Egg Retrieval

The egg retrieval was a cinch. I knew what to expect and therefore refrained myself from singing any songs or making the doctor blush. I was tempted to slap a piece of duct tape on my mouth just to be sure, but ended up using a bit of good old fashioned discipline.

It was early Easter morning and the nurses and doctor were in good spirits (as always) considering that it was a holiday. I passed out chocolate to all that helped me before, during and after the procedure, as some sort of peace offering. I apologized a million times over, but they were so kind. (Really my body under the influence of hormones has had a mind of its own.) Then I found out that my doctor is Jewish and my anesthesiologist is Atheist so I didn't feel AS bad. Nonetheless, I really appreciated their being there to assist me through the process.

Mike and I were laughing in the waiting room because, I kid you not, every stinkin’ commercial on the TV was advertising food. I was NPO and he was sympathy starving. What a pair we made. Got the good o’ IV started then headed to the procedure room. My nerves are a little on edge when I first lay on the hard cold bed. I could get really worked up if I let myself. Slow, deep breaths is key until they say those magical words, “I’m giving you the IV medication now.” “Oh, yes, I feel it in my arm and I’m re…ad………………………………..zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz”

I awoke, once again, to my husband at my side. No singing, no singing, I would remind myself. This time it took a little longer to recuperate from the sedatives. I went home and conked out. The rest of the day was lazy until I had to force myself to get dressed and ready for the evening. Our sweet friends, the Owens, fed us a delicious Easter dinner.

That night I had a tough time going to sleep, wondering about the possibilities. We were told that they retrieved 16 follicles. I thought that was a good number but I also knew that it would go down as time went on. I’ve learned that not all follicles have eggs in them and many eggs are either not alive or insufficient in some way.

I got the call Monday that 14 eggs had survived the fertilization process. Fourteen gives us something to work with during the freezing process. The good doctor called later that evening to confirm 14 eggs and explain that we would lose a few more during the maturing phase. They would grow to blastocysts then be frozen, some on Friday and possibly some on Saturday. I would know by Monday. What the heck, what’s another week of waiting?!