IVF Journey Update - April 2022 (Secondary Infertility, Hormone Stimulation, and Egg Retrieval)

In my first Vlog here on PedsDocTalk TV, I take you behind the scenes on my journey with IVF hormone stimulation and egg retrieval.
I share the ups and downs of this process including:
1. Managing expectations as someone who did 15 days of hormone injections and was a slow responder to follicle growth.
2. Navigating the injection schedule with a toddler and a husband who works evenings/nights (and the importance of a support system).
3. The emotional rollercoaster that is this journey.
4. Managing appointments with a clinical job as a Pediatrician (Hint: IVF. in itself is a part time job!)
5. The waiting game as the follicles grow and the stress with the monitoring process
6. Side effects of the meds and egg retrieval Join me as I take you on this journey.
Are you an IVF warrior or new to this process? Comment below.
Subscribe to my channel for my next vlog where I will hopefully have positive updates.
Here are the videos I used to learn how to mix/prepare meds:
Follistim
• How To Inject Follisti...
Menopur
• How To Inject Menopur®...
Cetrotide
• How To Inject Cetrotid...
Leuprolide
• How To Inject Leuproli...
Pregnyl
• How To Inject Pregnyl®...

[@bubbleslovesmichael81958]

I’m starting my IVF journey in 2023 and excited but scared. Your video has helped me so much. It’s real and it’s raw. Waaay different than the other IVF journey videos on KZbin. Extremely grateful for this video 💕. Praying for my 2023 rainbow/s🌈

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

praying for your 2023 rainbow too! Thank you so much!

[@bubbleslovesmichael81958]

Update: Had my rainbow 🌈 October 2023 ❤🥰

[@feffoose]

Have watched a bunch of ivf journey vlogs since I'm on the ride myself and I have to say yours may be my favorite. You're informative, authentic, and relatable. Sending you baby dust 💓

[@rachellaws466]

I am a few days into my first cycle of ivf, I just wanted to say thankyou. By far this is the best video I have watched and I appreciate you posting it. I wouldn't be able to share with the world the process I am going through. I wish you all the best and hope to see a positive update for you soon. 🇦🇺

[@Bound2Breakthrough]

Thank you for sharing your personal journey and being so real. You’re so brave and so strong with all those needles you had to inject daily for so many days. Sending you much love and success

[@notmemes5390]

This was absolutely the most intimate, helpful, thorough, and honest IVF video I’ve watched on KZbin. I have my suppression check tomorrow and hopefully start stim meds the next day. I’m not sure where you are in your journey now, but THANK YOU so much for your vulnerability and sharing! This was such a blessing to me. Wishing love and light to you and your family ❤️

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Thank you for your kind words. ❤

[@4on4off]

Thank you so very much for this video. I am currently on the downside of my emotional roller coaster ride, but watching this video gave me some much needed hope. I really appreciate how informative, real, and genuine this video is. I appreciate it - thank you for your time ❤.

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Sending you love, Rose. It's a tough journey. I hope to provide more updates in the coming months but it's been a whirlwind here too!

[@heathernuske5867]

Thank you for sharing your journey! I’m just about to start IVF and this was very helpful in getting me prepared and knowledgeable of the process and emotions that I’ll likely experience throughout. All the very best to you and your journey. Looking forward to upcoming videos about your journey ❤

[@nicolemajor8678]

You have documented your journey brilliantly and I am incredibly grateful. I will be beginning my journey soon as I am just learning secondary infertility is my new reality. Congratulations to you and your family. Praying for our 🌈 baby and for anyone on this journey.

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Aw best of luck!! It can be a tough journey but knowing you’re not going through it alone can be helpful. Sending you love and prayers for a 🌈 baby! ❤️

[@stephanieboseman342]

Great video and very thoughtful to include authentic tips/ advice. Everyone’s journey is different…. PERIOD! 👍🏽. Thanks

[@megs83182]

This is so so great Dr. Mona!! Thank you for sharing. I did IVF at UCLA. My last stim cycle lasted 15 days as well! We ended up with 6 eggs and 4 fertilized - we ended up with 4 blasts. Did a fresh transfer of the two best looking embryos and we now have beautiful b/g twins who are almost 2. The waiting and lack of control was so hard for me as well!! Hang in there - you got this 💕 sending good thoughts and hugs your way!

