DH's appointment

Today was my husband's appointment with the Male Infertility Specialist.  He went over the semen analysis results and basically said what we have thought all along:  We could have another child with NO treatments but I will have a high probability of miscarriage.   He brought up the idea of vericoceile (sp?) surgery to remove the vericose veins with DH.  The doctor said that he will go over our treatment options for DH once we have his blood work results and another semen analysis. The highlight of the appointment was watching DH getting his prostate checked, LOL!!!! I joked I was going to post a video of his exam... sick humor, but you gotta get some laughs somewhere!

1/21/11 dr appt

We had our appointment with the specialist to go over the results of husband's sperm analysis, my surgery post op stuff, and my blood test results.  Husbands results stated that he has some issues and they referred him to a urologist that specializes in male infertility.  The good news is that the dr thinks that DH's (dear husband) issues can get a little better.  The specialist just wants some improvement to move on with IUI (inter uterine insemination).  This was even better news because this is a lot cheaper than the IVF that we had previously thought we going to have to get, and a lot less invasive.  DH goes for his appointment in about two weeks, so hopefully we will know more!

My blood work came back normal and I even ovulated on my own , which is really good news.  With my blood work they tested for clotting disorders, my hormone levels, and to see if I had any infections.

So hopefully this summer we will be able to start the process of IUI.... but we shall see!

haters

There is "someone I know" who has expressed some concern about us seeing a specialist about our miscarriages.  This individual feels that by seeking out help to get our son a sibling that it means that we are somehow not thankful about the son that we have.  I know some couples who have not yet had any children despite years of trying.  I feel complete sympathy with those couples and my heart hurts for them. There is not a day goes by that I don't thank God for my son.  I don't want others to think that we are somehow being ungrateful by wanting a sibling for him. 

I have always been really close with my younger brother.  My mom says that I started to ask for a baby brother or sister at around my sons age.  I have so many memories of us doing awesome stuff together like building forts, playing basketball, videogames, flashlight tag, and so on. Of course we fought like cats and dogs,too. As an adult, besides my husband, I consider my brother a best friend.  I talk to him almost every day. 

I asked my brother his opinion if I should pursue fertility treatments or adoption.  I asked him if he ever wished he was an only child and he said that he would have had more toys.  Then he admitted that I provided him with entertainment.  He gave me his blessing and I really appreciate that. 

When I got married to my husband, we agreed that we would like to have around 4-6 children, biological and adopted.  We have agreed that having a large family is something we both value. We also agreed that I would not "prevent pregnancy" by any form of contraceptive. I  have always worked with children, and I have felt that being a mother has been my calling.  I just think I need to take life day by day and not make specific goals.  I feel like my husband and I will do what is right for our family.

Thanks to all : )

I am so excited that some of you have read my blog!   This has been a difficult time for myself, my husband, and my marriage.  I really do have to give credit to Jake for being so strong during all this.  I tend to be really emotional and sometimes overly dramatic.  My first few posts were kinda somber, and I wish I could have found a way to make better entertainment, but it is what it is. ... I have so many things I want to write, I just don't know where to start.  I need to figure out how to add pictures.

Where I am today

My husband I were referred to a specialist after the last M/C.  The specialist had an idea of what was wrong when I arrived.  He suspected Poly Cystic  Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).  An ultrasound confirmed that he was correct and two days later was scheduled for surgery.  I had surgery to remove some cysts and polyps on my ovaries.  Also, he told me to eat a low carb, high fiber diet, which is basically the opposite of how I normally eat!  He said to exercise five times a week.  The medications he prescribed include: baby asprin, Glumetza (to stop the cysts from growing), Folgard (vitamin to help with folic acid and vitamin B), and prenatal vitamins.  This stuff is about 200 bucks a month! My husband was tested and he has male factor infertility.  We were told that we should consider IVF if we do not want to miscarry.  They said that due to our issues the rate of miscarriage will be very high. Needless to say, we have a lot to think about!

D&C Procedure

A D&C is a procedure used to "help the miscarriage happen".  With my last miscarriage, a heartbeat was not detected, but my body did not naturally miscarry.  With my other two, I just started bleeding, completely unaware of what was happening.  I was given the option to try to miscarry on my own with the last one, and I waited a week and nothing happened.  I chose to go ahead with the D&C since it was right before Christmas.  I will say that both are not horribly physically painful.  The worst part is the emotional stuff.  Keep in mind that the body goes from pregnant to not pregnant pretty quickly.   I felt "sad" for about 2 months, and I mean REALLY sad.  It is something I would not wish upon my worst enemy. 

What to say....

I have found that it is very uncomfortable for those around me to think of something to say when they have found out about a miscarriage.  I must admit, before I had experienced one firsthand I too did not know how to address it.  Okay, lets start by a simple " I am so sorry that this happened to your and your husband."  Secondly, offer to make a meal and drop it by.  The last thing I wanted to do after a D&C was make dinner!  Most of all, just give a hug and say that you are there are there if needed.  My advice: do not ramble, because that is when insensitive things are said!

Purpose and Background for this Blog

My name is Stacy.   The reason I am writing this is to share my experiences of motherhood, miscarriage, and infertility.  I have had three miscarriages within the past 3 years, but  I also have a two year old son. I would like to shine some light on the topic that is not really talked about. Miscarriage happens in roughly 1 out of 4 pregnancies, however recurrent miscarriages are not so common.   The second reason I am blogging is to offer support to those going through, having had, or loved ones of those with miscarriage and/or fertility issues.Lastly, I would just like to document my journey of finding answers  and moving forward.