Toasting NIAW
I’d like to raise a glass to NIAW–National Infertility Awareness Week–here in the United States (and I’d like to apologize for not knowing if other countries are holding their awareness week during the same week). It’s not that this week didn’t exist prior to this point, but this year, they moved it to the spring, and frankly, it was a good choice.
Not that I don’t like my emotional support and activism sandwiched in between the start of school and Halloween, but it tastes a lot better right before Mother’s Day.
NIAW starts this Saturday (the 25th) and runs to the next Saturday (the 2nd), though there are also unrelated yet in-the-same-vein activities happening on the Web or in the face-to-face world up until May 10th.
The biggest events are being sponsored by Resolve–both national Resolve and the local chapters. It all begins with Resolve’s list of seven things you can do in seven days. They also are holding events across the country through local Resolve groups.
Focusing on the seventh item on the list, there is plenty you can do without leaving your living room to find support. If you haven’t started a blog, start one. Rachel wrote a rockin’ article about starting your own infertility-related blog. And then tell me about it so I can place it on the blogroll. Or, on that note, start reading a new blog this week. Join the forums and start a new thread asking for advice/support or set up an account on the Resolve bulletin boards or IVF Connections. If you’re on BlogHer, join the new infertility group. If you need support near Mother’s Day, join Liv who created OMG! Because You Rock Day.
So I’m raising a toast to NIAW–and doing what I can to spread word about my wonky ovaries in my tiny corner of America.
As always, it has been a little over a month since we met, bitched, cried, comforted, and caught up each other on our cycles and lives. Pull up a seat and I’ll pour you a drink. Let everyone know what is happening in your life and a compliment for another blogger. The good, the bad, the ugly. My only request is that if a story catches your eye, you follow it back to the person’s blog and start reading their posts. Give some love, give some support, or laugh with someone until your drink comes out of your nose.
I have a ton of assvice in my back pocket and as a virtual bartender, I will give it to you unless you specifically tell me that this is simply a vent and you do not want to receive anything more than a hug.
So if you have been a lurker for a while (or if this is your first open bar as someone who found this space through IComLeavWe), sit down and tell us about yourself. Remember to provide a link or a way for people to continue reading your story (or if you don’t have a blog–gasp!–you can always leave an email address if you’re looking for advice or support. If not, people can leave messages for that person here in the comments section too). If you’re a regular at the bar, I’ll get out your engraved martini glass while you make yourself comfortable. And anyone new, welcome. I’m glad you found this virtual bar.
For those who have no clue what I’m talking about when I say that the bar is open, click here to catch up and then jump into the conversation back on this current post.
So have an imaginary cocktail and tell us what is up with your life.
0 comments
I could use a really large whiskey and 7 up. Pretty much any kind will do. Just trying to deal (or not as the case may be) with the huge feeling of lack of control that is my life and trying not to think about what’s next.
I need a big bold cabernet please! I am starting to have pelvic issues again, and I just can’t think about it too much or I will cry. I go today to get an ultrasound. I saw the NP yesterday at my ob/gyns office..and she informed me that she didn’t think it was gyn related- probably. I wanted to claw her eyes out. She said “well, I will do an ultrasound if it will make you feel better.” ARGH!!!! I am waiting until after my US today to post everything.
pour me some…Cakebread Cellars Cabernet- and have another right behind it. That will “Get Me Right”.
THANKS!!
I want a big old frozen margarita with salt on the rim of the glass. I frakking HATE the schedule my hubby is having to work right now. Sure, having a job in this economy is great but 2 pm to 2 am swing shifts SUCK!
I’ll have a really salty margarita on the rocks.
Just signed all the papers to refinance my house yesterday-Getting some cash out to pay for my treatment, and extremely anxious about going through the process of picking an egg donor.
I think I need a tequila chaser too!
A simple OJ for me if you would Mel. I’m sitting at 22 weeks p/g and counting (carefully!) after our first IVF and more than 6 years of TTC. Hubby is eager and hopeful; I on the other hand continue to be fearful and hesitant. I celebrate every day that passes knowing that Petit is still hanging in there, yet with sadness, knowing I’ll never get to walk by this way again. Does that ever change? I’m beginning to think not and I’m wrestling with the idea of seeing someone to help me get past this fear and enjoy what time I have left with Petit safely tucked inside.
