Things went smoothly this morning. Taking Uber was a great idea - there was no issues with traffic or parking. Very glad we didn't need to rely on anyone to give us a ride.
It was a bit of a controlled chaos when we got there. For some reason there were FETs happening this morning. Usually my clinic has egg retrievals in the morning and transfers in the afternoon, yet there were several couples doing transfers checking in at the same time. Someone explained to us that there were some transfers from yesterday that got delayed and they needed to happen before the retrievals.I didn't quite get the reason why. They forgot to check my husband's ID when he dropped off his contribution and he had to remind them. They took me back about 20 min later than my original check in time.
We got called back to our cubicle room, separated by curtains from the other cubicles The nurse started taking my vitals, but I asked to use the bathroom first. In the few minutes while I was away the original nurse got called to a transfer and another nurse had taken over. It was fine, but they missed a few things (checking my ID and forgetting my temp). Throughout this whole thing none of it bothered me because they gave me a bracelet with info and kept double checking it with any form or whatever that I needed to sign so I wasn't concerned. Eventually I asked my nurse if they need any of that stuff and she took care of it. I wasn't trying to get anyone in trouble but I didn't want any of this to come back to bite me in the butt later on. The original nurse came back and apologized - she's like I know you guys but I still should've checked. I was so not mad and was totally fine with it. It was cute she felt the need to apologize. I got the IV put in easily and then it was a waiting game. My husband and I kept each other entertained. He had the suggestion to go around to the curtain cubicles and wish everyone good luck which we both found hilarious. My suggestion was to yell out "Room Service" to get the nurse's attention and then ask about the in flight movie options. I'm glad he was with me, and not only because he was my Designated Adult taking me home.
They were running a bit behind schedule and took the person in cubicle 2 at 9:25. I was up next but my appointment was for 9:30 and I was worried about the time -- they make it very clear that trigger needs to be exactly 36 hours before retrieval. So I asked and they said it's fine because they build in a cushion of time. Whether or not that's true, it was the reality of what was happening. I did a final bladder check and got ready to go. They called me back at 9:45. I was back in my cubicle at 10:11. As soon as I was alert I started to cry. I remember this from last time too. I wasn't so much in pain but I was upset. At what? I'm not sure. I assumed it was the pain and asked for medication and an extra heat pad. I wasn't sobbing, my eyes just kept filling up with tears. Maybe I was just feeling sorry for myself that we have to go through this again.
The doc came in to give us the number: 15 eggs. We thanked him and when he left I started a fresh batch of tears. Last time we got 27 eggs. I know that it depends on how many fertilize/grow, etc., but I also know that the more you start off with the better the chances are that there will be some good ones at the end of the very long road with attrition at every step.
The lady in room 2 on our right got 9 eggs. Lady in room 4 on our left got two eggs, and an additional surprise diagnosis of endometriosis (they originally though it was another follicle and poked it but ended up not being what they thought). We weren't trying to be nosy but it was impossible not to hear the conversation through the mesh curtains. I know we can't compare our journey to anyone else, but it kind of made me realize I can't take my 15 for granted. I wish both those ladies so much luck and success on their journey.
I didn't sleep well because I was so worried about today. I was worried there would be a complication or for some reason the surgery would get canceled. Anything from my husband not being able to produce a sample or it not being good enough, to getting into an accident on the way to the clinic and missing our appointment, to my blood pressure or weight being astronomical and them canceling the cycle, or something crazy happening during the surgery and having to get further intervention.... I guess now that I type it all out I believe my tears were just relief that it was over.
I had some ginger ale and water in recovery. My blood pressure was awesome - I'd like to think the exercise I've been doing helped that. I walked in a straight line on the first try and was released to go. Again Uber was awesome and arrived within minutes. When we got home my husband got me settled in bed with drinks and heating pad and went to go pick up my pain meds. He came home with a really funny, thoughtful, sweet card that made me tear up again for different reasons this time.
Regardless of what happens with today's embryos we sill have one in the freezer from the last retrieval. I haven't given up on them, of course not - by any stretch of the imagination, and I'm hoping we'll have some good news throughout the week. But regardless, we're planning to schedule for a transfer in April. It really helps puts things in perspective.
The weather today is absolutely gorgeous. It's keeping my spirits up and putting my in a great mood. I'm also secretly happy I don't feel any pressure to go out and do something because I'm recovering and it hurts to move around.
That's my rambling, drug-induced, unedited update. I haven't even reread it so if there are some inconsistencies or random phrases off the back of the cheerios box inserted throughout, blame the meds #sorrynotsorry
15 is a great number! I'm glad things went well and I hope you are feeling good today, I will wish for great updates this week.
ReplyDeleteFeeling ok, thank you. Keep those good thoughts going.
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