At my last appointment, the doctor suggested HCG. I'm on progesterone post peak and my last P+7 blood draw looked good. She's recommending it because I'm getting one or two deep breakouts each cycle and one turned into cellulitis last spring. Yuck. And Ouch. They don't think it's related to the progesterone, but thought we might as well see if this has an effect. I have a few questions for you ladies...
1) Are there short and long term side effects of HCG?
2) Any tips on giving the injections? Does it have to be in the behind?
I've totally put off starting this for two months. The prescription was sitting at the pharmacy that long. I'm a little nervous about the injection and the side effects. I feel so good right now- I don't want to mess it up. Plus, I really haven't researched this drug at all. The Napro nurse called me this week to see how it was going (I love that he calls to check in on me...) and I told him I hadn't started. He told me this might make me feel even better and "it might be just what I need." I was very clear the last time I was in that at this point, treatments would be for general health and not fertility related. That could change, but that's where I am right now. He gave me a little bit of hope with that last sentence. I haven't given up hope, but it's been fading over time. Not fading in a bad way. Just naturally fading as I enjoy and am thankful for the life God gave me.
Love you guys- praying for you everyday!!
I don't know of any side effects really, other than a false positive pregnancy test, lol. When I was on hcg, I did the shots in my tummy.
ReplyDeleteDid know about the false positive- that info is important!! Gosh, I don't even want to think about the what-ifs on that one...Thanks so much!
DeleteYes, I believe they are subcutaneous, so belly or back of arm, etc not intramuscular in the behind. So, phew for you!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with it!
They've want me to do it intramuscularly- is that even a word??? I'm wondering why after all the comments seem to be about subcutaneous. Hhhmmm. Thanks for your expertise.
DeleteI have raging PMS when I don't take HCG (as well as rotten hormones). It's my happy drug. :)
ReplyDeleteI inject myself in the hip area, although our Napro doctor showed Mr JB how to inject me in the bottom (the first and last time he ever injected me).
Good luck, it really isn't bad at all.
Thanks JB- I needed that.
DeleteI do the injections in my belly area (where there is more fatty tissue). I get tired after doing them so I do them at night about an hour before bed (I feel tired the next day as well and I do get some dizziness..Dr S. said that is okay and normal). If you read my last post...my hormones are stellar...as one blogger put it. HCG has helped a lot of women achieve...so I think in general...they say those hopeful words to everyone...that's my take on it...after not being able to have a baby for over 9 years....it's hard to stay optimistic.
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DeleteI do the injections in the back of my arm (or I should say my husband does them-needles freak me out-so this way I can't see them). I don't have any side effects-except that it regulates my levels. I noticed changes in my mucus patterns and cycles-but that was because my body finally had the progesterone/estradiol that it should have.
ReplyDeletePerhaps I'm a bit tired the day afterwards, but not much.
I hope they help you! The HCG helped my levels and seems to get rid of some TEBB. :)
Good info- thanks!!!
DeleteI do it on my belly.. Lot of fatty tissue :)
ReplyDeleteThe needles are tiny and it doesn't hurt if you do it the right way. Your luteal phase can be longer on HCG. I made it to P+16 on HCG whereas with Progesterone it's P+14.
Didn't know that...thanks so much! I have a pretty short luteal phase.
DeleteI agree with the other ladies ... great comments! It is not bad to give/receive this shot. I had no trouble & experienced no bad side effects.
ReplyDeleteGood to know AIHPT! thanks!
DeleteI did it in my thigh NOT intramuscular. Don't get those needles. Its pointless. :)
ReplyDeleteI loved it!
Hi! DH does it for me (don't know if I could myself, eek!) in my rear lower hip area. And I agree with the long luteal phase comment. My doctor didn't tell me that might happen so I spent a good couple of days thinking I might be pregnant last month..and then started on P+19. So good things to know ahead of time for sure, but it's not that bad really ;)
ReplyDeleteI was on it with my Napro md #1 and she really had no clue how to track me on it- I was on too much of a high dose and had horrible PMS symptoms. I also did it SC. good luck
ReplyDeleteFor whatever reason, I got the prescription for IM injections, not subcutaneous. So, I've taken them in the rump. Other than my behind occasionally being faintly sore for a day, I've had no side effects (and I reacted very strongly to both tamoxifen and lupron). They're really not that bad pain-wise, either (and I'm a wimp about needles). Sorry to hear you've had such nasty side effects from the progesterone (or whatever it was)!
ReplyDeleteI took my hCG in the fat of my abdomen. I have never tried in my rear, so I am not sure what hurts less. I didn't think it was too, too bad. I felt really empowered by being able to inject myself! One time I thought I was pregnant while on it...and made the mistake of taking a pregnancy test. It was a faint positive... The test probably only picked up on the hCG from the shot. That part was awful, but I learned not to do it again.
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