You would think after years of monitoring ovulation, orchestrating medications, timing sex, waiting to see the faintest line on my highly-sensitive pregnancy tests, I would have developed wisdom and patience. You would think. The truth is I am the world's worst worrier, a little bit of a control freak, and a RE's (Reproductive Endocrinologist's) worst nightmare.
To help me establish a sense of control (where I have none) following my embryo transfer, I have been employing every medically-supported recommendation, tip, trick and old wives tale possible to help enhance chances for implantation. I have consumed massive amounts of pineapple, walnuts and avocados (click here to learn what some believe about these foods in relation to fertility). I am sitting outside for 10 minutes to ensure adequate vitamin D production and following a low-dose aspirin protocol. I am careful not to get too hot... or too cold; to lift heavy objects; to breathe the wrong way. I am (admittingly a little out of control) testing for pregnancy twice a day and Googling every little symptom and sign. I am thinking happy, positive thoughts, talking to (and pleading with) the little embryo inside of me - and, of course, praying. A lot.
To help me establish a sense of control (where I have none) following my embryo transfer, I have been employing every medically-supported recommendation, tip, trick and old wives tale possible to help enhance chances for implantation. I have consumed massive amounts of pineapple, walnuts and avocados (click here to learn what some believe about these foods in relation to fertility). I am sitting outside for 10 minutes to ensure adequate vitamin D production and following a low-dose aspirin protocol. I am careful not to get too hot... or too cold; to lift heavy objects; to breathe the wrong way. I am (admittingly a little out of control) testing for pregnancy twice a day and Googling every little symptom and sign. I am thinking happy, positive thoughts, talking to (and pleading with) the little embryo inside of me - and, of course, praying. A lot.
Through my tribulations of the 2WW (infertility code for "two week wait") and incessant online browsing, I have discovered an entire subculture of women just like me - and many more not so like me, but who are experiencing infertility issues all the same. The Net is full of infertility websites, chat rooms, forums and online communities. It would seem that infertility is not the taboo affliction I suffer from secretly; it's a #@%&!! epidemic. It's so prevalent in fact, an infertility-unique, encrypted language has emerged.
Huh?
I don't know why this language consists mainly of acronyms. If I had to guess, I would say it's because women dealing with infertility are just so physically and emotionally exhausted, they can't spell words out anymore. Makes perfect sense to me. That said, it's easy to miss out on the solidarity and helpful information available on the Net when one is not bilingual in infertility. So, to help myself and members new to this club, I compiled an infertility acronym glossary. You can access it here on my resources page if you want to learn more.
Secluded in my own denial for so long, I had no idea the infertility community was so vast. I am praying for all of these women and men - for answers, for peace, for success... for healthy babies. And my sincere thanks to all those who have been supporting me and DH during this challenging 2WW, praying for us too, and sending FT for a BFP after ET!
I don't know why this language consists mainly of acronyms. If I had to guess, I would say it's because women dealing with infertility are just so physically and emotionally exhausted, they can't spell words out anymore. Makes perfect sense to me. That said, it's easy to miss out on the solidarity and helpful information available on the Net when one is not bilingual in infertility. So, to help myself and members new to this club, I compiled an infertility acronym glossary. You can access it here on my resources page if you want to learn more.
Secluded in my own denial for so long, I had no idea the infertility community was so vast. I am praying for all of these women and men - for answers, for peace, for success... for healthy babies. And my sincere thanks to all those who have been supporting me and DH during this challenging 2WW, praying for us too, and sending FT for a BFP after ET!