Yes! We do celebrate Infertility Awareness Week in Canada and a number of events are planned, notably the PRAM PUSH as advertised on my blog, scheduled for Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 10) in Toronto. I encourage everyone to check it out if they can. And many hugs and thoughts to all in the blogosphere.
Ahhh, a cocktail. But no, I’m gearing up for IVF#2, so I’ll stick to a sparkling water. I’ve been following Murgdan’s blog (http://murgdan.blogspot.com/) extra closely as of late because we’re on very similar schedules for this IVF cycle. I’m so hopeful that she becomes a member of the “one and done” club! I’ve also been spending time with Kate, a member of my IRL support group, at Kate’s Corner (http://mirthful16.blogspot.com/). She just passed her due date for sweet Zoe yesterday, and I know how hard that can be.
Thanks for the info on Infertility Awareness Week, I need to read the seven things list to determine what new things I should do in the coming days. At the very least, I’m sure I can manage to add another blog or two to my ever-growing reading list!
I will have a Jameson on the rocks, please. Good news: The D is back to work. Neutral news: Work is crazy busy. Bad news: My brother will be moving his family accross the county in a couple weeks. It was a surprise opportunity for them and there was little time to prepare for the move, so that’s where any extra time I may have is going. I will miss my nieces TERRIBLY but this is a great opportunity for all of them. As for TTC, we are taking a laid back approach at the moment. Not a break, just more of a what happens will happen kind of approach to give our sanity a break. THANKS!!!
I’ll take a few pina colada flavored Jelly Bellies. 🙂
We’re pregnant after IVF #6 with twins and have a son who is 17 months and a result of IVF #5. You’d think since I’ve had a successful pregnancy I’d be less scared out of my mind this time, as such, that is not the case…
Infertiles know too much…
We have our Level II ultrasound with the peri on May 8th. I’m counting down the days.
Rum Punch please!
2nd of our two break cycles before anticipated IVF (provided my FSH levels have dropped/maintained) proved negative, so looking towards IVF and am having trouble reconciling the logical “right thing to do” with the illogical “we shouldn’t have to do this dammit”.
I would love a cab. I will just have what Lorza is having, please. That sounds really good. Unfortunately, I can only have virtual cabernet, and I find I miss my wine. Sigh.
Retrieval is tomorrow! I had to stay up late last night to take my HCG shot in the middle of the night, so I am really tired today. Trying to get the house clean, and hopefully a blog post up before the afternoon is out. This is my first IVF cycle, and I am finding I am really nervous about retrieval.
I would love a chilly glass of white bordeaux… make that two. It’s the first truly warm day in Boston, and the last thing I want to be doing is sitting at work. My husband still hasn’t found a job- only about a month since he was laid off, but frustrating just the same. His freelance gigs here and there have been helpful, and unemployment checks start in a couple of weeks- but I worry, like a good infertilee does 😉
Dx confirmation (POF) this Friday, barring any other crazy scheise they throw my way, of which I am super nervous about. Cancer, tumors, autoimmune diseases… the worst possibilities have been running through my head all week. I’m less worried about having children right now than I am my own health in general. Kids we can make happen (says the hopeful newly diagnosed)- it’s just all the other medical baggage that comes with POF that scares the shit out of me.
Also- my computer at work is missing plugins, so the 15 comments I thought I left yesterday for ICLW vanished into the netherworlds of the net. I’ll try to get around to reposting them all tonight. You know what? I’ll take a third glass.
I’ll have orange and cranberry juice with a spritz of seltzer. About 11 years ago it would have been shots of Absolut but that whole pesky alcoholism thing got in the way.
After two years of being DONE I’m going in for a RE consult today at 1:30pm to see if IVF #3 is vaible. And my partner has been laid off again and my pentecostal mother in law has been visiting since last week and will be here until May 4th.
So a round of shots for those who can drink them!
I should like to buy a round for all who can drink on my behalf. Whatever you want, it’s yours! I’ll just have a glass of cold water please.
I am still stunned that I am pregnant at all, and still feeling so very very lucky. Here’s hoping it sticks around for the full ride.
A frozen margarita here too, please. I am at work, in the middle of an Earth Day office cleanup… &, after a series of frightening reactions that may or may not have been food-related, about to venture back to the cafeteria for lunch for the first time in more than two weeks. Wish me luck!!
