In sickness and in health...

This week marks our 3rd wedding anniversary. I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful partner in my life. He's my rock. I could have never made it through all I have without him. His my support. "In sickness and in health...". I never knew that this phrase would be such a huge part of our lives so early on in our marriage. ~1 year into the marriage began my wild ride with endometriosis. He was there with me through every pain, every ER visit, every scan, every surgery. Together we walk hand and hand into this journey of life and our lives have been tested a lot these past three years. He remains my rock and my love as we begin this new journey of parenthood together. I really am blessed to have such a wonderful husband. I love him.

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

I didn't realize it until I started reading some blogs, but, today is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is observed with Remembrance Ceremonies and candle lighting Vigils which coincides with an International Wave of Light with participants lighting candles on October 15 at 7:00 p.m. around the world to honor and remember our children.

Please light a candle this evening for your loses, your friends loses, a strangers loss.

We'll be lighting one this evening (I won't be home at 7 but I promise to do this when I get home!) for our loss earlier this year, and, for those out there remembering their losses today and pray for peace.

Endometriosis and Pregnancy

I've been meaning to write, but, things have been a little crazy around here. For some reason, even with all the lying around I do...I haven't been on the computer much. I'm still on restrictions and being watched very carefully by my OBGYN. I've had an ultrasound on a very frequent basis lately, and have had another crazy episode of bleeding. Things seems to be calming down, or so I hope. I've been feeling pretty crappy this past weekend, but, remaining optimistic about everything. I've come too far NOT to.

My intentions have been to do some more extensive research on endometriosis and pregnancy. This is one of the recent articles I've come across, and, I wanted to share. This was released back on July 1st:

Women with endometriosis need special care during pregnancy to avoid risk of premature birth

Big "bad" world of IVF?

I'm sure you have all heard about the latest IVF story
(Click Here).

So, there is a debate that seems to be going on concerning this headline, and, I wanted to see what you all thought. A chat board that I visit often started the "debate" about this publicity being another "bad rap" for IVF. I'm not sure I agree.

DO you feel the embryo switch up/mix up is 100% bad for IVF?
Do you feel the family who was implanted should have kept quiet from the media?
Do you think that nothing good will come from this – i.e. possibly more stringent regulations, etc?

MY OPINION:
Gotta love the media AND the public. The media isn't going to publish fluffy, "normal" news such as "Couple conceives with IVF". That's not "news" for the rest of the world. UNLESS there is a sad story or something involving some sort of tragedy. And, can't completely blame the media. The public wouldn't want to read about something that "normal" happening. You don’t hear that millions of people go through IVF with no problems. That news just doesn't sell. So, of COURSE this is going to be a huge story. It's sad, it's tragic. It's just what America thrives on. it sells. PERIOD.


Why should the couple keep quiet? It would come out at some point anyway (litigation). Besides, why do they need to hide? People need to hear this story. Sh*t happens...this could happen to ANYONE. I can't say that the thought never crossed our minds during our IVF process...because it did! These are HUMAN BEINGS that are responsible for all that you are going through; left to human error. Again, I'm not saying it's OKAY for error, but, it happens. So, for this to be BAD publicity for IVF...I just don't know. I mean, people have surgery all the time and materials get left behind in them. People still have surgery-many times voluntarily. It's just how life goes sometimes and you just keep on keeping on?

As far as regulations go...what's wrong sometimes with more regulations?!?! Hell, I want these Dr's and clinic staff regulated! Hopefully it won't affect insurance more than that is already affected.

And, as tragic and sorrowful as it is, I am trying to focus on the silver lining. This family made the decision to carry this life to term (they've known the whole time). They chose life and they chose to give this life back to the parents that it belongs to-to give that couple the chance they've been waiting for! In the end, it's a beautiful tragedy. I cannot imagine what either couple is going through. But, I'm thankful for wonderful people out there willing to sacrifice in the face of such a tragedy and for such a beautiful thing to become of it.

What do you think? I'm not opposed to differing opinions. I find it interesting different takes on this manner. And, maybe I'm just naive!!!

Thank you

Thank you as always for your support. I love this blog and all of you! I'm starting to feel better (knock on wood). My cold seems to be on the mend, finally. Voice is still a little raspy with a lingering cough. But, the truck that hit me finally left. My husband got sick too...well, he started out sick first but has gotten the cough as well. He has been able to take expectorant though, so, hopefully his isn't nestling in.

Everything went well with the OBGYN today and the baby and everything looks good. We still have a long way to go, but, today was a good day.

Update: Bronchitis

I have finally started feeling a little better today, but, this cough is just hanging around. I went to the MD today and she said although it wasn't full blown, that I had a touch of bronchitis or the beginnings of it. I'm hoping it's on it's way OUT! I knew they wouldn't be able to give me any relief, but, I just needed to make sure it wasn't embedding in my lungs. So, it kinda is, but, not fully. I think that seems to be good news? My fever broke this AM, so, that was a relief for me as well. Dr.'s orders are Tylenol as needed, FLUIDS, FLUIDS, FLUIDS...which I have been pushing as much as possible, and REST (which is kinda hard to get when you are running to pee every 20 minutes from all the fluids and coughing the rest of the time). She wants me to stay home through Monday. This has completely trashed my PTO. Not that I had much to begin with. But, I need to rest and take care of me and "Little D", as my husband's brother is calling the baby.

Hopefully we'll get to see the baby again on Monday at my OBGYN's appointment (and hopefully all this mess will be GONE!). I'm pretty nervous about it. I started spotting again some today. I think it's to be expected with the blood clot, or at least I hope it is. Can't fret. Just need to rest and take care.

Another prayer request for Melissa who is expecting her baby on Saturday. As a fellow infertility and endometriosis sister, she has had quite the time with this pregnancy. See Jeanne's post for more.

Thinking about you Melissa!!!!

What a hell of a week

Now I have a wicked cold, all of a sudden! My husband has been feeling a little congested and this AM I wake up with a cough! Throughout the day it's gotten worse and worse. Not good timing for sure. I'm monitoring my temperature and will stay home tomorrow to rest. All this coughing is really bothering my midsection as well! I'm trying to stay hydrated and eat good, healthy foods. I feel miserable and must admit I'm a little scared.

Please say some prayers for my blogging friend Eileen. We are IVF "twins" and I am mourning her loss today. I couldn't believe her blog when I read it. She is a fellow infertility sister and we should all send her some loving words.