What fertile mothers will never understand about infertile mothers...

1. When it hurts us to see your baby pictures, its not about you or your kids. Its about our deep desire to be a mother and it seeming like the whole world is getting the one thing we want but us. 

2. All the "advice" you're about to offer to #1 isn't going to be helpful.

3. Just because we've yet to hold a baby of our own, doesn't make us any less knowledgeable about pregnancy or child care. As a matter of fact, for a woman with fertility issues its actually kind of an obsession. 

4. It doesn't have crap to do with "God's plan". Stop it.

5. Don't ask a woman without children why she doesn't have them. There is one of two answers:

A: She doesn't want them (which is no concern of your's)

B: She can't have them (which is neverendingly painful to talk about with other people)

6. You don't get to preach to me about how I should be married to have kids. Glad that worked out for you and your (usually divorced) child's father, but that isn't my journey. An infertile woman who wants children will do whatever it takes to be a mom. 

7. Your friend of a friend who "stopped trying and got pregnant" doesn't have shit to do with being infertile. It means she happened to have sex while she was ovulating, which many fertile women have no idea how or when it happens.

8. Hearing you complain about your brood makes our blood boil. Those are beautiful problems to have, be thankful for the messes and tantrums.  

9. Stop telling me "don't worry, your pets will get a demotion as soon as you have kids". Seriously, fuck you. I've noticed many infertile women have animals they treat in a childlike fashion, me included.  With that said, we know how much those animals have meant to us thus far, I don't see a demotion in anyone's future.

10.  I'm sorry that our infertility keeps us away from your baby events. Truly, I am. Its not personal towards the friend, we're not trying to be shitty humans. I wish for no woman to know the pain of seeing every person they know getting the one thing they've always wanted and then being invited to see it in action.  Birthdays, showers, pretty much all child centered get-togethers. Yes, its jealousy. Ugly, bright green jealousy. We know it and admit it. We also know you'll judge us for it.

The Uncomfortable Truth: Consult Results

I've been wavering on posting this update at all, but I went into this with the promise that I'd be honest about our journey, whether it was good, bad, or ugly. Backing out or holding out now just because the truth is uncomfortable feels a little cowardly. So... here goes.

SS and I had our fertility consult this afternoon. I'll start by saying that I really liked our doctor and the staff. He was honest with us from the beginning, which I appreciate. We've never kidded ourselves into believing becoming parents would be easy for us, and we don't want a doctor who will do so either. False hope and promises aren't helpful. The RE didn't give us that.

First thing, he took us back to his office to review our history and the SA results. Like my doctor, he told me right away that there were obvious concerns. First, my neuro medications would have to go because they aren't safe during pregnancy. Second, my medical history isn't something to brush off or sneeze at. These are both concerns that have to be taken into consideration, which we knew.

With that out in the open, we took a look at the SA results for SS. As mentioned previously, SS was seriously ill through most of the last year. He almost died, and he's been on some pretty heavy duty medication which caused problems of their own (like a reaction that almost killed him, renal failure, problems with his liver function, etc). Unfortunately, it looks like the medications may have also caused some fertility problems. A normal sperm count is above 20 million per milliliter. SS's was less than one million per millileter. Additionally, his sperm motility and morphology were much lower than normal.

Right away, this eliminated many of our treatment options. Because the count is so low, the RE felt that IVF would be our only option to become pregnant. That said, because SS has been on these medications, he wants to redo the SA in a few months to see if there is any change. I need to stop here and say we were blessed to be paired with this RE, as he's actually led studies into the effects of similar medications on male fertility. He called a colleague while we were in his office for a second opinion, and his colleague agreed that we need to redo the SA.

Unfortunately, unless the SA is significantly different, our treatment options are still severely reduced. This isn't SS's fault in any way. We knew going in to this that there was a possibility the long term complications from his illness might not be confined to his respiratory system alone. I think I was more prepared for that news that SS was. He's had a hard time coming to terms with the fact that his illness has changed his life in a lot of ways. Finding out today the extent to which his life has changed was difficult.

Because of my history, the RE then decided he wanted to do some testing on me to see what challenges we face where I'm concerned before we went any further. As expected, my ovaries are riddled with cysts, but none of them are abnormally large, which means no surgery in that regard.

I wasn't expecting to hear what came next.

My uterus is  really small and the lining is exceedingly thin. To the point where he ordered an entire battery of tests to find out exactly what's going on there. There's a possibility this is a congenital defect. There's a possibility it's an estrogen deficiency. There are several other possible causes as well. Regardless of the cause, this puts us at a higher risk of miscarriage and preterm birth. Since I've already had a miscarriage and my sister has been unable to carry to term, the risk is even higher. Uncomfortably so. It's also more indicative of a congenital defect.

But because we don't know for sure, the RE sent me to the lab to have a million vials of blood drawn. He also had some concerns about what obstacles my medical history and treatment have caused, so he's doing a slew of tests to look at/for various other things. Once the results from those begin start coming in, he wants me to have an HSG (hysterosalpingogram) so he can take a better look at my uterus and check for blockages, fibroids, and any other issues.

So... we're waiting for more results which may change things some, but at this point, it looks like we've run out of options to conceive and carry our own child. If we decide to go forth with IVF, the risk of another miscarriage or a preterm birth is high. I've said from day one that my biggest fear isn't finding out that we can't get pregnant. My biggest fear has always been that we'll have future miscarriages or preterm births. Having been through one miscarriage myself and three preterm births with my sister, I know there is nothing more devastating than losing a baby you've desperately wanted, or watching your baby fight for his or her life from day one. I also know how hard a preterm birth is on the baby. The consequences are devastating, and many are permanently debilitating. Right now, I cannot imagine taking that risk for my child. Nor can SS.

Obviously, we're not making any final decisions until all results are in and we've had some time to process and think things through, but unless the risk is reduced significantly as test results roll in, we will not be seeking further treatment. We will, of course, look into adoption if that is the case. But after nine years, our conception journey is most likely at an end.

That's overwhelming on so many levels.

We went in today knowing there were obstacles and pregnancy might not be an option, but we were so hopeful there would be some treatment options left on the table. Coming to terms with the fact that getting pregnant and carrying to term may be improbable if not altogether impossible is going to take some time. We've both wanted to have children and go through the whole pregnancy experience for so long. This new reality isn't a comfortable one for either of us. And accepting it isn't going to be particularly comfortable either.

But we now know where we stand. And we can decide where we go from here. Once we know, we'll share that as well. For now, however, I think it's time to take a step back and breathe. We've been hit from all sides these last few weeks, and we're both exhausted.

Thank you for all the prayers.

xoxo,

Ayden

PS: Boo struggled with surgery yesterday, which confirmed the vet's opinion that she's not a candidate for surgery or chemo to treat the cancer. She is doing well now, but she really struggled hard yesterday. The vet is undecided if he'll do the next surgery or not as a result.

Ali did great with his surgery. Unfortunately he does have feline leukemia. What that will mean for him going forward will depend on how he handles the disease, but more than likely, his life span has been severely reduced. 

Bad News, Baby.

Some days, I think the Universe is challenging me. Today is one of those days. 

SS, Razi, Odin, and Ali

We've had a run of shitty news with the animals lately. First, there was Ali. And then Circuit. On Sunday night, our eldest had an episode. She started coughing, then vomiting, then wheezing so badly she couldn't breathe. We snatched her up and rushed to the after hours vet. The vet told us she had a collapsed trachea, fluid on the lungs, and one of the chambers of one lung didn't seem to be filling with air (but she wasn't positive on the last). She recommended we take Boo to our regular vet this week. 

Boo is 12 years old as I mentioned before, so we've been preparing for health problems with her. It's inevitable in any living creature that ages. So... I took her in to the vet today. He studied her X-Rays from Sunday and the various other tests that were done, and doesn't think she has a collapsed trachea. She has a couple abscessed teeth at the very back of her mouth that have caused an infection. Her WBC was 20,000, which is pretty high. He wants her to go in for surgery first thing Monday morning to remove the abscessed teeth and any others that are beginning to decay. 

