I've been having some female issues for the last few months including a lot of pain in my C-section scar region. Yesterday, I went to see a Gynecologist and he ordered some blood tests an ultrasound to be followed by a uterine biopsy. He thinks it is my PCOS and I am going to need some hormone therapy. I was trying to explain to him about my premature ovarian failure. He didn't understand because I "have two kids". How did you get the kids he asked me. I told him the old fashioned and to look up the note from 2005 saying I would basically never had children. I found it myself today:
...... is a pleasant 32-year-old nulligravida female with significantly decreased ovarian reserve as evidenced by high FSH on day-10. I have explained to her the implication of having this high FSH on her low chance of success despite undergoing extensive fertility therapy. There is about 5% chance of spontaneous conception and this does not go up much
despite undergoing a fertility therapy. For this reason, I have recommended for her to look into other options to expand her family including adoption as well as donor egg in vitro fertilization.
If you read my old posts, I went to see two other additional reproductive endocrinologists with the same opinion. I also failed a round of IVF - I didn't make any eggs (extremely rare).
I was reflecting on this last night when I was exhausted and putting away some of eight loads of laundry.
Showing posts with label infertility. Show all posts
Showing posts with label infertility. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Never forget
Can I tell you how much I love these darn kids? Yes, kids. With an S. I have two. If you go back to the beginning of my blog you will read when I couldn't have any. Both were surprises. Now I have two. Let me repeat that. NOW I HAVE TWO!
Friday I was driving to pick up the kids after work and missing working out after work. Then I started laughing. I have two kids! Two kids and a husband that I adore (I never thought I would get married and never dated much).
HOW LUCKY AM I?
It's great to put things into perspective, isn't it?
Friday I was driving to pick up the kids after work and missing working out after work. Then I started laughing. I have two kids! Two kids and a husband that I adore (I never thought I would get married and never dated much).
HOW LUCKY AM I?
It's great to put things into perspective, isn't it?
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Conversation
V: that's my little sister
P: no it isn't.
V: that's my little sister.
P: no, unfortunately it isn't
P: (to me). It's kind of breaking your heart, isn't it?
P: no it isn't.
V: that's my little sister.
P: no, unfortunately it isn't
P: (to me). It's kind of breaking your heart, isn't it?
Monday, August 1, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Wasted $$$
Yesterday morning I was in th kitchen at work and someone was toasting a cheese bagel. The smell made me run to the bathroom and throw up. When I was out at lunch, the smell of tar in the parking lot made me have dry heaves. I've felt fatigued and nauseous and run down yesterday and today.
I had to go to Wal-greens on the way home. V picked up and carried her usual assortment of treasures around the store and keeps replacing them with whatever suits her fancy. In this case, started with a kite kit and plastic drinking glass. This was exchanged for a plastic baton and a bag of chocolate pretzels, then a baby bottle. We ended up with a Nestle Crunch on sale for 39 cents. We each had a small square in the car.
Anyway, you probably know what happened. I bought a test. It was negative. Of course.
I had to go to Wal-greens on the way home. V picked up and carried her usual assortment of treasures around the store and keeps replacing them with whatever suits her fancy. In this case, started with a kite kit and plastic drinking glass. This was exchanged for a plastic baton and a bag of chocolate pretzels, then a baby bottle. We ended up with a Nestle Crunch on sale for 39 cents. We each had a small square in the car.
Anyway, you probably know what happened. I bought a test. It was negative. Of course.
Friday, February 4, 2011
sister
This week at school, I had V sitting on the bench outside the infant room to put on her coat & hat (she wouldn't cooperate in her room). I let her stand on the bench outside the window because she wanted "to look at the babies". The conversation went like this:
V (pointing): there's my little sister
me: whaatttt?
V: there is my little sister
me: no it isn't silly. That's G____'s sister (a boy in her class. (He must say that when they walk by the room)
V: where is my sister?
I don't know kid. I was wondering the same thing myself.
V (pointing): there's my little sister
me: whaatttt?
V: there is my little sister
me: no it isn't silly. That's G____'s sister (a boy in her class. (He must say that when they walk by the room)
V: where is my sister?
I don't know kid. I was wondering the same thing myself.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Grateful
I (am) well, was, sitting here with Vi on my lap, having her eat cereal, watching an Elmo video in front of the fireplace (until her dad came in and she deserted me).
