aw thanks kathleen! just trying to help out anyone who is considering donating... i had such a great experience!
RETRIEVAL TODAY! went off without a hitch. seriously, i had everyone in the room cracking up. you see, my dog pooped all over the carpet in the wee hours of the morning (scared of thunderstorms) so it was a hectic AM just to GET to the clinic. So the actual retrieval was sort of the least of my worries.
Had some time to talk to the doc and the anesthesiologist, and the nurse was also very helpful. I was starving at this point, so those crackers in the recovery room looked SO TEMPTING.
But I waited... went in to the exam room, and it was NIGHT NIGHT time with some sedation. Let me tell you, that was pleasant.
They said I wouldn't remember much, and they were right. I kinda recall them walking me to the recovery room, covering me with a blanket... then BOOM i was up and I felt like a million bucks.
Prior to the retrieval the doctor explained that with my estrogen levels, i am at a slightly higher risk for OHSS. They piggybacked some albumen (protein, i guess?) on my IV to try and prevent some of the complications. So far, so good. I don't even have cramps.
I still look like a bloated little whale but it's cool. TWENTY TWO retrieved
. That seems like a good amount, although I am not so sure what average is.
I totally broke with the nurses guidelines, and devoured some Wendy's after the short procedure (I was out in 2.5 hours, but was delayed slightly)... now I am eating some more protein and drinking water.
Not bad at all, all in all. I do know that there could be crappy days ahead if I bloat and estrogen doesn't decrease, but they have me on Lupron for a few more days to help lower the level faster.
That's bout it! I will happily deposit my check and hopefully someone will be VERY PLEASED with the 22 chances they've got!