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Always nice hearing uplifting stories :) The waiting is so tough especially with the physical, emotional ,and financial investment

[@daneenkosa9962]

OMG I am so grateful that you documented your journey. I will be going through my first IVF after 6 failed IUIs and I am so anxious!! You are awesome and I wish you the best!!!

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Thank you. More updates coming in january!!

[@katherineallen9303]

Thank you for sharing your journey. You are such a strong an amazing woman. ❤I watch your pediatric videos because I am a pediatric resident and you are truly so inspiring and I hope that your IVF journey is successful and I am praying for you ❤

[@LaLaAce44]

I just wanted to tell you THANK YOU. You have helped me more than you know. I am currently going through IVF stimulation. Similar to your stimulation's progress, my eggs were not growing during the first 6 days of stims. My IVF doctor was seriously considering canceling my cycle. I have watched this specific video a few times and during an appointment I had a few days ago, I remembered a part of it where they increased your Menopur from one vial to two. That was also the dose they had me on. The doctor had no intention of suggesting it. So I advocated for myself and asked her if it was possible to increase the Menopur, since I was only taking one vial. She hesitated but agreed to do it. iI have been doing the double dose of menopur for 3 days now. This morning and my scan , my estrogen level increased from 42 to 94 pg/ml and my follicles increased from 6 mm to 10, 9, 8, and 7 mm and I had an additional one showing that is 5 mm. and the best knews is Im still in the fight. got two more days before my next appointment. Just that one little detail of your experience, kept me hopeful and saved my cycle from getting cancelled. : )

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Awww this means more than you know!! Thanks so much for sharing. I’m so happy you advocated for yourself and things are looking promising. Wishing you the absolute best on your journey ❤️❤️

[@LaLaAce44]

I just wanted to tell you my wonderful news. IM PREGNANT!!! ❤❤❤

[@staciadams6373]

Ty for sharing. I'm considering my options, ur video was the first IVF video I watched and I truly felt ur emotions all the way thru. Ur tips and shared experience r priceless, thank u for ur vulnerability.

[@360adventures2]

Big thanks Dr. for sharing. I'm on the process of IVF right now and watching your video helps me understand everything I need to know. ♥️

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

I'm sending you the best energy, so glad the video helped understand!

[@goldenqueen6339]

You are super awesome for creating this video! I truly Thank you♥️

[@emilywatson4583]

Bless you for sharing this! One of my best friends is going through the egg retrieval process now (well, canceled this month d/t insufficient follicles) and I can't fathom how y'all feel during such an arduous time. Sending all the positive vibes your way ♥️

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Thank you for your comment. It is a tough journey. One thing I think many don't always realize is that IVF isn't a guarantee. We were close to cancelling too because of slow progress, but my doctor kept going (in a healthy way of course). It's so emotionally draining

[@julietran2050]

Thank you very much for your video. I have just had my IVF orientation today so i went to search for the whole process and your video really answered a lot of my concerns (although there are a lot more injections than I imagined..). I wish you the best on your journey

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

I wish you the best on yours too! And I'm glad it was helpful, there's so much to learn and understand with IVF!

[@thomas9469]

Thanks for the content. It’s a tuff process. I have to say the skill of the doctor who do it really matters. Prayers to you doc.

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Thanks for your thougths!

[@schonlift]

I feel so alone in this. This is extremely helpful and am so grateful for you. I hope you finally had some good news♡

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Thank you ❤

[@viktoriiaaguila6425]

Hi. I watched your video a few months ago to prepare for my upcoming journey doing IVF. It’s not easy and you video really prepare me for what’s coming. I had my egg retrieval and out of 17 follicles, 15 were mature. And 13 become fertilized. Right now I’m waiting those 5 days before the big news this week. After that they will go for genetic testing. I hope you are doing well. Waiting for some good update from you! In addition, I also straggled with secondary infertility. Good luck to you and your family!

