News Update!

I wasn't sure what to call this post. I thought of calling it baby update, but then everyone would think that I'm pregnant, when in fact it's just the opposite. I am writing this entry for myself and to let all of you know what has been going on with us in the "trying to get pregnant" world. We tried IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) four different times this year, with no success. The last month we tried, was September, after our fun summer trip to Utah. I went in for an ultrasound the end of September and found out that I had a large cyst on my right ovary, so IUI wouldn't be possible for the month of October. I have had a few medical issues that I've wanted to have checked out so I dedicated October as the month to get all those appointments done. First I ended up getting laryngitis and found out that it was caused by reflux, which I had no idea I had. I ended up having a CT of my sinuses to find that my cheek sinuses are a little small and my nasal septum is crooked, nothing serious. I also saw a Gastrointestinal doctor for a check up. The end of September, I ended up having a partial or full bowel obstruction and ended up in the ER. I haven't had a GI doctor for several years, and I haven't had any tests to make sure that things are okay, so I made an appointment. I ended up having an endoscopy scope and found out that everything is just fine. When I went in for my appointment last Friday to discuss the results of the scope, my doctor gave me an article about infertility in women who have had the same surgery that I had when I was 15, due to ulcerative colitis. As I read it, I learned that women who have had this sugery have a higher rate of infertility, about 38% to 44%. You would think that after reading this, I would be even more discouraged, but I wasn't. I was actually quite relieved. Jon and I have been trying for several years to have children and have been unsuccessful. The doctors always tell us that our reports come back normal, so it's been quite frustrating not to know why, until now. We met with Sue, the nurse practitioner we've been working with and the decision was made to completely stop trying IUI. I am at peace with this decision. Jon and I have been praying for guidance and we've definitely been guided. Jon told me yesterday, it's apparent that there is a Master planner who has a specific plan for us. I can attest to that. We have been blessed so much. The Lord has guided us these past several years, and at times, the next step has just fallen in place. We feel that has happened again recently. We have the opportunity to put some money aside pre-tax that could be used for IVF, if that is the decision we choose. Receiving all this information that has lead us to the realization that we probably will never be able to have kids on our own has been a blessing. My mom related a personal story to me yesterday that was another confirmation that our situation is all part of the Lord's plan. He has always known the plan and has been guiding and blessing us along the way. Just recently I have been able to truly accept the idea of adoption or IVF. I feel good about either and I'm finally ready to go which ever route the Lord knows we should take. A year ago I wasn't ready to accept this, I had to go through all the experiences that we've had this year, and the past four years to get to this point. So many things and people have prepared both of us for this day. This weekend, Jon and I are going to fast and take a trip to the temple, to receive some guidance on the next step to take. Both of us feel very good about IVF or adoption. Jon has recently been thinking about adoption a lot. I have thought about both equally, although twice this week I've had experiences that have reassured me about adoption. I know I could be happy with either decision. I truly feel that our turn to have a baby is getting closer. I told my mom, I feel it so close, almost like I could reach out and grab it. I am full of hope and joy! I know the Lord will bless us and guide us until we are blessed to have a baby. Jon has been so strong and has never doubted that we'd ever have children. It took me a while to get to that point too, but I know we will have kids someday, and hopefully that day is coming soon.