Unexpected hopital stay after egg retrieval

On Feb 5 Tues, I had egg retrieval procedure done as scheduled. There were 33 eggs. It's so many! My fertility doctor was happy, though. I took a day off and rested all day, however, from that night, I had mild symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome(OHSS, see below). This is a complication from fertility medication. Basically ovaries are still trying to collect fluid. My doctor had already told me what to expect and given me instructions. I had to drink a lot of Gatorade and eat proteins, but It got worse next day, so I stayed home again.

Thursday Feb 7, I was still sick so went to see my doctor's clinic in Stanford. Although I drunk a lot, all went to my tummy area so I was very dehydrated. They took ultrasound and gave me IV and more pain medication. My tummy was huge but I had to wait until my body adjusts as guided my doctor. I had to postpone chemo therapy I was scheduled.

Friday, I stayed home, no change. I can't move. I look like a wine barrel. so big and round. I couldn't tolerate any more. I had to have my girlfriend drive me to ER at El Camino Hospital in the evening. Ultrasound showed anything unusual. ER doctor contacted my doctor in Stanford and gave me the same treatment, IV and pain meds.

Saturday Feb 9, I suffered at home... According to my doctor, the peak is now and things should turn around anytime. I was very miserable. I waited, waited and waited. No change. I knew I could go any further. I called my doctor's office. They told me to come to ER in Stanford hospital and they will be waiting for me. It was past mid night. When I got there, the bed was ready and they took me in right away. Thank God...

Sunday Feb 10, my tummy is huge and I have almost 30 pounds heavier than normal. It's all water. Doctor can drain some fluid out of my tummy but it can retain again. We decided to wait one more day. Monday morning, doctor did paracentesis(procedure to remove fluid that has accumulated in the abdominal cavity). She took 3 liters out. Thank God, I can breath and talk. My doctor was concerned that I was a bit anemic. She talked to my oncologist and decided to do blood transfusion so my body will be ready for chemo therapy.

I came home on Wednesday Feb 13. I still have extra 20 pounds of water weight around my belly and legs. I seriously look 6 month pregnant. It's actually pretty funny. (It wasn't funny until now.) My chemo will start next week. no more delay.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
This is the most serious complication of IVF. Any patient undergoing ovulation induction is at risk of developing OHSS, although some more than others. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome may be classified as mild, moderate or severe by symptoms and signs. the worst cases seem tends to be associated with pregnancy. Severe OHSS is a life threatening complication following ovarian stimulation.The symptoms usually begin 4-5 days after the egg collection. The majority of women have a mild or moderate form of the syndrome and invariably resolve within a few days unless pregnancy occurs, that may delay recovery. Patient may complain of pain, a bloated feeling and mild abdominal swelling. In a small proportion of women, the degree of discomfort can be quite pronounced. In some cases cysts appear in the ovaries (ovarian cysts) and fluid may collect in the abdominal cavity causing discomfort. Very rarely the ovarian hyperstimulation is severe and the ovaries are very swollen. The woman will feel ill, with nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain. Fluid accumulates in the abdominal cavity and chest, causing abdominal swelling and shortness of breath. Reduction in the amount of urine produced. These complications require urgent hospital admission to restore the fluid and electrolyte balance, monitor progress, control pain and in some very serious cases, termination of pregnancy. Complications associated with severe OHHS include blood clotting disorders, kidney damage and twisted ovary (ovarian torsion).