IVF and HMS

[KeepingPositive]

I was just wondering if anyone has gone through IVF and if this had any effect on their HMS symptoms?

My HMS seems very susceptible to my hormone levels and I can predict my dislocations, loose joints and impaired proprioception in line with with my cycle. I have spent at least 2 years getting myself 'pregnancy fit' to minimise the effects on my joints. However, I have now found out that the only way I am likely to conceive is through IVF (I have endometriosis amongst other fertility issues).

I am very nervous about the possible effects of IVF on my HMS as I manage my symptoms like clockwork in line with my cycle. I have managed to get to a point where I have minimised pain and exhaustion and I am scared that IVF is going to put me back to the erratic pain and dislocations of a few years ago!

I know that I sound like I am panicking...and I am sure that I am a little! I have so much to process right now regarding fertility but want to make sure that I am prepared for the effect that the hormones may have on my HMS/joints/pain etc! Especially as after IVF, I hope that I will be pregnant and be managing the effect that pregnancy will have on my body.

Thank you!

[nickb]

Hiya

I have been through 4 cycles of ICSI, a slightly more involved type of IVF-but still the same drugs/hormones etc-with finally my miracle daughter being born in 2009

Like you I was terrified how it would affect my hms but to be honest it was no worse than on my pmt week. I do remember having a couple of really bad mood swings (I once threw a meal at the wall when I'd mucked up dinner ) but really no increased pain except.......

be very honest with the medical team when you expalin your hms, I played mine down and shouldn't have-my left hip was allowed to over extend during my first egg removal op and it has never been well since

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions and good luck!!!

[KeepingPositive]

Thank you so much for your reply, and for sharing your wonderful success story - so nice to hear!

I too have played down my HMS symptoms, but after your advice, I will make sure that I am honest with my doctor!

Once I am a little bit further down the road I will PM you, if that's ok!

Many thanks

[spinner]

I have Ehlers Danlos and went through IVF, I didn't know about my condition at the time but I really didn't notice any difference other than what they say is "normal" for fertility treatments, I did two different treatment cycles, one was a down regulation where you take the spray before going onto injections and the other I went straight into injections but had several different types at once, the second I found a lot easier on my body etc.

However my pregnanices where hard and painful, I could hardly touch anything without it really hurting it was all worth it though.

Good luck!

[Looby62]

My eldest daughter was conceived by GIFT (gamete intrafallopian transfer) way before I even knew HMS existed and my symptoms were relatively few.

I was very fortunate that it took first time as the mood swings were horrendous, it was very uncomfortable waiting for the eggs to mature and what I now know to have been IBS was aggravated. I also reacted rather badly to the anaesthetic.

The surprising bit was that despite having PCOS, slight endometriosis and virtually no periods at all for the next four years, my second daughter was conceived naturally

The pregnancies themselves were pretty normal other than a really bad back.
Another good thing though, the deliveries were both fantastically quick!

I have two beautiful girls 17 and 21 but unfortunately they both now suffer with HMS which I can only blame myself for.

Good luck x

[pink]

You have no idea what a relief it was to know that I'm not the only one like this! I was trying for over a year to get pregnant whilst also working hard to try and get my body in the best possible state (which I'm still doing). Then last September I was told that due to me having a mild eating disorder for a few years quite some time ago its unlikely I'll conceive naturally as some gland in my brains not working properly. Was about to start down the IVF route when I then was told that because I'd had no periods and oestrogen for some time since I came off the pill I now had low bone density and they're doing nothing until my bones improve or if after 2 years (as in another year) if still the same they'll consider doing anyway as I'm 30 at the end of this year so would be best time to do it.
I'd be lying if I didn't admit I'm scared about what pregnancy / giving birth and the IVF hormones are going to do to my body but at the end of the day IF (I refuse to say when unlike others in my family) it works then I'll have a beautiful baby and a family in the conventional sense rather than just me and my husband so will be all worth while!
If you want to chat about this off line then feel free to PM mail at all.