The Testing:
Friday morning at nine o'clock sweet nurse, Amanda, called my name in the waiting room. We were escorted back to a nice room to wait for the doctor. I like this office. Its warm and inviting with bright colors, flowers, and a shag rug to protect your feet from the pretty but cold tile floor. (More doctors should look into this type design. Its comforting.) We sat there waiting. I chatted nervously as I always do at the doctor. I haven't been sleeping well anxiously awaiting the results.
If one thing was certain in my life from a young age, it was the fact God made me to be a mom. I think my mom can attest to this best. I actually became a mommy for the first time at age 3. Her name was Tina (it said so on her birth certificate) and she arrived on my birthday. This doll was a perfect life-like six month old, and I took such good care of her. My little sister would be born a couple months later and so I took a mommy class (actually sibling classes) at the hospital. I learned how to care for an infant as best a three year old could. Then she came. My sweet, beautiful...and tearfully dramatic...little sister. I followed my mom around imitating her motherly instincts, loving and caring for my babies. I even changed my first diaper all by myself that year. You're welcome Sissy.
Being a mommy was wonderful, the best job in the world. By the time my brother came I was nearing eight. Poor guy. He didn't know he would be raised by two moms.
My entire childhood I watched, learned and retained the knowledge that I would need to be the most perfect mother. (Thank you mom for all the training...I learned from the best.) When I declared to my mother that I would go to college to get my MRS, I meant it though I'm know she didn't want to believe me.
Very few know that Mike and I have been trying to get pregnant for about two years now. It clearly hasn't happened. In January, we decided it was time to seek help. Two years of failed attempts is considered medically infertile, you know. Could I really not have the ability to conceive? Would God allow that for me?
Then my doctor came in. She is a wonderful woman, so warm and full of energy. She held my future in her hand, and she wasted no time spilling the truth.
The Results:
Friday morning, my doctor began explaining. The first of two sets of tests had concluded that I have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS.)
My heart sank.
I knew from my compulsive research this was something typically tested and common, but no way was that the cause. I had no symptoms. I'm not overweight. I didn't fit the profile. How could this be?
We discussed it in more depth. I was shocked and processing. She explained the course of action she recommended we take. Still shocked. I was asking valid questions and side effects. Still processing.
I'm slowing learning more now and seeing maybe there were signs all along, very, very small signs. I nor my doctors would have ever thought to test until now.
Then she went on to the second set of lab work that had been done...
"Wait Dr Lisa," I said. "There's more. A double wammy?!" (Yes I really said that.) She smiled slightly and unfortunately went on.
I was then informed that I also have a Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) c677t heterozygous gene mutation. What the hell is that you might ask? Well its outside of my doctor's expertise too so don't feel bad if you've never heard of it. But note: chances are you could have it too...its very common. Like 50% of the population common.
Basically, I inherited this mutation that blocks my body's ability to break down a particular amino acid called homocysteine. The elevated levels of this amino acid in my blood causes a couple of issues.
In regards to overall health, it is great to learn I have this because it causes heart disease and stroke later in life. It can be controlled by diet though so there is hope for me yet. My family should all be tested as well for their overall health and well being.
For pregnancy, it gets a little more complicated and worrisome. Because this amino acid can't break down properly, my body cannot absorb folic acid and other essential B vitamins. These are essential for brain development especially during the first few weeks of gestation. Our potential children could be at a higher risk for neural tube defects and down syndrome with these deficiencies.
The more troubling concern to me is the high risk of miscarriage due to clotting. Basically, the placenta could clot and cut off supplies to the baby resulting in a later term loss. It seems weird, but I told Mike that I'm a little glad I have PCOS. Otherwise, we could have been struggling with multiple unexplained miscarriages. Emotionally speaking God protected us from that horror that many with MTHFR experience. I have read several stories of couples that had several miscarriages before learning of their MTHFR mutation. (Most insurances won't cover testing for this until 3 consecutive miscarriages have occurred....heart-wrenching stories) We are lucky. Any miscarriages we might have had were to early to detect and highly unlikely to have occurred anyhow.
The Treatment:
First and foremost, you can't get pregnant if ovulation isn't happening. Dr. Lisa is prescribing Clomid. I know what you're thinking. However, there is only a 10% chance of twins. The better statistics are those of Clomids effectiveness. 80% of users begin ovulating again and 40-50% achieve pregnancy rather quickly. It should do the trick. Now if the Army would just give us the time to try.
For the other issue...I have to take baby aspirin everyday (probably for the rest of my life.) Not a big deal. Lots of people do that. They probably have this mutation and don't even know it. Makes me wonder why it isn't screened for in patients with family history of heart disease.
