Botched egg retrieval; what would you do?

[Zebedee1971]

I was hoping for some advice on the following... Last month we started ivf at a private clinic and signed up for a package deal. Everything was going well. I had 13 follicles and my lining looked good. However, the egg retrieval went a bit wrong and, long story short, I ended up coughing and kicking during the sedation. For safety reasons, the procedure was stopped. The doctor only managed to get 2 eggs, both of which looked healthy and were mature. Luckily, they both fertilised and despite some fragmentation, were classed as 'average quality'. The transfer went ahead this Saturday - both embryos were put in and we're now waiting for the pregnancy test in 10 days time. We were relieved to say the least.

The clinic have been very apologetic and emphasised quite strongly that my safety was paramount and that they couldn't have proceeded. I guess their mantra really is 'its just one of those things' and they couldn't have predicted that would happen. However, before the procedure the anaesthetist was saying to me 'I've only done this a few times before' which I took as a joke, especially because he repeated this 2 or 3 times. Obviously, I assumed he was joking. But I figured because it was a private clinic, this couldn't possibly be the case.

I just feel really cheated. My partner and I wouldn't have minded if we only had 2 eggs but the fact we could have had upwards of 6 makes me feel, quite frankly, robbed. We paid £8,600 for this package. We're in some ways the ideal clients: we've been pregnant twice before (both miscarried unfortunately) so we know we can get pregnant, and all our tests came back normal. My egg reserves are good for my age at 37. We were hopeful we'd get 3 or 4 top quality eggs with the possibility of freezing one for future attempts.

I'm just wondering how you would feel in this situation and whether I'm right to feel cheated, or if I should just be grateful the 2 embryos even made it to the transfer stage? I can't help how I feel but wanted a different perspective to see if I was being irrational or not. Thanks in advance, x

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Zebedee. Oh dear! Sounds like a bit of a rough ride? I suppose it’s all down to the sedation you were given for egg collection. The fact that you reacted so, would mean they are obliged to stop the procedure due to the risk of puncturing your bladder and bowel etc. They usually use a tried and tested drug, but of course we cannot know how you will react when it’s given. Should the anaesthetist have given you a top up”, I’m not sure, as I don’t know what he/she used. Many anaesthetic drugs are measured according to the patient’s weight, which I assume was done – question to ask. Let’s just hope that your two little embies like being back inside you where they belong. Thinking of you and keeping everything crossed for success. Diane

[Zebedee1971 in reply to DianeArnold]

Thanks, that's really useful advice. Come to think of it, I don't remember having my weight measured at all at this clinic. I'll definitely check with my partner if he remembers them doing this and will pose the question the next time I'm in. I have all my fingers, thumbs and toes crossed for the little ones, then maybe I'll forget all of this happened and it'll all be worth it. Thanks x

[Alexa3]

I can totally understand why you feel cheated- I would too. Cross your fingers you have a pregnancy, I’ll cross mine for you too...but if you don’t, I would be asking for a significant discount on the next round of egg retrieval AND a medication review of the aesthetic so you’re not in the same boat next time. Even if your transfer results in a current pregnancy and you’re not ready for another retrieval for 2 years, I would still think you are entitled to a significant discount. It doesn’t make up for the insurance you would have had with potentially extra embryos but it’s some compensation for botching your procedure.

[Zebedee1971 in reply to Alexa3]

Thanks, glad you'd feel the same. Feel like we've just been so unlucky, but also so lucky to get two decent-ish ones. Got my fingers crossed that the doctor got the two best eggs and that they're happier in than out, as they weren't exactly developing perfectly in the lab. Still disappointing having all those others go to waste but I guess we just need to suck it up and put down to experience. Here's hoping!

[Alexa3 in reply to Zebedee1971]

They are always happier in! It’s their natural habitat. Good luck x

[Hope76]

Hi, were you completely asleep for the procedure? Am just confused as having gone through EC 4 times never been sedated. Just get strong painkillers to relax me. Anyway sounds like you Defo have a case for some money to be refunded.

Good luck

[Hidden]

Hi, sorry to hear you had such an experience. I had a situation where I had 14 follicles in my first round but when they went in for collection they couldn't get to my left ovary at all as it was 'too dangerous as my bowel was in the way' and they could only get to half of my right so we ended up with 3 eggs and only 2 fertilised. I felt very let down and couldn't help but think 'if I had had a different consultant etc'... I think unfortunately this is one of those 'these things happen' although I can quite see why you feel so cheated, especially with the weird comments by the anaesthetist. I really hope your two embryos flourish. If its any consolation my second round they did manage to get to both ovaries and got 13 eggs, on my 3rd they did manage but I also had a severe bleed and internal stitches so assume they tried a bit too hard.. I guess its better they err on the side of caution? Good luck! xx