I am dreading MDay coming up. Most years, we just lay low, maybe go to a movie — but this year, stepBIL & his wife scheduled their baby's baptism that day (!!) & there is no way we can get out of going. 🙁
On second thought, just bring me the whole pitcher. ; )
I’ve never bellied up to this bar, but I’d really like a cold beer. That’s how classy I’m feeling lately.
I just began my f-f-f-final possible superovulation cycle. You know, the one that will have me in a 2ww during Mother’s Day. Because I don’t have enough drama in my life, I suppose.
On second thought, I’ll just sit next to the keg.
I’ll just have an ice water please but I think we need some appetizers over here! How ’bout some fried green beans and an order of nachos? mmmmm
I’m fairly new to the infertility blogging scene and just doing my best to get to know people, lend support, and make some friends. I have many blogs that I read regularly but haven’t yet found many people in similar situations to mine. I’ll definitely be checking out the list of blogs for IComLeavWe, commenting, and adding a few new ones to my reader.
To introduce myself – I’m jill, I’ll be 33 this year, have been experiencing infertility since my early 20’s, and have never had a bfp (I don’t think they actually exist). I’ve had testing done but ART is just not in the cards for us. I still have hope but some days I wish I didn’t. It’s difficult when a glimmer of hope sneaks in, only to be let down once again.
I distract myself by reading other people’s sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes overwhelmingly happy journeys and most recently by trying to up my activity/exercise to ultimately become a runner.
I wish everyone lots of luck! and big *HUGs* of support all around 🙂
With our latest heat wave, I’m ready for a pitcher of your finest mojitos! keep ’em coming too. Seriously.
Yesterday was quite a day. K is having a really rough time of her situation and finally broke down. my heart is (already) breaking for her. she is just SO ready to be done so she can try to reclaim her life.
on top of that, I just found out my mom (my unshakable rock) is now dealing with some very serious health issues. we don’t even know how serious yet so we are in wait mode all around…
so how are you?
Hi- first time here at the bar. I’d love a glass of wine but since I’m newly pregnant probably not a great idea. I just confirmed last week that I got pregnant with #2 the old fashioned, after suffering for 2 years with unexplained fertility with #1- ultimately IVF did the trick there. I’ve been pretty relaxed about my new pregnancy up to this point. I hit 6 weeks tomorrow and don’t have an ultrasound for another week. My symptoms seem kind of non-existent so the thoughts of “this just seems to good to be true” are creeping in. Trying to just relax, easier said than done.
I’ll have a big margarita. (I’m assuming virtual drinks do not also give virtual migraines?) I’m feeling pretty good but anxious about when my cycle will start (worried about the possibility of a Sunday IUI, which my clinic doesn’t do) and how this suppression plan is going to work out (I’m using estrace as priming before starting femara for IUI). But it’s the end of the semester so otherwise things should settle down in the next few weeks–at which point I’m reactivating my Netflix subscription. Anything to add to my queue?
(My word verification is “buzzo,” which strikes me as pretty funny, given the virtual buzz.)
I’m celebrating something: I just got an email from Amazon that my book, “The Land of IF” has just shipped.
Woot!
It’s mojito weather, baby!
I need a magic drink, one that will make me all better. Yes, I'm throwing a pity party these days and no, I haven't blogged about it because I'm tired of feeling like I'm whining even though I am. I started typing it all here and it turned into a blog-length post, so maybe I WILL go make a post after all.
Suffice to say, I'm feeling broken in more than just the fertile ways. I'm finally getting past that stage, I think, or at least making more progress. Now it's fibromyalgia, something with no cure. Huh…much like infertility.
I've managed to gain 10 pounds in < a month, which really isn't useful since I have no way to get rid of it. My dog is in heat, which makes me want to kill her. I haven't worked in 7 months and I'm getting frustrated with trying to get one.
Song lyrics come to mind "pour me, pour me, pour me another shot of whiskey…bartender hit me one more time" and "poor poor poor me, poor poor pitiful me". Too bad I don't actually like whiskey…
Hmmm…. a virtual manhatten please, as I’m still recovering from the shock of finding myself naturally pregnant with twins (and with a 4 month old via IVF). I’m scared and excited for my u/s on friday where we should see heartbeats.