[@Sopranosingh2021]

IVF is a part time job!!! The toll it takes mentally and physically. It’s exhausting!!! My clinic was so busy that the wait times to see our specialist was a minimum of 1 hour sometimes 2. My diagnosis was a low AMH for my age so we went ahead with IVF without wasting a lot of time. It’s weird because with minimal stimulation I ended up with 18 eggs. And 9 embryos which went down to 5 normal after PGT testing. I have a baby boy who is now 11 months old & such a joy. We had a frozen transfer & were very fortunate that the first transfer worked. I did do acupuncture leading to the transfer as well as 2 hours before & after the transfer. I don’t know what worked. But something sure did 😊 good luck Mona!! You are a warrior.

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Im definitely looking into acupuncture if/when transfer happens. Thank you so much for your advice and encouragement

[@AB-gu4zk]

woww 18 eggs with low amh is great! I may ask you what was your AFC and fsh? i have an amh of 0.6 and in my first IVF cycle I just have 5 follicles growing....any advise will be really helpful!

[@2martinezm]

Also watched to see how hard this process is and how many of us have no clue, so it makes us empathetic ❤️

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

So sweet. Thank you!

[@galaxya3995]

Thank you so much for your honesty and allowing yourself to be vulnerable amazing blog 👏🏾👏🏾

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Thank you!! More to come

[@yexcellgutierrez481]

I had my egg retrieval yesterday and 6 eggs were retrieved and only 2 fertilized. One is showing a slow development. I cried with your video. Emotions throughout IVF are a rollercoaster.

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Sending you love!! It's such an emotional rollercoaster. Know you're not alone ❤

[@gisellepierre9516]

Thank you for this video. I am a pediatrician as well, starting my ivf journey next week, feeling anxious for several reasons including being an international patient so I don’t have the comfort of home. I appreciate your realness and honesty.

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

I'm so glad you found the video helpful. It helps to know you're not going through it alone. Sending hugs and wishing you success on your journey!

[@2martinezm]

Not going thru the process of IVF. Just watching because I love and support you. I cried with this video... as much as you did. All I hope and hope really hard is that this works at the end for you😘❤️

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Thank you so much for watching. It means a lot you watched to understand what we go through. Thank you!

[@akhilasebastian5990]

This is really informative and helpful. THANK YOU so much for sharing your journey.. You’re really awesome.!

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Thanks so much!! I’m so glad you found it helpful 😊

[@luzzie0982]

I’m going through the stim process now and your video has helped me so much!!! Thank you for sharing!!!

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Aw I'm so glad you found it helpful! That's why I share my story, it can be hard to feel along as you go through it. Wishing you the best on your journey!!❤

[@jennifergash2804]

Thank you for sharing your journey. I'm in the first stages and looking for inspiration. You have given me motivation and hope ❤

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Wishing you so much love!

[@LovelyAwesomePerson]

Sending love and light ❤️. I do my retrieval today… my follicles are up to about 7 that are between 15-20 by day 10 .. hoping for good results . I’m 40yrs 6mths, 1st child 🙏🏽

[@ChasingDestiny22]

I am 40 plus starting my journey this fall. Are you doing fresh or frozen? I am leaning towards fresh but unsure. Are there any supplements that you would suggest?

[@LovelyAwesomePerson]

I just completed my ivf it was a fresh transfer! We are eleven weeks pregnant! For pre natals .. I am taking therogix Thera natal complete! Comes highly recommended by the fertility clinic and my private nurse ( available on Amazon ) I can’t wait to safely get through my first trimester 🙏🏽

[@ChasingDestiny22]

@@LovelyAwesomePerson Congrats!!!! Continued prayers to you

[@Mercy0812]

Hey Fancy Nikki can I please connect with you? My situation is very similar with you and I am about to start my treatment. I need advise please please

[@LovelyAwesomePerson]

@@Mercy0812 ofcourse! I’d be happy to answer any answer questions.

