I have been meaning to write this post for the last few days but just haven't had the desire to. Well, here goes nothing. Last Monday, Kyle and I went to my followup appointment regarding my obstructed left tube. After much consideration and talking with my doctor we decided the best thing would be to remove the tube.
As we talked more and went over tests for both of us, it became very clear that IVF would be our only option to have a biological child. Of course there were tears of frustration because as a woman it is hard to know that my body can't do what it is designed to do. On the other hand, there is still hope that we will have a biological child.
I was referred to a doctor at the post hospital to schedule my surgery. I met with the surgeon and my surgery has been scheduled for March 20th. We talked in depth about removing the left tube and they will examine the right to make sure there is no damage or issues with it. I made the decision that if something is wrong with both to go ahead and remove both.
In no way is this the end of our journey, we will look to start the IVF process in the fall. One of the only hiccups is that Fort Bliss does not have an IVF program, I will either be referred to Walter Reed in DC (which is what we want especially with the potential for us to PCS there) or Madigan at Lewis. There would be a lot of travel involved but it will be so worth it if the IVF works.
This is just another step in our journey and we will get through it.
Wishing you all a beautiful day!
I'm so glad you guys aren't giving up. While I won't be here if you happen to be referred to lewis (sad face), I will tell you that the hospital here is GREAT. I had a cervical biopsy and some other stuff done here and the surgeons are HANDS DOWN FANTASTIC, especially for an Army hospital. I've heard nothing but great things about the IVF department here from people who have dealt with them as well. In addition, if they can't help you, there are so many places to refer you to in Seattle that you will absolutely be well taken care of.
ReplyDeleteYou're going to be such great parents, regardless of how you bring a child to join your family <3
Jen, you are such a brave woman! I love how you embrace your challenges and are full of hope. You are inspiring, truly. Big hugs to you and all the very best in this new path. My thoughts are with you xx <3 MakeMeUpMandy
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine your frustration. My body, in a few ways, isn't doing what I want it to do either, and I'm realizing this is something I truly have no control over. That's hard. I really hope you get the answers you're looking for soon…how long will you be at Bliss?
ReplyDeleteYou are a pillar of strength and courage. I pray for a successful surgery and procedure to follow.
ReplyDeleteHugs
You and your husband continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. I know that when you do become parents, that child will be so special and very loved!
ReplyDeleteI've followed your blog for a while and I know how important having children is to y'all! I can't imagine what y'all are going through, and I'm happy to hear that you have an option still! I have a friend who after trying for 10 years could not get pregnant and did IVF, and they now have a son! Prayers for your surgery...prayers that IVF works out...and I know y'all will be parents some way some how. When the time comes, y'all are going to be amazing because I think you'll have a deep appreciation for it more than the average person!
ReplyDeleteJen, don't ever, ever let anyone tell you that you aren't an amazing, strong woman. Sometimes our bodies fail us, and as much as we try, we can't change that. You two are going to be the BEST parents one day soon!
ReplyDeletePerfect outlook. You WILL get through it and you will make a WONDERFUL mother someday!
ReplyDeletePraying that everything goes well! Is there anyway you could see a more local doctor if you had Tricare Prime? I know the referral system is screwy regardless of your actual version of Tricare.
ReplyDeleteI"m praying for your and Kyle and that they only have to remove the one tube. You are going to make a wonderful mother when that time comes. xo
ReplyDeletePraying for you!!! I am so amazed at the technology of IVF.
ReplyDeleteYou have such a positive outlook. I know this has been a tough journey for you, but I'm positive it will have a happy ending!
ReplyDeleteTough news :( I hope that everything goes just the way it should though.
ReplyDeleteI also have the same question as the person above...there's no way you could be referred to a civilian doctor close to home is there? I don't know how the IVF system works so maybe not? Anyways, thinking of you and sending lots of good vibes and thoughts.
Praying that this all falls in to place! I just know you are meant to be a mother!
ReplyDeleteYou have the most beautiful attitude and spirit! I know this must have been a hard decision, and I am so proud of you for making it! God has a beautiful story written for you and your future children. IVF is an amazing thing!
ReplyDeleteXOXO
Chelsea
http://www.anchorsaweighblog.com/
I'll say an extra prayer for you, girly. God has great plans for you, with or without the tube. I hope the surgery goes well, and I'll keep my fingers crossed that they will refer you to Walter Reed.
ReplyDeleteYour strength an positivity is so honorable!! I can't imagine how the frustration must consume your thoughts at times, but hopefully this is the right path for you guys! So many hugs to you friend!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are so strong. I am keeping positive thoughts for you that things will work out.
ReplyDeleteI am praying so hard for you and your sweet Kyle, dear Jen. May lots of sweet blessings go your way. XOXO
ReplyDeleteYes go with Walter Reed. I mean I have no opinion of them but I've been using Madigan for years and I can honestly say the nursing staff doesn't care about you and you are just another unread chart to them. However they do have two wonderful doctors out of four at Madigan the problem is that only one of them is full time staff while the other is there only on Thursdays. Hoping if you go to Walter Reed you will have a better chance at good medical care.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you have a direction on the next step. Praying the surgery goes well and you'll be able to start on your IVF journey soon!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to you with your surgery!
ReplyDeleteWow! Your outlook is amazing, Jen! I pray that the Lord blesses you with a child and that your procedure goes well.
ReplyDeleteprayers for you and Kyle through this journey for a baby. Praying all goes well with your surgery. Be strong and courageous, which you are to do all this! Amazing! Hugs and blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you are moving in the right direction. Sending good thoughts that everything will go smoothly. Always thinking of you. Hugs. <3
ReplyDeleteSending prayers your way, Jen!
ReplyDeleteThank you Catherine!!!
DeletePraying for you guys. Praying for a safe and successful surgery and praying that IVF brings you the baby you deserve so much. I love how you always have such a positive attitude no matter the situation. Hugs!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry, Jen, that must have been an incredibly tough decision to make. I keep you in my thoughts that the right tube is fine. And even with one tube, there's hope to get pregnant naturally. And if not, there's still IVF, and I am glad that this option is available for you two! Whether in DC or Seattle (I'm in love with that city), I know one day you'll be successful and able to hold you baby!! Hugs to you, my friend. Your strength is so beyond my grasping, I really, truly admire you!
ReplyDeleteI'm praying for you. Hopefully you get the fellowship in DC and will be close to the hospital so you can have the baby you deserve. ((hugs))
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about all this but so glad you have decided to give IVF a try! I will keep you guys in my prayers! Good luck with the surgery too!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure y'all made the best decision, and we will all be rooting for you ;) Jessa was doing a lot of traveling for IVF, but it would be awesome if you could get referred to DC and then get stationed over there. I definitely wouldn't mind being over there, and especially in y'alls situation. Keep us posted!
ReplyDeleteI'm praying for a successful surgery and for good luck with IVF. You guys are such a strong couple, and I know that God is working on something big for y'all.
ReplyDeletePrayers for you! You seem to be making responsible and rational decisions on this, which is never easier when the end result wanted is a baby which seems to come so naturally to some. But your journey will be one that you look back on and understand why it happened the way it did. Thinking of you!
ReplyDeletePrayers that everything goes well! I'm confident that you two will have your munchkin(s) eventually. And you'll be amazing parents!
ReplyDeleteThinking of you! If you need anything, please let me know. I'd love to meet for coffee sometime :) Hugs.
ReplyDeleteYou know me .. if I prayed I would pray for you every single day so that you can experience the joy of having your own child. I hope and wish that someday that will be the case for you. Much support coming from Arizona on your upcoming surgery. You know we are all in your corner Jen!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Lanaya