Baby fever settled into our household in the summer of 2006. We were coming up on our one year wedding anniversary, and knew that it was time to toss out the birth control. Six months later, we were still suffering from the fever.
A lot of medical professionals say you should wait at least a year to investigate potential baby-making-problems, but with my history of cysts and mild thyroid issues, we were aggressive in seeking out some answers.
In January 2007, we both went through a slew of tests. All along, we both prepared for my previous health issues to be the cause of the delay. However, that wasn’t the case. The day after Mook’s 28th birthday, we got the phone call that changed our lives.
Our official diagnosis: Male Factor Infertility. We are dealing with low count, slow motility, and borderline morphology issues. No matter what your 7th grade sex-ed teacher told you, it does take more than one sperm: millions have to swim to the egg, and it’s quite a long journey with lots of obstacles in the way.
Getting the diagnosis was really tough, but we also gave a sigh of relief: we knew what was wrong, and we began to make plans to reach our goal: passing on our family “jeans”
:: the time line ::
March 2007: IUI #1 (unmedicated-no hormone assistance): BFN
April 2007: Referred to a Reproductive Endocrinologist
July 2007: IVF with ICSI. 15 eggs retrieved, 12 fertilized. 2 embryos (Pearl & Jam) transferred on day five. 7 failed to grow, 3 were frozen. BFN
August-December 2007 : No needles, no doctors, just us. (and Coco)
January 2008: FET. 3 to thaw: 2 made the thaw. 2 transferred (Chilly & Willy) BFN
February 2008 to July 2008: Blogging for REDBOOK Infertility Diaries
May 2008: IVF numero dos! 14 eggs retrieved, 9 fertilized. 3 morula’s (Harry, Ron and Hermione) transferred on day five. None to freeze.
June 2008: Blessed. Beta at 8dp5dt: 34. Beta at 14dp5dt: 539.
July 2008: Diagnosed with a large Subchorionic Hematoma which lasts until 14 weeks. Saw heartbeat at 5w6d: 136bpm. Decided it is “Ron” who is sticking around.
August 2008: Heard heartbeat at 10w
October 2008: It’s a BOY!
December 2008: Confirm complete placenta previa at 28 week u/s; will have scheduled c-section no later than 37 weeks
January 2009: Admitted to the hospital at 33 weeks 3 days due to bleeding from my placenta previa. Will remain in hospital until Ron arrives!
February 2009: Ron arrives on the 4th at 36 weeks! Healthy and happy-what a blessing!
December 2010: Ectopic pregnancy
The present: Never preventing, but with the recent Melanoma diagnosis, we have decided to not actively pursue adoption and remain forever grateful for O-man.
The future: All I know is that I am waiting patiently for my Hoverboard that Marty McFly promised me. He’s got 3 years to make it happen.
