hi babydownunder,
it is all very overwhelming and extremly strange when u do your first cycle! i have done 1 cancelled cycle and 1 stimulated (icsi) cycle. unfortunatly my embryo transfer was unsuccessful and we had 0 frozen embryos so im about to start another stimulated cycle.
i was VERY concerned about egg pick up as well but i have to say i was pleasntly surprised with the whole procedure.
i know everyone is different though.
i considered a GA but my doctor uses sedation and has an anesthetist there who can "knock u out" if need be! i found i was sleepy during part of the pick up . my husband tells me i was awake for most and chatting however i dont have a memory of the event ( thanks to midazolam a drug they use). i was a little sore after the fact but it has definatly taken the fear factor out of it for me an im much more relaxed going into this next cycle.
i hope this helps u