Sunday, July 29, 2012
Monday, July 9, 2012
TEARS.....are unlike eggs; God doesn't give you a certain number.
1 pregnancy announcement
3 Happy Birthday reminders
1 birthday party invitation
1 incident of standing in line next to a pregnant woman
2 accidental trips down the baby isle while shopping
1 mailing on prenatal care
1 phone call from my Dr to tell me I had a negative pregnancy test
countless pictures on facebook of friend's children having summer fun
This is just this week's list of reminders of what I want so badly....they seem to be everywhere I turn, despite the fact that I do my best to avoid them. I'm stuck...If I ingore these things, I may be missing out on life and important milestones in my family and friends' life. I know these things are important to them and I want so badly to enjoy their happiness with them. But for sanity sake I have to act in self-preservation and do my best to ignore all these inadvertently painful things. I'm scared that by not being more of a part of their lives, I will close myself off to them. I can't expect anyone to understand unless they've walked a few miles in my shoes. What if one day I have children and don't have anyone to share in my excitement because I've shut people out of my life for so long and have decided I am unable to include them in my life right now? What's even more unbearable is what if I never get the chance to experience what they all have? These are just some thoughts that race across my mind most every day. Nothing is simple and I don't have the answers....I'm just doing my best to survive.
The fact of the matter is that I don't want people to feel sorry for me. I just need some time, alot of understanding, compassion, patience, an ear to listen to me, perhaps a shoulder to cry on and some sympathy from time to time. Like I've said before, I don't need advice....I have a well paid team of medical professionals giving me sound medical advice. I feel terrible always feeling sad about what I'm going through...rarely are my posts positive. I feel I am losing part of my care free and fun personality. This is changing me....in some good ways and some not so good ways. I don't want to be one of those annoying people that others try to avoid and I fear I am turning into that. I simply can't help how I feel and am so tired of trying to convince everyone WHY I feel the way I do. I'm not sure why I feel the need to prove or justify feeling the way I do. Some people have called me obsessed with my quest towards a family. Perhaps they are justified in saying so. I have every reason to be obsessed as I've been dealt a crappy hand. I dare anyone to judge me if they aren't willing to trade places and see how painful this can all be. It is consuming...of most my thoughts, time, money....but how can it not be when it's all you want and something so important? It's almost 2 years since we started trying. It's almost one year since our first visit to the reproductive endocrinologist....and still we aren't much closer to our family. How can I not be upset or obsessed?
1 pregnancy announcement
3 Happy Birthday reminders
1 birthday party invitation
1 incident of standing in line next to a pregnant woman
2 accidental trips down the baby isle while shopping
1 mailing on prenatal care
1 phone call from my Dr to tell me I had a negative pregnancy test
countless pictures on facebook of friend's children having summer fun
This is just this week's list of reminders of what I want so badly....they seem to be everywhere I turn, despite the fact that I do my best to avoid them. I'm stuck...If I ingore these things, I may be missing out on life and important milestones in my family and friends' life. I know these things are important to them and I want so badly to enjoy their happiness with them. But for sanity sake I have to act in self-preservation and do my best to ignore all these inadvertently painful things. I'm scared that by not being more of a part of their lives, I will close myself off to them. I can't expect anyone to understand unless they've walked a few miles in my shoes. What if one day I have children and don't have anyone to share in my excitement because I've shut people out of my life for so long and have decided I am unable to include them in my life right now? What's even more unbearable is what if I never get the chance to experience what they all have? These are just some thoughts that race across my mind most every day. Nothing is simple and I don't have the answers....I'm just doing my best to survive.