I’d like a nice frosty glass of Rickard’s Red (although you have to go to Canada to pick it up). I just started meds for IUI#2 and now I have an ear infection that has left me temporarily unable to hear out of my left ear..and the Clomid is giving me hot flashes. Cheers ladies
How ’bout a large rootbeer, no ice. It just sounds good!
We are still waiting for a positive opk for IUI #7. If not today, we have to wait until next cycle. We don’t want to risk m/c #3 with a late ovulation. I’m battling pneumonia, and DH is scheduled for a CAT scan Friday for an enormously enlarged lymph node. Hoping it’s nothing… yeah, I’m sure it’s nothing.
I’d like a VERY LARGE glass of Pinot Blanc with frozen berries in it. I made phone calls and emails this week to get ready for our June IVF, first one ever. Let the blood draws begin! Nervous and excited! I am super excited about Infertility Awareness Week and plan to involve some others where I can.
I’d also like to offer up a note about one of my favorite bloggers, Jo at MoJo Working http://jo-mojoworking.blogspot.com/. She’s been having a rough week and I think about her often hoping she’s feeling better. She’s often given me a smile when I needed one and I wish we could all do that for her now.
I’m ordering under the assumption that virtual drinks are indeed safe during the 2ww.
I’ll have a tall margarita on the rocks, sugared not salted.
I’m toasting to my first IUI with my RE (after 4 drawn out timed bding cycles and one IUI cancelation drawn out since last October!). I have another one tomorrow as well. I also have a ‘state of the union’ consultationn with my RE tomorrow to discuss a newer ‘aggressive’ tx plan since being diagnosed with POF.
Best news is that I’m cyst-free this cycle and my FSH went back to a more normal level.
Enjoying reading all my bloggy friends, many of whom are happily (if not nervously preggo).
I read a post yesterday by Jen, the Sushi Loving Princess who pined over how nice it would be if duct tape or WD40 could cure all IF. Funny and yet heartfelt post!
http://jandjbabyjourney.blogspot.com/2009/04/things-you-need-in-life.html
See ya!
I’ll take a virtual margarita, rocks and salt. I’m at the end of a tww after what was supposed to be monitored clomid, but the re gave up on day 13 and said I wouldn’t o. Except I did, on day 18, and went in demanding bloodwork. We gave it the ol’ college try anyway, but I’m pretty pissed. In fact, I’ll take a second margarita. I’ve just started reading a bunch of new blogs off the blogroll, esp. those on secondary infertility (I had no problems conceiving #1–it’s been two years and two mc’s trying for #2). In honor of IF week, I’m thinking of finally starting a blog. We’ll see! A round for everyone!
Oooh a mojito sounds yum. Although IRL I’m not drinking, as today is the official kick off of stims for IVF #2. I’m hoping the ovaries respond better this time around! Making it to retrieval/transfer would be super exciting.
Hello all. I seem to be joining in with several other first timers at this bar. Hi Jill, Patricia, & SS.
I'd like a Sammy Summer please. Nothing says 'summer's around the corner' like a nice cold wheat beer!
I'm in for my first FET this friday, and while I'm not really too convinced of success–I find myself thinking things like 'This could be my last beer of the summer.' So I guess I'm more hopeful than I'm willing to admit to myself…
Hi — first time bellying up to this bar.
Um, what could you make with amaretto?
Just got back from the hematologist, who is testing me AGAIN for a bleeding disorder, despite it being pretty clear that I’m borderline for one. Like, seriously, dude, if I missed the cut-off by one point, how different is that? Meanwhile, my CLOTTING disorder is confirmed.
Still waiting for my ovulation monitor to tell me I dropped an egg. Seriously, the ovulation-conception part is the part I’m good at, let me at least have the part where my body HASN’T quashed the pregnancy yet.
Oh dear, writing it out shows me just how aggravated I am. Can I just have the whole bottle please?
Something with a great deal of alcohol in it would be lovely, thanks. Nothing in particular but the stress of the end of the semester–and the fact that I’m horribly bloated today, which is making me look about 5 months pregnant. I’ve even caught people looking at my stomach, though I’ve not yet had the guts to say “It’s just bloat!!!”
