Ah, the green Follistim case.
If you’re like me (meaning you’ve had a couple of failed IVF cycles), you may have one or two of these bad boys laying around your house.
And if you’re like me (meaning you’re nearly broke from paying for the aforementioned failed IVF cycles), you may feel bad about throwing away something for which you paid $700-900.
So I decided I needed to figure out how to upcycle the Follistim case. To my surprise, it was easy!
First, you need to pull out the insert that has the space for the Follistim pen and needle caps. I was able to do this by pulling back the zipper and sliding my finger under the insert. It’s glued on, but it came loose very easily.
Next, I placed the case on top of some pretty wrapping paper. I used a pencil to draw an outline of the case and then I cut it out.
Finally, I placed the wrapping paper in the space where the insert was, and affixed it using some double-sided tape. If you’re super-crafty, you could even use fabric glue to attach some pretty fabric.
And that’s it! Simple and quick. I made two in less than 15 minutes.
Now I have the world’s most expensive pencil case!
Or maybe I could use it to hold all the tampons I’ll be needing in the next few months while I wait for our next IVF attempt. Hemingway’s not too keen on this idea, apparently.
Perhaps they’ll come in handy at Christmas. This would be an awesome White Elephant gift. Or, want to make a unique gift for someone who already has everything? I bet they don’t have a Follistim case!
What do you do with your used Follistim cases? Any other ideas (serious or sarcastic) on up-cycling them? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Want more tips on surviving IVF? Check out my new Kindle eBook, “Preparing for IVF: Approach Your IVF With Confidence and Courage.”
Lisa, I just love you. Seriously. It had be cracking up reading this post. I am sure we all have a few of these cases lying around and would like something other to do with them then collect dust.
Thanks, Candace! I just got so irritated looking at them, and I knew I had to do something to make me smile when I saw them.
I love that you can find some humor in all of this! I don’t have any of those yet but I do have a feeling it may be in my future.
Thanks, Amie! Now you know what to do with them when you’re finished!
I love how you CHOOSE to let your humor and creativity shine!
Thanks, Evangeline! 🙂
Seriously brilliant! Wish I hadn’t thrown mine out in that infamous fit of poor me, this sucks, it’s not fair moment ;). J
Oh, bummer! Now where will you put your pencils?! 😉
This. is. hilarious. I only used follistim for my IUI, and gonal-f doesn’t hand out such handy dandy little pouches which I was SERIOUSLY bummed about! What do you mean I can’t carry around my pouch and shoot up inconspicuously in public bathrooms?
I know. I used Gonal-F once, too, and was seriously disappointed with its lack of accessory bags!
Ha, this is great. I tossed the first one I had and still have the second one. Maybe I’ll revamp mine too. I think I’m more upset about the progesterone suppositories I still have that I can’t use any more and cost me maybe just as much. Sweet hell this stuff is not cheap. At least, like you said, we can find a little humor in how thin our wallets are getting.
Nope, not cheap at all! I’m assuming the suppositories are still in the packaging? My clinic accepts unused medicine and donates them to other patients. I’ve been the recipient once or twice myself! Maybe your clinic does the same?
This.is.Awesome. I only used Follistim for one cycle because my insurance covers Gonal-F (which comes in a plain old box AND doesn’t have any overfill, boo), but I still have the one Follistim package from last October. Because it is so pretty! How could I throw it out?! Now I know how to put it to use!
Glad I could help! Your pencils and tampons will thank you.
Lisa, I smiled so big when I saw this post. High five on your positive spirit and finding fun in your leftovers. You have inspired me to pull out my box of leftovers to repurpose my follistim case. I hope I did not throw it away. I’m thinking maybe a wallet/clutch. Wallet, ha, appropriate, since the meds really kick you in it. Your outlook is a true inspiration.
Glad it made you smile, Janine. A wallet or clutch is a great idea!
I only wish You would have written this several months ago! In my anger and sadness at how out IVF cycle ended up I went on the rampage and threw away all of the left over “goodies” including one of these priceless green cases! Thank you for a chuckle.