The fact of the matter is that I don't want people to feel sorry for me. I just need some time, alot of understanding, compassion, patience, an ear to listen to me, perhaps a shoulder to cry on and some sympathy from time to time. Like I've said before, I don't need advice....I have a well paid team of medical professionals giving me sound medical advice. I feel terrible always feeling sad about what I'm going through...rarely are my posts positive. I feel I am losing part of my care free and fun personality. This is changing me....in some good ways and some not so good ways. I don't want to be one of those annoying people that others try to avoid and I fear I am turning into that. I simply can't help how I feel and am so tired of trying to convince everyone WHY I feel the way I do. I'm not sure why I feel the need to prove or justify feeling the way I do. Some people have called me obsessed with my quest towards a family. Perhaps they are justified in saying so. I have every reason to be obsessed as I've been dealt a crappy hand. I dare anyone to judge me if they aren't willing to trade places and see how painful this can all be. It is consuming...of most my thoughts, time, money....but how can it not be when it's all you want and something so important? It's almost 2 years since we started trying. It's almost one year since our first visit to the reproductive endocrinologist....and still we aren't much closer to our family. How can I not be upset or obsessed?
Friday, July 6, 2012
Things NOT to say to an infertile couple:
The past few months have been a wild ride full uncertainty. Before I had to deal with infertility, I never really gave much thought on "infertility etiquette." Even the most innocent question like asking someone if they have children can spring up sad emotions for someone having difficulty conceiving. Most people mean well, but really should think twice before speaking. I don't need advice...I need understanding and support. I am aware that this is awkward...that sometimes people don't know what to say. I am not asking for perfection....just some compassion when it comes to choosing what is said.
1) What you say: "Relax. You seem stressed out. Stress can cause trouble conceiving. Maybe you should take a vacation."
What I'm thinking: "Do your research (I don't rely on internet research but real solid journal articles written by medical professionals). In all actuality, infertility causes stress, not the other way around." Don't tell me to relax. EVER. Walk a mile in my shoes and see if you feel like relaxing. This is by far the BIGGEST and most hurtful comment a person can make...and one that is said the most. It trivializes the situation and is just a way to make yourself feel better or to blow off talking about it with me because it's uncomfortable for you. This is a MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS, a disease, like an other disease or illness. If you were diagnosed with a life changing disease like multiple sclerosis, would you want to hear advice that consists of people telling you to relax? I'm sure if your doctor gave you that advice rather than a medical intervention, you wouldn't want to stick around. Imagine someone telling you to relax after you just got done telling them you have a horrible, life changing disease? It's NOT comforting and I can't stress enough how it trivializes how we feel.
2) What you say: "It'll happen when you least expect it." or "Stop thinking about it so much...it'll happen when it happens."
What I'm thinking: "Really!!???!?! So will getting hit by a mack truck. Unless you are God, you can't tell me that it ever even WILL happen. The reality is that us having a child may never happen and the uncertainty and waiting is painful. There are no guarantees in life. Waiting around for something that may never happen is hard...especially when it's all you want." Even if this is true...it doesn't make waiting any less painful.
3) What you say: "Maybe it's God's plan."
What I'm thinking: "When did you meet God? When did he tell you this because he didn't tell me? Besides, what possible reason could God have for not giving me children? And even if it is his grand plan, it doesn't make the pain go away."
4) What you say: "My cousin had a similar problem and you should see them now. They have 3 children!"
What I'm thinking? "Well good for them, but I still have NONE in case you haven't noticed. Just because they overcame infertility, doesn't mean we will. It doesn't happen for everyone. Even if it does happen for us, it doesn't make the pain of waiting any easier."
5) What you say: "Parenting is hard. Enjoy life without kids while you can because your freedom will all end."
What I'm thinking: "You are right....I'm sure parenting is hard but I would trade places in a heartbeat. I'm putting my body and mind through hell and back so I've given thought to what I signed up for. I didn't just wake up one day and say 'I wanna have kids.' I've given it thought. A LOT of thought. Your worst day as a parent could be the best day of my life because then I would have a chance to be one. It's also hard to enjoy life when you are a prisoner to your emotions, medical treatment and your money is all gone just for the chance of what you got for FREE. Because I'm spending all my time and money on expensive treatments, I don't have time to travel...etc."
6) What you say: "I'll give you my kids...you can have them."
What I'm thinking: "^&^&^% you. What an insensitive comment. I'd kill to trade places with you even if your kids are the devil's offspring. I know parenting is hard but children are a gift and you should be grateful you were blessed with them. Wake up and start enjoying the good about them because some people can't enjoy them at all."
