Every IVF cycle I do, I get a 2-day-long migraine around 5 to 7dp2dt. This, as I have read, is about the time of implantation. Because the migraine is so bad, will not go away on its own, and laughs at Tylenol, I am forced to take Maxalt, a rizotriptan, in order to function.
I am aware Maxalt constricts blood vessels in order to do its job, and I have begun to worry that I may be sabotaging things. When I ask my doctor about it, his canned response is "If you don't need it, don't take it. You shouldn't take it during pregnancy, blah, blah, blah..." But I DO need it, and there is really no way around taking it at this point.
But my question is: Could the use of this medication be keeping me from getting pregnant because it is screwing with the blood vessels or for some other reason?
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Just wanted to let people know that there is a forum where you can post a question to an RE (free way to get a second opinion, etc.):
ReplyDeletehttp://forums.haveababy.com/index.php?s=88149a90c27856e29559371bbad3488f&showforum=1
There is no good answer that I know of for that question. I think the answer is--you are probably NOT sabotaging yourself. However, I would talk to your regular gyne or your primary care doctor about what else you could try. Even Ibuprofen or a narcotic (vicodin, darvocet) could help. In things I've read about pregnancy and headaches, it says it's generally regarded as OK to give a triptan to break a bad headache, but none of the information focuses on implantation time.
ReplyDeleteI would try to stay away from it if you can find something else that helps, but I doubt it's causing you to not get pregnant.
Why does your clinic do transfer on day 2?
Barren- Thanks! That will definitely feed my 2ww psychosis. The site may close down b/c they are sick of me. ;)
ReplyDeleteBbchi-Oh, I'm sorry. I meant 3dt.
Anyway, I have tried everything to get rid of them, and they have been a real problem for me for years. I saw a migraine specialist years ago and we tried all of the narcotics, barbituates, etc..., even other triptans and ergotes (which I read do cause miscarriage in some studies). Maxalt is the only one that does anything.
How many do you have to take?
ReplyDeletebtw, we may need to put your computer on lockdown, baby warrior.
ReplyDeletewhat was the date of your transfer? are you a poas'er?
I take 5 mg at a time, and I have taken about 20 mg since yesterday b/c it keeps coming back.
ReplyDeleteMY transfer was March 12. I don't like to POAS, but I suppose I will probably do it this weekend.
I hear you about locking down my computer! I am an OCD Googler during the 2ww. Dangerous.
ReplyDeleteSo I broke down and called my RE's office and guess what the response was? The same old shit. I think the nurse was annoyed with me, because I cut her off when she said, "It's a class C drug. Let me read this for you." I said, "I have been told this before. What I want to know is if it is going to affect implantation." She gave me a canned response, "There isn't enough research on it." Then, when I asked her if there are alternatives, she told me I would have to contact the doctor who prescribed it. Seriously? After all the money I have given you, you're not going to attempt to help me out here? This is why I would prefer to get my information from strangers on the net.
ReplyDeleteSorry I can't offer any help, but I can offer sympathy. I struggle with migraines. Imitrex works for me, but I can't take it when pregnant (so no to the 2ww too). Migraines can make you so miserable! I got one during 2ww for IVF #1 that put me in bed for 3 days. Finally, I called my RE and they told me to take Vicodin. I had no idea that was considered "safe." Go figure. I was SO lucky during last 2ww and managed to not get one. Sorry you're struggling with this issue... and I'd like to kick your RE's tail for not being more helpful!
ReplyDeleteMomsie- Now I feel like a bad embryo mother for even taking it at all.
ReplyDeleteBabywarrior- I also have to take a class C drug... it's keeping me out of the hospital and the alternatives are no good. Sometimes we have to make REALLY HARD choices. We just have to weigh everything, get lots of good counsel, and then do what seems best. We didn't ask for these health issues... we shouldn't beat ourselves up over them. Please be kind to yourself.
ReplyDeletebabywarrior - NO way are you a bad mommie! My RE was actually upset I was in bed for 3 days. And a very small part of me wonders if that's why no implant that cycle. A migraine makes you stressed, ill, not eat & makes your whole body unhappy... nausea and all! That's the opposite of what you should be doing during the 2ww. If you take something & it makes you feel better & you can take better care of yourself during the 2ww, then take it! During my last IVF cycle, I had the Vicodin on standby & was ready to take it at the first sign of a migraine. I didn't want to make you feel bad. I was just letting you know you're not alone. Migraines suck.
ReplyDeleteand... Imitrex isn't class C. According to my RE, it's a class no-no. If I had the option to take it, I probably would have!
ReplyDeleteMomsie- You didn't make me feel bad. I do that to myself. : )
ReplyDeleteImitrex is a Class C, I thought. All the triptans are, according to my doc.
Anyway, I went to my PCP, cried my eyes out and she prescribed me a muscle relaxer in Class B to make me feel better, but the pharmacy didn't have it. (Damn pharmacy!) So, I rode one out last night. It was the worst thing I have ever done. I have not failed to treat a migraine for 8 years, since I was diagnosed. Needless to say, I had little sleep, but the sleep I got actually knocked it out for a bit. I feel another coming on. Probably the worst thing for it is being on the computer, but I am addicted!
I called off for today, then called back at 3 a.m. when I woke up without a headache and said I would come in b/c I have very few sick days left b/c of all this IVF shit. Today is going to be fun. If you see a teacher in the news who went apeshit, it might be me.