Mrs. Spock had posted about another fellow infertile - one I didn't actually know about, so I was not familiar with her story. She became pregnant after 6 years of trying and this week she gave birth to her daughter Lola. And Lola died after birth. Words cannot express how awful this is. How horrible and terrible and rotten and crappy and it makes you downright lose your faith in all that is good in life.
I haven't really ever written about it, but Victoria was quite poorly at birth. Her Apgars were 3-6-9. Three is pretty low. She was rushed off to the ICU and frankly, I'm surprised (but thrilled) that she was not intubed. She recovered nicely. Once P said to me, "can you imagine if we didn't go home with a baby?" He admitted when she was born, it was pretty scary.
I had over 24 hours of labor, two epidurals, a spinal, arrest of dilatation, Victoria went into respiratory distress and I had to have an emergency C-section during which NO ONE would answer me regarding the condition of MY BABY that didn't cry and was wisked off to the ICU after a glance. It was all traumatic and hard to talk about even now, but I WENT HOME WITH MY BABY. I can't even imagine and I do not ever want to if that did not happen.
Please everyone, keep Wiseguy and her family in your prayers and thoughts.
Mrs. Spock had posted about another fellow infertile - one I didn't actually know about, so I was not familiar with her story. She became pregnant after 6 years of trying and this week she gave birth to her daughter Lola. And Lola died after birth. Words cannot express how awful this is. How horrible and terrible and rotten and crappy and it makes you downright lose your faith in all that is good in life.
I haven't really ever written about it, but Victoria was quite poorly at birth. Her Apgars were 3-6-9. Three is pretty low. She was rushed off to the ICU and frankly, I'm surprised (but thrilled) that she was not intubed. She recovered nicely. Once P said to me, "can you imagine if we didn't go home with a baby?" He admitted when she was born, it was pretty scary.
I had over 24 hours of labor, two epidurals, a spinal, arrest of dilatation, Victoria went into respiratory distress and I had to have an emergency C-section during which NO ONE would answer me regarding the condition of MY BABY that didn't cry and was wisked off to the ICU after a glance. It was all traumatic and hard to talk about even now, but I WENT HOME WITH MY BABY. I can't even imagine and I do not ever want to if that did not happen.
Please everyone, keep Wiseguy and her family in your prayers and thoughts.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Hot Flashes
I have suddenly become very "Hot" all the time. Because I am in and out of early menopause (high FSH, diminished ovarian reserve, etc) - I usually have hot flashes/extensive sweats in the 2-3 days leading up to my period. I have to chuck off my pajamas in the middle of the night, change the pillowcase, put down a towel. It was bad enough in the past years that my husband bought me some Wild Bleu pajamas, made for women in menopause. Old women. Sigh. We call them my "sweaty pajamas" because they help with the hot flashes at night. Last night I am on Day 8 of my cycle and surprisingly had severe hot flashes. I ended up sleeping with nothing on. (TMI) I've been having them all day. Where I worked used to be cold, but people complained and now it is 77 in my area. I am roasting and hot and sweaty all day. Hot flashes + warmer temperatures = crabby and lethargic.
Ugh. Menopause.
Ugh. Menopause.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
2011 goals
Even thought it is a few weeks into the new year, I haven't had the time to really sit down and articulate what exactly I would like to achieve, accomplish, experience, etc in the upcoming year. This does require some thought, because "those that fail to plan, plan to fail", right?
Many of my goals are practical. I would like to get Victoria potty trained this year, all from a cost/convenience/growing up standpoint. I would like to teach her to write her name (I know, a little young), brush her teeth on her own (with supervision from mama), and have her be secure enough on stairs to remove the baby gates. Take her to the playground as much as I did last year.
Our house needs a large amount of cosmetic updates. We need to make decision about flooring, painting, light fixture, etc. Get a closet door for the upstairs hallway. Finally redecorate my downstairs tiny bathroom. Plant more flowers this spring. pick out a new front door. Keep the weeds out of the driveway.
On an emotional level, I want to lay down more non-negotiable boundaries with my family. I want to be direct (both personally and at work); to say what I mean and mean what I say. I want to handle conflict well. When people are emotionally dumping on me (this happens ALL the time), I want to be able to handle it gracefully AND cut it short. My spouse needs more extra special attention, more date time, more adult time. Worry less and live in the moment more!
ON a physicial level, I need to keep up my current rate of exercise or else I will be crippled up. And I would like to be able to do just ONE sit up. IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK? A PUSH UP WOULD BE NICE TOO. I'd like to find something that doesn't make my hair so frizzy lately and lose 10 lbs before my class reunion in August. If I go. That is an entire other post.