7) What you say: "I've heard stories about when people adopt, they get pregnant."
What I'm thinking. "Well have you heard any great stories lately about the couple that adopts and still doesn't get pregnant? I'm sure there are just as many but you don't hear them because it makes for a sad story. And where is the science in that? So I should go out and get a kid just for the small chance I'll have my own. I'd pity the child I adopted if that's the only reason I adopted them."
8) What you say? "Have you considered adoption or IVF?"
What I'm thinking: "Duh. I can't believe I've never thought of that!!! I'm so glad you mentioned it. We live through this hell everyday, of course we've considered all options. And while adoption may give us a baby, it'll never take the pain away from not being able to have our OWN child."
9) What you say: "Money isn't an object when it comes to a family."
What I'm thinking: "Really, since you really feel that way, make your check payable to me. I don't have 20 grand lying around.... you don't think that me working three jobs is just for a hobby?"
10) What you say: "Have you tried....(fill in the blank) -ie standing on your head after sex."
What I'm thinking: "For every one thing you can think of we tried 15 other things."
11) What you say: "But practicing making a baby is the fun part."
What I'm thinking. "Yeah maybe for the first few months, but after the 21st month sex becomes all about baby making, not fun. Since when is it fun to have the doctor dictate your sex life by telling you when to do it? Scheduling it in your date book isn't exactly romantic and can also be alot of pressure since so much is riding on it. Besides, when doctors are poking at your private parts with all sorts of weird crap you lose that romantic feeling pretty quick."
12) What you say: "All it takes is one (sperm)."
What I'm thinking: "Have you even taken a statistics class before? Think about how many millions of lottery tickets are sold....but only ONE is a winner. When you have only a few good sperm out of millions of dysfunctional ones, it's like playing the lottery....the odds suck."
13) What some guys have said to Chris: "I'll knock your wife up."
What I'm thinking: !)*&^%$%^$#@. What else can I say. Some guys are born without basic manners or a backbone for that matter.
14) What you say: nothing...
What I'm thinking: Maybe you don't care. Even if you say all the wrong things, it's better than not acknowledging my pain at all.
Other things never to say to an infertile couple.
1) Don't complain about your pregnancy....at least not to the infertile couple. Remember while you have every right to complain because I'm sure it's uncomfortable, don't do it to your infertile friends. It's downright insensitive. Remember we'd give our right arm, and right leg, and a few other body parts to be in your shoes.
2) When in a group full of people, be mindful that others that don't have children may have other reasons besides not wanting any....as in they can't! When you exchange stories of parenting or cute things your child did, that is like turning a knife in our back. In all honesty, this is why I avoid going places with many of my friends who have children. There's nothing worse than being in the middle of a conversation about breast feeding when you have NO input because you've never had the chance. I feel invisible during these conversations. I wouldn't rave about my new job around someone that just lost theirs or talk about how great my relationship is around someone who's spouse just passed. Sometimes people just don't think. Remember we are bombarded with daily reminders like birth announcements, pregnancy announcements, birthdays, christenings. Hearing these things is simply downright painful - even if they are happy for you. We aren't trying to steal your thunder or happiness...just trying to preserve ours.
3) Unless the person has opened up freely about their specific treatments and test results, it is never appropriate to ask personal questions. It's not nice to ask who's fault it is because pointing fingers is never nice.
The past few months have been a wild ride full uncertainty. Before I had to deal with infertility, I never really gave much thought on "infertility etiquette." Even the most innocent question like asking someone if they have children can spring up sad emotions for someone having difficulty conceiving. Most people mean well, but really should think twice before speaking. I don't need advice...I need understanding and support. I am aware that this is awkward...that sometimes people don't know what to say. I am not asking for perfection....just some compassion when it comes to choosing what is said.
1) What you say: "Relax. You seem stressed out. Stress can cause trouble conceiving. Maybe you should take a vacation."