That's the good news. The bad news is that she has mammary cancer. I told SS a couple of months ago that I thought something was wrong when she got two open sores on a breast. At the time, the vet told us to treat it at home and if it didn't improve in a couple of days, to bring her in. Well, the sores healed perfectly, so no one was really concerned. When he took a look at her today, however, he said she definitely has cancer in all of her mammary glands. He was pretty confident that it hasn't metastasized. But because of her age, he's not going to recommend chemo/radiation for her.

Boo and Razi

When she heals from the dental surgery, he wants to go in and remove her uterus which will lower hormone levels and slow the spread of the cancer. If all goes as planned, he thinks she has another two to three years left in her. If the cancer grows faster, she has maybe a year.

I'm heartbroken. We just got SS well. My grandma just won her battle with cancer. Ali may have an immune disorder. Circuit just had surgery. And now Boo has cancer. It freaking sucks. We take one step forward, and two back.

We're looking at a $700 or $800 vet bill on Monday. And another $300 for the next surgery. And the vet highly recommends we go ahead and bring Razi in ASAP because her risk of this same cancer is really high, which is going to set us back another $200. We've also spent another $600 on the cats and Boo's visit Sunday night. If Ali does have an immune disorder, we're looking at another few hundred dollars there too. We've just gotten back on our feet financially after SS's illness. All these vet bills have wiped us out all over again. 

So I don't know where that leave us where Bringing Home Baby is concerned. Everything we had to go toward treatment now has to go elsewhere. And we're running out of time. I'm only thirty, but we have birth defects, preterm births, and genetic problems in the family. I have the neuro issues to contend with. If SS and I want to have children, it really is now or never. Because who knows what next year will bring? At thirty five, the risks climb higher and higher.

Circuit

I'm not bitter about getting Boo (or Ali) treatment. I'm not even bitter about adopting Circuit and what that's cost us financially. You don't take care of a family member when it's convenient, and neglect them when it's not. And the animals are very much a part of our family. Even Circuit. Obviously, we're going to do what we have to do to make sure they're healthy, no matter what. So that's not the issue here.

I'm sad Boo needs treatment at all. And I'm frustrated that our family keeps getting hit with this crap over and over again. And I feel like the Universe is doing its worst to make us prove we're ready to be parents and won't throw in the towel with the going gets tough. Rationally I know that's not the case. People and animals get sick. It's life.

But a break would be nice.

For as long as I've been an adult, I've worked two or three jobs at a time. I spent 7 years working two jobs, going to school full time, and writing/volunteering in my spare time. SS works just as hard as I do. We've never expected anything to be handed to us, and we've earned what we have through sheer perseverance and hard work. We don't spend a lot of money on frivolous crap. Our bills always come first. We donate to charity whenever we can. We volunteer frequently. And just when we get to a place where we're ready for kids... all hell breaks loose.

Really, Universe? Really?!

Ugh. 

We're planning to keep our appointment with the RE on Tuesday to see what our options are and what we're looking at financially. Maybe it'll all work out and all this worry is for nothing. Hell, maybe my publisher and the world will love Ravished and it'll sell a billion copies. I don't know. And that's my problem. I don't know what's going to happen, and it's overwhelming.

So if you have a few prayers or positive thoughts in you, I'd appreciate them. For Boo. For Ali. And for our dreams of parenthood.

And if you have a few dollars to spare... please consider picking up one of my novels. You can find them (and purchase links) here. I can pretty much promise you, your purchase will help this author fulfill that dream of bringing home baby.

xoxo, 

Ayden 

Jayme update!

Month 1, 5dpo.

I did ovulate this month, and hopefully swimmers have done their job. If not, change of plans. No matter how much I wish I could detach from myself, I absolutely cannot BD with someone I'm not interested in a relationship with. DD is a nice guy, but I have zero mental or physical attraction to him in a romantic kind of way. I'm just not the woman who can, with a clear conscience, sleep with someone I have no interest in ever being with.

I will be good to go on insurance here in 2 weeks, when my coverage starts. I'll be visiting an Obgyn and getting a referral for an RE. I plan to look into known donor via IUI. Its certainly not the most pricy option, and I don't have to sleep with anyone. Ayden found out for me that using donor sperm only adds a little bit to the bill, so that is also looking like a possible option.

I'm going to keep using my herbs if this month didn't take to regulate my cycle and work on bettering my nutrition and fitness while I further work out my plan. 2 weeks (and finishing my 2ww to boot) will give me plenty of time to work on some of my habits.

I did get a new car, so Monday morning it is job search day. I'm so ready! Gotta get that moving and IUI money.

I wish I had more to post, but these are all my updates for now!

A semen analysis... from a woman's perspective

Today was "the day". Analysis time!

Let me preface this by saying, I had no idea what to expect at an appointment for a semen analysis, while thinking I knew what to expect, and it was exactly as awkward as it sounds.

When we got there, we checked in, then hung around in the waiting room for a few minutes, chatting about the various things we'd done during the course of our day. The lab guy (or I'm assuming he was the lab guy... he never introduced himself) came out in full uniform to get us... lab coat, booties, face mask, paper hat... to show us to the room. We followed him back in silence (maybe guys don't like to talk while going to a semen analysis?) and he led us into this room.

For some reason, I had this picture in my head that a semen analysis room would be comfortable. Maybe not woman standard comfortable, but maybe a lovely picture on the wall (there were pictures, but they were this boring cream color), a little fragrance in the air... something.

It was not like that at all. It was a small room with a toilet, a sink, a little table to hold all the specimen cups, a black loveseat, a footstool, and a rack full of porn magazine. Oh. There was also a sign on the wall asking about testosterone usage. And a clip board and some pens.

The nameless lab coat guy ushered us in, pulled out a specimen cup, told SS to read the sheet, follow the instructions, and leave the cup and the sheet in the room when he was done and go check out. Results would be provided by the doctor at our next appointment (which sucks because that's an entire two weeks, and I'm going to explode from worry well before then). That was the extent of what he said to us. Maybe guys really do prefer not to talk to other dudes when getting ready to ejaculate into a cup said other guy is going to have to carry to the lab to be examined? I don't know, but it was awkward as hell.

SS agreed.

Which made the entire thing a lot more nerve wracking than it probably should have been, but whatever. We're on a mission to parenthood, and if a little awkward masturbation is what'll get us there (sorry, guys, no BJs allowed during a semen analysis), then awkward masturbation it is.

So he followed the instructions (which were to use the bathroom, clean up, no BJs, creams, or gels allowed, put your name on the cup, and put the lid on immediately after sample is collected), and got down to business without the porno magazines.

I'd just like to say here that I have no problems with him looking at porn if he feels inclined to do so, but I was rather relieved he didn't flip through the magazines simply because I'm a crazy germaphobe who is dying to wash my hands as soon as I finish shaking yours, and all I could think was, "OMG, how many dudes have touched their junk while flipping through these magazine?" If you're familiar with the male masturbation technique, you know that when the arm is tired, a lot of guys have learned to become switch hitters... which means they just switch to the other and continue on with business (and apparently there are others who can only use one arm... I ask a lot of questions. It's a thing.)... which means those magazines were getting a lot of play... just like in the waiting room at a doctor's office, but with more male parts and fluids involved. Which isn't really important to this recap, but I thought about this while we were in there doing the deed and it freaked me out a little to think about how much action those magazines have seen, so I figured I'd share the knowledge.

Anyway, we collected the sample (because that sounds so much less awkward, right?!), tidied up, and headed out to check out. We saw no one until we got to the desk, then the lady told us we were good to go, and we left, relieved it was over, and really hoping the little old lady on the elevator with us didn't ask us any questions (which she didn't).

Now we wait impatiently for our next appointment to find out how everything looks.

Once outside, he kissed me, we hugged, then he walked me to my car and we went back to work because we're adults, and that's what working adults do after a semen analysis (since post-specimen, public cuddling apparently hasn't become a thing yet).

I was really proud of him for not flipping out because I decided as soon as I walked into the room that there's no way in hell I'd have been able to "provide a specimen" in there. I'm a girl. We want pretty pictures and candles and creature comforts to do our thing or we're not coming out to play, so to speak. Apparently men don't need those things, or just don't want to request those things. I don't know that either.

