Patients at a fertility clinic experience excruciating, unexpected pain. A drug-addicted nurse is stealing medication, causing the pain. Multiple patients share their frustration with the clinic. The experiences of women in the healthcare system are explored, with a focus on advocating for themselves. A shocking letter reveals the nurse's actions.
Patients at a fertility clinic endure excruciating pain during egg retrieval procedures, despite being assured of comfort and administered pain medication.
The revelations in the letter received by the women expose the clinic's failure to believe and address their pain, leading them to question the system and reflect on the need for better protocols and validation.
Deep dives
Therapy as a Tool for Challenging Times
Therapy can provide balance and strength during challenging life stages and transitions. It offers support and helps individuals find clarity and resilience. Seeking therapy can be beneficial for anyone, regardless of the circumstances. It serves as a valuable tool to navigate difficult emotions and make important life decisions.
The Fertility Clinic Experience
Women seeking fertility treatment encounter various challenges and emotions. Some have experienced miscarriages, while others face age-related concerns. The women in the podcast episode visit a renowned fertility clinic at Yale University, where they have mixed experiences. Some find comfort and trust in their doctors, while others feel like numbers or face communication issues. The emotional toll of fertility treatment and its financial impact are also discussed.
The Painful Reality of Egg Retrieval
The podcast delves into the experience of egg retrieval, a surgical procedure in fertility treatment. Women undergo hormone shots to stimulate egg production, leading to emotional volatility and bloating. The retrieval itself involves needles, causing excruciating pain for some patients. Multiple women describe feeling intense pain during the procedure, despite being administered pain medication. The episode highlights the discrepancy between patients' experiences and the clinic's assurance of comfort.
Uncovering the Truth and Seeking Validation
Months later, the women receive a letter from the clinic acknowledging a nurse's role in replacing fentanyl with saline during fertility procedures. The letter attempts to downplay the impact, stating that no harm was done, and offers blood tests to address concerns. The revelation that their pain was real and not believed by the clinic leads the women to question the system's failure and wonder about the nurse responsible, a person they once trusted. They reflect on their experiences and the need for better protocols and validation.
Patients at a fertility clinic experience excruciating, unexpected pain. For months the reason for that pain remains hidden. Then they get a letter from the clinic.
Our newest podcast, “The Good Whale,” is out now. Search for it wherever you get your podcasts, or follow it here: https://lnk.to/good-whale
To get full access to this and other Serial Productions and New York Times podcasts on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, subscribe at nytimes.com/podcasts.
To find out about new shows from Serial Productions, and get a look behind the scenes, sign up for our newsletter at nytimes.com/serialnewsletter.
Have a story pitch, a tip, or feedback on our shows? Email us at serialshows@nytimes.com
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode