4/10/2009 3:47 PM
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How common is severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome?
One week after extraction of eggs, I had to be admitted into the hospital for 5 days (in part because of other system issues). Although I was presenting normally for OHS, none of the non-fertility specialists knew what to do with me, and as soon as my white cell count was within sight of normally elevated levels and kidney function was back within normal range, the doctors disappeared and wouldn't take responsibility. I also got the distinct impression that they were of the common opinion that I brought this on myself for being a crazed infertile woman going to extreme lengths.
I would not characterize myself as such -- due to my situation, IVF is the *first* thing my husband and I are trying, and I am not particularly crazed, at least not at this point. I am a little dissatisfied with my fertility doctor's explanation of the risks associated with the pre-extraction hormones, and suspect that he had reason to anticipate I was a high risk for OHS (relatively young, extremely high E2 levels on BOTH Lupron and Menopur/Folistem, 20+ eggs produced on each ovary, and 20+ eggs left in my body after extraction). I'm further displeased by Wikipedia's assurance that most infertile patients need only happy thoughts, forgetfulness and a baby to get past OHS. While that may be true for patients who only experience slight swelling of the stomach, for near renal failure and two straight weeks of pain/discomfort, it's going to take more than happy thoughts. If I had known that my health could be so severely compromised, even for a limited window of time, I would have taken a more measured course of action, particularly with respect to the prescriptions -- I am surprised that the fertility doctor did not.
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