Big Box O' Drugs

I wasn't prepared for the size of the box. I reviewed the long prescription list with the pharmacist, but didn't expect a 2' x 8" x 8" box. And, when it arrived, I didn't think it would be full. I have Gonal-f, Ganirelix, progesterone, HCG, estradiol, and lots and lots of needles. Lots of needles. And no bubble wrap. The only good thing in the box is the valium for my transfer; it has the added benefit of not being administered by a needle. I had Menopur left from my IUI regimens, so at least I didn't have to order that.

The needles. The needle gauge is inversely proportional to the actual needle size, so large gauge = small needle and vice versa. The mixing needles are 18-1/2 gauge and gargantuan. We will still use the tiny 27-1/2 insulin needle for most of my shots, which is comforting. I'm used to this now. The needle that terrifies me is the 22-1/2 gauge that will be used for progesterone. UCSF's protocol calls for intramuscular progesterone in oil. The needle must be wide so the oil can pass. We don't use the progesterone until right before or after my retrieval, but at that point I get a daily shot until my pregnancy test. If it's positive, I take a daily shot for NINE more weeks. Lovely. I just hope my husband or I don't need to travel during this time. I don't know if I can inject my back hip with the monster-needle.