Now that I'm feeling more human/rational- I can tell the real story of Egg Retrieval.
We decided to stay at my Mom's the night before. She lives about 10 minutes away from the clinic and with the way things have been going- I didn't want to risk weather or some freak traffic accident throwing a wrench into the plans. Plus we had to be there at 6:30am.
So we got there, got taken back, changed into attractive hospital garb. And then you wait. For a loooooong time. Too long for someone who is a total anxious looney tune already. J tried to calm me down by telling me funny (not funny at the time) stories and being insanely positive. He reminded me that this is the furthest we've ever gotten. And it's been so hard to get here. And he's right. I should be happy that we got to this step.
They came in and explained what would happen and then the nurse anesthetist came and put my IV in. They asked me to verify who I was about 60 million times, which is good I guess. No need to mix up anyone's eggs. Unless you'd like to mix me up with someone who had like 20? Hmmm? Ok, sike.
Anyway- The doc also came to talk to me and verify what they would do in the lab. ICSI was a yes, but no assisted hatching unless the lab believed it to be necessary. Check. I'd never met this doc before- at Le Baby Factory- the rotate through the docs who do the retrievals so you get who you get. But he was nice none the less.
When it was show time- I walked to the OR with the nurse and they put me up in giant stirrups. And the next thing I remember I was waking up in recovery. For serious- I don't even remember laying down. That part is kind of awesome. When I woke up I instantly wanted to know how many eggs we had. The nurse wasn't sure yet, but would let me know. I felt like I was going to hurl so they gave me some zofran in my IV and it went away pretty quickly. The pain wasn't bad- like really bad cramps, kinda. J appeared from the waiting area and the nurse told me there were 4 eggs. And then I broke down.
Everyone keeps telling me I should be happy there are 4 and that it only takes one. Sure- all this is right. It just sucks to go through ALL THIS SHIT and end up with 4. It's disappointing that my body is failing me. It terrifies me that all the waiting we did could have really hurt our chances. And it just sucks.
Lots of people have said good things to me and helped me maintain perspective which is something I need desperately. It's all out of my hands now. Science did it's part and it's in God's hands now. I can only concentrate on one step at a time. We've never been able to get this far before. So now I can only focus on getting the fert report today. Please just let us make it to transfer. Please, please, please. I'll get the report this afternoon.
Good luck to you, Kathy...I admire your perseverance. You don't know me but I stumbled upon your blog. Love your honesty. I wish you all the best...and don't give you. You do still have youth on your side!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteHopefully this cycle is it! :)