Infertiliy. Of course I would like to be incubating a future member of our family. Hopefully in 2011 I can come to terms with what exactly to do.
Many of my goals are practical. I would like to get Victoria potty trained this year, all from a cost/convenience/growing up standpoint. I would like to teach her to write her name (I know, a little young), brush her teeth on her own (with supervision from mama), and have her be secure enough on stairs to remove the baby gates. Take her to the playground as much as I did last year.
Our house needs a large amount of cosmetic updates. We need to make decision about flooring, painting, light fixture, etc. Get a closet door for the upstairs hallway. Finally redecorate my downstairs tiny bathroom. Plant more flowers this spring. pick out a new front door. Keep the weeds out of the driveway.
On an emotional level, I want to lay down more non-negotiable boundaries with my family. I want to be direct (both personally and at work); to say what I mean and mean what I say. I want to handle conflict well. When people are emotionally dumping on me (this happens ALL the time), I want to be able to handle it gracefully AND cut it short. My spouse needs more extra special attention, more date time, more adult time. Worry less and live in the moment more!
ON a physicial level, I need to keep up my current rate of exercise or else I will be crippled up. And I would like to be able to do just ONE sit up. IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK? A PUSH UP WOULD BE NICE TOO. I'd like to find something that doesn't make my hair so frizzy lately and lose 10 lbs before my class reunion in August. If I go. That is an entire other post.
Infertiliy. Of course I would like to be incubating a future member of our family. Hopefully in 2011 I can come to terms with what exactly to do.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
another IF post
Another infertility post. Believe me, I am not sitting around thinking about this stuff all time. I am busy enjoying my little girl! But it hits me in little ways throughout the days. Thursday when I picked up V, I saw a little boy's mother I hadn't seen in a while. She was visibly pregnant. I felt like someone punched me in the stomach. Yesterday when I picked her up, there was another mother with a child in her class that was visibly pregnant. I just resigned myself this time. I told P last week and he listened, which made me feel better. He remarked that V was the perfect age - aka the age in which most people have their 2nd kid. In fact, V is the only 1 of 2 children in her room of 12 -16 kids (it interchanges) that is an only child. The other kid's parents look overwhelmed, so I don't know if it is an infertility issue. She just doesn't have the hungry longing in her eyes.
The fact that I conceived one child does not mean that I can conceive another. Even with help. To take a "glass half full" approach - that's okay! I had my Victoria, which is an incredible gift. Still trying to come to terms.
The fact that I conceived one child does not mean that I can conceive another. Even with help. To take a "glass half full" approach - that's okay! I had my Victoria, which is an incredible gift. Still trying to come to terms.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Sad
I have to get things out of the basement. The exterminator is coming tomorrow. yes, the mice problem has intensified. I called a local charity and put some things on the porch for pickup. Among them were the baby swing (sob) and the exersaucer. They were both hand me downs and not in perfect shape. I'm sad. I have to come to terms with this. This infertility. These dysfunctional ovaries.
The changing table, bath, carseats, and stroller are still down there. Just not ready yet.
The changing table, bath, carseats, and stroller are still down there. Just not ready yet.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Infertility
Victoria is growing up so quickly. People always tell you that they grow up quickly, and that is 100% correct. P and were discussing that the last vestiges of her babyhood are the diapers and the fact that she has little hair. Whenever I look at her I feel so incredibly blessed, lucky, thrilled, fortunate, grateful, happy - that I was able to have her. Even when she is pulling on me whining and crying when I am trying to do something.
P and I spoke the other night about what happens next. I so hoped that I would have gotten pregnant by now. We were never sure if going gluten free "Fixed" my infertility problems, or her conception was simply a case of the stars and moons aligning and the appearance of a miracle egg. I'm beginning to think it was the later. He asked if we wanted to get an egg donor to have another child. I said no. I don't think I can go through all that stuff again. Plus, the cash for no guarantee of a child being in your arms.
People think that because you had that child, the infertility feelings go away. They don't. They become less intense, and less hurtful, but that emptiness and inadequacy stay inside. At V's school, it seems every week I see another pregnant mother having a 2nd child. And I think - is that going to be me? I know people want to ask - when are you having a second one? And I want to yell - "I'm trying! I am so lucky to have this one". There is a lady in my sub (I don't know her that well) that has a 9 year old son and a new baby at 41. A huge surprise. She was infertile.
