I am in the process of my first IVF cycle. I have been on lupron for two weeks and I start follistim tomorrow night. So far it has not been bad at all. I have had major mood swings caused from the lupron, but other then that nothing serious. I can't actually give you advice on the procedure itself, but there are many on here who can.

Oh and it can get a little overwhelming at times, just take it one day at a time, that is the only way I have been able to handle things. I bought a folder to carry to the doctors office with me every time I go. It has a place for a pen, business cards, a full sized note pad, and enough room for me to put all my papers they give me. It has helped me to take notes because they will give you so much information that when you get home it is hard to keep everything straight. GOOD LUCK!!!

I am going to start my second IVF cycle 2 days after xmas-
I was freaked out when I picked up all my shots and meds, but really it was not bad at all- I sent a you a friend request, and I can email you more about my experience if you want! good luck!!

Krisi, Thank you so much for the idea about the folder! I will do the same. I will start the lupron on 1/6, so will beware the mood swings. :) Thanks for the warning, and keep me posted on how you are doing. Good luck to you too!!

My RE's office gives us folders for what we are doing. Red is IVF, Blue is something else, Yellow is another thing. In the folder is everything we need. There is a book on all the different meds, how to mix them, how to inject them.
There is also a form with step my step instructions on how they plan things to go. That helped A LOT!
I was overwhelmed with all the papers we needed to sign and when my box of drugs came.
I made a clean spot for all my stuff and nothing else went there. I kept the instuctions out with the meds and would refer back if needed (and I needed a lot!)
I also kept a note pad for when the doctors called with follow up instuctions. I tend to forget everything as soon as I hang up the phone.

I also have one of those pocket calendars. I write in it when my cycle starts, when I start various meds, when I go in for different tests. It makes it easier to have it all in one place. It is also nice to go back and look at previous cycles if needed.
I am in my second IVF cycle now and am on day 6 of stim meds. It seems scary, and it is in many ways, but I think it was worse in my head then it turned out to actually be.
Once you get a system going, it is ok. I also set an alarm on my cell phone if I felt I would forget to take my meds.
It seems to go by pretty quickly once you start injections.
I think the hardest part is the 2 week wait after the transfer.
The unknown can be very scary and exciting too.
I get through it with hope, prayer and all the wonderful support here! :-) (oh, and I have been known to shed a few tears from time to time and that is okay too! ;-)

Good Luck!

I had a n anxiety attack when I first looked at a calendar for an IVF cycle. It seemed to be so complicated and BIG. tomorrow is my ER and I have to say that taking it one day at a time is the best advice. I also made a folder and several calendars. And set up a shot station in my kitchen. Just get as organized as possible and you'll be fine. This was my 1st IVF too and it has been so much easier than I thought it would be.

Also... If you haven't already, you may want to look into doing acupuncture. I've read that it can improve chances of IVF working. Plus it's great for stress relief.