What I'm thinking: "Do your research (I don't rely on internet research but real solid journal articles written by medical professionals). In all actuality, infertility causes stress, not the other way around." Don't tell me to relax. EVER. Walk a mile in my shoes and see if you feel like relaxing. This is by far the BIGGEST and most hurtful comment a person can make...and one that is said the most. It trivializes the situation and is just a way to make yourself feel better or to blow off talking about it with me because it's uncomfortable for you. This is a MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS, a disease, like an other disease or illness. If you were diagnosed with a life changing disease like multiple sclerosis, would you want to hear advice that consists of people telling you to relax? I'm sure if your doctor gave you that advice rather than a medical intervention, you wouldn't want to stick around. Imagine someone telling you to relax after you just got done telling them you have a horrible, life changing disease? It's NOT comforting and I can't stress enough how it trivializes how we feel.
2) What you say: "It'll happen when you least expect it." or "Stop thinking about it so much...it'll happen when it happens."
What I'm thinking: "Really!!???!?! So will getting hit by a mack truck. Unless you are God, you can't tell me that it ever even WILL happen. The reality is that us having a child may never happen and the uncertainty and waiting is painful. There are no guarantees in life. Waiting around for something that may never happen is hard...especially when it's all you want." Even if this is true...it doesn't make waiting any less painful.
3) What you say: "Maybe it's God's plan."
What I'm thinking: "When did you meet God? When did he tell you this because he didn't tell me? Besides, what possible reason could God have for not giving me children? And even if it is his grand plan, it doesn't make the pain go away."
4) What you say: "My cousin had a similar problem and you should see them now. They have 3 children!"
What I'm thinking? "Well good for them, but I still have NONE in case you haven't noticed. Just because they overcame infertility, doesn't mean we will. It doesn't happen for everyone. Even if it does happen for us, it doesn't make the pain of waiting any easier."
5) What you say: "Parenting is hard. Enjoy life without kids while you can because your freedom will all end."
What I'm thinking: "You are right....I'm sure parenting is hard but I would trade places in a heartbeat. I'm putting my body and mind through hell and back so I've given thought to what I signed up for. I didn't just wake up one day and say 'I wanna have kids.' I've given it thought. A LOT of thought. Your worst day as a parent could be the best day of my life because then I would have a chance to be one. It's also hard to enjoy life when you are a prisoner to your emotions, medical treatment and your money is all gone just for the chance of what you got for FREE. Because I'm spending all my time and money on expensive treatments, I don't have time to travel...etc."
6) What you say: "I'll give you my kids...you can have them."
What I'm thinking: "^&^&^% you. What an insensitive comment. I'd kill to trade places with you even if your kids are the devil's offspring. I know parenting is hard but children are a gift and you should be grateful you were blessed with them. Wake up and start enjoying the good about them because some people can't enjoy them at all."
7) What you say: "I've heard stories about when people adopt, they get pregnant."
What I'm thinking. "Well have you heard any great stories lately about the couple that adopts and still doesn't get pregnant? I'm sure there are just as many but you don't hear them because it makes for a sad story. And where is the science in that? So I should go out and get a kid just for the small chance I'll have my own. I'd pity the child I adopted if that's the only reason I adopted them."
8) What you say? "Have you considered adoption or IVF?"
What I'm thinking: "Duh. I can't believe I've never thought of that!!! I'm so glad you mentioned it. We live through this hell everyday, of course we've considered all options. And while adoption may give us a baby, it'll never take the pain away from not being able to have our OWN child."
9) What you say: "Money isn't an object when it comes to a family."
What I'm thinking: "Really, since you really feel that way, make your check payable to me. I don't have 20 grand lying around.... you don't think that me working three jobs is just for a hobby?"
10) What you say: "Have you tried....(fill in the blank) -ie standing on your head after sex."
What I'm thinking: "For every one thing you can think of we tried 15 other things."
11) What you say: "But practicing making a baby is the fun part."
What I'm thinking. "Yeah maybe for the first few months, but after the 21st month sex becomes all about baby making, not fun. Since when is it fun to have the doctor dictate your sex life by telling you when to do it? Scheduling it in your date book isn't exactly romantic and can also be alot of pressure since so much is riding on it. Besides, when doctors are poking at your private parts with all sorts of weird crap you lose that romantic feeling pretty quick."
