! Good luck to you-you are in my thoughts!!

[SDScientist]

Sounds like a good cycle.
I can only speak for myself and I don't want to be a downer, but I have had those with all three of my cycles and still no success. The progesterone and estrogen can cause all these symptoms. In fact I am in the wait for cycle 4 (fresh cycle #3) and I have sore boobs, tiredness, indigestion, and crampy.  My third cycle my boobs/nipples hurt so bad I had to sleep in a bra and couldn't lay on my stomach and I was getting light-headed all the time.  I thought for sure I was pregnant.  Now I am not saying they are not symptoms because every woman is different and for you they very well could be, just unfortunately for me they were not.  
Are you going to wait for your beta or are you goind to take a home test?  
Good luck to you.  I hope you get your BFP!!