Happy Super Bowl Sunday! Once again, I'm running behind on my updates. I cant believe it is already February, it seems like just yesterday we were bringing in the New Year. The new semester is in full swing and working at three places is really keeping me busy. I love teaching college, but I admit I know I can't keep things up at this pace forever. I have also been taking a three week online class that just ended today. The class was really a lot more involved than I anticipated, but now I can sign up to teach classes online which could potential save me a lot of time and gas money. It sounds funny when you think about it, take a class online to teach online, but I guess it makes sense.
Dr D has been out of town but we have an appointment set up for this Thursday. One of the nurses did call me with my test results and there is a problem. I have MTHFR, which for now I'm referring to as mother f*****. Seriously? After all of this! I have mixed feelings, part of me is relieved they found something wrong, maybe, just maybe this will prevent me from having another miscarriage. But part of me is just pissed off, I specifically asked to be checked for this before my last round of IVF. Apparently, I was checked for some blood clotting disorders, but not all of them. Why not? I just don't understand why we have to experience loss before medical science intervenes. Seriously, between infertility and losses I understand the lesson that life isn't fair, but sometimes it sure seems like it could be a whole lot easier. I'm hoping to use our two last embryo babies in March and I'm hoping to have more answers on Thursday on how to proceed.
It seems like there are a lot of pregnant people in my life right now. I have three friends from high school who are currently pregnant. Part of me is really excited about this, since we will all be turning 39 this year, maybe my time has not run out. Maybe 40 is the new 30! But I would be lying if I said I didn't feel any sadness. There are times when I wonder will I really get a chance to be a mother? So many of my blogger friends are also pregnant or have already delivered your babies safely into the world. I'm so happy for you all, and after all of your heartache, sacrifices, and tears I couldn't be happier for you. But again I wonder will it ever be my turn. But I'm going out on a limb, I'm willing to take another chance, and I'm hoping and praying that I will get my turn. Really what more can a girl do? The only nice thing about not being pregnant is that I will be able to have a few beers later as I hang out and watch the Super Bowl. Love and Baby Dust to you all and as always thanks for your love and support!
I really hope you get great results in march.
ReplyDeleteSandy,
ReplyDeleteDid you doctor say if your MTHFR was homozyous or heterozygous?
How frustrating that you asked to be tested for MTHFR, and they didn't! I also have MTHFR mutations, and I also refer to it as mother f'er! I agree with Holly - it's important to know if your mutation is homozygous or heterozygous. Mine is compound heterozygous, meaning there is one mutation in each of the two genes. It's a medium on the good to bad scale of MTHFR mutations. There are debating opinions on how to treat MTHFR. Just about everyone says to increase the amount of folic acid you take. I took Folgard 2.2 twice each day. Some people say to take a low-dose (baby) aspirin every day. I did prior to IVF and throughout my pregnancy. And a few people say to take Lovenox (injection) after transfer, some say to stop Lovenox after 12 weeks pregnancy, and some say to continue throughout. I took Lovenox from transfer until the day before a scheduled delivery. If you want more information, look at some of my blog posts from August 2010 and beyond. And feel free to email me at adventuresofalex@gmail.com to chat. Overall, MTHFR is good to know about, but very treatable.
ReplyDeleteThank-you for the great information. I'm hetro. I met with the doctor yesterday and he will have me take extra folic acid, baby asprin and Lovenox. Although he is not for certain that's what has caused my miscarruages. It is so fustrating. but I'm trying to stay positive and move forward. Thanks for sharing your story Alex. I'm optomistic if it worked for you it may work for me!
ReplyDeleteHow annoying that they didn't test for MTHFR... esp given you specifically asked for it !! But hopefully this will lead to more answers and cycle success :)) 40 is definitely the new 30... I turn 40 this year... there are so many more 40+ mums around :) FXd that this will be your year :)) xoxo
ReplyDeleteSandy,
ReplyDeleteHeterozygous is the least severe form of the mutation. However, you still have a limited ability to break down synthetic acid (the type found in enriched foods and most supplements) into its active form, L-methylfolate. This puts you at risk for folate deficiency related pregnancy complications.
I work with NeevoDHA, a prenatal specifically indicated for women with the MTHFR polymorphism. It contains active, already broke down L-methylfolate as an alternative to synthetic folic acid. L-methylfolate bypasses the MTHFR polymorphism. It is 100% bioavailable for DNA synthesis and repair. It is something simple and safe you can do to be certain MTHFR-related folate deficiency is not an issue for you. If you are looking for women who have been in your shoes, Babycenter has a large community of women with MTHFR and repeat pregnancy loss. There are also lots of success stories.
I am so sorry that none of this is easy for you. It doesn't seem fair that something so simple for some people is so difficult for others. I hope you don't let yourself get down about the age thing. I know so many people who have had babies in their 40's (including me). I will keep you in my prayers for a happy, healthy pregnancy in the very near future. Best of luck Sandy!