IVF #2 CD 14: Our Retrieval Story

Hello everyone. Like last time, I’m late in this post, but I definitely needed the sleep. Retrieval began yesterday right at 8am. There were quite a few things that were like IVF #1, but some differences too. So, here is the play by play for IVF w/ ICSI #2.

This time, S. and I were out the house on time at 4:45 am. We had no traffic on the way to the RE office and arrived right on time. We went upstairs and found four other couples already seated. We filled out our paperwork and sat down in the lobby until one of the nurses called my name.

We went back in the pre-op area, presented photo IDs, and verified we were who we said we were, and then I was weighed in. I disrobed to change into the hat, booties, and gown that was presented to me. ID bracelets were provided and I was left with S. to pass time before he needed to leave to provide a sample.

Unlike last time, I didn’t have major cramps. I felt a little full, maybe bloated, but not the doubled up cramps I had from last time. I was worried about that. As time wound on, I did feel some twinges and some discomfort, but not the pain of before. S. told me that because I’d gone through it recently my pain threshold was probably higher. Maybe he is right. I heard a first timer in the room adjacent to mine ask if it was normal to be in this much pain and the nurse assured her it was. No biggie.

In a while, I met Joy, my anesthetist for the day. She set up the IV using the veins in my hand, which was a first for me. My preference is definitely for the IV in the arm. It tended to tug less. 

Hand IVs are not fun

While I was getting adjusted to that, S. was finally called to contribute his portion lol.

I have said before that my husband said it is the most professional thing he has ever experienced. He shared some of what was in the room and how it was set up lol. All I could say was “ewww” but marvel at the efficiency.

Shortly after he returned, my nurse Hope (yes, Hope) came in and told me it was time to depart. I gave S. his departing kiss and I went into the room. The first thing the nurse said was how much they loved my socks! (Thanks @hopefulbb2016!). She then said I was in great hands because I was in the room with Hope, Joy, and Love. (Apparently the additional doctor’s name translates to Love!). They had me lie to the edge of the table, place a mask on my face, and I don’t remember anything after that.

Well, scratch that. I remember waking up beside S. and telling him I love him. He couldn’t hear me because I was murmuring and I remember saying it again. S. tells me that I scared him because he did ask me to repeat what I said and I whispered “I love you” and then looked as if I completely passed out. He actually said he thought he was going to have to assist in something until I started softly snoring lol.

I wasn’t in horrible pain when I woke up, but I did need more assistance to walk to the car than last time. I slept the entire time in the car minus once when S. woke me to ask if I wanted him to pick me up IHOP since neither of us had eaten (yes!). He picked it up and I don’t even remember walking in the house. I do remember eating. I also remember going to my bedroom with my heating pad and then I was out!

I didn’t even remember what the nurse said was our number of eggs retrieved. S. told me it was 19! How awesome is that! 

19 eggs retrieved!!  Woohoo!!

I am so happy. I feel really good about this cycle. I really believe good things are going to happen this time. Tonight, I am a bit sorer than I was last retrieval. My little one accidentally grazed my tummy and that hurt a lot. I am also still nauseous and still moving a bit slow.

Other than that, I’m doing pretty well. Stay tuned for our fertilization report!

Now back to Gatorade and Pom juice.

Talk to you soon.

-K