Egg retrieval question..

How did everyone find the egg retrieval process to be? From what I read online, it's fairly quick but they give you general anesthesia rather than local.

Just curious if anyone was given the option for local anesthesia rather than general. For a quick procedure, I'd rather have local. Just wondering if it's an option but I'll obviously ask my RE.

Also, can you eat/drink the day of the egg retrieval (prior to the retrieval). I don't dread the procedure so much but I dread being given a 2 PM appt and being told no food or water before.

Also, how important is it to have someone with you? DH will be there to drop off his sample but in case he has to leave earlier than me..I'm just wondering. I go to Cornell in Manhattan so I will NOT be driving there. I can take a taxi home since I live in Queens. Is it something I can handle on my own? I went for an endoscopy by myself and was put under..I had no problems getting home by train..not sure if it the after effect is similar.

TIA

Message edited 7/26/2015 3:13:40 PM.

Egg retrieval question..

You have to have someone with you if you go under GA. I wasn't given the option of a local. I'm pretty sure they probably won't let you do a local but I guess it wouldn't hurt to call hem and ask.


I honestly don't remember much about before. It but the general rule is no food from midnight the night before. Again you can always discuss it with hem if you call

Re: Egg retrieval question..

I asked the RE about this at my consult..he said in all his years he only had 2 patients go for local and not general. He doesnt recommend it. makes it harder for the dr. and for the patient.

I would just do general anesthesia unless you had some allergy or medical reason for not wanting it.

Egg retrieval question..

Honestly, it's not a real general anesthesia with a breathing tube and all, it's an IV sedation which is much easier on your body than general. You come out of it right away and the recovery is a lot faster.

I would have someone go with you though, even with taking a cab, you will still be a little out of it.

Egg retrieval question..

In general you are suppose to have a driver but my experience is they never check. NO eating food, drinks or candy when having anesthesia. You can aspirate into your lung if you vomit and have something in your stomach, this is true even if you have a local. The reason, if something did happen and they had to tube you they can't.

Its a one two three process. over in minutes.

Message edited 7/26/2015 4:47:38 PM.

Egg retrieval question..

I've done them at 2 different clinics. The first was much more medical feeing. They did the iv and I sat on the bed waiting and then was wheeled into the or. The second place was just so much more laid back. They let me keep on my bra and shirt. Gave me the iv after I walked into the room and let me have cookies and juice right after. I was in and out of there. The first place though made me wait until I had to pee. (TMi)

It was more nerve wracking waiting then actually doing it. I suggest you have someone with you. It doesn't take to long. They also often do retrievals in the am and transfers in the later morning. You don't eat or drink anything from midnight. You can brush your teeth but not swallow the water.

Egg retrieval question..

You'll also be sore after, and it's a very emotional experience, coming off a shitload of hormones, especially if they tell you the results immediately. If they tell you they got 17 fine, but if they tell you they got one, two, three.... your going to be a mess. I wouldn't go home alone.

Egg retrieval question..

Ok thanks. I'll plan on bringing someone. I'll stick with general anesthesia too.

Re: Egg retrieval question..

Just wanted to add my 2 cents.
IV sedation has been shown to have better results (more eggs retrieved).
Yes, it's heavy sedation... So no food or water. It's one day: you will survive.
It's usually done towards the AMs (transfers are often booked in the afternoons).
Yes, have someone bring you home. If you drove & got into a car accident, you would be totally at fault (never the mind you should have emotional support).

Re: Egg retrieval question..

Message edited 7/29/2015 9:15:46 AM.