SO in conclusion, do we want another child? Yes. Am I willing to undergo more infertility treatments? No. How long will we keep trying? I don't know yet. I think we will both know when we reach that point. I will be 3 (cough) 8 (cough) next year so I think it is coming soon. Please pray for me to have the wisdom to know what and when to do.
P and I spoke the other night about what happens next. I so hoped that I would have gotten pregnant by now. We were never sure if going gluten free "Fixed" my infertility problems, or her conception was simply a case of the stars and moons aligning and the appearance of a miracle egg. I'm beginning to think it was the later. He asked if we wanted to get an egg donor to have another child. I said no. I don't think I can go through all that stuff again. Plus, the cash for no guarantee of a child being in your arms.
People think that because you had that child, the infertility feelings go away. They don't. They become less intense, and less hurtful, but that emptiness and inadequacy stay inside. At V's school, it seems every week I see another pregnant mother having a 2nd child. And I think - is that going to be me? I know people want to ask - when are you having a second one? And I want to yell - "I'm trying! I am so lucky to have this one". There is a lady in my sub (I don't know her that well) that has a 9 year old son and a new baby at 41. A huge surprise. She was infertile.
SO in conclusion, do we want another child? Yes. Am I willing to undergo more infertility treatments? No. How long will we keep trying? I don't know yet. I think we will both know when we reach that point. I will be 3 (cough) 8 (cough) next year so I think it is coming soon. Please pray for me to have the wisdom to know what and when to do.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
I'm not even sure what to say. this is going to be rambly-esque post.
It's been busy.
The crap:
P was in Philly for work. He got home. He experienced a bad cold. He was crabby and feeling crappy to boot.
It was stiflingly hot and humid.
I lost yet another implant. I'm 1 for 4 right now.
My BSSO surgery was delayed by two months to January (okay, this is both good and bad as January is better than November)
Don't know if I want to invest more $$ in my teeth.
V has been laying on the floor an awful lot in protest. This is very hard on the parents' backs.
P's back is bad from lifting laundry as he had major problems for a week (see above).
V picked up P's glasses and broke the earpiece clean off with a snap. She wasn't the least bit sorry either.
Horrible hair days
Got my period after five days late. Was starting to play "what if" which is can be a heartbreaking game for infertiles. I was sure is was going to be a boy too.
Having dilemnna whether to sell all the baby stuff or not. Letting it go will be difficult to let go of V's babyhood and accept that she will be my only baby. However, maybe I'll have one of those haha moments where I got rid of stuff and now I'm pregnant!
2nd molars trying to erupt. Enough said.
The fun stuff:
I'm finished with my 3rd course of antibiotics! Yeah!
I took V to a new playstructure with swings twice this week after work. We had so much fun! She swang and swang and I had to basically drag her home. We need a swingset of our very own. I have spent so much time looking for a decent swingset for under $300. Craigslist, (don't want to dissassemble and carry away), ToysRus, Amazon, Walmart, etc. We haven't wanted to shell out $500 for the same ones in all the yards, but I really think she would use it. P and I finally agreed that he would get her one next spring FOR SURE.
What Halloween costume to get for V? This is fun part of parenting. She is still at the age where she has no say in what she gets to wear, and I get to indulge in whatever I can find a good deal on and that is cute! I am leaning towards Abby Cadabby from Sesame Street. I would like to try and make it but I am so sewing challenged.
The oral surgeon is not charging me for my 2nd "corrective" surgery!!!
P booked a 10th Anniversary Trip for us in December.
Labor Day is coming up - going to visit family up North (V and I are) for a long weekend.
Gymboree coupon for 20% off + gift card = :)
Been eating some great Gluten Free Bread this week from Celiac Specialities. texture is weird, but taste is great!
It's been busy.
The crap:
P was in Philly for work. He got home. He experienced a bad cold. He was crabby and feeling crappy to boot.
It was stiflingly hot and humid.
I lost yet another implant. I'm 1 for 4 right now.
My BSSO surgery was delayed by two months to January (okay, this is both good and bad as January is better than November)
Don't know if I want to invest more $$ in my teeth.
V has been laying on the floor an awful lot in protest. This is very hard on the parents' backs.
P's back is bad from lifting laundry as he had major problems for a week (see above).
V picked up P's glasses and broke the earpiece clean off with a snap. She wasn't the least bit sorry either.
Horrible hair days
Got my period after five days late. Was starting to play "what if" which is can be a heartbreaking game for infertiles. I was sure is was going to be a boy too.
Having dilemnna whether to sell all the baby stuff or not. Letting it go will be difficult to let go of V's babyhood and accept that she will be my only baby. However, maybe I'll have one of those haha moments where I got rid of stuff and now I'm pregnant!