I also will be going for nutritional counseling asap. I will learn about dietary changes that can lower my homocysteine levels naturally. This will be one of the best things to do. Also, I'm doing research to discuss with the nutrtionalist certain supplements I can take and alternatives to folic acid. I will be asking for prescription prenatal, some sort of folic acid something, as well as Vitamin B6 and B12. (Its interesting that my internist knew I had these deficiencies 5-6 years ago but never pursued a cause...now I know it wasn't all the Wendy's I ate in college like he said.)
Potent prescription vitamins and supplements should increase my levels enough for normal fetal development. And the aspirin should be enough of a blood thinner to prevent miscarriage. If we have any problems with miscarriage, there are prescription (daily self injection...blah) blood thinners that can be used.
Overall the outlook is very bright. The biggest challenge with these two items is diagnosing them. When you follow the proper treatments, the likelihood of having healthy pregnancies is very high.
The Emotion:
I'm still processing. I think I'm still in shock. I don't know why. I sought out answers I may not have totally been ready to hear. I've read blogs of other women who explain their feeling so beautifully. I'm not eloquent or beautiful. I'm the mess after a natural disaster. That's what just occurred isn't it? My infertility was a natural disaster, a catastrophic moment. Dr. Lisa is coming in with emergency relief but... I'm broken. Its a harsh summary of myself I know, but the wound is fresh. No sugar can hide the reality. It does me no good to pretend its all okay. It was not a good day.
It was difficult but necessary to tell our families. They didn't even know we were trying. I wanted it to be a surprise. Now that they know, I'm so glad. We will need them, especially if treatment doesn't work. They are so supportive, and I know prayers are already going up.
The best news I have is our faith. Our trust in God to lead and direct our life is ever present and important. We have so many blessings, and he has placed us in the middle of so much love and support from our Army family and church. We are not alone in this trial. The Creator, Elohim, will victor and we will rejoice that day, and continually praise while we wait for its arrival.
Mike's father made a good point. There are times in our lives when faith is hard to see and feel. Sometimes blessings flow and because of the world we live in, we can't see they are divine. We have, right now, the opportunity to feel God's amazing grace and love and to pursue true faith in His promises.
I was made to be a mom.
I believe God's promise.
I HAVE FAITH.
Friday morning at nine o'clock sweet nurse, Amanda, called my name in the waiting room. We were escorted back to a nice room to wait for the doctor. I like this office. Its warm and inviting with bright colors, flowers, and a shag rug to protect your feet from the pretty but cold tile floor. (More doctors should look into this type design. Its comforting.) We sat there waiting. I chatted nervously as I always do at the doctor. I haven't been sleeping well anxiously awaiting the results.
If one thing was certain in my life from a young age, it was the fact God made me to be a mom. I think my mom can attest to this best. I actually became a mommy for the first time at age 3. Her name was Tina (it said so on her birth certificate) and she arrived on my birthday. This doll was a perfect life-like six month old, and I took such good care of her. My little sister would be born a couple months later and so I took a mommy class (actually sibling classes) at the hospital. I learned how to care for an infant as best a three year old could. Then she came. My sweet, beautiful...and tearfully dramatic...little sister. I followed my mom around imitating her motherly instincts, loving and caring for my babies. I even changed my first diaper all by myself that year. You're welcome Sissy.
Being a mommy was wonderful, the best job in the world. By the time my brother came I was nearing eight. Poor guy. He didn't know he would be raised by two moms.
My entire childhood I watched, learned and retained the knowledge that I would need to be the most perfect mother. (Thank you mom for all the training...I learned from the best.) When I declared to my mother that I would go to college to get my MRS, I meant it though I'm know she didn't want to believe me.
Very few know that Mike and I have been trying to get pregnant for about two years now. It clearly hasn't happened. In January, we decided it was time to seek help. Two years of failed attempts is considered medically infertile, you know. Could I really not have the ability to conceive? Would God allow that for me?
Then my doctor came in. She is a wonderful woman, so warm and full of energy. She held my future in her hand, and she wasted no time spilling the truth.
The Results:
Friday morning, my doctor began explaining. The first of two sets of tests had concluded that I have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS.)
My heart sank.
I knew from my compulsive research this was something typically tested and common, but no way was that the cause. I had no symptoms. I'm not overweight. I didn't fit the profile. How could this be?
We discussed it in more depth. I was shocked and processing. She explained the course of action she recommended we take. Still shocked. I was asking valid questions and side effects. Still processing.
I'm slowing learning more now and seeing maybe there were signs all along, very, very small signs. I nor my doctors would have ever thought to test until now.
