So, I think we are screwing the shots up...

First of all, let me just say that my DH is awesome. I love him to death. He is so good with all of this stuff - so calm, and very methodical which is really helpful to me.

He has taken charge of mixing the meds. He is super good at it - I mean, the guy takes his time, is so focused on getting every last drop and doesn't get frustrated. He is much more patient about the whole thing than I ever would be.

That said, we're trying to mix 3 gonals and 1 repronex. We've done 2 nights already. The first night, somehow we had a gigantic air bubble in the syringe that we were panicked about and couldn't get out. It was between the barrel of the syringe and the needle part. Everytime we tried to get it out, we'd lose meds out the top of the needle. It was so frustrating. I think it was because it was the first night that we were a little freaked. However, we lost so much meds that we ended up wasting that shot because we thought the dose was too low. So we started over. The second try was much better. We figured out the air bubble problem, but when DH was pulling the needle out of one of the vials, there must have been some vacuum pressure that cause some medicine to squirt out of the needle. So, I took the shot but instead of it being 1cc, it was 1 line short of that.

Last night, we had the same problem. For some reason on one vial, we lose some liquid when we pull the needle out. Again my dose was 1 line short.

My poor DH is so upset - he feels like he is screwing me up and "ruining" this for us. I told him, we'd just keep trying. I guess the worst that happens is I have to stim for another day, right?

Anyway, I called LIIVF yesterday afternoon to talk to them about it and specifically asked them to call my cell as I would be at work. Of course they called the house. And of course I was so distracted at work that it didn't hit me that I didn't hear from them until it was too late. So, I'll call again today.

Any advice on mixing the injections? I'm afraid also that now that we wasted some meds (man-I can't believe that... ) we'll be short during this cycle. I guess I should reorder? Am I correct that one line short one night isn't a big deal, but that over time, it adds up??

On a side note, you ladies were all right - the anticipation of the shots is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyy worse than actually doing them. It is so not a big deal (although I'm still freaking about the IM ones!!).

My poor DH - he called me this morning and told me how bad he feels that he "screwed" this up. I him so much...

Re: So, I think we are screwing the shots up...

Sorry you're having some issues

I don't know about missing one line of meds so I won't comment on that, but I do know if you call LI-IVF after 9am (when morning monitoring is over) the nurses are pretty quick to get back to you

Good luck!

Re: So, I think we are screwing the shots up...

Are you filling the syringes with the same amount of air before you pull out the prescribed dose? like if you need 1cc of repronex, fill the syringe with 1 cc of air and then inject it into the vial and then draw out the 1cc of repronex? that will usually do the trick. hope that helps. don't worry you'll be a pro before you know it.

Re: So, I think we are screwing the shots up...

Posted by rmdrn125

Are you filling the syringes with the same amount of air before you pull out the prescribed dose? like if you need 1cc of repronex, fill the syringe with 1 cc of air and then inject it into the vial and then draw out the 1cc of repronex? that will usually do the trick. hope that helps. don't worry you'll be a pro before you know it.

Re: So, I think we are screwing the shots up...

only put air in the first time, then fluid into each vial. GL

Re: So, I think we are screwing the shots up...

Re: So, I think we are screwing the shots up...

I have found that putting in 1cc of the liquid and then putting them into all those powders, some of the liquid is absorbed into the powder, so you lose a little liquid as it becomes a little thicker. This is my opinion, not necessarily fact, but I didn't drive myself crazy over it.

And really, if you are losing that small amount, and they find that you're not getting enough meds, they're going to up you anyway, so don't even sweat it

Re: So, I think we are screwing the shots up...

Posted by LaurenExp

I have found that putting in 1cc of the liquid and then putting them into all those powders, some of the liquid is absorbed into the powder, so you lose a little liquid as it becomes a little thicker. This is my opinion, not necessarily fact, but I didn't drive myself crazy over it.

And really, if you are losing that small amount, and they find that you're not getting enough meds, they're going to up you anyway, so don't even sweat it

Re: So, I think we are screwing the shots up...

Well, I just spoke to the nurse. Apparently this is (as LaurenExp said) nothing to lose sleep over!! One line is not making a difference.

So...tomorrow morning we'll see what the sono shows! Hopefully the FSH thing isn't completely screwing me up...

Thanks as always for all your help!!

Re: So, I think we are screwing the shots up...

I also wante dto add that while an air buibble in a subcu shot may make the shot sting more, it IS NOT dangerous. You only have to worry about that for intravenous meds.

Re: So, I think we are screwing the shots up...

Good to know! Isn't it amazing how they put all of this stuff in the hands of people with ZERO training or experience??!?!?!?!? I guess you can't really screw it up THAT badly...

Re: So, I think we are screwing the shots up...

Posted by LaurenExp

I have found that putting in 1cc of the liquid and then putting them into all those powders, some of the liquid is absorbed into the powder, so you lose a little liquid as it becomes a little thicker. This is my opinion, not necessarily fact, but I didn't drive myself crazy over it.

And really, if you are losing that small amount, and they find that you're not getting enough meds, they're going to up you anyway, so don't even sweat it

Re: So, I think we are screwing the shots up...

The meds are something we're not used to so everything makes you question. And it's easier than we think and therefore easier to question if you are doing it right. I agree with everyone and good luck. You are doing it right. Now breathe deeply and stay calm. When is your next appointment?

Re: So, I think we are screwing the shots up...

What a relief Lee. I am so thankful we have each other to help us remain calm and provide info. I am right behind you with the mixing shots. I start Tuesday and am terrified I will mess up the mixing of the menopur.

Re: So, I think we are screwing the shots up...

I just saw this and am glad to hear the nurses told you everything is fine.

I just want to add that as long as all the powder is gone from the vial, you really have nothing to worry about.
And the amount you would lose by squirting some into the air is minimal, so no worries there either.

Re: So, I think we are screwing the shots up...

Thank you all so much - I feel so much better just talking about this with people who understand!! I can't tell you how relieved I am...actually I think my DH is more relieved than me!!! And trust me, every. single. drop. of powder is out of the vials - you should see my DH sucking out every last ounce!!! He has way more patience than I would ever have!

And tomorrow morning is my blood/sono check so we'll see how we're doing.

It's so weird - I don't "feel" like anything is happening...I'm sure it won't stay that way for long!