I had gone back and forth for a few years debating on whether egg donation was something I could do or even should do. I always had it in the back of my mind, but I had so many questions and so many things I was unsure of that I just kept putting it off. One morning I was watching this newscast about a lady who had used a donor egg. I don’t really remember the whole story, but I’ll tell you what–her emotion and gratitude stuck with me, even to this day. Right then and there, I thought to myself, “if I am able to make someone feel the way that this lady does, why in the world am I not?”. I grabbed the laptop and started googling.
I came across The World Egg Bank, filled out an application and submitted it. It started with a phone interview that allowed me to understand the process, and I got a chance to ask any and all questions I could think of. That was one of the best conversations I’ve ever had. She started off by telling me about her experience and her story. She had donated several times, so she knew the process inside and out. She put my mind completely at ease. Then she gave me time to ask questions. We talked for at least an hour–it was like she already knew me! It gave me such comfort in my decision making.
We hung up and I immediately spoke with my husband and we had a pretty long discussion about it. I will say, he wasn’t thrilled about the “no sex” part; but it was such a little sacrifice for the gift I was able to give someone, and he was more than willing to help and support me in any way. After making the decision to move forward, I took a test online, did a phone interview with a doctor, had my blood work done, and was well on my way to actually starting the donation process!
When I traveled to TWEB for the first time, I was SO nervous. I knew what to expect from the phone call, but I still just had a fear of what I was actually getting myself into. I was immediately greeted by Andrea who had me fill out some paperwork, and then she took me back to start blood work. Something about her just put my mind and my heart at ease. After I was done with bloodwork, I was seen by Lisa for an ultrasound and the medication distribution. Lisa is such a warm spirit, I felt like I had known her for years right off the bat! TWEB is SO lucky to have these two ladies! Lisa sat down with me and explained all the medications, and how and when to use each of them. She was so detailed in her explanation and I was even sent links to videos to watch to show me how to administer them. At first, I felt a bit overwhelmed. I kept thinking “how in the world am I going to remember this?”. But they give you a handy-dandy calendar to remind you when and how to take everything up to the retrieval date.
The next day, I was set to start my medication. I was freaking out a bit because I had never given myself a shot before. I honestly thought my husband was going to have to do it all for me! However, I could not believe how easy it actually was! I was so nervous when I first went to push the needle in, but once it went in and I didn’t really feel anything, I was SO relieved! I was like “I can TOTALLY do this!”. There were a few times where it would sting for a few seconds, or pinch a bit more than the last, but it was never, EVER, painful. I went back to TWEB about 4 or 5 times for my bloodwork and ultrasound during my donation process, and every time was such a pleasure! These ladies had me in and out so fast. They knew I had to get back to work, so they always catered to my schedule and gave me the option of coming in first thing! Lisa would let me know around 2-3pm on those days (once she got the lab results back) if I needed to change my meds or to continue as is.
Closer to the retrieval, I could feel my ovaries getting a bit more tender, but nothing too bad! It just felt like PMS symptoms (a headache, moodiness, sore boobs… all that good stuff). At the last appointment, I was given instructions for my trigger shot. This shot needed to be completed at a specific time and then you take an ovulation test at a specific time (Lisa emails the times). I knew it was so important to take these shots and tests at specific times, so I made sure I set alarms on my phone so I wouldn’t forget!
On the day of retrieval, I arrived and was immediately taken back to change and get started. It was always so great that I never had to wait around like a typical doctor office. I changed into a TWEB shirt, cute comfy socks, and was taken back to the retrieval room. I was a bit more uncomfortable on this day–I was bloated, and my tummy was tender, but again, it was nothing that bad. I was more worried about how I was going to do with being put under! I was actually pretty scared of this part. The Anesthesiologist came in and made small talk before he started hooking me all up. He is such a great doctor, he made me feel completely safe. I knew I was in good hands. He had me laughing a few times too!
Next thing I know, I was walking back to the recovery room. Lisa walked me out, sat me on the little bed and gave me a heating pad. My husband was there waiting for me. She had me sit there for about 30 minutes, checking my vitals and pain levels. I honestly couldn’t believe how good I felt! I thought for sure I was going to want to go right home and that I would be in pain, but I wasn’t! I felt so good, I was shocked!
We went home and I got into bed and napped the rest of the day. It felt good to just rest. I was given pain meds but only needed a few Tylenol when I started cramping a bit, but nothing worse than my typical period cramps. I was a bit bloated the following days (maybe 2-3 days) but about a week later, I got my period and all was back to normal!
The process was a delight from the start. I have donated 3 times now, and I plan on doing it until they tell me I can’t! Each time gets better and better because I get to see my favorite people, Andrea and Lisa! Each donation has gone great and as planned, I would do it over and over again. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner! It is such a quick and fairly easy process considering the gift you are giving. I am so thankful that I came across TWEB and the wonderful staff they have there. You will feel right at home, and they are always there to answer questions, put your mind at ease, and remind you of how great you are for giving such an amazing gift.
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