May 3, 2011

Genetics Counselor Weighs In

I love how important phone calls never come when you expect.  I was on a busy street this morning waiting for someone and of course the call I have been waiting for popped up on my cell.  To maintain my privacy I ducked into an alcove and hoped my colleagues would just assume I was late.

I jotted down some of the words the genetics counselor used:

  • Random
  • Sporadic
  • Fluke
  • Not a carrier

She interviewed me for background/ethnic/health information and then told me she saw no reason why I should not try again.  I just happened to fall into the 0.06% pit of women who have that aneuploidy as well as the overall 0.7% of women my age who have chromosomal issues with my eggs.  Damn probability. Funny how this never works for me when I play the lotto.

The counselor gave me her number and told me to call her when I get another positive.  She said she'd walk me through any testing I wanted to do and provide me with information so I could make educated decisions.

So understanding was she that she talked a bit about the recent loss of my mother, the stress of being single and doing fertility treatments and the anxiety I am having about trying again. She ended with giving me a great deal of encouragement and said that I was "in good company" because many women my age have healthy babies.  She told me to have confidence and to have hope.

I have enough hope to sink a ship, it's the confidence I am worried about although after talking to her I feel like I now have my second wind.

9 comments:

  1. Even if you are lacking in some confidence - you can still go ahead and very possibly / probably everything will turn out just fine. The only real problem is if you decide not to try again - and I don't see you letting that happen. Best of luck to you.

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  2. What a great genetic counselor..it's nice to hear she's taking the 'counselor' part seriously. Although the probabilities are frustrating, I'm glad to hear it wasn't something more serious, and she encouraged you to try again...

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  3. What a wonderful conversation from all possible viewpoints (except maybe the timing). I'm so glad that you got such good news!

    Did you buy a lottery ticket?

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  4. I'm sorry it sounds you fell on the wrong side of the odds. :( But glad the counselor was so great and the overall picture is so encouraging for you to try again. Sending good thoughts.

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  5. That's fantastic! I'm so glad to hear that your chromosomes are all in the right places.

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  6. and to think you still have your sense of humor! so happy to hear that you have such a great counselor who was able to instill confidence and continue boosting your hope. keep the good news coming!

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  7. So glad to hear all of this--and that your confidence is back on the up!

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  8. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog, & for your kind words! Don't give up hope! I conceived my daughter at 40 after numerous IUI's & 3 IVF's & "unexplained infertility" which was most likely "egg quality issues". You just need to find that good egg in the basket! I look forward to following your progress & celebrating your success!

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Thoughts?