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Jilly’s Journey - Becoming an egg donor: Drugs

Wednesday, October 20th, 2010

I’ve just received a call from one of the nurses at Guys. Unfortunately the nasal spray has been
taken off the market so in its place I have to take the same drugs in an injection form. This is slightly
daunting news. I know that there are some drugs to be injected later in the process but this is a
lot sooner and more responsibility on my part to administer them correctly. Luckily I have a friend
who is a nurse and one that it an insulin dependent diabetic, both of whom are very familiar with
injections. I feel confident I will be fine – it’s just a bit of a shock! I was offered full support from the
clinic even down to an appointment to show me how to inject myself. However I have supportive
friends and a GP who is “in on the process” so feel that I’ll see how I get on first then can always ask
for more help.

The delivery of the drugs went really smoothly. After a phone call from the drugs company to set the
delivery up they were delivered by 9:00am on the day in question all packaged up I a refrigerated
box looking very serious and stylish in the purple zip up case provided! I went through the box
putting in the fridge the important refrigerated goodies and familiarised myself with the drugs to
be injected. I even got a very handy (and probably compulsory) needle disposal box. Obviously this
cleared any worries of using needles in the house with my toddler around. I felt in control and ready
to go …if a little nervous about injecting myself for the first time.

Jilly is sharing her story for people who have asked us:

What’s it like to be an egg donor?

How do I become an egg donor?

What treatment does an egg donor have?

Does being an egg donor hurt?

Can I be an egg donor?

More information is available here on the altrui blog or on www.altrui.co.uk

If you are considering becoming a donor please give us a call for a confidential chat.

Jilly’s Journey - Becoming an egg donor: Drugs

Jilly’s Journey - Becoming an Egg Donor: Cycle Starts

Friday, October 8th, 2010

Phew, after nearly three weeks of anticipation my cycle has finally started after having my IUD removed. A slightly tense time as all I wanted was to start this process. I’ve called the clinic at Guys and left an answer phone message and am waiting for a call back for instructions of the next step. I had to start taking the contraceptive pill from day one of my cycle. But I’m unsure of how the drugs for the next stage will be dispensed.
The next day and I’ve had a call back from one of the nurses, they are all really friendly and supportive. I’m assured that once the drugs are order they will be dispatched to my home address or where ever is convenient. On day 21 I need to start taking the nasal spray.

Jilly’s Journey - Becoming an Egg Donor: IUD removed

Monday, October 4th, 2010

IUD removed

It’s been a week since I had my IUD removed. The doctor who did it was very interested in why I was having it removed. She had spent time working in an IVF unit and was really encouraging towards the importance of donors – it made me feel quite special! The removal didn’t hurt at all. It is now a waiting game. After the removal I left a message with the Nurses at Guys to let them know. I received a phone call from the nurse assigned with my case. She let me know that the drugs will be ordered as soon as I inform them that my cycle has started and if I have any problems, to let them know. It’s been at least three years since I had a normal cycle; I have been pregnant, breastfeeding and had the IUD since then so my body seems to be effected with the normal hormone levels kicking in. It’s really surprising, I am very pre-menstrual at the moment – feeling very hot and tired but thankfully (for my husband) not too moody! It won’t be long until my cycle starts, things are certainly getting serious now.

Jilly’s Journey - Becoming an Egg Donor: All Systems Go!

Sunday, September 26th, 2010

I have just seen the consultant. We have talked through the next stages. Once my cycle starts I need to contact the unit and start taking the pill. On the 20th day of my cycle I start the nasal spray and then a week of injections. I signed the forms once it was all explained fully and I had a quick internal examination to make sure my eggs still look good. Things are quite exciting now. I have my appointment booked to remove my IUD in the next few days, after that it’s a waiting game to start the process. I’m feeling very positive that everything is looking good for some good eggs to be removed.

I replied to the recipient’s letter this week. I think it is the right time to introduce myself to them and let them know my commitment to trying to make this happen for them.

Jilly’s Journey - Becoming an Egg Donor: Time to Start

Monday, September 13th, 2010

Time to start the process.

It’s been a couple of months since I saw the consultant for the first time in London and I feel now is a good time for me to start the process. Since I last saw the consultant I have told my parents and a couple of chosen friends about my intention. On the whole everyone is really supportive and inquisitive to the process. It has thrown up many issues for debate such as my rights over the child when born etc. I feel armed with enough information about the process from my conversations with Alison, meeting with the consultant and information packs to talk through the process and the legal implications. I am handing over all legal rights to the recipient couple, however the child will always know they are created from a donor egg and as such has a right to know its donor at the age of 18. It’s fascinating listening to other people’s opinions about egg donation, it seems to be a taboo subject for many. It has confirmed to me it really isn’t for everyone, but also some people are interested enough to perhaps consider being a donor themselves.

I currently have the contraceptive implant (IUD) in my arm. This needs to be removed to start my cycle again and I also need to sign the consent forms before the treatment process can start. I have booked an appointment to see the consultant again to complete the paperwork and find out more about the specifics surrounding the drugs.

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