I had my second retrieval done yesterday. It was even easier this time. I noticed the pre-procedure events went much faster this time - I guess since it's my 2nd time here. After I laid myself down on the operating table, they put a nice warm blanket over me from getting cold, they inserted the IV tube into my arm, secured an oxygen mask on my face, then started asking me questions about where I'm from. I thought it was the oxygen making me feel lightheaded, but the anesthesiologist then told me she just inserted some drugs to my IV line and that I'll probably feel it by now. I confirmed the feeling, and then after the nurse asked me what kind of work I do, I answered and blinked my eyes. When I opened them, the ceiling looked different and I was in a different room. It was already over! I didn't even have a chance to answer her question... or think about the retrieval. They're pretty good at this. :)

Anyway, last time I had some complications with severe vomiting after I tried to eat my first meal. But, that was my mistake due to the Vicodin I took on an empty stomach. This time, I told the anesthesiologist about the trouble I had last time, and though she agreed it might have been the Vicodin, she put one of those nausea patches behind my ears (like the ones you can buy at any drugstore for motion sickness) and said she'll skip a couple of the narcotics that can cause nausea. I also decided to skip taking the Vicodin all together for this one - the recovery is not painful, so I don't think I really need it anyway. Extra Strength Tylenol or Ibuprofen does the trick for me - oh, and if you have a heating pad, those feel really nice when you feel discomfort in your abs. They gave one to me last time - I woke up holding it against my belly. I must have been told to hold it at some point when I was waking up but have no memory of it. This time, I didn't have one and asked for one after I woke up - it really does the trick to ease any discomfort.

As for OHSS, I don't know yet if I'll be dealing with it again. They retrieved a total of 17 eggs this time. I'm going to skip the Sudafed tip (decongestant) this time to see if it still comes up. It didn't really show up for me until 2 days after the retrieval and disappeared after another 4 days, so I'll start to really notice tomorrow or so if it comes back.

I'm going back home tomorrow. It will be so nice to sleep in my own bed, eat my own food, and cuddle with my kitties. If there's anything I'm suffering from other than mild discomfort in my abdomen, it's a stiff back from these hotel mattresses (if I have another out-of-state donation, I'm not staying in the Extended Stay hotel chain a 3rd time).