 So... it was all kinds of awkward, and I'll never complain again about guys not needing pap smears. Okay, so that's probably a lie because at least guys don't have someone all up in their junk while they give a sample. We have cold metal stirrups, and doctors asking us questions while they examine our lady bits, and ultrasound machines, and all sorts of unpleasant crap that's way worse than masturbating into a cup in a sterile room with a toilet and a sink and used porn mags. But whatever. My point is... it was exactly what you'd expect while being nothing like you expect.

It's done now though. We're moving on to those cold metal stirrups. Yay... I think?!

xoxo,

Ayden

Maybe tomorrow

It's been a busy week around here. We took Circuit in to the vet Monday morning to get checked out, and they ended up keeping her for the day for surgery. The poor girl is six months old and was about four weeks pregnant. The vet had to take the babies because she couldn't safely carry them to term. Making that decision was heartbreaking, but it was for the best. Her uterus was abnormal and she was just too small for babies. I feel awful for her, but she's doing well. She's pissed she can't reach her stitches, but is healing wonderfully. She is otherwise a perfectly healthy little kitten. The vet was so impressed with how well behaved she is for a stray. And Ali is healing nicely as well. Still a jerk, but I've come to terms with the fact that my cat is an asshole. Always has been. Always will be. I still love them. :)


On Tuesday, I spoke with the Fertility Clinic and things are moving forward at a nice pace. We're scheduled tomorrow afternoon for SS's semen analysis. We're both nervous, but are both in that headspace where "maybe tomorrow" we'll be on the road to a treatment plan, or at least peace of mind. We really have no clue at this point where SS stands fertility wise. Knowing once and for all will be a huge relief.


We're also scheduled for a consult with Dr. Batres at the clinic on the 25th. They sent me a ton of paperwork to complete, so we spent most of last night working on it. The medical history questions made me anxious. I'm trying to remind myself that my doctor didn't tell us no even though he knows our history, but we've been shot down so many times because of the lesions and pseudotumor... it's hard not to be afraid it'll happen again when Dr. Batres reviews everything. Most of the time, I think I've come to terms with the fact that IVF is more than likely off the table for us, but sometimes I still find myself hoping that "maybe tomorrow" will be different. Maybe we won't be told no. Maybe we'll be candidates.


Maybe is a tough spot to live in!


One of the ladies in our group has seen Dr. Batres before and spoke highly of him. Apparently he has a nervous tic where he laughs at inappropriate times. My nephew Kai has a tic disorder as well, so I can relate to that. It's comforting to know what to expect with the doc's tic, because I'm pretty sure had we started talking about the miscarriage or treatment options and he laughed, I'd have been upset had I not known about the tic beforehand.


Oddly enough, the paperwork said we need to take our marriage license with us. This bothers me. The paperwork stated the clinic will work with single mothers, so I can't begin to imagine why they need a copy of our marriage certificate before seeing us. It's 2014, not 1944. While SS and I chose to make our marriage official in the eyes of the law, not all couples do and that is a perfectly acceptable choice. One that certainly shouldn't exclude them from treatment if they are ready, willing, and capable of caring for a child. Considering that most marriages end in divorce... well, making it legal doesn't guarantee a lasting relationship or solid family dynamic any more than not getting hitched does.


At any rate, I have no idea where I put our marriage license because in almost ten years, no one has ever asked for it, so I'm not real concerned about locating it at the moment. If they ask for it and can satisfactorily explain to me why they need it, we'll attempt to hunt it down. Until then, I'm not too concerned about it. We're both fully aware that a piece of paper doesn't make a marriage and blood doesn't make family. The only thing I can come up with is that they need it for insurance purposes, but SS and I have individual insurance policies through our employers (it's far cheaper this way) so that's not an issue.


We're going to keep doing the herbals until/unless instructed to do otherwise. I've noticed little changes. Hair growth is slower. Libido is up, up and away! And I feel less off-kilter. I was hoping they'd help with the headaches as well since hormonal imbalance can contribute to migraines, but no luck there yet. I've had a few vicious migraines this week. I'm hoping they're being triggered by stress and this ridiculous weather. Now is not the time for them to fly out of control again. Especially since my doctor just agreed to let me come off the meds to get pregnant!


All in all, we're making progress. It just feels like it's so slow in coming! I suck at waiting. But maybe tomorrow, we'll finally feel like those little black clouds have stopped following us around and we can breathe.


Fertility aside, I'm trying to get Ravished edited so I can send it on its way to make the query rounds while I focus on completing FLAME so I can get it to my publisher. And then I need to buckle down and finish the rewrites for Stricken so that can be sent off as well. My goal is to have all three completed this year, but I haven't made nearly as much progress as I'd hoped. My laptop flipped out and had to be replaced which slowed me down tremendously. I've got the new one up and running now, so I'm ready to dive back in and get these done!

xoxo,

Ayden

I think I love my doctor: Appointment and Ali news.

Having a doctor you trust is so important, whether you're ill, trying to conceive, or just have questions and concerns. I'm fortunate in that my PCP is amazing. He's very attentive. He spends time chatting with me. He gives me a say when deciding on treatment. And he listens.

Anytime I've gone to see him, he's let me explain what's wrong and why I think it's wrong. He's learned that, more often than not, I'm right. I knew when I dislocated my hip. I knew when we needed to adjust my meds. I knew what happened to cause a problem with my foot. And I know what the hell I'm talking about when I say that SS and I need to see the RE for infertility testing and treatment.

When he came into the room this morning, the first thing my doctor said was, "The first thing I'm going to do is order a semen analysis for your husband. 50% of the time, infertility is caused by problems with the man. It's easier and cheaper to test him first and then start testing you."

I wanted to throw my arms around his neck and kiss him soundly for not being an idiot. I knew he wouldn't be, but it was a huge relief to have him confirm what we tried to tell SS's doctor a few weeks ago. Infertility is NOT “mostly a woman’s problem”.  I’m glad my doctor knows that. I really am.

So... we chatted about the REs in the area, and he recommended one that he thinks I’ll like. He sent over the referral for the SA and wants me to set up my appointment at the same time so we can get the ball rolling.

And then we talked about all the issues we're going to be facing. Like my medications. We're definitely going to have to change or stop them altogether before I get pregnant because the risk of harm is too high for either of us to be comfortable with me continuing them while pregnant. We discussed what that’s going to mean for me, and how closely I’ll have to be monitored to make sure the neuro issues stay under control.

But he didn't tell me that, no, I can't try to get pregnant in whichever way I feel is best for me. He told me that he understands what infertility is like because his wife had eight miscarriages while they were trying to conceive, and he would never dream of telling me I can’t try when SS and I are clearly ready to be parents and aren’t going into this blind.

I wanted to cry when he said that. Every other doctor has told me no, I can't do IVF. Or no, I can't do this. Or no, I can't try that. I’ve heard a lot of No’s in the last nine years.

Today, I didn't hear a single one. He told me the decision was up to me, SS, and the RE, and that he'd support it. He'll let me come off my migraine medications while we're trying to conceive. And he'll let me and SS decide what sort of treatment we think is best. And he'll do what he can to help us.

So the plan is for us to talk with the RE to do all the testing. Once we know what we’re facing and what our treatment options are, my doctor will begin weaning me off my medication and will monitor to make sure that things are going well on that front.

He didn’t veto IVF either. He said if we decide that’s an option we want to pursue, we’ll have another talk then about what that’s going to mean for us and whether or not I can handle it safely.

As I mentioned previously, SS and I are pretty certain we don't want to do IVF. At least not at the clinic here. The success rate is simply too low and the risk is too high. But if we do decide we want to give it a try, it’s nice to know that he’s willing to discuss it further.

I went in terrified of being told no today, because that’s all we’ve been told for so long.
 
I cannot even begin to describe how much peace of mind my doctor gave me today. It feels so good to know that he trusts me to know what is best for me, and will support my choices. It feels so good to know that we weren't told no today. It feels so good to know that we're finally making progress after all these years. And it feels so good to know that my doctor is willing to advocate, not only for me, but for SS too. Even if that means telling SS's doctor what's what.

I know we haven't won the war. We aren't pregnant yet. We may not be able to get pregnant at all. But I feel like we did win a battle today. And that feels pretty freaking awesome.