[@jcooper90]

Big fan of yours on IG, and heartbroken you're having to go through this. My daughter is the result of multiple years of struggle, 2 Endo surgeries, and 4 IVF transfers. We call her our $50,000 miracle child. This process is SO emotionally and physically taxing, and is not something someone can understand unless they've been through it. I've had more struggle and loss, and surgery, in attempts for a second child. It's a struggle that is completely unfair. Sending you strength, and success.

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Thank you so much, Marisa. It feels good knowing youre not alone

[@chrisman4636]

Thank you for sharing. I have my egg collection in 2 days. I can relate to the doctor’s appointments on the calendar, frequent blood tests, scans, medecine collection and long waiting times at the clinic. I’ve had many stressful days juggling work and fertility treatment. And the side effects of the hormone stimulation can be intense. Wish you all the best and praying for you 💛

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Aw thanks for sharing your experience. It is so much to juggle physically and mentally. I hope your egg collection went well and wishing you the best on your journey ❤️❤️

[@sarahweber3091]

Sending good vibes to you! I started stims yesterday…first IVF cycle.

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Wishing you good luck too! We had a cancelled cycle for transfer but hoping for best on new cycle!

[@maylopez6830]

Im so glad to see this video very detailing I start this Journey next month so lil nervous but I see Im not alone ❤️

[@our2miraclebabies496]

We loved this video and all she shared ! We went thru a very similar experience where my wife dealt with Infertility, Surrogacy, NICU, while having Multiple Sclerosis to ultimately having twins !

[@CRYSTALFOX1984]

I am only 30 minutes into the video and I am so sad this is upsetting you. I love that you are so real. This is the realness people need. I am going to starting the IVF process In January 2023. I am hoping you the best. Praying everything goes wonderfully for you and your family. 😢❤

[@nessam.a.d9718]

Thank you Dr Mona for this vidéo GOD Will see you through and you smile again Much Love from Gabon...

[@gracefullyme4469]

Subscribed all the way from South Africa. about to embark this journey..

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Sending you so much support and love. It's a roller coaster and I like to focus on all the good outcomes:)

[@rajithapillai7990]

I've been following PedsDocTalk since the beginning of the pandemic when I had my first son. You've helped me so much Dr. Mona as a new mum. I haven't been through ivf but just came to send love and all the baby dust❤️

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Thank you!!

[@shrutisharma3338]

Going to start my IVF journey coming June 😊 this video is so helpful. Praying my last IUI works this month.

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

I'm so glad you found it helpful! Hoping you get good news ❤

[@shrutisharma3338]

@@pedsdoctalktv9960 thanks I hope that too keeping my fingers crossed.

[@ChasingDestiny22]

I have an IUI scheduled for August 12th. Any helpful tips? Mine will be medicated with letrozole and Gonal F

[@PB-ge4ft]

Thank you so much for this video. Lots of great information about such a difficult journey. I’m curious about how things turned out? Did you get genetically normal embryos? Will you be able to do a transfer?

[@CA-qx1mv]

I'll be going through IVF because of a chromosomal mutation which causes debilitating effects in the boys in my family, so I will be having this procedure to have a healthy baby girl. The cost is high so we will be applying for grants. Our first appointment/consultation with the doctor is the end of this month so we can review what the process will entail. Very nervous but excited. Thank you for sharing your process and your story! It helps ground me a lot.

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Thank you for sharing your story too. It is a tough journey, I agree it's nice to hear other stories too. Wishing you all of the best in your journey. ❤

[@juliat9211]

Thanks so much for vlogging this! What kind of side effects besides bloating did you experience? I’m on stim day 2 and I’m already feeling overwhelmed and terrified. I just didn’t get it until now.

