Mission Accomplished

I made it....

It was a harrowing experience. Perhaps because I am a drama queen or just perhaps it was harrowing.

We arrived at the ambulatory care center (a division of a local university my RE uses) and began to get prepped for the procedure. Everyone was very nice. I had a great RN who was very kind and comforting. I got ready, changed my clothes and the RN started the IV.

Normally, for the ER the patient is put under general anesthesia (asleep). So, you go to sleep have your eggs retrieved and then wake up -- all done. Well my anesthesiology was a wuss. She looked at me and said my air way wasn't good enough and she was worried because of my weight. So she didn't want to do GA here but preferred to do local --- an epidural. I was very worried an not happy about not getting to fall asleep and having to be unconscious through the whole damn procedure. I don't do well with girly exams and such and definitely was not looking forward to the experience. My RE was very kind and supportive the whole time. I love her immensely and if any one ever needs an excellent RE reference e-mail me and I'll give you her details.

So, I had an epidural. Like I said not my first choice but I made it through. When I was having the blasted thing my RE was in front holding my shoulder and my knees and rubbing my shoulder to comfort me and in a very tender and almost motherly manner she laid her head against mine. I was so comforted and so relaxed by her act of kindness I grew to love her even more in that instant. She has the best bedside manner of any PERSON let alone doctor I've every met.

I could feel the ER. It wasn't painful but it wasn't a walk in the park either. That tricky RE... she said, "ok, now I am just getting and ultra sound so don't worry." About 2 minutes later I could feel her touching my left ovary. "Doctor, are you doing the retrieval?" "YES she said"...She tricked me! But I am glad she did. I don't want to know every single detail of what is going on! Just do it and don't waste time mincing words for Christ's sake! She did and excellent job. And for the magic number!!

18

18 eggs retrieved! I'll get the call today to see how many are mature and how many fertilized. Harry did his job too, he came through -- no pun intended! :)

Last night was a bad night. My back is still sore and I am still very angry about having to have an epidural. I don't like it when we deviate from the plan. But I did make it through. I am curious as to what others have experienced during their ER.

So, because of the epidural my recovery time was a lot longer than normal. We didn't leave the care center until 2:00 p.m. -- the same time my family was due to arrive! But we made it to the airport in time and every one was happy to wait because they knew what Harry and I were going through.

Thank you all very much for your support and well wishes! I have a great prayer I'll share latter that a friend sent to me. Ironically I received the prayer the night before the ER.

---Update---
Just got the call now... 11 fertilized. ET is temporarily scheduled for Saturday at 8:30 a.m.

Wednesday is the Day

We're scheduled for our ER on Wednesday morning.

Scary

It's really happening. I've really made it this far. All my blogging gal pals are just a little ahead of me or right behind me! Good luck to all my lady friends starting out! It gets less confusing as you move along.

On Friday I was sitting in my RE's office waiting to be seen and newbie patient was walking out. She sounded unsure and so confused. The receptionist said, "Just call us when you start your period and we'll tell you what to do next." Newbie still was hesitant and I could tell a little curious. I felt like running up to her and handing her a business card (which i don't have) that has all our blogs on it for her to read. Remember when you first started, how afraid and confused were you? I remember how I thought I had it all planned out and knew exactly what was going to happen- ha ha ha! I do feel very enlightened now and want to help other women as the take their own journey. There is something only another women who is experiencing IF and IVF can share. There are no words to explain this feeling inside of me-- words cannot express what another IF woman knows.

During my u/s this morning my RE RN said, "Holy Crap".... She says I have so many follicles she stopped counting after 15. They're hopeful I'll have a good harvest.

Thank you all for being there... for the first blogs I found back in January when my mind was an ocean of uncertainty to my good gal pals who joke and laugh at the little things.

I am completely peaceful about the ER on Wednesday. We do have a little hiccup. Harry's family is coming from England for a visit on Wednesday as well! We tried to plan their visit after our IVF cycle but as you all well know my body has a mind of its own. I am not too worried about having company, I really love my in-laws and am looking forward to seeking my cheeky 3 year old nephew.

If I have enough embies RE is going to go to blast stage (Monday) if not ET will be on Saturday. We're hoping for blast.

So, I'll be reading up on you all and let you know how my eggies do!