IVF for the first time..Advice appreciated

[cctice]

Can someone give me a quick synopsis of what all is involved in IVF. If I get AF tomorrow or Tuesday...which HPT says negative- (Still hope there's a miracle, but trying to be realistic)..I will be having next appointment this week to discuss IVF for October. Re recommends that I go that route at this point (He actually said IVF with ICSI). - What kinds of meds do you have to take? How long is the process and what all is involved? I know nothing about this process. I would love to hear from someone going through the process as well.

[mysty2001]

You should think about embryo adoption.  It is a great choice and gives the little fighters a chance!  Ask your RE (fewer meds, fewer needles!)

[allie_44107]

I just did my first cycle in August.  My RE uses a slightly different protocol....I went on day 2 after AF for bloodwork.  I can't remember when I started injections but it was sometime right after that.  I was on follistim.  Injected that for 10 days.  At this time I also started injecting ganirelex to keep me from ovulating prematurely.  Mid cyle i went for an u/s to make sure I had follicles and was repsonding to the meds.  I went for ER and 5 days later went for ET.  Between I had to take a bunch of differnt meds-no inections, all oral.  After ER I started the progesterone in oil shots.  I still am taking those as well as estrogen.  My whole cycle only took about 28 days.  As I said, my RE uses a newer protocol which is shorter.  And it worked!!  I am currently 7w1d pregnant.  

For the ER I was under general anethesia so it wasn't so bad.  The ET is just basically like a pap.  The worst part is the oil shots-I am still on those and my butt is so sore!  

I wish you the best of luck and keep your chin up-IVF works!!  I also had ICSI and it is the best way to go.