So does the fact that I'm about 95% certain that I've ovulated this cycle! :)

And for those wondering… Ali went to the vet today. He fixed up Ali's war wounds, but the vet is concerned he may have an immune disorder because he gets such bad infections so fast. This is the second time since November that he’s been fine one day, and had a blood infection the next. Despite having a very obvious infection, his temp was about 5 degrees below normal, which isn't a great thing. So, he gave him two big shots today and is going to do some tests on him when he’s sedated for surgery on the 24^th. He wanted to do some testing today, but Ali wasn't having it. Vet just decided to wait until the 24th instead of sedating him today too. I’m worried about the poor guy. I say he’s a jerk (because he is), but he’s my little jerk, and I love him. I am praying the vet is concerned over nothing and he’s just fine. But until we know for sure… I will worry.

xoxo,
Ayden

I did the "girl" thing today.

I've had an interesting night. But before I get to that, you're going to need a little back story.

SS and I are huge animal lovers, and neither of us can stand to see an animal suffering. So we've rescued more than a few animals during our relationship. We have a twelve year old terrier, Boo, who we adopted from my grandma when Boo decided her shoes were great chew toys.

Six years ago, Boo had a litter of one. No one even knew she was pregnant. We found her hiding in the closet one day, and lo and behold, there was this tiny little puppy. I couldn't imagine taking her baby away from her, so we decided to keep the puppy. Her name is Razi. She's part terrier, part Chihuahua, and is just this tiny little ball of fur.

Boo thinks she's the boss. No one tells her what to do. As she's gotten older, she's only gotten bossier. She's starting to go blind now, so she's pretty anal about things. No one is allowed to touch her stuff or go into her corner. No one is allowed to eat her food. Or do anything she doesn't want them to do without her flipping out. She's like a little old lady with a shotgun. Anyone goes near her stuff, she's coming out in rollers, shotgun in hand, and isn't asking questions.

Two years ago, we rescued a little kitten who was living outside my sister's house. SS never owned a cat before, and was adamant we weren't getting one, but quickly changed his mind when my sweet little nephew, Losh, mastered his fear of touching animals to pet the kitten. Ali came home with us that night. We thought Ali was a girl, so we gave him a girl name, only to find out that he wasn't a girl.

Ali is... well, Ali is a jerk. I love him to death, but he really is a jerk. He was supposed to be my cat, but he likes SS better than me because I won't let him do crap he thinks he's entitled to do... like whore around the neighborhood. Everyone says cats aren't really vindictive, but they haven't met Ali. If I won't let him go outside when he wants, he will try to pee in my sink or on me. If I try to move him out of my way, he'll bite me. Or randomly run across the floor to slap me. He loves to wait until about 2am, then stick his paws under my bedroom door and shake the ever living crap out of it.

Because he's a jerk, him and Boo don't get along. She doesn't have time for all of that. He's learned to stay away from her crap.

Last May, my sister rescued a Border Collie from the side of the road. He was sickly and so sweet... she'd just adopted a dog from the pound, and SS and I were looking for a big dog, so we decided to take him. The plan was for him to be SS's dog, but for me to feel a little safer by myself when SS isn't home. Well, Odin and I instantly clicked. He's "my" dog, and he takes that very seriously. If he doesn't like you, you aren't getting close to me. If he doesn't think I like you, you definitely aren't getting close to me. He's also a monumental baby. And I do mean that. He loves to try to cuddle up in my lap as if he doesn't weigh 65 pounds. He sleeps right beside me. He gives hugs all day long. He also flips out if I'm out of his sight for more than a minute or two. I've come to terms with the fact that the dog is going to go to the bathroom with me whether I want him to or not. I gave up trying to shoo him out a few months after we got him and have taught him the word "privacy" which in guard dog speak apparently means "If I can't see her, she can't see me, so I'mma turn around and lay right here in the doorway." Yeah... we're still working on it.

He gets bent out of shape if he loves you and you don't love him. So him and Boo have issues. But him and Ali are best buddies. And he and Razi are pretty cool too, unless he's pissed Boo off, at which point Razi flips out too. This has been the dynamic in our house since last May. We have Odin the big, goofy loveable dog. We have the jerky cat. We have Boo the cranky old lady. And we have Razi, who just doesn't give a shit unless you mess with her mama.

Well, a few weeks ago, a beautiful kitten appeared outside, shivering and hungry and miserable. It was freezing cold out, so I tried to lure her to me. SS opened the door and she bolted when the dogs came barreling out. Anyway, when she came back the next evening, SS told me she was out there, so I went out, determined to capture her. It took me about 10 minutes, before she finally came to me and let me pick her up. Obviously not feral, but she'd definitely been living on the streets for a while. We brought her in. I intended to feed her and keep her only until it warmed up outside. She was inside a whole five minutes before SS decided we were going to keep her. He named her Circuit.

Well, Boo doesn't like Circuit. Odin and Razi want to play with Circuit, and get upset when she won't play with them. Ali likes Circuit half the time, and the other half, he wants to fight her. Circuit doesn't like any of them at this point. She's getting better with the dogs, which Razi and Odin have taken to mean she wants to love them... and then they both get all upset when they realize she doesn't actually love them yet. So when she hisses, they bark, which sets Boo off. It's madness.

A few days ago, Circuit and Ali got into a fight. They were perfectly fine, cuddled up in a chair together, and then all hell broke loose. Circuit sank her teeth into Ali. Ali dragged her across the floor by her collar. Fur was flying! We promptly decided to keep them separated until Ali gets neutered later this month. So, we keep her in the house during the day and let him relax in the sun room. Then at night, she sleeps in the bedroom with SS (yes, we have our own bedrooms... and yes, we're still happily married), and we let Ali run wild in the rest of the house. We've been keeping Ali's battle wound clean. It looked fine until tonight. I went to pick him up and noticed blood on the side of his face. The wound is infected and looks pretty gnarly. So, we cleaned him up and I have to run him to the vet tomorrow for another antibiotic shot to match the one he had in November after he got out and got in a fight with something... which is why he's getting his boys nipped this month. He's never sprayed, but he thinks he's a gang banger and has recently decided that means fighting any and everything.

Anyway, the point of this incredibly long story is that, I have an appointment tomorrow morning with my doctor to discuss our infertility woes and I'm nervous. I'm praying he gives us the green light, and I'm also scared he won't because of the brain lesion and because that'll mean changing my neuro medications and we just got the migraines under control again. After everything we've been through, I really just want good news tomorrow, and I'm afraid that won't happen.

So, of course, when I saw Ali's wound had become infected, I freaked out because I'm a girl and that's what we do. We freak out about things that aren't even related because in our minds, those unrelated things are irrefutable proof that we're going to be terrible mothers. Why? Because that's what girls do.

I literally did the whole my baby is hurt, and I feel like a terrible mama because of it. And how are we supposed to be good parents if we can't even keep our cat healthy? And how do I plan to keep the cats away from a baby if I can't even keep the cats from killing each other for a couple of weeks? And I'm sure by the time I finished having a freaking cow, SS was ready to strangle me. But he didn't. Because he knows how convoluted things become in my mind when I'm stressed out.

The really funny thing about all of this is that if anyone can handle a crisis... I can. While everyone else is panicking, I'm the one swooping in to save the day, whether it's getting my sister to the hospital when she went into labor at 25 weeks, or changing my nephew's trach on the side of the highway while the cop stands by to keep us from being run over, or someone is bleeding profusely or whatever... I have it all under control. But let me think too long, and I will have destroyed an entire kingdom with a simple broken shoe in my head in about 2.5 seconds. Because that's what I do. I worry and stress and think about every possible thing that could go wrong. Especially when it matters. And tomorrow matters, so I had a meltdown tonight over something completely unrelated. Stupid, I know. And I'm sure SS agrees. But he didn't say anything.

He just let me have my little freak out, like he always does. Because he knows me. And he knows that, as soon as I'm done with my little panic attack, I'm going to suck it up and do what needs to be done to get us from Point A to Point B. And I'm going to throw myself into it with my whole heart, because that's also who I am. I don't do things halfway. I put everything into it, and I worry and stress and want everything to be perfect because it's important to me.

Because I've been a mama for as long as I can remember, even if I don't have kids of my own. I take care of people and animals and things and I'm damn good at it.