2nd molars trying to erupt. Enough said.
The fun stuff:
I'm finished with my 3rd course of antibiotics! Yeah!
I took V to a new playstructure with swings twice this week after work. We had so much fun! She swang and swang and I had to basically drag her home. We need a swingset of our very own. I have spent so much time looking for a decent swingset for under $300. Craigslist, (don't want to dissassemble and carry away), ToysRus, Amazon, Walmart, etc. We haven't wanted to shell out $500 for the same ones in all the yards, but I really think she would use it. P and I finally agreed that he would get her one next spring FOR SURE.
What Halloween costume to get for V? This is fun part of parenting. She is still at the age where she has no say in what she gets to wear, and I get to indulge in whatever I can find a good deal on and that is cute! I am leaning towards Abby Cadabby from Sesame Street. I would like to try and make it but I am so sewing challenged.
The oral surgeon is not charging me for my 2nd "corrective" surgery!!!
P booked a 10th Anniversary Trip for us in December.
Labor Day is coming up - going to visit family up North (V and I are) for a long weekend.
Gymboree coupon for 20% off + gift card = :)
Been eating some great Gluten Free Bread this week from Celiac Specialities. texture is weird, but taste is great!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Finally
I finally broke down and made an OBGYN appointment. I want to get my FSH levels tested and see what they are. I've tried to reduce the amount of inflammation in my body per my Rheumatologist. He suggested - 5 teabags a day of decaffinated Green Tea, Fish Oil capsules, and continue my iron and Vitamin D. He said if my arthritis symptoms and Sjogren's symptoms become worse that he would start me on Plaquenil. And that would mean no pregnancy. I also have been using this free application for my Iphone that helps you calculate your "fertile" days (if I have any, ha ha), your cycle data, and your intercourse numbers. TMI, but we need to have more intercourse. P has been traveling so much lately, and I've been so tired, that we need to step it up a notch (I'm sure he doesn't mind). I don't think I could get him to do anymore infertility treatments; certainly not IVF, maybe a cycle of Clomid (useless in the past- but at least it is something).
I'll keep you updated. Mrs. Spock has a fabulous post about infertility today.
I'll keep you updated. Mrs. Spock has a fabulous post about infertility today.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
I cried yesterday
I cried yesterday. I cried for a wonderful woman I know that I had a miscarriage and had finally achieved pregnancy, only to miscarry at 14 weeks. Just after she started telling people. She has the same condition I have, the premature menopause. I cried for all of us infertiles; past and present tense. All of the trials and tribulations, the losses and heartbreaks, the feelings of failure, the dreams unfulfilled, the empty arms. I emailed her to tell her that she was in my thoughts and prayers since I heard about both the pregnancy and miscarriage secondhand. And you know what she said back? - "you give me hope". I lost it then.
It's strange even though I have my miraculous blessing, the infertility feelings are muted, but not gone. I'm experiencing a great deal of longing for another child since we have been trying again for some time. Infertility is so strange like that. You see a pregnant woman and it hits you like a rock. Someone else has difficulty and you totally sort through your feelings and feel a strong bond and empathy. No one really understands except you, my fellow infertiles. And I'm so grateful for your friendship.
It's strange even though I have my miraculous blessing, the infertility feelings are muted, but not gone. I'm experiencing a great deal of longing for another child since we have been trying again for some time. Infertility is so strange like that. You see a pregnant woman and it hits you like a rock. Someone else has difficulty and you totally sort through your feelings and feel a strong bond and empathy. No one really understands except you, my fellow infertiles. And I'm so grateful for your friendship.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Reflection
So my Vi is now almost 15 months old. She is still a baby in some ways - likes her bottle at night, still wants her pureed, slightly chunky foods (no texture - and yes we are working hard on this - any ideas?), not too verbal or too much walking. She is such a big girl in some ways too - wanting to climb and play, be stubborn, be in the big kid classroom at school, do things her own way (did you notice stubborn?).
the last time I went into the infant classroom at school, I was in looovvee. The babies are so little, so snuggly, so cute! I need another baby. I'll even confess - we've been trying. (Well, as much trying as a couple that has a husband half that works 70 hour weeks can do).
