In Search of Motherhood: January 2024

I don't want a hobby.

I don't want a social life.

I don't want a break.

I want to be with my children every day.

There is no silver lining.

My Turner's Syndrome Story

- 1983: born 7 pounds, 7 oz. 21 inches long, and 1 isochromosome short of a full chromosomal deck. Many sleepless nights ensure for Mama and Daddy.

- 1992-93: Diagnosed with TS but not told. Begin levothyroxine replacement for hypothyroidism and visits to Dr. G, my pediatric endocrinologist. Wait three hours to spend five minutes with the doctor.

- 1994: (2 Tishrei 5755) Initiate nightly growth hormone injections.

- 1996: Learn to inject myself. Thighs are easiest. Belly is intimidating but turns out not to be too painful.

- 1998: Infotrac search teaches me that TS causes infertility. Begin hormone replacement. Last GH injection!

- 1999: Mama tells me the full impact of my diagnosis, not realizing I know.

Infertility Chronicles

- 2006-07: Meet my future husband while volunteering in Israel. Telephone bill is never the same.

- 20 June 2008: He asks...I say yes!

- 12 August 2009: Mazal tov!

- December 2009: Discuss pregnancy with my OB-GYN, who refers me to MFM specialist.

- January 2010: High-risk OB says I just need cardiology clearance. An echo and an MRI/MRA later, check!

- March 2010: FSH levels confirm what we already know. Ultrasound shows one streak ovary and a normal uterus.

- May 2010: Meet second REI specialist

- June 2010: Second REI specialist vetoes pregnancy.

- Aug 2010: Happy anniversary! Celebrate by obtaining psychiatric clearance for surrogacy.

- Sept 2010: Northwestern won't let my best friend be my ovum donor.

- Oct 2010: Find ovum donor!

- Dec 2010: Meet potential surrogate. Fails due to legal issues.

- January 2011: Meet S, another surrogate. It's a match!

- 9 May 2011: Two embryos are implanted.

- 16 May 2011: :o)

- June 24: Baby B loses its heartbeat.

- 15 August 2011: P-PROM and oligohydramnios.

- 19 August 2011: Told we must terminate the pregnancy.

- 20 August 2011: :o(

- Dec 2011: Meet new potential surrogate, N.

- 11 March 2012: FET with the last two remaining embryos

- 21 March 2012: beta-hCG #1 is 48

- 23 March 2012: beta-hCG #2 is 127

- 4 April 2012: ultra-sound shows one sac, no heartbeat, 5w4d

- 13 April 2012: still no heartbeat, no growth.

- 17 April 2012 D&C :o(

- 18 April 2012: new egg donor identified

- 16 September 2012: Erev Rosh Hashana, and IVF cycle #3 (new donor, fresh embryos, same surrogate): FAIL

- 12 November 2012: IVF cycle #4 (FET, same surrogate): FAIL

...and now we're out of embryos again, and trying to figure out what's next

9 May 2013: IVF cycle #5 (fresh transfer, same surrogate, new ovum donor -- #3 if you're counting) = positive pregnancy test!

Erev Rosh Hashanah 2013: we find out it's a GIRL!

24 January 2014, 23:59: Our little miracle A is born at last

Operation Sibling

February 2015, April 2015: two failed FETs using embryos from the cycle which created A

August 2015: establish care at CCRM

October-November 2015: oocyte retrieval, followed by genetic screening

17 December 2015: SET...fingers crossed...

26 December 2015: BFP!

31 August 2016, 00:56: miracle do come true twice -- welcome Baby Boy J

Friday, January 12, 2024

There is no silver lining.