And that made me realize how lucky I am to have SS. Because while I'm taking care of everyone else, he's taking care of me. He may be messy and sleep through his alarm every morning. Or forget to get the one thing I sent him to the store for every time he goes... but he never tells me I'm being a crazy person even when I'm obviously being a crazy person. He's patient and kind and calm and he knows what I need before I know what I need. I can put my whole heart into things because I know he's going to be there to catch me if  I fall or fail. And that's why I know he's going to be such an amazing father. Just like he is an uncle. And a husband. And a friend. Because he's just that incredible kind of guy.

I have no idea what's going to happen tomorrow. I'm still nervous. I'm still worried. I still want to throw up. I will feel that way until all is said and done. Because that's who I am. But I'm not freaking out anymore. I have SS to thank for that. 

xoxo,

Ayden

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

I'm warning you this post is for the sake of rambling about stuff that is currently on my mind lol.

Let the ovulation testing commence!! AF has left the building and hopefully within the next week I will know about how my ovulation is going to work. Then BD! I know its most likely going to take more than one month, and I'm perfectly ok with that. I just am glad I can finally get this moving. I have to remind myself if not this month then there's always next month.

The money factor is being fixed very quickly, and I'm breathing sighs of relief left and right. I'm trying to not get my hopes up too high, but I honestly think this is my year to become a mommy. It just feels right. DD is still being possibly the best partner in crime I could've asked for. I'm so pleased with him as my choice. My grades are good, I'm making a list of job prospects because I will have a car in just over a week (weather permitting the search of course), and then I can breathe even more freely. I'm so thankful that everything seems to be falling into place for me. I'm just as thankful that its falling into place for my girlie. I think I'm as excited for her to be a mom as I am for myself to be one.

For me the only thing left to weigh is childcare. I don't necessarily trust anyone with the care of my future child, but for the sake of the single mom thing I'm going to have to come to a decision on it. My choices will be hire a babysitter to care for my child in my home, or trust a daycare. If a daycare is a good one, it can be a great way for children to be socialized and start learning when you can't be there. If they aren't good, well, you know the horror stories. On that same note, babysitters with no supervision could also be a nightmare. I'm almost certain that scares me more that there would be no witnesses if something went wrong. If I got lucky to find someone I trusted it would of course seem more logical to pay a young person a little money to help me out and in turn help them build a resume, then to pay a few hundred a week to strangers who may or may not have had background checks that I feel give enough information. At least this way I'm in control of that.

Oy see, I'm already a mom and I'm not even knocked up yet! I just wanted to get that thought process out there. If you choose to be a single mom you have to get over your dreams of staying home with your little lovely, at least until you can work from home or own your own business complete with on site daycare. That is of course my ultimate goal and wish, but for now I'm going to have to weigh the afore mentioned options. I am quite happy that this is my biggest stresser right now, seeing as how its probably about a year or more away from being an immediate factor. I know I have time to make decisions like that, its honestly kinda fun for it to be something I'm actually looking into and doing research on. I'm very much looking forward to this. First thing is first, gotta get that BFP!

Talking Babies with Babies

I've very close to my younger sister's three kiddos. We all lived together for years when her youngest boy, Losh, was born. He was premature (all three of her kids were) and has severe medical problems. He has a trach and a feeding tube. Until the last couple of years, he was on a ventilator. He spent most of his first several years in the hospital. He's had 23 surgeries and has overcome so many obstacles. More than that though, he's just this amazing little boy with a big heart. He loves everyone and hasn't met a person yet who didn't fall in love with him, too.

Whenever possible, I try to bring him, his older brother or little sister over for the weekend. They love coming to my house, and SS and I love having them here. We have so much fun, and it's just beautiful to have childish laughter filling the house for a few days.

This time, it was Aloshua's turn to come spend the weekend. He's been so excited since I told him I'd come and get him for the weekend. When I got there Friday to get him, he had his bags packed and waiting for me at the front door. He finally learned to talk when he was six, and he's rarely ever quiet. He just chatters away all day, every day.

On the way home, he told me he was going to have 100 kids and drive 10 school buses to take them wherever they wanted to go. He also plans to let them name themselves. He's developmentally delayed and doesn't really understand how babies are made or how much work 100 kids would be, but whatever. He's happy at the thought of having 100 babies, so I played along.

During this discussion, he paused for a moment and asked why I didn't have any kids. Before I could figure out a way to tell him that SS and I haven't been able to have kids, but we are trying, he said, "I know! You have me and Abby and Kai, right?"

That made me smile because a couple of weeks ago, his little sister said the same thing when I asked her if it was okay if me and SS had a baby. She's a total diva and was pretty dang upset when my older sister had her baby in November of 2012. She refused to let me call Rose a princess because that's what I call her. So Rose is the Flower Child, and Abby is the princess. She's also very much SS's little partner in crime. She just loves him to death and he's crazy about her. With that being the case, I figured I should probably give her time to get used to the fact that SS and I want to have a baby. Surprisingly, she was okay with it... until I asked her if she wanted a boy or girl cousin, anyway. She thought about it, then said, "Neither. You have an Abby, a Losh, and a Kai already!"

I love how innocent they are and how they just know they're our kids too. It's sweet to know you're that important to a tiny person. Kai is only nine months older than Losh, but he understands much more than Losh. He and I are also really close. He's been my partner in crime since he was born. I was the first person he laughed for. He's also sensitive like I was when I was a kid, so we just meshed right away. 

When I let him know SS and I wanted to have a baby, he had two question. Would he have to change diapers. And could he still come and spend the night. Of course I said no to the first and yes to the second. The kid has never changed a diaper in his life, and there's no way I'd banish them from coming over when we have kids of our own, because they are such an important part of our lives.

We don't have bio kids, but we do have these amazing nieces and nephews we've been fortunate to spend time with since they were born. In reality, I have no idea how they will feel when SS and I have kiddos of our own, but it's such a great feeling to know they're not opposed to the idea. It's an even greater feeling to know that they don't question whether they're important to us or not. To them, we don't have babies of our own because we have them and that's basically the same thing.

I love that they feel that way. I really do. God knows, having them around has made infertility more tolerable. It's still devastating, but knowing I've been able to make a difference for a few very special kiddos and have been such an important part of their lives is a beautiful thing.

Everyone keeps asking if we're nervous at all about having babies. I'm not nervous. I'm scared of having a miscarriage, or of going into labor prematurely, but as far as having kids? I'm not nervous at all, and SS isn't particularly nervous either. We are ready in every sense of the word. Hanging out with Abby, Losh, and Kai the past few weeks has reconfirmed that in such a lovely way.

Despite this long, crazy journey, I don't think I've ever been more ready to have a baby than I am right now. That is so exciting to me!

xoxo,
Ayden

*Huge sigh of relief*

And we have lift off! Last night around 7pm AF made her much needed appearance. I'm on CD#2 and though a little crampy from the long wait, very happy to see progress. I've started charting and DD is also aware of said progress. I can't wait to start trying! Ayden and I are only 4 or 5 days apart with AF so we can endure that awful 2ww together. Its so great to have this kind of support.

Not only is AF here, but finances are starting to look much better too. MUCH better. I'll have a car in about 2 weeks and then employment can be once again acquired. Its time to start updating that resume! I had to whammo stress relievers occur in the same day, I'm still waiting for the catch. Hopefully there isn't one, but that doesn't keep me from keeping my eyes open. Bad habit, I know.

I know this probably sounds extremely silly, but taking a netflix binge in of my favorite teen drama has really been a comfort. Go ahead and laugh, but Dawson's Creek was a religion for me back in the day. Its just a reminder of how simple life was, and how powerful dreaming is. I forgot to dream for a very long time. Its not the adorably over thought adolescent dialogue, its just the trip back in time to who I was during that part of my life. I guess I'm trying to be kinder to myself and give myself license for a do over. Not just in TTC, but in dreaming about my life as a whole.

One thing I have to say to those who are on a similar journey: don't stop dreaming. Don't give up what your heart desires more than anything because some might think you're crazy for doing it. Also, don't make it a job. Yes, I'm utilizing DD, but because I chose a trusted friend I'm able to have more fun in the process. I'm not even speaking of the physical, I'm speaking of feeling more laid back and comfortable in my choice a little freer to let go of worry. There is no part of ttc with PCOS that isn't at least a little stressful. I'm going into my 3^rd act and who knows how much longer I have before my fertility as it already stands gets even worse. I can't worry about that. I have to just go with my hearts desires and try. If I don't try I'll never know.

