I’m exhausted with being told medical procedures are “easy” and “painless,” only to find out afterward that those words don’t match reality.
I just had my egg retrieval. They were able to retrieve 39 follicles which is amazing, and I’m grateful. The procedure itself was straightforward.
But the recovery? That’s another story.
I was told to expect “a little cramping and bloating.” That description feels wildly inaccurate for what I’m experiencing. The pain has been more intense than my exploratory laparoscopy last year (because they numbed my insides and it worked like magic).
I can’t move without feeling sharp, lightning-like shocks in my vagina and pelvic area. It honestly feels like irritated nerves zinging in the most painful way.
We were even told my husband and I could go out to dinner tonight for Valentine’s Day as if this were a quick, simple recovery. That has not been my reality. I can barely move without sharp pain. Over-the-counter Tylenol isn’t touching it. I feel genuinely debilitated right now.
I’m sharing this for transparency.
Egg retrieval is not always a “walk in the park.” It can hurt. A lot. Especially when your body has been stimulated to produce a high number of follicles. Maybe recovery is easier with fewer follicles, I can’t speak to that — but in my case, it has been intense. i also am known tk be extremely sensitive in this area due to inflammation and endometriosis.
If you’re preparing for this procedure, give yourself permission to clear your schedule. Plan to rest. Have stronger pain relief available if your doctor approves it. Use a heating pad. Stay in bed. Don’t assume you’ll feel fine just because someone told you it’s “mild.”
Women are often expected to tolerate pain quietly. But we deserve honest expectations and full information.
This was not painless. And it’s okay to say that.
OH and side note, they really need to give relaxation meds once we are in our gown waiting to be rolled in for the procedure. Give us the f’cking meds to keep us relaxed!
Leave a Reply