Anyone doing/done IVF when on Cohens?

[Drafty]

I am a long-time lurker and have a bit of a ‘sticky’ one for you.

I started Cohens 6 weeks ago and have lost 10kgs. I started a long-drawdown IVF process 10 days ago and am injecting suprefact/burserelin 4mls every morning. I have gained 2kgs and am gutted. I always gain weight during my IVF process with the Suprefact, and it’s usually a lot more, but I am determined not to let it get in the way of my weight loss. I am sticking to the cohens programme 100% and it is HARD as the drug I am injecting is a hormone and makes me want to eat anything and everything in sight, but I am not going to give in. My egg collection is first week of December (I am not doing an egg transfer this year). I get to drop the dose of Suprefact to 2mls each morning from Thursday, but introduce Puregon in the evening. This continues until first week of December. I would throw some exercise in to counter the weight gain but the drugs have me cranky and exhausted by the time I get home at night (my poor poor husband is so amazing and looks after me so well!!!). I am hoping that by the time my egg collection happens that I will start to shed the weight again at a good speedy rate. So I guess I just want to hear from others who may have been in my situation that I am on the right track with my thinking and wishes and that this is just a ‘red herring’ in the process of weight loss through Cohens. My bloods will be totally up the wack but that is to be expected and my consultant knows what I am up to in regards to the IVF.

So I guess I am just feeling a bit sad, HORMONAL, and looking for some reassurances?

Thanks in advance

[Drafty]

Here is some information I found about Burserelin/Suprefact, it was written in relation to cancer treatment rather than IVF: "Production of testosterone by the testes is stimulated by another hormone called luteinising hormone. This is produced by the pituitary gland, which is situated in the brain. Buserelin reduces the production of luteinising hormone, which leads to a reduction in testosterone levels."

After reading this, I am prompted to ask, is Cohens a diet that stimulates the pituitary gland? If so then I am stimulating the pituitary with my diet, but slamming it with the drug.

I'm just trying to get my head around it - I know I can get back on track when the drugs are finished, but I guess I am just trying to justify that the drugs ARE the reason for my lack of weight loss at the moment. I am very lucky to have been given the opportunity for IVF though, don't get me wrong and PLEASE don't think I am being ungrateful!

Any thoughts at all from anyone?

[Drafty]

No replies, so I guess no one has done this. Thanks for reading.

[LivininLondon]

Hi Drafty,

Well done on your 10kg loss...that's fantastic!!

I'm not really sure if my comments are going to help because i've not done IVF, although my girlfriend is currently going through it so can sympathise with some of your feelings. All i know is that from what a previous consultant has said and from what i've read on the forum this programme can make you very fertile naturally because it helps to regulate your hormones so to be careful if you dont want children

Sorry if this hasnt helped. Despite everything you are doing really well and even if it takes a little longer to reach your goal with your determination you will get there.

I truly do wish you every success on your journey!
LiL

[Drafty]

Thanks for replying LivinInLondon, very kind of you

I don't have a problem getting pregnant, it's staying pregnant...

I guess I just have to remain determined to lose weight as well as to become a Mum!

Thank you for your kind words of support

[Drafty]

I'm putting this here because even though no one was able to answer my query (which I do find ironic seeing as Cohens was initially a weight-loss plan for infertility issues) someone may read this in the future with the same question - so - now that my IVF is over, my weight started dropping down again the very next day after having my last injection, and is now back to losing as it was before I started IVF.

[claireybell]

Good luck drafty I hope all does well! Sorry icant help and I'm actually doing the opposite, and veryvery careful so I don't fall pregnant as I'm not ready just yet!! Good luck x

[Babybear]

Bumping this up to see if there has been anyone else that has done Cohens for IVF or that has done IVF while on Cohens etc