We made it to our first retrieval! It’s been an emotional roller coaster. Like many others in the IVF community you need to travel to your clinic. For us, this includes combating Nashville traffic along the way. Now we are in “a melting pot” as people from all over end up here which also means completely different driving habits. Nothing like getting your heart racing with bad drivers, swerving in and out of traffic. As B likes to say, “trust me, I got you” and “did you die?” I only worry a lot when others are so crazy on the road.

We made it in time to the clinic. Check in was a breeze. About 20 minutes later I was brought back into pre-op. I said goodbye to B. I changed into the hospital gown, socks and hair net. I was allowed to keep my phone and jewelry. I walked to my pre-op bed and was given a warm blanket. Today my nurse was Rita and she kept me comfortable. My delicious breakfast was two Tylenol with a sip of water. Soon it was time to start my IV. That is when my nerves really kicked in. Still not a fan of needles but IVs are even more foreign to me. Rita was nice and reassuring though the IV ended up in the side of my wrist. It was somewhat uncomfortable but I just withered with my anxiety.

The nurse anesthetist came in and did their consents followed by the doctor. The doctor noted he was hopeful to get one to four eggs from the five follicles that we’ve been monitoring. The doctor noted they were running a bit behind schedule but it shouldn’t be too much longer. I was only a little concerned as they are always report timing is of the essence to be able to retrieve the eggs in the appropriate time frame (36 hours after the trigger). I made it through a whole bag of IV before it was time for me to go the OR. I was escorted to the bathroom around 9:30am and then it was time for the OR.

I walked into the dark OR. I got up on the bed. It was weird to have to untie the hospital gown but then again I couldn’t be laying on it. Like they described it was briefly like a NASCAR pit crew getting me into position. The anesthetist gave me a nasal cannula while one nurse got my legs into the stirrups. The embryologist checked my arm band and verified egg banking this cycle. She then strapped me onto the table. Before I knew it was was told to take my deep breathes in my nose and out my mouth.

Next thing I remember is waking up in recovery asking what I’d like to drink. Ginger ale was my preference. I was told all five eggs were retrieved and we should receive a call this afternoon. I was super emotional and did tear up a bit. I was okay but overwhelmed. This was something completely new. I now know what to expect next time. Not long after I was escorted back to the restroom and dressing room where B was waiting for me. After we made it to the car I wasn’t feeling groggy but ready to be home. We stopped at McDonalds near our home. I wasn’t expecting a call call so early in the afternoon to report four out of the five were mature. That is great news! Now a little rest as I wait for Aunt Flo again to start cycle two.

-A