On a more serious note, I need to accept the fact that there is a very good likelihood that I will not be able to have another baby. That Vi will be an only child. I have had such a long and devastating history of infertility that I need to accept the fact that my fertility is not "magically restored". Being Vi's mom has just given me so much hope and so much love that I can't help but want to add to our family. But I think I have to get my head around (as the Brits would say) that I'm pretty darn lucky already don't you think?
the last time I went into the infant classroom at school, I was in looovvee. The babies are so little, so snuggly, so cute! I need another baby. I'll even confess - we've been trying. (Well, as much trying as a couple that has a husband half that works 70 hour weeks can do).
On a more serious note, I need to accept the fact that there is a very good likelihood that I will not be able to have another baby. That Vi will be an only child. I have had such a long and devastating history of infertility that I need to accept the fact that my fertility is not "magically restored". Being Vi's mom has just given me so much hope and so much love that I can't help but want to add to our family. But I think I have to get my head around (as the Brits would say) that I'm pretty darn lucky already don't you think?
Monday, September 21, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
25 things about me
This has been going around Facebook, so here I go:
25 things about me.....
1. I've had short hair my entire life until about 7 years ago. Now it is the longest it has ever been and I am really enjoying it.
2. My name Jennifer was extremely popular in the 70's. My mother said that no one else had the name Jennifer until after she named her me that. It was difficult being one of a million Jennifers at everything growing up.
3. For four years we tried to have a baby. Four different physicians told me I would never conceive on my own and I was denied any further infertility treatment. When I found out I was pregnant, it was a huge surprise and I was in serious shock for over two weeks.
4. Sometimes I all I can think about is having more children as rapidly as possible.
5. My favorite TV show of all time is Unsolved Mysteries. It's back on the "Spike" channel but not even close to being as good without Robert Stack and the old theme music.
6. I grew up in a small town in Northern Michigan that is a two hour drive from the nearest freeway and 2.5 hours from the nearest city having anything.
7. I would like to go back to school and be a Physician's Assistant. I wanted to be an MD.
8. I don't eat any wheat which can be really difficult since everything is made of wheat. It's a challenge. But my heartburn, digestive problems, and infertility have significantly improved since I stopped and It's been almost two years.
9. Exercise and being active are my very favorite things, especially if I can do them outdoors. A great day isn't a great day without some exercise.
10. My favorite color is blue of all shades, and wardrobe-wise, I wear a lot of it along with black. My entire house would be shades of blue inside if I could swing it.
11. I have lost 80 pounds and kept it off for some time now. Most people don't know me as being that way, which can be a relief.
12. Today, I think more kids should have a job (how old fashioned). I've worked since I've been 11 years old (serving at weddings - the best job ever), babysitting, dentist's office and it really shaped who I've become.
13. Organ donation is a cause of mine. My father received a kidney transplant from an unrelated donor in 1991 and had it for 14 years.
14. My mom has record numbers of colon polyps in her colon. My aunts also have colon polyps. I've been seeing a Geneticist in the clinic and they think it may be linked to this weird teeth inheritance problem we also have. The only other reported case is in a family from Finland, so the clinic is super interested in us. We're that special!
15. I love exotic food. Growing up we were strictly a meat, potatoes and veg family with pepper and marg as the only seasoning. We don't eat that way at all now.
16. We got to live in the UK right after we were married which enabled us to do a ton of travel. It was really super to visit so many great places.
17. I love sales. A good quantity of everything I buy is with a coupon, on sale, or on clearance.
18. In my 20's I used to be big time into campaigning, working on campaigns, and the Democratic Party. I received Young Democrat of the Year award, and stuff like that. I was the best democrat ever. In the last election, I voted Republican.
19. My favorite book of all time is "The Stand" by Stephen King. It really isn't a horror book, but it makes you look at the world and think 'what if'.
20. My goal is to play some sports regularly, perhaps in a league like tennis, volleyball, Racquetball, or basketball.
21. One time as a child, I got my bell bottom jeans (complete with rainbow patch) stuck in the chain of my banana seat bicycle while riding through a Sambo's Restaurant parking lot near my grandma's house. My grandma came down with scissors to help me get unstuck and I had to ride back to her house on my sister's bike in my underpants because it was such a complicated job.
22. My co-workers are the greatest. Seriously. They make coming to work fun. We always have a bit of a laugh, and can rely on each other.
23. My secret hobby wish is to be a master gardener but I don't have the time or the energy.
24. I am not crafty at all. Especially for anything that requires exactness. I cannot cut a straight line or cross stitch or sew or crochet no matter how hard I try. I've accepted this, but I still don't like it.
25. Whew... this is a lot of stuff.
25 things about me.....
1. I've had short hair my entire life until about 7 years ago. Now it is the longest it has ever been and I am really enjoying it.