I'm not sure how many other single ttc moms are out there reading this, but I know someone who needs it is going to see it. Don't let them break you. Don't let the judgment count more than the support system you have. If its only one person who supports you, then that one outweighs however many naysayers you encounter. If your heart desires to be a mom, do it. Nobody gets a vote. You and you alone are going to support and care for your child, so your opinion of your own decisions is all that matters. Its all you can allow to matter.

I've found that my closest friends are even more amazing than I anticipated about this. I also have found that some aren't as OK with it as they once let on. That is perfectly OK with me. Typically those who judge you are just terrified that anyone could be that brave. They are scared of anyone who thinks for themselves. Think for yourself on this one. Its your body, your baby. Don't let saboteurs get the best of you. I actually came to realize one that I thought was of my most supportive was trying to undo things behind my back with part of this process. I was mad for all of 3 seconds and realized they failed. My independence is too strong for them to fathom. I have so many standing tall beside me, that person's feeble attempts to keep me below themselves doesn't matter.

Why we're going the herbal infertility treatment route first

Jayme recently posted about the various herbs and supplements that are useful when trying to conceive, and I thought now would be a good time to talk a little about why SS and I are going the herbal route first and what that involves for us.


Last year, SS got really sick and underwent two surgeries and has been on a lot of really harsh medications. He won't finish treatment for the blastomycosis until late March or early April. With that being the case, we felt it was better to wait to start all the infertility diagnostic testing until he's completed his current treatment plan. We don't know that the medications will interfere with any testing, but it's better safe than sorry.

That said, since he doesn't finish treatment for several more months, we decided we'd start with some of the herbal supplements and vitamins out there while we wait. If we conceive this way, then yay! We won't need to visit the RE to talk options. And if we don't conceive this way, at least we'll be making positive strides toward addressing some of the issues we face.

With PCOS, my body makes too much estrogen and androgens (ie: testosterone) and not enough progesterone (P4). The result is a hormonal imbalance that contributes to infertility. When we visit the RE in a couple of months, they'll likely want to prescribe something to help get things in balance. If herbal supplements can begin sorting things out before we go see him, why not give it a try?

Low P4 can cause all kinds of havoc in addition to infertility. A drop in P4 levels during pregnancy can cause a miscarriage. Since we already know I have low P4 and have miscarried before, we want to make sure we've covered the P4 base as best we can from the word go. 

In that vein, I'm using a paraben free progesterone cream twice a day, for two weeks each cycle. One of the great things about progesterone cream is that it's natural progesterone, whereas any progesterone therapy the RE can prescribe would be synthetic. I much prefer the natural stuff! It's safer and there are fewer chemicals involved. I use the cream twice a day for the 2 weeks leading up to my menstrual cycle, 1/4 teaspoon each time on a soft tissue area like my throat, inner arms or thighs, etc. If you plan on taking it, aim for a paraben free version that clearly states it has at least 500mg USP progesterone per ounce. If it doesn't have USP, it's not really progesterone. And if it doesn't have enough, it's not going to be particularly useful.

I'm also taking 540 mg daily of Black Cohosh, which helps regulate the menstrual cycle and can help with menstrual pain. With the PCOS, I sometimes have the absolute worst cramps. They radiate down my thighs and can be incredibly severe. If black cohosh can help ease them and get my menstrual cycle from 45 days to 28-30, I'd be crazy not to give it a try!

I also take 960mg daily of Red Raspberry Leaf (RRL), which helps strengthen and tone the uterus and can aid in implantation. RRL also lengthens the luteal phase. A typical luteal phase, or the period of time between day 1 of your menstrual cycle and ovulation, is between 10 to 16 days. Women who have shorter luteal phases struggle to become pregnant as the lining of the uterus isn't able to grow like it should to support a healthy pregnancy. RRL shouldn't be taken while pregnant, however, as there is a possibility it can lead to miscarriage.

Finally, SS and I both take 2000mg daily of Maca root. Maca root is full of vitamins and minerals... over 60 phytonutrients and 30 minerals. It affects the endocrine system by stimulating the pituitary gland, the hypothalamus and the thyroid. Maca can help balance hormones by lowering excess levels of hormones and stimulating the production of hormones that aren't high enough. It can also increase energy, improve sperm motility/mobility, and increase sexual drive. I've been taking it for about 2 weeks now, and I already feel more alert and energetic. My libido is also starting to kick into a higher gear. I'm perfectly okay with that! :)

Every woman of childbearing age should also take a prenatal (or a folic acid supplement at the very least) whether or not they are trying to conceive. A lack of folic acid can cause birth defects. More often than not with a birth defect like spina bifida, the issue occurs incredibly early in the pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she is pregnant. With that being the case, waiting for a BFP before starting a prenatal isn't a safe bet, especially for those who have a higher risk of birth defects. My nephew has spina bifida and a suspected genetic abnormality, so as soon as SS and I decided we were ready to really start trying again, I picked up a prenatal with DHA and started taking it. All of that said... women with the MTHFR mutation will want to talk with a doctor before taking a folic acid supplement, as folic acid supplements can be less than helpful in those cases.  
 
I haven't started Vitex (chaste berry) yet, but I do have it on hand to try if the black cohosh doesn't pan out. Like the black cohosh, Vitex helps regulate the menstrual cycle. And, like maca, helps balance hormones. Since I'm already on black cohosh and maca, I don't feel a pressing need to add the Vitex to the mix just yet, but plan to swap the black cohosh out for Vitex during the next cycle. Black cohosh shouldn't be used long term, and I just think it'd be better to take the Vitex and get both benefits than the black cohosh and get the one.

At the end of the day, we don't know if any of these supplements will help us conceive, but they're safe, inexpensive, have been shown to be beneficial, and we already know our traditional treatment options will be limited because of the stroke risk that comes with the brain lesions, so it just makes sense to try this avenue before we head to the RE in a couple of months. At the very least, we'll know we've done everything we could do on our own to get pregnant. And that peace of mind is incredibly important to both of us, particularly since I miscarried while on prescribed fertility medication. Anything we can do to avoid a repeat of that devastating scenario is a must for both of us. 

xoxo,

Ayden

It's my party, I can cry if I want to.

I've never really been big on birthdays, but I have to admit I never thought turning thirty would be so difficult. Not because I didn't want to turn thirty, I did!

I've been the "baby" at virtually every job ever, so I've been all kinds of excited about finally hitting that number where people stop referring to me as a baby and start referring to me as a damned adult. I'm leagues away from those folks in their early twenties who have a job to bankroll their partying, but somehow, those of us in the late twenties are always painted with that same "young and dumb" brush, regardless of how much we've accomplished or how responsible we are. It's annoying. So I've been excited about hitting that magic number where I'm no longer pigeon-holed because I just so happen to be in the same decade as kids in college.

But turning thirty today didn't go at all how I envisioned it going.

I figured I'd survive the day at work, come home and snuggle on the couch with SS while we watched a movie. A low key, stress free, drama free kind of day.

Ha!

I woke up this morning to find SS hunched over the toilet bowl. He's caught the stomach virus that's making the rounds. Not a good start to the morning. And then my dang car wouldn't start. I finally made it to the meeting 2 hours away, only for the meeting host to be MIA. We waited around for a good twenty minutes before she finally showed up. As I said before, I'm the "baby" at work. Most of my coworkers are fifteen, twenty years older than I am. So you'd think we could make it through a meeting with no drama, right?

Double ha!

It was nothing but drama from the word go.

Then I started feeling sick to my stomach, so the 2 hour ride home was rough.

When I finally got home, I breathed a sigh of relief that I could just chill out for the rest of the evening.

And then a friend who hasn't ever wanted kids told me she's pregnant.

I wanted to be happy for her. Part of me is happy for her.

The other part though... well, that part can't help but wonder why people who don't want kids are blessed with them, while so many of us who walk through hell trying to have a baby... can't. And please don't tell me that God has a plan or he knows what he's doing or anything else meant to comfort. At the risk of becoming repetitive, saying things like that to us isn't helpful or comforting or anything remotely close.

I just don't get it.

And I didn't expect to hear that news from a friend on an already difficult day. It made me realize that our baby should have been turning eight this month. Instead, here I am, turning thirty without having ever held our baby or been pregnant since. That bowled me over.