[@NeenaReneeKnows]

Thank you for this video. I was feeling frustrated that they couldn’t give me an exact date for retrieval because I’m a planner. I have to schedule dog walkers, etc. I never voiced my frustration but internally it was bothering me. Your video reminded me that I have to be flexible. Thank you. For medication, I’m doing 4 vials for menopur and 150 gonul F pen. On day 6 I had 7 small follicles so I’m hoping they continue to grow. Im also taking Omnitrope to help with egg quality. I’ve been mixing the gonul F pen and menopur all into 1 shot. I wonder if I should try injecting them separately. Anyway, thank you again for sharing. I hope you, and I, get at least one embryo!

[@LovelyAwesomePerson]

I’ve never heard of anyone mixing the Gonal and menopur into one shot. ( do you mean mixing them all into one syringe then doing one shot with both meds in one syringe) How would you even do that as the gonal comes ready mixed in it own syringe? That would be better than taking two shots for sure, if that was possible👍🏽) What ever your medical care team prescribe is the best way to go. If you are thinking of doing a different administration process, definitely run it by them first. All of the videos and advice from my care team was to mix the menopur and inject it and to inject the gonal at the prescribed dosage. I was told to inject them in the evenings and around the same time. Never been told (nor have I seen videos) of anyone mixing them (gonal and menopur) together but everyone Is given different instructions based on their tailored process. For me I have been following the instructions exactly as prescribed ( which is also what I’ve seen and read for most of IVF research I’ve been doing, so I’m comfortable with that. Also be careful as meds may react differently when mixed with together .. for me personally, these meds are too expensive and this process is too delicate for me to be getting creative. I know taking multiple shots is a task 🥺 but I prefer to make the sacrifice for the outcome I want. This is my first time doing IVF and hopefully we can get the results we want first round .. it’s a lot financially so I’m not chancing it. They won’t even discuss retrieval until you have a good number of follicles that are mature, so just keep taking your stimulation meds as prescribed and be patient.. this entire process can be Uber frustrating, but stressing is not good. You will be fine. Just take meds as prescribed and work on getting those follicles up to a nice mature number as many as possible. Best of luck .. sending love and light!

[@NeenaReneeKnows]

@@LovelyAwesomePerson Yes, one shot. After the menopur is mixed, I simply take the gonul f pen and inject it into the menopur bottle. And then I pull out all the liquid like normal. It’s what they showed me 🤷🏾‍♀️. Yes, I’m definitely following their directions. I can only do one round of IVF so this is my only shot. Thank you for the well wishes.

[@_Q_C]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I'm also experiencing secondary infertility and just had my egg retrieval. The waiting game is the worst!! Can't wait to follow along with your journey to baby!!

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

It's all so hard!

[@monamiguez793]

Thank so much Dr Mona! You are very strong and I’m hoping for the best for you. I’m in my 6 day of egg stimulation and I’m low responder. How can I join the IVF message group that you mentioned? Good luck 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 By the way, my nickname is Mona too heheh

[@worldtraveler1221]

Hello Dr Mona ,thanks for sharing your rough journey with us.I am in Tampa Fl and i have also started seeing RE.What insurance have you had for your IVF treatment? How much did it cover?

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Hello! So I have aetna and unfortunately it didnt cover much (some meds) but so far, our cost has been 24k for one retrieval (where we got one embryo) and one transfer (update on that transfer coming february 4th!)

[@SuperLuckao]

What did u do with the other embryos?

[@renaehute1956]

Thank you for this video. This must have been really hard to film.

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

In some ways, it was very therapeutic! Follow up is happening tomorrow

[@alexdavia3626]

You got this

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Can't believe our baby is 13 months old now from this process!

[@thomas9469]

Thanks Doctor for the content. It’s not an easy process. It’s expensive as well.

