November 23, 2009

Welcome to the wonderful world of Side Effects... up first: GI upset

So, I just started week 6 on the devil pills (AKA BCPs). I'm taking comfort knowing that the side effects I've been having on the pill are almost over. I will take my last pill on thursday. "On this Thanksgiving, I am thankful I won't have to take ANY more BCPs."
So far, the wonderful side effects I've been having on the BCPs include: TERRIBLE breast pain (I am 36FF and I have been sleeping in an underwire bra... taking it off even for a shower has been awful) and itchiness because they're getting BIGGER!!!!, mood swings to make Lindsey Lohan look stable, i'm crying at everything and i haven't had skin this bad since I was about 14. Let's not forget the complete lack of interest in sex. Poor Mr. DB.

Now I'm taking the Lupron. A little shot, which is honestly not that bad at all (not nearly as bad as the PIO -Progesterone in Oil- will be). Each morning, DH does his job - goes downstairs, gets it out of the fridge and shoots me up before he gets in the shower. We're alternating arms. It stings a little, but no bruising so far, and we only saw blood once.
Interestingly, the only FDA approved uses of Lupron are for prostate cancer (!!!) and precocious puberty. However, ovarian function suppression falls under it's off label uses.

These are the recorded side effects of Lupron:
  • bone pain
  • Swelling, Rapid Weight Gain
  • pain, burning, stinging, bruising, or redness where the medication was injected
  • feeling like you might pass out
  • Urinating more often than usual
  • sudden headache with vision problems, vomiting, confusion, slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, or slow breathing.
Rare but serious side effects may include:
  • pain or unusual sensations in your back
  • numbness, weakness, or tingly feeling in your legs or feet
  • muscle weakness or loss of use
  • loss of bowel or bladder control
Less serious Lupron side effects may include:
  • acne, increased growth of facial hair
  • dizziness, weakness, tired feeling
  • hot flashes, night sweats, chills, clammy skin
  • nausea, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain
  • skin redness, itching, or scaling
  • joint or muscle pain
  • vaginal itching or discharge
  • breast swelling or tenderness
  • testicle pain
  • impotence, loss of interest in sex
  • depression, sleep problems (insomnia), memory problems
  • redness, burning, itching, or swelling where the shot was given
"This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur." Oh, great.

The bolded items are the ones I'm ALREADY experiencing from the BCPs. How happy does this make me? I guess these symptoms aren't going away any time soon.


For now, the good news is that I get to stop taking the BCPs on thursday. And in less than a month, they'll be retrieving what I hope is LOADS of eggs from my ovaries while I am completely unconscious and while DH is "providing his sample" in another room.


There is something completely wrong with this entire process. But as long as I get my baby - i don't care.
Is that wrong too?

4 comments:

Jen J. said...

Not wrong @ all! GL DB...praying for you!

Sugar Bud said...

In no way is that wrong. You are a very strong and courageous woman! I recepect you to no end for going through all of this. I hope this all works out for the best and I am praying for you both!

Daffodil Bud said...

One thing that can help with the itchiness is Curel's Pregnancy and Motherhood lotion. That has been my savior over the last few weeks big time.
I believe that as much as you want this and are willing to go through that your end result will be so worth it and I am keeping you and mr Dandelion in my thoughts.

Dandelion Bud said...

Thanks girls!

Daff - we've actually been trying to stay organic with a lot of our foods and personal care products lately - so I found a body lotion that is working AWESOME. I've been showering at night and lathering it on after my shower. It's called yes to carrots body butter. I've been using the yes to cucumbers on my face and love it, so i'm branching out! www.yestocarrots.com

Thanks for the recommendation though. I really appreciate it!

 

Bloomin' Babies Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved Bloomin' Babies Designed by Kate M. Gilbert