“At the end of the night, before you close your eyes, be content with what you’ve done and be proud of who you are.” –Charley Brown

The day had finally come … after almost two weeks of intense meds and my stomach now protruding like I was pregnant, everything was leading up to this moment. I was advised that I couldn’t eat or drink anything past 6 am. That was probably the most challenging part of my instructions for the day since my retrieval was not until 3-4 pm. I did feel thirsty later that day and chewed one piece of gum as an alternative. Usually, retrievals are booked for morning appointments, but this week was a little different due to my doctor’s schedule.

The night before I had a light dinner and went to bed shortly after eating. I wanted to get ample sleep in case I was uncomfortable following the procedure. I was not sure how I would feel. I set my alarm and woke up around 5:45 am to brew myself some hot tea and have a blueberry muffin. I then chose to take a quick shower and go back to bed to avoid the temptation to drink or eat anything more that day. I forced myself to relax, take it easy, and stay sleeping until around noon. I put on the most comfortable outfit I could find, kissed my dog goodbye, and was picked up by my city friend to take me to the clinic lab.

I was kind of nervous, but a good kind of nervous. This was the easy part I had to remind myself. It was comforting to have a friend drive me to the clinic because I felt kind of vulnerable. Taking the pressure off getting to the lab, which was about 40 miles north of the city, allowed me time with my thoughts. Upon arriving at the clinic I filled out standard paperwork. After I completed the registration process, I was brought into a meeting room to complete additional paperwork and have any questions answered by the nurse. This was a good time to review all the possible side effects of today’s procedure, learn the discharge instructions, things to look out for and warning signs of hyperstimulation.

The biggest factor is to avoid hyperstimulation which is a medical condition affecting the ovaries of some women who take fertility medication to stimulate egg growth might get. Most cases are mild, but on occasion, if the condition is severe can lead to serious illness. You just want to be clear about the warning signs.

After all, my questions were answered and the forms filled out I was taken into my recovery suit. There I was asked to change into a hospital gown and remove other clothing except for my socks. I smiled a bit once I completed changing as I wore my lucky Chicago socks that went up to my knees. I realized in that moment how that was a good move, because I couldn’t remember if I shaved my legs or not. No reason to be shy at this point I thought.

A short time later, I was visited by the IVF lab embryologist director and my doctor. Retrieval time was here. As I got situated in the retrieval room, I realized how many familiar faces were in the room. As a sales rep working in medicine, I had helped the clinic with past retrieval processes while selling fertility supplies. I embraced the comfortable and safe environment. Things were just slightly different this time around because for the first time I was now the patient. Typical protocol events took place such as name check verification, IV placement, and offer to slumber land I went. The last thing I remember telling everyone was how the room felt like my fertility family was all together on Christmas eve.

I don’t remember much after that. When they explain to you that short-term memory loss can happen, it is real. Apparently, I cracked some jokes, told everyone I loved them and was talking crazy talk after waking up from anesthesia. All I remember is how I was thirsty. A short time later, I was picked up my other friend who is like a second mother to me. Our friendship stems back several years and having her there with me was very comforting. She drove me back to the city and we promptly went to eat dinner.

Looking back, I could have done without eating out. I mean let’s face it, how presentable could I have looked and now that the anesthesia was wearing off didn’t feel my best as I crippled around like an elderly person. Plus we ordered way too much food that I didn’t even take a bite of. My appetite really was not back yet. I just thought I wanted food, but nothing actually tasted good. If I had to do it over again I would have been more prepared with supplies at home rather than gone out in public.

I suggest a few days before your retrieval to stock up on any fluids that contain electrolytes such as Gatorade, Propel water, Pedialyte, easy to make food items, and semi-healthy snacks. This would have saved me from having to beg my friends or neighbors to pick up these items for me when I was to exhausted and bloaty the next day to do it myself. It is hard to ask for help and the day after the retrieval I felt too sore and bloated to really move. Luckily for me, I did have a great neighbor who willingly picked up Pedialyte and Propel water for me so I could recover faster the next day until I could go to the store myself and get more.

We would love to hear from you! Tell us what do you think. Have you or someone you know completed oocyte cryopreservation? How did you feel after your procedure? Any words of encouragement you would tell other women who are thinking about doing the procedure? What lessons did you learn about yourself? Would you do it all over again? We would love it if you join the conversation.