I'm left feeling sad and angry.

I should be proud of myself today. I accomplished so much in my twenties, more than I ever thought I'd accomplish in ten years. Hell, more than many accomplish in their entire lives. I should be celebrating this day and the triumphs and successes and even the failures that got me to this far. I shouldn't be feeling sad or bitter today. But I do. I didn't expect that.

I know tomorrow will be different, because I'm not the kind of person that lets myself wallow, but so far? Being thirty sucks, and I wasn't prepared for that.

-Ayden
 

Do I get karma points for this?

This waiting game is getting old. I'm on provera day 4, still nothing. I don't know how long its supposed to take for this stuff to work. I've heard some women say it works during the 10 day cycle that you take it, others say it takes several days after you're done with the last pill. I just know I'm ready to start REALLY trying and I'm getting annoyed with my body. I know not stressing seems like the answer, but that is super hard when the one thing that needs to happen just isn't happening. Ayden, DD, and my other friends are keeping me positive. I'm not asking for much here, at least I don't think I am. Everyone who it works for talks about how bad it made them feel, but I'm not feeling any difference at all. I know losing weight is going to help. I'm trying to get my head in the right place for it. Stress isn't going to help with that either though. Hell stress is what makes me want to eat and do nothing.

I'm about done with my first term in school. So far I'm ending the term with A's, we'll keep seeing what happens. As long as I pass I'll be fine. I'm trying not to be too hard on myself about it. I'm just doing the best I can and working my butt off. I'm just ready to move onto some classes that have more substance to them.

Still waiting on school money, waiting on my other W2's for taxes. I'll have a car soon and then I can really get this stuff under way. I'm also waiting on medicaid to come through. I hope to be able to upgrade to actual insurance in the coming months, but for the moment that'll be a huge help. I'll have more than enough money to get a car and last til I find a job I just need things to hurry up! This waiting game better rack me up some major karma points, cus I'm playing against my will.

I feel like my frustration with all this is making me the hardest person to have a conversation with. I'm tired of hearing it myself, I'm sure my friends have about had it. I'm getting equally as disgusted with myself for not being more proactive with my weight. I have a habit of getting just all around discouraged with it and giving up. I gotta work on that. I KNOW it'll make a difference. I don't know what I'm waiting for. I guess I'm just tired of fighting it but I know I can't give up or I'll never get anywhere. I gotta get some of this weight off to have a healthy baby. I gotta do it for my baby, even before I have them. I can even continue losing while pregnant as overweight as I am right now, I just have to get myself going again. 

Part of my problem is my living quarters. I really don't have the space, even outside my house. We live on a dead end private drive off of a main road with no sidewalks. Getting a car is going to help in this too! I'm not sure if I'm joining a gym or just hitting the park or both, but dammit I'm doing something! I do know I gotta make the best of what I have right now though (thanks kitty for putting a slow leak in my balance ball btw...)

I know this all sounds like a bunch of ranting. It is. I'm a ball of nerves right now waiting for my body to make sense.

The Cost of Fertility Treatment, Adoption, Surrogacy, and Raising Children

Infertility can be an incredibly expensive venture for those trying to conceive. While a health insurance policy may cover some expenses, that's not always the case.

Personally speaking, my insurance policy will cover the diagnosis of infertility but it will not cover any sort of fertility treatment. Which means that the RE will be able to bill insurance for specific tests like diagnostic lab work and tests (ultrasounds, etc), but when it comes time to begin treatment itself, SS and I are on our own financially.

I've been asked several times about various procedures or possibilities, and it seems as if most have no idea of just how expense and/or time consuming infertility can be. No one can be blamed for not knowing, especially when the costs associated with treatment or adoption/surrogacy aren't often made public.

Fertility clinics rarely publish the costs associated with using their clinics for a given procedure, in part because it's impossible to ball park how much one might spend since it can vary widely from person to person based upon individual factors like condition, availability of eggs/sperm, etc. Another part of why they may not make that information easily accessible is because it can be daunting and prevent individuals or couples from seeking their services when listed costs may not be reflective of what that individual or couple can expect.

Below you'll find a general break down of what one can reasonably expect to spend. It's by no means complete, and may not be reflective of what any given individual may experience because, again, it can vary widely.

Adoption - Adoption is often suggested as an alternative for infertile couples by others, but the reality is that adoption can be incredibly expensive itself. If adopting through a private non-profit or an attorney, one can expect to spend anywhere between $10,000 and $30,000. Adoption via a foster program is often much less expensive (generally less than $1,500), but can be even more rigorous and time consuming than using a non-profit. Even with a private non-profit, one may wait for years before being chosen as adoptive parents. With a foster program, there is no guarantee that an infant will ever be placed with you. In short, there is not such thing as "just adopting". It's an exhaustive, expensive process that can take years.

Surrogacy - Like adoption, surrogacy is often suggested as an alternative for infertile couples who want to become parents. But surrogacy is even more expensive than adoption! When using your own sperm/eggs, one can reasonably expect to pay up to $100,000 for a surrogate. If using donor eggs, sperm, or embryos, one can expect to pay up to $120,000. In states where surrogates cannot be paid, one might expect to spend $50,000 to $75,000 for a surrogate. And if one were to go directly to a surrogate instead of an agency, the cost might be nearer $30,000. Not exactly a feasible option for many infertile couples, particularly in states where the rules surrounding surrogacy are hazy. I've heard horror stories about surrogates who didn't take care of themselves to the detriment of the child or who made medical choices for the child not approved by the couple. While most surrogates are  amazing women who make the self-less decision to help another, the risks are overwhelming.

Fertility Drugs - Fertility drugs, such as metformin and clomid, are one of the cheapest fertility treatments available, costing anywhere from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars per cycle. The total cost, of course, depends on the type of drug and the length of use. Herbal supplements, for instance, are lower cost than traditional medications, but may not be as effective. Traditional medications may not do the trick either. And some can lead to a higher risk of miscarriage.

IVF/In Vitro - IVF can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000 a cycle. the American Society for Reproductive Medicine estimates the typical cost at a little over $12,000 per cycle, and the typical woman under age 40 can reasonably expect to undergo 3 IVF cycles before achieving a viable pregnancy. Even on the low end... that's an easy $30,000!

IUI/Artificial Insemination - A typical IUI cycle costs between $300 and $700, according to RESOLVE. When medications, monitoring, and related costs are included, one can expect to spend anywhere from $1,000 to $3,500 per cycle. If donor sperm is used, the cost increases.

Compared to surrogacy and adoption, attempting to overcome infertility is often the most affordable option. In places where there are few fertility clinics, the costs are often higher, just as they are in places with a higher cost of living. In Arkansas, the cost of living isn't horrible, but we have only 2 clinics in my area. One has less than average success rates for IVF (43% success rate... one should aim for a clinic with at least a 50% or higher success rate), and I can't find that information on the other (which is a red flag to me). Given the unlikelihood of being cleared for IVF and the success rates around here, SS and I are looking into an IUI. If we do get the green light to try IVF at some point, we'll do it elsewhere.

I'm thankful that SS and I are in a financial position where we can afford some treatment for a while. But I've heard a lot of people suggest to others that if one can't afford IVF, surrogacy or adoption, etc, then they shouldn't be trying to conceive because they can't afford a baby. That's just an ignorant statement to make!

The average cost of raising a child, according to the USDA, is $241,000 for 18 years and includes things like housing, transporation, etc. If split evenly between all 18 years, that's $13,333 a year. Most people don't have an extra $30,000 just sitting there at any given time for IVF or adoption, but an average of $13,333 spread out over the course of a year? That's a whole lot easier. Being rich isn't a requirement for parenting. Being financially responsible is... And there is a vast difference between the two.

On a related note, there's no guarantee that one can afford a child even if he or she can afford fertility treatment right now. Job losses, illnesses, tragedies, economic distress, etc can strike anyone, at any time. By the time my nephew was a year old, for instance, his medical costs alone were close to $1,000,000. Yes, you did just count six zeroes. His medical costs alone were close to one million dollars. How many making even $100,000 a year would be prepared to shoulder those costs alone? None, of course! So it's just plain silly to judge anyone else for making the best financial choices they can make for themselves in regard to treatment choices or child-rearing.

