egg collection/IVF

[simbacooper]

Hi, Im new to mumsnet. My husband and I are having IVF for the first time, I had my first child naturally. Im really worried about the procedure , Ive heard horrible stories, particularly about egg collection. Can anyone share any experiences or advice to calm my nerves?????

[BagofHolly]

I had 2 cycles of IVF and was sedated for each egg collection, and it was LOVELY! really deeply relaxing, no pain whatsoever and a feeling that I'd had a fantastic sleep! I was properly terrified first time but second time I was really looking forward to it! You don't feel a thing and get a good kip! Both cycles were successful, btw!

[Ladymuck]

I think the procedure varies from hospital to hospital. I was under GA for my egg collections.

[simbacooper]

Ive heard that it varies, my consultant has said they could use GA or sedation. Dont want to have GA if its not needed but scared about being awake for it. Thanks BagofHolly, sounds like you had a great experience, could def do with feeling like Ive had a good sleep :-)

[BagofHolly]

Mine was DEFO sedation, not GA, and it was great. I wish spa places would offer it as a treatment!

[ellangirl]

I've had 2, both under sedation. The first I remember a bit more of being in theatre (though not much) and I was in pain after for a few days but this is not the norm!! The second time I remembered nothing until I woke up 20 mins after being wheeled back into room, and the next day was back to normal. no probs except a few cramps which is to be expected.
I think I was just unlucky the first time, and I wouldn't be worried if I had to go through it again thanks to my second experience. The other people I know whi have had it also had no issues at all. The clinics are really good to support you and answer any questions so make sure you ask lots to help you understand exactly what will happen.

[helenlouisey]

I had my egg collection under sedation and it was fine, I was also nervous that I would be aware and in pain, but honestly I felt and remember nothing. Felt like I'd strained all my tummy muscles for a few days after and had a bit of bleeding but had all settled down by the time we did embryo transfer on day 5. Best of luck x

[barbigirl]

I remember it as being uncomfy rather than painful and the sedatives making me feel drunk. I remember thanking the staff over and over for helping me like some lush of an Oscar winner...then I remember them saying 'lets give her more sedation...'
The pethidine(?) did make me feel sick afterwards but TBH as an experience it wasn't the worst. I definitely wouldn't say it was horrible or terrifying. Good luck! Good luck!

[vallinnapod]

I'm with BagofHolly - had it under sedation and it was AMAZING . I remember nothing other than wanting to take it home with me :) No pain afterwards either, just nervous anticipation.

[bugsylugs]

I had EC under sedation. Propofol, afentanyl and one more escapes me at the moment ooh think midazolam. Walked into theatre so you might find that a bit odd/ stressful. They talked us through that in detail in the room I got ready in. Had my cannula put in and about 2 mins later I was fast asleep. Woke up ok, walked around a shop 2 hrs later. No internal pain, but really bad back pain after a day just settling when had ET and worse again. But I do have a back problem. That is not usual. Try not to worry. was not a problem at all

[simbacooper]

Thank you so much for all your messages, feeling a bit better about it now. How did you all get on with the hormones?

[GoldenGreen]

also had a good experience under sedation, no pain or anything afterwards, and I didn't get any of the nasty side effects you hear about on the hormones. Just got a little stressed about the uncertainty of the process!

[vallinnapod]

I too didn't have much of a reaction to the hormones either (DH agreed ) for me just going through IVF made me feel like I was doing some thing positive at last and actually was less stressful than the clomid and letrozole we did before.

[ellangirl]

My consultant said that women going through altruistic egg donation cycles in her experience find it quite easy. I think the stress of going through it, especially if it costing you a lot of money is more problematic, so finding ways to stay relaxed like acupuncture really helps lots of people. The only proper side effects I had is headaches from the down regulation.

[barbigirl]

Sorry if this sounds annoying...for some reason the down reg made me feel incredibly chilled out...like I was sort of sedated all the time. Opposite of what I was expecting (hormonal highs and lows/tears etc).

[jumpingjackhash]

Hi there, my ec was under general anaesthetic (under for about 10mins) and was pretty straight-forward - our clinic prefers GA as they can 'manipulate' you a bit better to get everything they need out. Sounds nasty, but it's not really! Apparently when I was coming around from the GA I was waffling on about how lovely the nurses all were! Afterwards I just felt a little spaced-out and uncomfortable, nothing paracetamol and some r&r didn't sort.

The hormones affect everyone differently, but my experience was pretty positive - no bad side-effects or anything, just some bloating and the odd sting with the injections. Just drink plenty of water - you'll find your biggest problem is needing to pee all the time.

Seriously - don't worry about any of it, just focus on the positives and you'll be OK.

[yousankmybattleship]

I had mine under sedation. First time was very uncomfortable but onnly for a fairly short time. I was very nervous about the second time but it was fine. Don't worry too much. Even if it is uncomfrtable, it doesn't take too long and it is a wonderful feeling to have those eggs safely gathered ready for potential babies!

[simbacooper]

Thanks so much for all your replies, it def helps to hear other peoples experiences.