12) What you say: "All it takes is one (sperm)."
What I'm thinking: "Have you even taken a statistics class before? Think about how many millions of lottery tickets are sold....but only ONE is a winner. When you have only a few good sperm out of millions of dysfunctional ones, it's like playing the lottery....the odds suck."
13) What some guys have said to Chris: "I'll knock your wife up."
What I'm thinking: !)*&^%$%^$#@. What else can I say. Some guys are born without basic manners or a backbone for that matter.
14) What you say: nothing...
What I'm thinking: Maybe you don't care. Even if you say all the wrong things, it's better than not acknowledging my pain at all.
Other things never to say to an infertile couple.
1) Don't complain about your pregnancy....at least not to the infertile couple. Remember while you have every right to complain because I'm sure it's uncomfortable, don't do it to your infertile friends. It's downright insensitive. Remember we'd give our right arm, and right leg, and a few other body parts to be in your shoes.
2) When in a group full of people, be mindful that others that don't have children may have other reasons besides not wanting any....as in they can't! When you exchange stories of parenting or cute things your child did, that is like turning a knife in our back. In all honesty, this is why I avoid going places with many of my friends who have children. There's nothing worse than being in the middle of a conversation about breast feeding when you have NO input because you've never had the chance. I feel invisible during these conversations. I wouldn't rave about my new job around someone that just lost theirs or talk about how great my relationship is around someone who's spouse just passed. Sometimes people just don't think. Remember we are bombarded with daily reminders like birth announcements, pregnancy announcements, birthdays, christenings. Hearing these things is simply downright painful - even if they are happy for you. We aren't trying to steal your thunder or happiness...just trying to preserve ours.
3) Unless the person has opened up freely about their specific treatments and test results, it is never appropriate to ask personal questions. It's not nice to ask who's fault it is because pointing fingers is never nice.
What I need: Someone to listen to me. A shoulder to cry on. Someone to understand. Someone who tries to place themselves in my shoes. Sometimes just saying "I'm sorry" is enough and all you need to hear. We aren't asking you to fix the problem....but to help us get through it.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
What screws us up most in life is the picture in our heads of how it's supposed to be.....
It wasn't supposed to be like this. I've imagined over and over in my head of how it would be to start a family. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine this. And I never imagined it may never be. Everyone keeps telling me to "stay positive", "don't give up", or "it'll eventually happen - have faith". Well no one but God can promise that. These are just empty statements to make me feel better - but they don't. Don't people think I have been hanging on to every ounce of hope I possibly can for the past several months? Eventually, failure after failure beats you down and Chris and I are the only ones who understand how it feels like to be disappointed time and time again. I am hopeful that we'll have a family someday and do my best to stay positive - but it's harder than anyone could possibly imagine. No one but me has to re live my sadness and disappointment each and every month. I invest an extraordinary amount of time, thought, effort, money and emotion with each month of preparing for something that never happens. What if our dream of parenthood never does happen? I'm terrified of the thought. The truth is for alot of people it doesn't happen. I also keep hearing...."it only takes one [sperm]". But think about the odds. Millions and millions of lottery tickets are sold each day but only ONE is a winner. How many people lose? Having one lone sperm out of millions of malfunctioning one's do the job has the same odds of winning the lottery. People need to remember this is a medical condition and statistics are not on our side. People also need to realize that God doesn't just hand out babies if you are a good person. Look at all the crackheads with babies. I can pray all I want, but reality is that I still may come out empty handed.