2. My name Jennifer was extremely popular in the 70's. My mother said that no one else had the name Jennifer until after she named her me that. It was difficult being one of a million Jennifers at everything growing up.
3. For four years we tried to have a baby. Four different physicians told me I would never conceive on my own and I was denied any further infertility treatment. When I found out I was pregnant, it was a huge surprise and I was in serious shock for over two weeks.
4. Sometimes I all I can think about is having more children as rapidly as possible.
5. My favorite TV show of all time is Unsolved Mysteries. It's back on the "Spike" channel but not even close to being as good without Robert Stack and the old theme music.
6. I grew up in a small town in Northern Michigan that is a two hour drive from the nearest freeway and 2.5 hours from the nearest city having anything.
7. I would like to go back to school and be a Physician's Assistant. I wanted to be an MD.
8. I don't eat any wheat which can be really difficult since everything is made of wheat. It's a challenge. But my heartburn, digestive problems, and infertility have significantly improved since I stopped and It's been almost two years.
9. Exercise and being active are my very favorite things, especially if I can do them outdoors. A great day isn't a great day without some exercise.
10. My favorite color is blue of all shades, and wardrobe-wise, I wear a lot of it along with black. My entire house would be shades of blue inside if I could swing it.
11. I have lost 80 pounds and kept it off for some time now. Most people don't know me as being that way, which can be a relief.
12. Today, I think more kids should have a job (how old fashioned). I've worked since I've been 11 years old (serving at weddings - the best job ever), babysitting, dentist's office and it really shaped who I've become.
13. Organ donation is a cause of mine. My father received a kidney transplant from an unrelated donor in 1991 and had it for 14 years.
14. My mom has record numbers of colon polyps in her colon. My aunts also have colon polyps. I've been seeing a Geneticist in the clinic and they think it may be linked to this weird teeth inheritance problem we also have. The only other reported case is in a family from Finland, so the clinic is super interested in us. We're that special!
15. I love exotic food. Growing up we were strictly a meat, potatoes and veg family with pepper and marg as the only seasoning. We don't eat that way at all now.
16. We got to live in the UK right after we were married which enabled us to do a ton of travel. It was really super to visit so many great places.
17. I love sales. A good quantity of everything I buy is with a coupon, on sale, or on clearance.
18. In my 20's I used to be big time into campaigning, working on campaigns, and the Democratic Party. I received Young Democrat of the Year award, and stuff like that. I was the best democrat ever. In the last election, I voted Republican.
19. My favorite book of all time is "The Stand" by Stephen King. It really isn't a horror book, but it makes you look at the world and think 'what if'.
20. My goal is to play some sports regularly, perhaps in a league like tennis, volleyball, Racquetball, or basketball.
21. One time as a child, I got my bell bottom jeans (complete with rainbow patch) stuck in the chain of my banana seat bicycle while riding through a Sambo's Restaurant parking lot near my grandma's house. My grandma came down with scissors to help me get unstuck and I had to ride back to her house on my sister's bike in my underpants because it was such a complicated job.
22. My co-workers are the greatest. Seriously. They make coming to work fun. We always have a bit of a laugh, and can rely on each other.
23. My secret hobby wish is to be a master gardener but I don't have the time or the energy.
24. I am not crafty at all. Especially for anything that requires exactness. I cannot cut a straight line or cross stitch or sew or crochet no matter how hard I try. I've accepted this, but I still don't like it.
25. Whew... this is a lot of stuff.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Start of Third Trimester
This pregnancy "thing" is certainly moving along quickly. I still can't believe that in a few months, I will have a child of our very own. It's just unbelievable. I'm sometimes afraid - afraid to enjoy being pregnant, afraid to enjoy being happy about the impending birth, afraid to buy things for the baby like a crib, to pick out a name, to have a shower, afraid to be too attached already. I think that may be common amongst the infertiles. I did buy some great bedding this weekend at the Pottery Barn Outlet - already marked down + another 40% off. Although I absolutely loved the crib bumper pad, I constantly read about how dangerous they are, so I did not purchase which saved me a lot of $$$. I did sort of a mix/match theme on what was available there and ended up with a purple/lilac quilt, white/lt green bedskirt, green/lilac/purple sheet, purple/lilac sham, green cribsheet, lt green curtains and a white/garden themed tulip bedspread for the spare bed. I think it will go well with some of the mobiles/stuff from Beatrix Potter that I bought in the UK and have never used. Thus I need to get a curtain rod, crib, crib mattress, changing table, nightlight, lamp, changing pad. It seems like a lot of nurseries have those letters to spell out names to hang on the wall and I would like to pick them up at a craft store and paint them myself. I wanted a rug and lamp from Pottery Barn Outlet, but they didn't have anything I wanted at a good price. Thus - I am going up North for Memorial Day and will try to stop there then. P thought the bedding was kind of plain, but I did want something plain (no three foot snoopy for me). I'll see how it goes.
