Monday, April 16, 2012

Staying Hydrated

So apparently I'm supposed to be ingesting insane quantities of liquid during this IVF.

I've done a tiny bit of research, but it's yielded mixed results.

Most people say to drink Gatorade.  I might switch to Gatorade after retrieval (which seems to be the most critical phase) but for now I'm just trying to drink more.  And it seems that although it may be necessary to restore electrolytes after transfer, Gatorade seems mostly to be an internet-fueled recommendation more than a doctors.  Please comment if you know better!  I'm still learning.

I had a terrible headache yesterday.  (Like a lump of tension underneath my eyebrow).  I realized I had not changed my liquid intake.  And I usually have less on weekends anyway.

So here's how I am staying hydrated:

So far, I've had two large mugs of tea (probably 16 ounces each).

My two teas of choice right now:

Tension Tamer


I typically don't like fruity herbal teas.  I like the ingredients to be as naturally as possible.  This one is really delicious!

Ingredients:
Eleuthero, peppermint, cinnamon, ginger, chamomile, West Indian lemongrass, licorice, catnip, tilia flowers, natural lemon flavor with other natural flavors (contains soy lecithin), hops and Vitamins B6 and B12.

My other favorite:

Yogi, Tahitian Vanilla Hazelnut


It tastes great.  It smells even better!  I first found this at my acupuncturist's office and I went out and got my own the next day.

Ingredients:
Roasted Chicory RootCarob PodCinnamon BarkCardamom SeedGinger RootStevia LeafClove BudBlack PepperNatural FlavorsEssential Oils

*Hmm...not a fan of the Stevia Leaf or Natural Flavors.  But oh well...it's yummy.

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It is harder for a teacher to go pee than the average person, but I'm suffering through it!  I just can't leave for a second during 5th period.  Damn crazy freshman!

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After 3 days of injections, still feeling pretty good.  Tired.  Headache (although may be due to sinuses).  And a slightly sore tummy at the injection site (I'm not sure if I pinched myself too hard or if I did the injection too close to the first night.  Oh well.)  My sleep is also weird.  When my alarm has gone off for the last 3 days, I have literally had no idea what day it is.  Like not even weekend or weekday.  







7 comments:

  1. I'm also feeling tired and headache-y today. I think it's because of the injections...

    Thanks for the reminder to drink more, and yay to 3 shots down!

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  2. I'm struggling to drink more, but I feel so crabby and bloated if I don't. You're doing well! Can't believe we're headed towards EPU!

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  3. They look delicious :) Happy hydrating and stimming... FXd for you xo

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  4. Sounds like you are off to a great start, I have been thinking of you over these past few days. Can't believe your IVF cycle is here! I tagged you in ANOTHER Q & A, so if you are looking for something to keep your mind distracted pop on over :)

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  5. Mmmm ... I love Yogi Tea, especially ginger! Good luck as you move forward!

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  6. I just finished my first FET after a failed IVF and my doctor definitely recommended drinking Gatorade to help stave off OHSS. It does something with the fluid that builds up in your ovaries (I can't remember exactly what). He also recommended eating larger amounts of protein. My estradiol level was well in the 13,000's two days before retrieval so he was sure that I would develop OHSS but luckily I did not. I am not sure if it was due to the Gatorade, protein, or luck, but I would definitely recommend it. Also, just a side note, tea is a diuretic, so be sure to drink lots of some other liquid in addition to tea. Good luck with your cycle!

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    Replies
    1. That's so great that you didn't develop OHSS! Thanks for the info.

      I only drink herbal tea so it does not have diuretic properties. I looked it up to make sure. Dandelion and yarrow do have diuretic properties, but luckily neither of those are in my teas!

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