Lupron Depot before IVF?

[gigimom]

I am looking for some advice and success stories from those who have tried Lupron Depot for at least 3 mos before doing IVF with successful outcomes.

I have stage IV endo and have done 1 IVF/ICSI with my own eggs - BFN. 1 IUI -BFN of course. I have moved on to donor eggs and done 1 fresh and 1 frozen cycle with donor --both BFN.

I saw Dr. Mary Stephenson at the Univ of Chicago who specializes in repeated IVF failure and repeat miscarriages. She did immune testing which was thankfully normal. I also had an endometrial biopsy. The biopsy was sent to a MD at Yale Univ and to Dr. Lessey (OB/GYN specializing in Endo in SC). I always felt that my problem was my lining; Not the thickness because it has always been at least 14mm or more for transfers. I just felt that something was missing. Well, my gut instinct was right! I am missing integrin-b? I guess it is a protein that is needed during a certain time in the cycle in order for implantation to occur. I never have it. So the recommendation is to start me on Lupron Depot for 3 mos then try another frozen donor cycle. Although there are no randomized, controlled studies on Lupron Depot for IVF, Dr. Stephenson believes that this could "re-set" my cycle for the next IVF. It's nice knowing what the hold up has been, but sad because there isn't a definite fix for this.

Just wondering if there are others with endo, particularly stage IV endo who have tried Lupron Depot and gone on to have successful IVF cycles, whether with there own eggs or donor eggs. Thanks for any input and experiences you can share! I am also interested in knowing about side effects.

Gigimom

[Soupy]

[I]Warning- preg mentioned[/I]
Hi There Gigimom,

Just wanted to chime in here. I do not have endo. But I was treated with Lupron Depot to do exactly what your doc is intending-- to reset my body. All of my iui's failed then moved on to paper-perfect IVF and went through all 13 embryos--all failed. Then after my lupron (and all the serious hot flashes and headaches) we went on to our second IVF it was successful, with a subsequent successful fet. I did suffer a blighted ovum in between.

I hope it is the missing link you are looking for. I hope this helps. Best of luck to you.

Soupy

[gigimom]

****positive pregnancy mentioned****

Soupy-
Thanks for your reply. It's nice to hear that someone has had success with Lupron Depot ""resetting" a cycle which ultimately contributed to your successful IVF/FET. Congratulations to you!
I still haven't started my Lupron yet due to problems with insurance covering it. We finally have received notice from Blue Cross that they will cover up to 80% (thank goodness) but now just need to find a specialty pharmacy that can handle filling it. I hope we get this taken care of this week so that I can start this weekend.
I'm trying to keep positive...a little concerned about side effects. You mentioned headaches and hot flashes--if you don't mind me asking, how bad were they? Thanks again.

Gigimom

[Soupy]

Hi Gigimom,

I get headaches with just about every single fertility medication I'm on, so I can't really remember if they were any worse. But the hot flashes were insane. Sweat, red face, and feeling like I was burning from the inside out. Night sweats, the whole gammit! What the lupron really does is put you in an artificial menopause. It wasn't constant, but when they popped up, they were just like you hear women who are going through the change.

Soupy

[gigimom]

Well, my 1st FET after doing the 3 month Lupron Depot was a total bust! I am devastated! We transferred 1 good embie and 2 so-so. I only have 1 blast left and this was from our donor. I have officially done 4 IVF cycles and 1 medicated IUI to no avail. Where do I get the energy, money(lol) and courage to continue on??? Has anyone with or without endo done Lupron Depot for 3 months, failed a cycle and then gone on to have a successful cycle with a successful pregnancy?? Trying to find some glimmer of hope to hang on to. Thanks for listening.

Gigimom