Friday, January 4, 2008
The specifics
Just to clear up a few things:
I found out about the pregnancy right after Thanksgiving. I was feeling weird, but not the usual signs. I took a home test and then spent a good two weeks in total shock. Seriously.
We had been trying for close to four years. Four doctors told me never, ever. I was also refractory to fertility drugs.
We went to the high risk ObGyn on Dec 20th. They did an ultrasound. I spent the entire visit laughing to myself because I just couldn't believe it. I'm almost 11 weeks. So far, everything looks "normal" and "healthy" - two words that don't usually describe me.
I'm feeling quite good, not too much of an appetite - I lost 6 pounds.
The timing is kind of bad with P starting grad school at MIT, but miracles come when you least expect it.
I think the big thing that made the difference is the wheat free diet. I started the diet in the beginning of July because I've just been so ill this year. Did Vit D & massive iron supplements. Four months later, I'm suddenly able to ovulate? How can it not be connected? I don't care if my antibody tests were negative, I think that is what is wrong with me. Infertility is a well known cause of celiac dx. I had started eating wheat for the month of November due to my big confirmatory tests in December (which obviously now are canceled). I stopped as soon as I found out. I am concerned that will hurt the developing fetus in some way. My stomach is still behaving a little badly so I still am a bit concerned.
Eating Gluten Free was actually much easier for the four months than it has been for the last month or so. Maybe because it is Christmas and there are so many goodies and parties and eating away. I do know I have to be much, much more vigilant than before. Sometimes I will think .. "well this doesn't look like it has gluten in it"... aka spinach dip, BBQ sauce, etc but then I check the package to make sure, and there it is. No Christmas cookies was difficult but I did have some fudge and a few candies, and honestly didn't miss out on much - I'm not supposed to have sugary carbs anyway. But it is hard to be a "freak" especially when there is gourmet pizza at a lunch meeting, homemade stuffing, birthday cake. I'll survive.
I was initially afraid to tell anyone because I didn't want to jinx anything, but mostly everyone knows of our struggles. Please keep us in your prayers.
I found out about the pregnancy right after Thanksgiving. I was feeling weird, but not the usual signs. I took a home test and then spent a good two weeks in total shock. Seriously.
We had been trying for close to four years. Four doctors told me never, ever. I was also refractory to fertility drugs.
We went to the high risk ObGyn on Dec 20th. They did an ultrasound. I spent the entire visit laughing to myself because I just couldn't believe it. I'm almost 11 weeks. So far, everything looks "normal" and "healthy" - two words that don't usually describe me.
I'm feeling quite good, not too much of an appetite - I lost 6 pounds.
The timing is kind of bad with P starting grad school at MIT, but miracles come when you least expect it.
I think the big thing that made the difference is the wheat free diet. I started the diet in the beginning of July because I've just been so ill this year. Did Vit D & massive iron supplements. Four months later, I'm suddenly able to ovulate? How can it not be connected? I don't care if my antibody tests were negative, I think that is what is wrong with me. Infertility is a well known cause of celiac dx. I had started eating wheat for the month of November due to my big confirmatory tests in December (which obviously now are canceled). I stopped as soon as I found out. I am concerned that will hurt the developing fetus in some way. My stomach is still behaving a little badly so I still am a bit concerned.
Eating Gluten Free was actually much easier for the four months than it has been for the last month or so. Maybe because it is Christmas and there are so many goodies and parties and eating away. I do know I have to be much, much more vigilant than before. Sometimes I will think .. "well this doesn't look like it has gluten in it"... aka spinach dip, BBQ sauce, etc but then I check the package to make sure, and there it is. No Christmas cookies was difficult but I did have some fudge and a few candies, and honestly didn't miss out on much - I'm not supposed to have sugary carbs anyway. But it is hard to be a "freak" especially when there is gourmet pizza at a lunch meeting, homemade stuffing, birthday cake. I'll survive.
I was initially afraid to tell anyone because I didn't want to jinx anything, but mostly everyone knows of our struggles. Please keep us in your prayers.
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