IVF Egg Retrieval

Updated on June 04, 2012
S.B. asks from Encino, CA
7 answers

Hello Moms -
I'm going through IVF and will likely have my egg retrieval next week. Anyone who has gone through this willing to share their personal experiences? I'd love to know what to expect during and after the procedure. Obviously, I've already discussed wtih my doctor what the procedure entails; I just want to get the "been there" view point. One question in particular - I have an MNO scheduled that same night. I know I won't be driving, but is it reasonable to plan to go to dinner with friends the same evening as the procedure?
Thanks to all!

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C.A.

answers from Dallas on

I had IVF 4 times....we have our miracle son who is a treasure.

The answer to dinner with friends depends on your body. I had hyper-stimulated ovaries that had me in severe pain on 2 occasions. No fun. But other times, not.

I would only suggest slowing your pace during this time and focusing on the POSITIVE end result.

If you're haven't done a round of acupuncture, I cannot stress the importance of this enough. The 2x we got pregnant were the 2x I did acupuncture right before retrieval.

Blessings to you!

3 moms found this helpful
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K.R.

answers from Boston on

IVF sucks...I'm sorry you are going through. That said, I did 5 IVF cycles with 2 miscarriages (my HCG didn't rise enough) but our last one gave us our almost 4 year baby. In terms of MNO, I would say it depends on the level of commitment involved. If you can cancel day of (e.g. people know about IVF) I think it would ok to wait and see.

You don't know how your body is going to respond to the anesthesia (dizziness, nausea), your uterus may be sore and/or and you may be bleeding, etc. Everyone is different. Although it's "minor", it's a surgery, and each time I responded differently afterward. I always gave myself the rest of that day to rest and kept the next day light, just in case (which I needed a couple of times).

I also second doing acupuncture. I did 4 times and got PG 3 of them.

I wish you the very best of luck and hope things go well.

2 moms found this helpful
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M.K.

answers from Columbus on

I have no experience with this; I just wanted to say I'm offering you my prayers and emotional support!!

Hope all goes well!!

2 moms found this helpful
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C.P.

answers from San Diego on

Absolutely do not plan anything the day after your retrieval. You wont feel like going out. If your procedure is next week then, as it gets closer, you will feel more and more uncomfortable carrying around all those follicles. Just rest the day of the procedure. They don't put you totally under but it feels like it. And the next couple of days you feel crapy to. When you feel all bloated after the procedure, the trick is gatorade. Really helps! They will hopefully let you take something for the constipation too. Take things really slow from now until you know the results of the pregnancy test. All MNO and other activities can wait. You'll be happy you rested. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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A.F.

answers from New York on

I have also done IVF...3 times 2 pregnancies. The first time (5years ago) I was also doing acupuncture. We were very lucky and it worked the first time! I now have almost 5 year old b/g twins!! SO worth all the IVF stuff in the end. I ma currently pregnant and due in July. This time, I was not doing acupuncture and was very lucky again...it happened the second round. So I just wanted to start off with positive news for you, bc I know how important it is to hear that stuff.
As far as the egg retrieval, everyone is different and will responf differently to the procedure. The first time was more uncomfortable. Not sure why, but I definately needed the whole day to recoup and then they told me to rest the next day too. Could be bc I was hyperstimulated and they removed 24 eggs! This time, I came home went right to sleep and went to a wedding the same night. And I had my two kids with me. So, it really depends. I would just focus on your self, your body and not any other obligation. I know...easier said than done!! I wish you all the best. Please message me if you have ANY more questions or just need to vent or chat. GOOD LUCK!

1 mom found this helpful
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V.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

After my egg retrieval, I had ovarian hyperstimulation and the doctors almost cancelled the re-implantation because of it. They didn't cancel it, we had a fantastic baby, but during delivery, the obstetrician discovered that my ovary had flipped and they had to take it out. I still have one ovary, but I would just caution you to take it easy, as this is a tricky time. VERY worth it, though.

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C.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hey S.,
As you may be able to tell from my response I have been through IVF. It was a little dicey at times, but my son made it full term and we are so thankful. The best piece of advice I can give is to keep you mind on the goal (that sweet baby in your arms), and try to relax and enjoy the experience.
Unfortunately, I never got to the retrieval part, but I have heard varying experiences from really uncomfortable to mild discomfort. You may want to make you attendance tentative until you have gone through it and know how your body will respond.

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