For most people, getting pregnant and having children is routine. I thought it would be for us too. I never envisioned having to inject myself with hormones among countless other things just for a chance to have a baby. Even when starting fertility treatments, I never realized how hard they would be. Everyone, including myself at one point, just thinks that they do a few simple tests, a few simple procedures and BAM, you have a baby. Everyone "expects" treatments to work. This is NOT the case. I expected my first IUI attempt to work. When it didn't I learned real quick that my expectations needed to change. I think just about every one of my friends and family expected us to be pregnant by now....and especially after our 4th IUI. I can plan alot of things in life, but I'm learning I can't plan or expect anything when it comes to this. The more you expect things to be a certain way, the harder you fall when it doesn't turn out that way. I have to be the one to pick myself up when I fall. I am the one who has to function normally, go to work, be near friends and family, like nothing ever happened after I hear a negative result. I'm the one who has to take the phone call from the doctor, only to hear "I'm sorry, but it didn't work this time." I'm the one who has to deal with stabbing myself with needles, endure painful procedures and annoying side effects from medications and I'm the one who has to wait around for my cycle to inevitably come every month as another reminder of our failure. Some days I can barely do it and I do a pretty damn good job at pretending I'm happy when I'm aching inside.
I never expected I'd be making a baby in a petri dish or that I'd have to pay $15,000 just for a chance of becoming pregnant. I never expected any of this. I am hoping within the next few months, we will have enough money saved up to try one cycle of IVF. Chris and I fall within the lucky 3% of people seeking fertility treatments who require IVF. When you pay so much money, invest so much time and effort, you "expect" it will work. I haven't prepared myself for what will happen if it doesn't work. I don't know how to do this.
It wasn't supposed to be like this. I've imagined over and over in my head of how it would be to start a family. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine this. And I never imagined it may never be. Everyone keeps telling me to "stay positive", "don't give up", or "it'll eventually happen - have faith". Well no one but God can promise that. These are just empty statements to make me feel better - but they don't. Don't people think I have been hanging on to every ounce of hope I possibly can for the past several months? Eventually, failure after failure beats you down and Chris and I are the only ones who understand how it feels like to be disappointed time and time again. I am hopeful that we'll have a family someday and do my best to stay positive - but it's harder than anyone could possibly imagine. No one but me has to re live my sadness and disappointment each and every month. I invest an extraordinary amount of time, thought, effort, money and emotion with each month of preparing for something that never happens. What if our dream of parenthood never does happen? I'm terrified of the thought. The truth is for alot of people it doesn't happen. I also keep hearing...."it only takes one [sperm]". But think about the odds. Millions and millions of lottery tickets are sold each day but only ONE is a winner. How many people lose? Having one lone sperm out of millions of malfunctioning one's do the job has the same odds of winning the lottery. People need to remember this is a medical condition and statistics are not on our side. People also need to realize that God doesn't just hand out babies if you are a good person. Look at all the crackheads with babies. I can pray all I want, but reality is that I still may come out empty handed.
For most people, getting pregnant and having children is routine. I thought it would be for us too. I never envisioned having to inject myself with hormones among countless other things just for a chance to have a baby. Even when starting fertility treatments, I never realized how hard they would be. Everyone, including myself at one point, just thinks that they do a few simple tests, a few simple procedures and BAM, you have a baby. Everyone "expects" treatments to work. This is NOT the case. I expected my first IUI attempt to work. When it didn't I learned real quick that my expectations needed to change. I think just about every one of my friends and family expected us to be pregnant by now....and especially after our 4th IUI. I can plan alot of things in life, but I'm learning I can't plan or expect anything when it comes to this. The more you expect things to be a certain way, the harder you fall when it doesn't turn out that way. I have to be the one to pick myself up when I fall. I am the one who has to function normally, go to work, be near friends and family, like nothing ever happened after I hear a negative result. I'm the one who has to take the phone call from the doctor, only to hear "I'm sorry, but it didn't work this time." I'm the one who has to deal with stabbing myself with needles, endure painful procedures and annoying side effects from medications and I'm the one who has to wait around for my cycle to inevitably come every month as another reminder of our failure. Some days I can barely do it and I do a pretty damn good job at pretending I'm happy when I'm aching inside.
I never expected I'd be making a baby in a petri dish or that I'd have to pay $15,000 just for a chance of becoming pregnant. I never expected any of this. I am hoping within the next few months, we will have enough money saved up to try one cycle of IVF. Chris and I fall within the lucky 3% of people seeking fertility treatments who require IVF. When you pay so much money, invest so much time and effort, you "expect" it will work. I haven't prepared myself for what will happen if it doesn't work. I don't know how to do this.
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