For more information on the costs associated with infertility, check out RESOLVE's section on the topic.

xoxo,

Ayden

 

*Statistics listed here are taken from personal experience, the US. Dept. of Agriculture, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, RESOLVE, Adopt.org, and this article on surrogacy.

TTC Tools, Herbal supplements, and prescription meds

There are many tools, herbal supplements, and prescription medications available that can assist in your attempts to conceive. The ones listed are ones we've tried, are trying, or are going to try. If you have used any of these with success please leave comments below and tell us about your experience with them!

TTC tools:

Fertile Focus Microscope- used to track saliva texture and patterns to pinpoint ovulation

BBT Thermometer- Used to chart basal body temperature for pinpointing ovulation (I personally use the thermometer and microscope)

OPK (ovulation predictor kits): Ovulation predictor kits come in a form that looks a lot like a pregnancy test.  They can tell you when your body is about to ovulate or is ovulating.   They can be bought with a monitor(which is often quite pricey), as sticks (think a urine pregnancy test you pee on), or as strips. The strips are what I purchased. You collect your urine in a clean cup (dixie cups meant for shots are perfect and disposable) and follow package instructions. Unlike a pregnancy test a line is not a line. It has to match the control line for you to be ovulating.

Pregnancy tests: Many TTC women are familiar with the term POAS, or pee on a stick.  You can buy these at a drugstore, or online. If you go for the strips (like the ovulation ones I described), you can buy large bulks of them for a very reasonable price. These are the exact same ones they use in your doctor's office. 

Herbal  Supplements:

­Dong Qui root- used to force AF. Dong Qui has a funny name, but it is used to nourish the blood. It causes a woman to have a cycle according to my readings. I'm about to try this one myself.

Maca Root- Used to encourage ovulation in women and sperm count and motility in men

Prenatal vitamins- a vitamin formulated to help prepare your body before pregnancy, and sustain a healthy pregnancy. Many women continue taking it after because dammit, it just makes your hair so pretty. (Available in pill, capsule, and even yummy gummy form!) If you take absolutely nothing else for pregnancy or to prepare, take some prenatals.

Pregnitude- A supplement containing folic acid and myo-inositol. Folic acid is crucial for having a healthy baby. It promotes new cell growth. (also means good hair for the yet to be preggers). Myo-inositol is a naturally occurring substance in the human body, it is a B vitamin. It helps spontaneous ovulation and kinda just tells the body what it should do. It also assists in correcting insulin resistance. Myo-inositol helps with hair loss, acne, and anovulation often associated with PCOS. I could write a whole article about it, but quite frankly, PCOS Diva did it for me.

Progersterone cream- Used to balance hormones by applying to the skin. Progesterone is naturally produced by the body, but most PCOS women do not produce enough. Its often used in PCOS women, menopausal women, and anyone who has trouble with their LP(luteal phase). Often suggested to continue use during the entire pregnancy, but should be consulted by your doctor of course.

Vitex- Chaste Tree is used to help regulate menstral cycles in women. It helps with the natural production of progesterone. Not to be taken while pregnant or nursing, but helpful while trying to concieve or to regulate cycles otherwise.

Fertilaid (or other off brand names of the same mixture, often just called fertility blend for women. There is one for men as well.) The blend I use contains Vitamins E, B6, B12, folic acid, iron, magnesium, Zinc, selenium, green tea, and vitex(a smaller amount than you take in its own form). Its a great balance of the right things to prepare your body for pregnancy. Many women with mild infertility can take this alone and conceive.

Magnesium- Helps stop preterm labor, helps with menstrual cramping.  If you are PCOS or other possible high risk it is an important one to be aware of!

Co-Q 10- It is said that this vitamin supplement helps with the strength and production of egg follicles
.

Red Raspberry leaves(yes the leaves from red raspberries)- used for many many ailments, but for this specific use its for regulating your period. It can also known for easing menstrual pain, nausea during pregnancy, and wait for it.... DELIVERY PAIN! If pregnant be careful not to take too much and talk to your doctor about safe amounts during pregnancy.

RX:

Metformin- Metformin is a diabetes drug used to regulate insulin resistance. For lack of a better word, if you have insulin related PCOS, your uterus is, in a way, diabetic. Metformin helps reduce weight, and has been found to assist the body to return to its normal ovulation and menstrual cycle.

Clomiphene(Aka Clomid)- Clomid is often prescribed in no more than 6 month cycles by your doctor to force ovulation.

Provera- Provera is prescribed to bring on a menstrual cycle.

A Progress Report and a Mini-Rant

I've been intending to write this little update since last weekend, but haven't had a chance. Between sick nephews and our lovely internet connectivity issues, I haven't done much updating anywhere! But let's put that behind us and move on. :)

Last Friday, SS saw his pulmonologist. They did the lung function test, and a CT Scan to see how his lungs look now that he's been on itraconazole for the last several months to try to kill the blastomycosis. His lung function is about 60% of what it should be, which isn't great. But it's a heck of a lot better than it was even four months ago, so there has definitely been some improvement. He'll be on an inhaler for a while to help him breathe a little easier, and it may improve with time, but they don't know. There is still some damage to his right lung, and the pulmonologist thinks it will probably be permanent. The good news is that it's not as extensive as we feared, so he will not have any more of his lung removed. YAY!

On Tuesday, he had his physical with his primary doctor, which he passed. While there, he requested a referral to the RE so insurance will pay for the SA. Let me just preface this next bit by saying that I've always liked this doctor. He's done a great job helping to coordinate SS's care over the last six months, and has really taken the time to get to know SS and make sure that he has what he needs to beat this darn blastomycosis for good. BUT, he really said something on Tuesday that infuriated me.

He told SS he didn't see a need to refer him to the RE for the SA because infertility is usually a woman's problem and it's rare that there are issues with the man. He then said that if I check out okay, he'll write the referral.

Yeah... I'm not happy.

We know SS has some concerns with fertility and needs to have the SA before we start talking treatment or anything. As a teen, he grew faster than his body produced hormones, so he had to take testosterone shots to keep things in balance. Without it, we run the risk of spending thousands on treatments that won't work. That doesn't make any sense.

We also know I won't "check out okay" because I do have PCOS and a history of PID that came from God only knows where (no one knows how I got it... possibly from the surgery to remove a cyst). So agreeing to refer to the RE only if I check out doesn't make any sense either. When people are dealing with infertility, you refer to a doctor who can examine the entire situation, and then treat. Not one that will address half the problem and ignore the other half. Simple enough, right?

Third, infertility is NOT a woman's problem and it really pissed me off that Dr. Felton said something so inordinately stupid. Infertility in men is NOT rare. In fact, one third of the time, infertility comes from the woman's side. One third of the time it comes from the man. And the rest of the time it comes from a combination of both or is for unknown reasons. If you prefer percentages, it breaks down like this: 33.3% of the time, the issue rests with the woman, 33.3% of the time, it rests with the man. The other 33.3% of the time, it come from both.

I'd like to give him the benefit of the doubt and say he didn't mean it to sound like that, but after obsessing over this for the last several days... I can't think of what the hell else the man could have meant with such a thoughtless, ignorant statement. So... I'm just irritated in general with him right now and we will not be seeing him for anything related to this journey. He clearly knows nothing about infertility, and I'm not putting my faith in someone I can't trust.

We're going to ask the RE to request a referral from him. If he won't do it, we'll either switch SS's doctor or will pay for the testing out of pocket. Either way, I refuse to let this get us down or set us back. And I'm stubborn, so dude has no clue what he's going to have to deal with if he doesn't get on board.

But enough on that...

SS went to see his Infectious Diseases doctor (no, he isn't contagious in any way... but blastomycosis is a brutal infection) today. He got good news there as well. The infection is pretty much completely gone! SS will continue the itraconazole until March. At that point, he'll go back to the ID doctor, and if everything still looks good, he'll consider him free and clear. Double YAY!

I cannot wait until we get that final thumbs up. I'm not saying I won't still worry every single time SS walks outside since we have no clue where he was exposed to this crap, but it'll be a relief to know that he's finally as healed as they can get him. It's been a rough six months. I'm looking forward to it finally being over so we can move on to bringing home Baby G. :)

xoxo,

Ayden