Then she went on to the second set of lab work that had been done...
"Wait Dr Lisa," I said. "There's more. A double wammy?!" (Yes I really said that.) She smiled slightly and unfortunately went on.
I was then informed that I also have a Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) c677t heterozygous gene mutation. What the hell is that you might ask? Well its outside of my doctor's expertise too so don't feel bad if you've never heard of it. But note: chances are you could have it too...its very common. Like 50% of the population common.
Basically, I inherited this mutation that blocks my body's ability to break down a particular amino acid called homocysteine. The elevated levels of this amino acid in my blood causes a couple of issues.
In regards to overall health, it is great to learn I have this because it causes heart disease and stroke later in life. It can be controlled by diet though so there is hope for me yet. My family should all be tested as well for their overall health and well being.
For pregnancy, it gets a little more complicated and worrisome. Because this amino acid can't break down properly, my body cannot absorb folic acid and other essential B vitamins. These are essential for brain development especially during the first few weeks of gestation. Our potential children could be at a higher risk for neural tube defects and down syndrome with these deficiencies.
The more troubling concern to me is the high risk of miscarriage due to clotting. Basically, the placenta could clot and cut off supplies to the baby resulting in a later term loss. It seems weird, but I told Mike that I'm a little glad I have PCOS. Otherwise, we could have been struggling with multiple unexplained miscarriages. Emotionally speaking God protected us from that horror that many with MTHFR experience. I have read several stories of couples that had several miscarriages before learning of their MTHFR mutation. (Most insurances won't cover testing for this until 3 consecutive miscarriages have occurred....heart-wrenching stories) We are lucky. Any miscarriages we might have had were to early to detect and highly unlikely to have occurred anyhow.
The Treatment:
First and foremost, you can't get pregnant if ovulation isn't happening. Dr. Lisa is prescribing Clomid. I know what you're thinking. However, there is only a 10% chance of twins. The better statistics are those of Clomids effectiveness. 80% of users begin ovulating again and 40-50% achieve pregnancy rather quickly. It should do the trick. Now if the Army would just give us the time to try.
For the other issue...I have to take baby aspirin everyday (probably for the rest of my life.) Not a big deal. Lots of people do that. They probably have this mutation and don't even know it. Makes me wonder why it isn't screened for in patients with family history of heart disease.
I also will be going for nutritional counseling asap. I will learn about dietary changes that can lower my homocysteine levels naturally. This will be one of the best things to do. Also, I'm doing research to discuss with the nutrtionalist certain supplements I can take and alternatives to folic acid. I will be asking for prescription prenatal, some sort of folic acid something, as well as Vitamin B6 and B12. (Its interesting that my internist knew I had these deficiencies 5-6 years ago but never pursued a cause...now I know it wasn't all the Wendy's I ate in college like he said.)
Potent prescription vitamins and supplements should increase my levels enough for normal fetal development. And the aspirin should be enough of a blood thinner to prevent miscarriage. If we have any problems with miscarriage, there are prescription (daily self injection...blah) blood thinners that can be used.
Overall the outlook is very bright. The biggest challenge with these two items is diagnosing them. When you follow the proper treatments, the likelihood of having healthy pregnancies is very high.
The Emotion:
I'm still processing. I think I'm still in shock. I don't know why. I sought out answers I may not have totally been ready to hear. I've read blogs of other women who explain their feeling so beautifully. I'm not eloquent or beautiful. I'm the mess after a natural disaster. That's what just occurred isn't it? My infertility was a natural disaster, a catastrophic moment. Dr. Lisa is coming in with emergency relief but... I'm broken. Its a harsh summary of myself I know, but the wound is fresh. No sugar can hide the reality. It does me no good to pretend its all okay. It was not a good day.
It was difficult but necessary to tell our families. They didn't even know we were trying. I wanted it to be a surprise. Now that they know, I'm so glad. We will need them, especially if treatment doesn't work. They are so supportive, and I know prayers are already going up.
The best news I have is our faith. Our trust in God to lead and direct our life is ever present and important. We have so many blessings, and he has placed us in the middle of so much love and support from our Army family and church. We are not alone in this trial. The Creator, Elohim, will victor and we will rejoice that day, and continually praise while we wait for its arrival.
Mike's father made a good point. There are times in our lives when faith is hard to see and feel. Sometimes blessings flow and because of the world we live in, we can't see they are divine. We have, right now, the opportunity to feel God's amazing grace and love and to pursue true faith in His promises.
I was made to be a mom.
I believe God's promise.
I HAVE FAITH.
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