Tips for starting retrieval

[Anonymous]

I am starting my retrieval next week when I get my period. Any tips for the process? I have no idea what to expect. I did little research because I didn't want to get stressed by google. My husband is giving me the injections.

[Anonymous]

I know it sounds crazy, but the egg retrieval and those two weeks were really quite a breeze!
- I was really afraid the injections would hurt, but they were quite painless because of the tiny needles. I did get prescription numbing cream, Emla, for the frequent blood work which really helped. You could also use it for the injections, and then you can easily give them to yourself.
- Drink lots of water- I felt pretty dehydrated once the injections started.
- Get plenty of sleep, or take naps as I was rather tired during the two week process.
- I would eat at least something before the blood draws. I ended up fainting during one session.
- I kept a journal during the whole process, and each day I would write down the lab results and medications. This helped me keep track of everything, and I also found it really helpful to journal my thoughts and feelings each day.
- I found the injection videos helpful, but what made me feel really comfortable giving myself the injections was writing down the process step by step in the journal. It's not hard, but it was nice to have everything written down on paper that I could refer back to.
- I felt fine after the retrieval- no pain or cramping and was back to my normal self after napping off the anesthesia.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks so much, this is so helpful. Partner has two kids from another relationship who are going to be there. Do you recommend getting help for the kids, doing lots of takeout? Anything to help reduce stress? We were hoping to do the injections at 9PM every night when the kids are sleeping.

[Anonymous]

PP here: So I wouldn't necessarily do lots of unhealthy takeout especially for you. If they have a lot of salt that will contribute to the dehydration. If you find the kids rather tiring regularly, then I would get some help.

The journaling completely helped my stress levels. It was hard hearing about the follicle count going up and down after each ultrasound, and so I really enjoyed having a place to process my feelings. I also would text with a friend who has done it as it can seem a bit isolating- you are doing all this work with the appointments and the hormones, and my other friends couldn't really relate even though they are wonderful. I also took relaxing walks both before and after sunrise (it's painfully hot otherwise). I let myself have plenty of me time and indulged in getting into bed early and reading, eating some meals in bed, etc. I looked at those two weeks as my time to take care of myself physically and mentally to grow as many follicles/eggs as I could.

[Anonymous]

I'm excited and hopeful for you, OP! I know this varies by everyone so not saying my experience is necessarily what yours will be, but honestly, the whole stim/retrieval process turned out to be not nearly as big a deal as I expected going into it. The blood draws were no issue and I never felt faint or anything. I had no noticeable hormonal mood swings - in fact, once it got going, I felt so relieved to be doing something my mood actually improved (I know that sounds kind of nuts, but it was true) - and I only felt a little bloated the last couple days, nothing worse. I think it's really unlikely you'll need special help for the kids/around the house, honestly. The injections themselves are literally a couple minutes out of your day. And staying busy with life is a good thing in this process, so as not to dwell too much on it.

The shots were much easier than expected too, and I had what I'd call a normal fear of needles when I started. I would put on a good tv show, ice a spot for a minute or so, and just slide them in. One of mine did burn a bit going in (Menopur) but even that was fine once it was all in. The trigger shot was worst for me. It didn't really hurt that much more in spite of the bigger needle, but because it was IM and in the backside I had DH do that one and I think not having control over it going in made it more stressful for me!

The retrieval itself was a breeze. Going under the anesthesia was my favorite part of the whole process, it was so relaxing, LOL. I did six retrieval cycles when all was said and done and started to look forward to visiting Steve the anesthetist probably a little too much by the last one.

As a plus I have waaaaay less fear of needles/shots now than I ever thought possible. When I got my Covid vax the nurse asked if I would like to lie down and I burst out laughing and told her I'd been at this rodeo before, no worries.

In seriousness, I am wishing you the very best of luck, OP. I don't mean to downplay the emotional and physical journey that this is for all of us who undertake it. But just take it one day (shot) at a time, don't overthink it, and you will be completely fine, truly. Fingers crossed this is the only round you have to do and you'll get good embryos and your BFP on the first try!

[Anonymous]

Good luck op, you got this!

I iced the injection area for a few minutes before doing the injections. Pinch skin, insert needle slowly, inject medication slowly while releasing skin, and pull needle out slowly. I fortunately had very little bruising this way, and also alternated injection sites each day and morning/night.

Mixing the menopause vials took some getting used to.

Freedom fertility has very good videos on preparing and completing the injections.

In general, just take it easy. Do lots of takeout and out off whatever stressful chores you can. Just try to relax, and trust your doctors.

[Anonymous]

It really wasn't that bad physically. Agree with PPs.

I had a hard time with anxiety around all the appts, waiting on calls, etc. So just be kind to yourself and try to distract yourself!

I would bet help with the other kids around your embryo transfer. That's when it will be nice to rest for a day or two. I felt fine during the stims and after the ER.