So since I can never find any information from women who have done the Lupron Depot treatment... I have decided to create a blog post just about my experience on Lupron Depot. Maybe it will answer a question of the next woman recommended this treatment...
So I was recommended 3 months of Lupron Depot + 3 weeks double antibiotic treatment for my abnormal Endometrial Function Test.
To order the Lupron Depot I had to go through 2 different specialty pharmacies. The one my RE's office recommended was not covered by my insurance so my prescription was moved to Acredo (spl?). It cost me $60 copay and insurance covered the rest. It arrived overnight and was in a box with ice-pack but only needed to be stored at room temperature. It is a pre-filled syringe with 2 "compartments". One was the powdered medicine and the other had the liquid diluent.
In order to allow my OB/GYN to perform the injections I had to have basically my entire IVF history faxed to their office and my OB/GYN had to sign her approval.
I had my first Lupron injection on Monday Nov 5, 2012. The shot itself didn't hurt very badly and it didn't really burn either. I didn't notice any soreness even days after.
A week went by where I felt no side effects. The only thing I can say is that my cervical mucus became very thing and abundant- almost like I was ovulating. I was surprised b/c my RE had warned me that I would "go through menopause" and my CM would dry up. So to be having the opposite was shocking. But after researching it I found out that for 1-2 weeks after your first shot your estrogen levels actually go UP before they bottom out. So I was experiencing the "high" for a week.
About 6 days after my first shot I started having weird spotting. It was very light- I didn't even need a panty liner-- and almost "stringy". It continued like that for 2-3 days before the spotting got heavier. Then it turned into a weird "semi-period" I guess. It wasn't heavy or thick, but thin, sometimes dark brown, sometimes deep red, and stringy. I emailed my nurse b/c I confused-- nobody said I would get a period. She said some spotting and bleeding was normal but to email if I had a real period. The next day it was definitely heavier so I emailed again and said that it was definitely a period. She basically just "made note of it on my chart" but didn't do anything.
As of today it has been 2 weeks and 1 day since my first shot and I am finally noticing the bleeding going away. Today is the first day that I barely needed a panty liner. So I guess the "period" and spotting are almost gone.
Other than bleeding, I haven't had "horrible" side effects. I definitely get headaches, but I knew I would since I got them even during my IVF cycles that used Lupron. They haven't been worse or better than my other Lupron headaches, but very annoying. It is hard to say whether or not I have experienced hot flashes (which are supposedly the most common side effect). I caught a virus this week and have had laryngitis for the past few days. So I haven't been feeling well at all but cannot blame the Lupron as I am sick, too. So maybe once this virus goes away I'll be able to tell what IS the Lupron. But as of now I would only say I've have bleeding, headaches, and moodiness. I am more emotional and I like to say "fragile". By that I mean that even the smallest things make me "snap" and "lose my cool". I have way less patience with my son and misbehavior but I am learning to make an effort and be more patient. It is very hard. Today was the first day I cried but I have a feeling it won't be the last. The emotional distress is getting harder and harder to bear. Maybe once I'm healthy I'll feel a little better. We shall see. I'll post as I experience more and more of what Lupron Depot has in store for me.
