The retrieval today was very successful! I was just relieved to get all those eggs out of my ovaries.

We had to be there around 8 a.m., but since we live about 40 minutes north of Atlanta, we typically have to leave around 6 a.m. Any later, and we run the risk of being late. So, we ended up arriving a little after 7 a.m. Once the nurse arrived, they went ahead and took me back. I was in so much pain that sitting and even standing was miserable. Laying down on the bed was the only way to get a little relief.

The pre-op/recovery room was quite busy. After Joe did his part, he came back and joined me. The doctor came in to tell me what was going to happen and have me sign forms to basically sign my life away. Then, two anesthesiologists came in, one who explained everything to me and got my IV going and the other who wanted to introduce herself and make sure I didn’t have any questions.

I was scheduled to go into the OR at 10 a.m., but I ended up going in at 9 a.m. I lucked out because my doctor did my retrieval *and* she’s doing my transfer on Saturday. I was nervous about the anesthesia, but I didn’t even realize when she started the drip. I remember telling them I felt a little groggy, and that’s the last memory I have.

I do, however, remember how *exposed* I was. When I got onto the OR bed, the doctor pulled up my gown and there I was with 5-6 people I hadn’t met before today milling around. After this, I have absolutely no modesty or shame, and I really don’t think anything could embarrass me.

The retrieval was supposed to take 30 minutes, but it ended up taking an hour. That’s probably because they got 21 EGGS! When I went back to the pre-op/recovery room, the first thing I heard was Joe telling me how many eggs they got and how much he loved me. Of course, I started crying because I was so happy and relieved.

After I got my instructions, we headed out. I have to start my progesterone shots tonight and my estrogen patches tomorrow. I’ve been dreading the progesterone shots, but a friend gave me a great tip — to use a heating pad to numb the area before the shot. I’m definitely giving that a try tonight.

Now, I will be on pins and needles for the next two days as I wait for the status updates of my little embies. They are fertilizing my eggs today, and I’ll get my first report tomorrow around mid-morning. Now it’s time to pray that all (or mostly all) of them fertilize!