Bloodwork and first ultrasound

After my Lupron period began, I was instructed by my coordinator to come into the clinic two days later for bloodwork and my first ultrasound. 

I was at the clinic this morning for my appointment to determine how my body is responding to the Lurpon and determine when to start the next injections, Follistim. They also did a second round of bloodwork and a urine sample for STD screening. I just heard from my coordinator and she instructed me to decrease my Lupron injections to 5 units and start my Follistim injections two days later. I will be taking 5 units of Lupron (just a tiny bit)  for the remainder of this cycle and 175 IU of Follistim, starting on Saturday. I will do these injections this at same time at night before I go to bed. I go back to the clinic on Tuesday morning for bloodwork and another ultrasound. The reason for the monitoring is to make sure that my follicles are progressing and my ovaries are not being overstimulated.

I have felt pretty much normal these past few days on 20 units of Lupron. The only side effects that I am experiencing are a few heat flashes and some trouble sleeping through the night.

Lupron period

I got my "Lupron period" last night around 9 p.m. It started like any other period, but this morning it does seem heavier than my normal period when on the birth control pill. I let my donor coordinator know that I got my period, and she said it was right on time and asked me to come in on Thursday morning for blood work and an ultrasound. This will be when they determine my next steps.

I am continuing to take my nightly Lupron injections. The injections do not bother me at all. I can't stress that enough, because I was worried about having to give myself injections. The needles are so small I can hardly tell when I have entered my skin. I have noticed a few side effects in the past few days since I last posted. I have had a few mild heat flashes (it is easy to tell because normally I am always cold) and I have also had some trouble sleeping through the night the past two nights. It is similar to when I drink too much caffeine and walk up in the middle of the night and can't fall back asleep. Certainly not major side effects, but something to note.

Lupron injections

My donor coordinator had me start my Lupron injections two days ago, and today will be the last day that I will be taking my birth control pill. I started the Lupron on the 21st day of my menstrual cycle. I have been instructed to let her know when I get my period, which should be 7-10 days after my first Lupron injection. All of this is to get me on the same cycle as my egg recipient.

Today is my third day that I will be taking Lurpon. I am using the 14-day kit and I inject 20 units each night at 10 p.m. My donor coordinator said that I can inject the Lupron just under my naval in my belly or on my upper thigh. I have been instructed to inject in a slightly different spot each time to avoid skin irritation. I have used different spots on my right thigh for the first two injections. The needles are very small and do not hurt me at all. There is a slight stinging from the medication, but it goes away quickly. So far, I haven't felt any side effects.

Here are some side effects that are possible when using Lupron (from www.womenshealth.about.com): Side effects that have been associated with the use of Lupron frequently include hot flashes and night sweats, and less frequently palpitations, syncope, and tachycardias. Other side effects include generalized pain, headaches, vaginitis, nausea/vomiting, fluid retention, weight gain, acne, hirsutism, joint pain, loss of sexual desire, depression, dizziness, nervousness, and breast changes such as tenderness and pain.

My first donation

I've decided to start a blog about my experience being an egg donor. I am a new donor and will be starting my first cycle next week. My goal is to blog as close as possible to "real time" so women who are interested in learning more about egg donation can get a first-hand account of the process from beginning to end.

I am a 25-year-old who does not have any children. I am married and hope to have children of my own a few years down the road. Right now I am working full time, attending graduate school and taking care of my husband and our puppy. I have a busy and fulfilling life, and I believe that egg donation is a wonderful gift that I have to offer at this time. In the grand scheme of things, this small time commitment and gift on my part could give a family a lifetime of joy they otherwise might not have been able to experience.

I encourage everyone to ask questions and also provide feedback to my posts. As this is my first time donating, I'll simply be talking about my feelings and experiences, but would also love to get advice and encouragement from others.