# 11 Egg collection day, Round 2.

We got to the clinic and we’re taken through to the hospital cubicle. We were not alone today, there was also another couple having the procedure this time. Being a nosey so-in-so I could hear that she was nearly ready and would be going in soon. ”Oooh, I wonder if this is her first time?!“ my brain started ticking and caused a much needed distraction.

My my husband and I put the world to right whilst we waited for our turn. In no time the other lady was being wheeled back and I could hear the nurse tell her, “fantastic, we got your egg”, my heart sank and I stopped feeling sorry for myself. One egg. I know full well with my scan I should have more than one.

Now it was my turn. I was told to perch on the bed where they ask for your name and date of birth for what felt like the millionth time. My legs went into the stirrups, “try and relax” the nurse said (my head was screaming “Hello, Relax??? I know what’s happening this time”.) The doctor inserted my local anesthesia, the oxygen mask went on and I began to feel like I was floating.

Now, I knew what was to come this time, but it still didn’t make the 4 injections any less painful. Grimacing and trying to stay calm I already wanted it over again! Now it was time for the internal scanner and needle. Left ovary was first. Trying to concentrate on the screen and watching each large black blob disappear. This time I noticed the nurse saying “running” as before, but also trickling. There would be a pause where they would pass the eggs into the embryologists room adjoining, before going back for more. I couldn’t hear the embryologist shout how many this time (however my husband said he could).

F*ck me, I can seriously feel this, I don’t know if because everything was swollen and larger that it hurt more or whether this doctor was a bit more aggressive but OUCH. “Left ones done” the nurse said to me as she was stroking my head and keeping an eye on my vitals. As the doctor pierced her way through the wall of my right ovary I remember thinking in my head, “I don’t know if I can take much more”, but was too embarrassed to admit and could see my husband so proudly watching the screen at what could potentially become our the start of our baby, I just had to grimace my way through. A minute in and I don’t know if my vitals changed or whether the doctor knew she was hurting me but she apologised and said the right follicles were being much more difficult to get to and get out. At this point I hadn‘t even noticed that I didn’t know how many they had got like last time. “All done” phew! Whilst they checked I wasn’t bleeding too much, everyone in the room told me how well I’d done. Whilst feeling extremely squiffy I looked at my husband and he gave me a kiss.

Once wheeled back to the cubicle I tried to fight back tears... unsuccessfully may I add! The nurse came to offer us tea and biscuits (I had been nil by mouth) and instead found me with tears falling over my face. I was so uncomfortable, swollen, bloated, pierced and sore all I could do was cry. My husband thought it was because of the low number of eggs (the last number he heard was 7). But at that point I had no idea! She was putting it down to the medication making me tearful but got me some co codamol which fortunately did the trick and within 30 minutes I was much more comfortable!

13 eggs!!!! 13! 3 more than last time. Yep, it was all worth it. That’s got to give us a better chance. The embryologist was happy and said that even my husband's sample had improved. Mobility went from 18% last time to 66% this time. I sat there smug that the zinc I made him take, did the job! The embryologist was very happy and certain of some results with the outcome. Realistically we should have 6-8 embryos hopefully. That would also give us an option to freeze.

Once settled and happy I could leave, I was told to get ready and try to use the toilet before I go. Could I go, nope! Not a trickle, not even a drop. Hmm, that didn’t happen before! I downed another 2 cups of water and stayed for another 15 minutes. Try again.... nope nada! Well this is embarrassing. It’s like there was a plug!! Back to drinking some more water, one last glass as the nurse didn’t want me to drink too much in case I still couldn’t go. “So what happens now?” I asked. Well I could stay until I’ve gone or go home and let them know. Obviously I chose to go home, if by 2.30pm (it was currently 11.30am) I still haven't been, then I would need to come back and have a catheter! “ I WILL GO!!!” Nothing is going back there today thank you!

I went home to bed where my dog didn’t leave my side and fortunately at 2pm, cutting it fine, I managed to go. At 6pm I took my new first injection LUBION. FYI to anyone who takes this, it stings and it will leave a lump the size of a marble under your skin for a good hour or so!!!

Now, bed rest and the dreaded wait for the embryologist to call…