The Daily From Serial: ‘The Retrievals’
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Jul 4, 2023 Susan Burton, a veteran at "This American Life" and author of the memoir “Empty,” leads a deep dive into the harrowing experiences of women at the Yale Fertility Center. She discusses the shocking revelation of drug diversion, where fentanyl was replaced with saline, exposing serious flaws in patient care. Personal stories reveal the intense pain and emotional turmoil faced during egg retrieval procedures. Burton sheds light on the broader implications of trust and ethics in healthcare, emphasizing the critical need for women's voices to be heard and valued.
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Laura's Medical Journey
- Laura was diagnosed with breast cancer two months before her egg retrieval.
- She underwent a double mastectomy, infections, and additional surgeries before the procedure.
Differing Expectations
- Laura expected the egg retrieval to be easy, having undergone multiple surgeries.
- Katie, a neuroscientist, was curious about the fentanyl used in the procedure.
Unbearable Pain
- During the egg retrieval, patients experienced excruciating pain despite being given fentanyl.
- They communicated their pain to the medical staff, but were told they had been given the maximum allowed dosage.