ED retrival

[mshappy]

Some of you may have read my post earlier, since I am going through with the retrival. I would like to know if anyone has gone through it before, and what I can expect in terms of the process. I'm a little nervous, bc I've never had any type of surgery or prcedures done before. So can anyone let me know what to expect and if there is anything to be worried about?
Thanks.

[Magpie]

Hi,
I have been through retrieval five times. You are prepped and then the anesthesiologist gives you a shot that will cause you to fall asleep (but it is not general anesthesia). I never felt any pain during the procedure and I was always completely out. The next thing you know you are waking up and asking how many eggs they got. You might feel a tad loopy coming out of the anesthesia, slur your words, and say silly things (I'm sure the doctors and nurses have heard it all).

I always felt some abdominal soreness afterward but nothing that over-the-counter pain killers couldn't handle. They recommend you rest for the remainder of the day.

I don't recall having any bleeding afterward - maybe some spotting. Good luck!

I wanted to add - wear warm socks and loose fitting pants or sweats.

[flicka7]

I've done 6 retrievals and would agree with magpie. I got an IV and was put under for the procedure. You'll wake up a little groggy and then have some abdominal soreness, but nothing bad. Like period cramps. Just take it easy for the rest of the day. After my first retrieval, I babysat for 2 toddlers!!! That was crazy, just hit the couch and relax.

I hope you get a lot of good eggs!

[BC-KarenS-MI]

I never made it to retrieval, but most RE's will put you to sleep so you won't feel anything at all. Some people feel some cramping after, while others feel just a little tired. If you want more responses, ask this same question on the IVF & High Tech bb. That board moves a bit faster.

You'll do wonderful!!

Karen

After 2 IVF's of my own, I'll ditto what the other ladies have said here. Most often, women are put under what they call conscious sedation. You are awake technically, but you don't remember a thing. When coming out of the anesthesia, you will probably ask the same questions a few times before you will remember the actual answers! LOL. Plan to stay quiet the rest of the day with some abdominal soreness. I always wore wool socks because my feet get cold easily!

Will the RE tell you how many were retrieved and fertilized? Will you get to find out if there is a pregnancy from your eggs (that is if you are interested in finding out!). Some clinics share that info and some don't.

Let us know how things go! Do you have a retrieval date yet?

Diana

[tanjalalie]

YAY! I am sooooo sooo glad you are going to do your Retrieval!
You are doing such a wonderful thing!

Went through two myself, and it was really simple. Dress in your nice hospital gown, the anesthesiologist comes to make an IV in your hand (3 seconds of slight disomfort), and you get to wear one of the silly blue caps on your head I agree, DO remember to bring a nice pair of warm socks!

You get walked to the little procedure room and put on the table (much like when they do your scans to watch your follicles' progress).
The nurses fuss around you for a minute and smile at you and the RE comes in and makes a silly comment, and then the Anesthesiologist tells you she is going to start the medicine and for you to count back from ten.
So you, being a good girl, go: ten...

The next thing you know the nurses are calling your name and getting you to sit up, and you go: nine
They tell you it's all done and all went great, and roll you in a little wheelschair back to the recovery room where you sit back in your comfy chair and nap a little til they come bring you some juice and crackers and tell you how great you did. (You get told you were only in the procedure room for 15 minutes or so. I never could believe that!)

They will check your bloodpressure and heartrate a few times, and wait for you to go use the bathroom by yourself, after which you get to dress in your clothes, bid a fond farewell to the fashionable blue cap ( I took mine as souvenir ) and have your boyfriend drive you home.

At home I always took something for the slight cramps ( like mild period cramps). The first time I had a few drops of spotting, the second time none at all. Both times I spent the rest of day on the couch watching nice movies and getting waited on by my DH.

Let us know how your retrieval went, you selfless woman, you!



Tanja

[BC-MAV]

I have had 8 retrievals and NEVER felt a thing during ANY of the procedures!!! IVF sedation like Fentanyl, Versed, and Valium is used so you are essentially asleep and never know anything happenned. Fentanyl is good because it puts you out but doesn't stay in your system long so your are not left with a drug headache. Sometimes a numbing gel is applied after you are asleep. It is RARE for a Dr. to do an egg retrieval without some sort of sedation but if a Dr. does NOT, DEMAND it!!! $300 is worth it and the couple is expected to pay for that. The procedure is relatively short... like 20-30 minutes. I have NEVER had spotting, and I have had ER in 3 different states, but you COULD have minor spotting. OTC pain relievers and heat patches can help with any pain you might have (again all I've taken was Tylenol and one time RX when I had OHSS). If you are in more pain because you've stimulated well then you can get an RX to take for a few days. I'm so glad you are going ahead. You are going to make dreams come true for a very lucky couple!!!!

[mshappy]

Hi. I just found out today that my retrival will be done on monday morning, so I'm hoping that everything goes well. Thanks for all your info so I know what to expect.

[BC-donor]

Good luck! You already know this, but I have to say it again, you're helping a couple to have a chance at finally making their dreams come true.