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

100% A huge financial, emotional, and physical commitment for something that's not guaranteed

[@thomas9469]

@@pedsdoctalktv9960 Exactly. Please keep the hope positive. It’s really expensive and it’s hard for many people to afford it Also Doc some insurance don’t even cover at all.

[@virgovibe626]

Oh gosh that big ass needle nearly made me fainted just watching!! How am I gonna do this when it’s mine turn 😭

[@noc9005]

I cried when you cried , nobody will understand how difficult this process is . I just finished my egg retrivel .waiting for the genetic testing

[@R-cakes]

Hi! How was your egg retrieval experience?

[@noc9005]

@@R-cakes well they put me to sleep. The injections were hell.

[@SLitthachack]

[@lilqueengangoliver479]

I started ivf I didn't start shots yet waiting on my cycle to start it

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Wishing you all the best in YOUR journey!

[@Faithfullfertilitytv]

I had SI too and conceived after doing a vaginal steam. Hope that helps

[@JackieYvette]

I know there were only good intentions with this vid but I'm doing my first retrieval tomorrow, have been prepping with HGH injections for 3 months, doing stims for 14 days, doing this all by myself, and knowing i have just 2 follicles for tomorrow... So this really sucked every ounce of positivity i was going in with tomorrow :(

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

If it's any consolation, I think you will really like the update videos coming this month :)

[@nanaabaplockey1388]

Am stating my IVF this year 2023.

[@sweetshristy]

Update?!

[@AG-lk4lq]

I am dying for an update as well! I keep checking back here!

[@neenutomi316]

Fr Brett Brannen " To save thousands of souls " Our Primary Vocation is Holiness Happiness is doing the will of God. Interestingly, that could also be the definition of holiness. The primary and universal vocation of every person in the world is to be holy-to become like Jesus Christ. Christ-likeness is the only success recognized by God. Or, as St. Bonaventure said: “If you learn everything except Christ, you learn nothing. If you learn nothing except Christ, you learn everything.” Interestingly, the people who take holiness seriously are also the people who experience the most happiness here in this life. Why? Because our holiness is preparing us for the supreme happiness of heaven, the true destiny for which we were made, not some glimmer of happiness which we might experience here. Holiness directly leads to fulfillment and human flourishing, and the entire concept of vocation encompasses both. The first vocation of every baptized person is to become a saint.

[@swissmiss116]

Why not just adopt? Why is it so Important to have a child of your own DNA? There’s so many children that need homes in the past not adopting has always been “because it’s too expensive so if you guys are spending way more to put yourselves through the ringer for a child when there’s like I said funny that need a home. What is the real answer to this? And if you’re offended by this question then you have more to answer within yourself and you do too. This is not an offensive question for people to act like it is is wild today because it seems like an obvious question. So my suggestion would be don’t answer me but look within yourself with a real answer and why you’re offended by me even asking and if you’re not offended and willing to answer please do. I’m not looking to argue I genuinely want to know why it is super important for so many people to have a child that is genetically theirs and their significant others especially if you believe in adoption or if you are adopted or if you support Adoption and see it as a necessary option for both children in need in this world as well as parents. As reproductive rights are in question right now there will be more and more children needing to be adopted. Will people stop getting IVF and start adopting? Have a lot of you tried to adopt and got dragged along by a bio mom then left at the 1 yard line brokenhearted? That’s like really the big reason I could think that I would do IVF is it Adoption just kept telling me that a lot of people seem like they haven’t even tried Adoption they go straight to IVF if they don’t conceive within two or three months

[@ashw64]

Tried for natural conceive for some time and found out that i have endometriasis cyst..had to undergo cystectomy twice and now with AMH level 0.53 and FSH level 21.1 its going to be difficult? Not sure.. Because of variation in factors stimulation could not be started this cycle.. Taking a lot of physical and mental energy.. but not loosing hope to conceive a child. @PedsDocTalk TV

[@AB-gu4zk]

on a similar boat! amh 0.6 , have started my first IVF cycle

[@snehakale7106]

Hello..did you go through IVF? How were the results with low amh?