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When I was first told about Renew by a friend, egg donation was not a topic to which I had given much thought. Nonetheless, I immediately felt that this was something I was meant to do. I decided to do some research, and the more I learned, the more I felt that this was a beautiful and meaningful way to change someone else's life.
Once I had met with Fran I filled in the family history and questionnaire and collected photos of my family and of myself growing up.
When I first told my family and friends about what I had decided to do I got mixed reactions. My mom was quite upset about it and even cried. She couldn't understand why I would want to give my eggs to a stranger. She said, "But then my grandchildren will be running around somewhere out there." I explained to her that it wouldn't be her grandchild - I would be donating my eggs to a woman so that she and her husband could have their own child, rather than having to adopt. I could see she still wasn't comfortable with the whole concept, but I knew that I was doing the right thing.
A couple of months later Fran called to say that I had been selected by a couple. Because of religious differences, I had to say no to this couple. I had decided in the beginning that I would be very selective about who I donated my eggs to. The ladies at Renew were very understanding about this. As they had explained to me when I first met them, it was a donor's right to say no, and I only had to say yes when I felt comfortable and ready.
Just a few weeks later I got a call to say that another couple had chosen me. At this point I was feeling a little hesitant, wondering if I had made the right choice. However, when I read their letter all doubt left me. They were exactly the type of people I had pictured when I decided to donate my eggs. I knew right away that I would say yes. Fran and Robin advised me to sleep on it, just to be 100% sure, and the next day I let them know the good news! I was very excited and emotional - it made me proud to think that I would play a part in making this couple's dream come true.
When I told my mom that I had been chosen by a couple her eyes filled with tears - this time from pride. She told me that she had given it some thought and she now understood that I was giving someone the gift of life. I shared my couple's letter with her and she became as excited as I was. It meant a lot to me that I now had her support. I wanted her to share in and understand this very special thing I was about to do.
I already had plans to travel abroad and the whole team at Renew and Vitalab were very helpful with fitting everything into my schedule.
First I had to go for a full check up, including a scan and bloodtests. I also had to go for an assessment with a psychologist. Once I had been given a bill of good health, they were able to plan the whole process and put everything in motion.
I then had to start giving myself a small injection every day, similar to what diabetics use. This injection would inhibit my body's own hormone production so that they could control exactly what was going on. I've never had a problem with needles, so I wasn't nervous about it. The first morning I filled the syringe, just like the nurse had taught me. But when I put the needle against my thigh I suddenly thought, "What am I doing? I can't stick a needle into myself!" So I reminded myself why I was doing this, took a deep breath and just did it. I was surprised to find that it was completely painless - just a small prick - and I had quite a sense of accomplishment to know that I could inject myself!
For the next ten days I gave myself the injection every morning. At times I felt a bit tired and run down, but I just kept on drinking lots of water as the clinic had instructed me to do. Then I had to start on another injection which stimulates the egg growth. This is a larger injection that goes in your backside, so I asked my friend to do it for me so that I didn't have to drive to the clinic ever day. A couple of days later I was already feeling much more energetic. A week after starting these injections I went for my first scan. The doctor was very happy with my progress and it was fascinating to see my eggs on the screen. For the next couple of days they monitored the egg growth closely so that they would know when I was ready to do the pick up.
After being on the injection for 13 days I was ready for the pick up. My friend drove me to the clinic early in the morning and I got changed into the gowns and waited to be taken into theatre. As they wheeled me in I became quite nervous, but the doctor and nurses were so kind that it made me feel much better. I remember one nurse rubbing my foot and telling me everything would be fine. The sedation was quite a weird experience I was semi-aware of what was going on and I could hear voices but I couldn't feel anything.
When I woke up my friend showed me a little note that had been written on my hand - they had harvested 20 eggs! I was so happy and proud of myself I felt like crying. It is a feeling I cannot explain, and one that I think you can only understand having been through the experience yourself. Fran was also there. My couple had sent a beautiful gift package with her, and she also gave me a lovely bunch of roses.
For the next couple of hours I was quite drowsy but happy and without pain. By 2 o'clock that afternoon I was wide awake and feeling great. For a few days after I was quite bloated and uncomfortable in my stomach (similar to menstrual pains) so I just took it easy and rested as much as I could.
As I write this it is 4 days later and I am feeling 100 percent. I would like to thank everyone at Renew and Vitalab for all their loving care and concern. This has truly been the most amazing and special experience of my life. It has given me a feeling of accomplishment and purpose I never thought possible when I first decided to go ahead with it.
And to my couple - I wish you both the best of luck and a life time of happiness as you grow your family. My thought will always be with you. Thank you for giving me this wonderful opportunity. It is something I will always hold dear.
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