When we met with the RE back in June, he mentioned as an aside that in order to undergo ivf (which we weren't even considering at the time), I would have to lose 50 pounds. I can report that since that time I have lost 28 pounds. I'm not there yet, but on my way, and feeling a bit proud of myself for the effort.
After officially weighing in Monday night (both of us having actually lost weight on our vacation-go figure), yesterday began the new diet plan DH and I are giving a go. I must confess there is a little tiny piece inside me that hopes that DH's weight loss might improve the count enough (urologist mentioned that this was the only factor he could recommend for improvement) that we could give IUI another go. Probably wishful thinking, but that's all I've got right now. I feel like I am jsut twiddling my thumbs with these natural cycles.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Some genetically good news
DH was notified by his urologist that his genetic testing for y-chromosome deletion and karotype abnormalities all came back normal. It's nice to get a bit of good news for a change.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Unsung Lullabies- Intro and Chapter 1
Introduction
I have to admit I got a little nervous in reading the introduction to the book because all of the authors are psychologists. I am not so much the touchy-feely, explore my psyche type. And I am embarassed to admit that I think counseling is great-for other people. Growing up in my dysfunctional family, keeping things private was always emphasized and the thought of extensively discussing my feelings with a stranger still sort of leaves me queasy. However, it seems that the good doctors intend to rely more on their own infertility experiences, which are extensive, and those of their patients without too much of the deep psychological digging that transcends infertility. And I certainly appreciate the male perspective given by one of the authors.
Chapter One- This Isn't How It Was Supposed To Be
The title of this chapter says it all- the beginning of the shattered dreams. Gone is the concept of a child conceived as a product of the marriage bed, traded in for doctor's appointments and schedule arrangements for treatment cycles.
In this chapter, the authors introduce the concept of "reproductive trauma." My first reaction to this was the thought that trauma seemed a pretty extreme description for infertility. But the authors' definition of a trauma is "any event or feeling that goes beyond the range of usual human experience and is overwhelming either physically, emotionally, or both." Infertility certainly qualifies for that. And it is the ongoing nature of the repeated trauma cycle after unsuccessful cycle that really provides the most devastation. I often ask myself how much longer I can continue this madness, but what other option do I have?
In sum, we are off to an interesting start with Unsung Lullabies and I am curious to see where the authors go, especially a more thorough discussion of male factor infertility.
To continue with the Unsung Lullabies discussion, go here.
I have to admit I got a little nervous in reading the introduction to the book because all of the authors are psychologists. I am not so much the touchy-feely, explore my psyche type. And I am embarassed to admit that I think counseling is great-for other people. Growing up in my dysfunctional family, keeping things private was always emphasized and the thought of extensively discussing my feelings with a stranger still sort of leaves me queasy. However, it seems that the good doctors intend to rely more on their own infertility experiences, which are extensive, and those of their patients without too much of the deep psychological digging that transcends infertility. And I certainly appreciate the male perspective given by one of the authors.
Chapter One- This Isn't How It Was Supposed To Be
The title of this chapter says it all- the beginning of the shattered dreams. Gone is the concept of a child conceived as a product of the marriage bed, traded in for doctor's appointments and schedule arrangements for treatment cycles.
In this chapter, the authors introduce the concept of "reproductive trauma." My first reaction to this was the thought that trauma seemed a pretty extreme description for infertility. But the authors' definition of a trauma is "any event or feeling that goes beyond the range of usual human experience and is overwhelming either physically, emotionally, or both." Infertility certainly qualifies for that. And it is the ongoing nature of the repeated trauma cycle after unsuccessful cycle that really provides the most devastation. I often ask myself how much longer I can continue this madness, but what other option do I have?
In sum, we are off to an interesting start with Unsung Lullabies and I am curious to see where the authors go, especially a more thorough discussion of male factor infertility.
To continue with the Unsung Lullabies discussion, go here.
Back to the frozen North
With a temperature swing of about 70 degrees, we are back from our Caribbean cruise. Lots of laundry to do and I am dizzy and feel like I am still rocking on the ship.
I hope to post my Unsung Lullabies piece this evening.
I hope to post my Unsung Lullabies piece this evening.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Unsung Lullabies
Thanks to dayz of rain, some of us in the blogosphere will be discussing Unsung Lullabies.
I must admit I have read (probably more than) my share of books on infertility. I am an information junkie. It helps to soothe me and placate my anxiety to know as much as I possibly can about any subject that affects me. Although I think I can learn something from this book, I believe that the biggest benefit will be getting to "hash it out" with others in the same infertility struggle. I often read these sorts of books and want to dissect what they are discussing and have no outlet, so I am eager to hear what strikes others and how they process the information in this particular book.
Updated to add:
Follow along on our blog ring and check out what Barb has to say here.
I must admit I have read (probably more than) my share of books on infertility. I am an information junkie. It helps to soothe me and placate my anxiety to know as much as I possibly can about any subject that affects me. Although I think I can learn something from this book, I believe that the biggest benefit will be getting to "hash it out" with others in the same infertility struggle. I often read these sorts of books and want to dissect what they are discussing and have no outlet, so I am eager to hear what strikes others and how they process the information in this particular book.
Updated to add:
Follow along on our blog ring and check out what Barb has to say here.
Coffee klatching
no hot dish required. (Only the locals will know what the heck that even means.)
I am interested in gathering together in person some of the local bloggers (like the lovely D.C. ladies do). I have attended some of the Resolve talk time groups and there just aren't that many people there. So, if anyone in the Twin Cities area wants to meet up for some coffee, contact me at mrsshoelover at gmail.
I am interested in gathering together in person some of the local bloggers (like the lovely D.C. ladies do). I have attended some of the Resolve talk time groups and there just aren't that many people there. So, if anyone in the Twin Cities area wants to meet up for some coffee, contact me at mrsshoelover at gmail.
heading for the heat
We leave tomorrow for Puerto Rico and a 7-day cruise around the Caribbean. Given that the high on Saturday will be -2 (yes, that a negative), I can't wait to get the hell out of Dodge. Probably will be no blogging.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)