I just went out to dinner with coworkers and drooled over their ‘Pure Margaritias’…and this place also makes an amazing mango margarita…I’ll have one of each. Thanks to the current IVF cycle I’m not partaking of real life alcohol, but if I could please please have one here I’d be so happy.
My husband is in the middle of finals in his final semester of nursing school. He’s on the borderline and thinks he did poorly today. I’m terrified he won’t pass and graduate….
Work is stressful.
IVF is stressful.
…oh hell. Make it 3 margaritas…
I’m way out of the TTC game…eight months out to be exact. I just have to raise a glass to everyone who is pregnant or trying to be. Especially Cece. Pregnant with twins naturally after going through IVF? Fingerboard! That’s wacky! :)And enough to make me want to protect myself heavily, although we have not used precautions of any kind since 2000. Cheers to all…bottoms up.
It’s really hot here, so make mine a nice fruity sangria and leave the pitcher please. Lately it just seems like the boy and I can’t catch a break. Our old house still hasn’t sold so we are currently trying to pay 2 mortgages. DH is in the construction/real estate business which may as well be unemployed around here. Oh and our beloved dog (who was the recipient of all our maternal and paternal instincts) had to be put down last week after an agressive cancer got the better of him. We keep thinking it has to get better. We also have frozen donor embryos and after our last fiasco I think I am about emotionally ready to try one last time, but once again money is an issue. Sorry, I guess I’m throwing myself a pity party today. I tend to be a weepy drunk.
I got my “Amazon” notice that your book is out soon. Can’t wait to read it! 🙂
ICLW
Meghan, do it, do it!
I am currently fighting a cold.
I fell off the non-diet diet plan with Pesach but I’m trying to restart right now. Beginning with drinking a liter of water a day. Which stopped with my period because damn, drinking a liter of water when you’re bloated?
But now I have no more excuses so it’s back to water drinking and non-ice cream eating. My eating feels like something I should be able to control.
First time at the bar… I’ll take a yummy blended Hummingbird, like the one I had a few weeks ago in Jamaica. Rough day today: my first speeding ticket, co-worker drama, still waiting for the day one co-worker will make her PG public… and anxiously waiting for June to hurry up and get here so I can finally get my first real chance at conception through IVF!
Watch Natsha Naked!
The clear blue easy monitor says I’m ovulating! Yay!!! Next round’s on me!
Surprise me. I’m amidst some drama with extended family. Also trying to define myself beyond an adoptive mom to a two year old and to a donor egg concieved IVF preemie baby. I can hardly remember my name most days. Is sleep on the menu? No? How about sanity or control? Bummer.
I’m going to compliment Sky Girl over at Chasing Blue Sky. She says what’s on her mind, is honest, and insanely supportive of her blogging buddies.
Um. Just give me a pint of whatever’s on tap and line up a few shots of Jaeger. Sure I’ll be puking within the hour, but hey.
Where to start? The pregnant office mate/former friend? ‘Fessing up to my IF to the boss to try to change offices? The boss saying no and then getting all freaky about it and now thinking I’m a basket case? Having to share an office with a preggo (yet AGAIN!) and then pick up the slack when she goes on leave? Looking for a different job in a crap economy? UGH!
You know what, Mel. Just put the pint and the shots down here on the floor. That’s right. I’ll be down here soon anyway so let’s just cut to the chase…
I could use a Frozen Mudslide! Or 2 or 3! 🙂
We’re in the process of doing known donor egg. We’re jumping through hoops, as always and just hoping that it all works out the way we want it to.
Hoping you’re still open- just seeing this now. I could use a nice big glass of red wine- whatever is open will do. I took my daughter to her kindergarten orientation today. It was a great morning, she had a blast, and she’s all registered. I am glad she’s growing up to be such a great kid. Just wish it wasn’t happening so fast. Time is flying by, and I feel like I missed most of it. I won’t let that happen anymore!
Been busy dyeing yarn up a storm for Maryland sheep and wool festival, so that is going really great! Having lots of fun doing it too. Now if only it was a way to make a living!
I think I’d like a fish bowl sized margarita. This is my first time here too. Today my mom is at the doctor. She is getting a lump checked out. She just finished up treatment for breast cancer earlier this year. I’m scared for her.
Also in the last few days I’ve had a ton of people ask me when the baby is due… I’m not preg. Yeah… thats not so fun. maybe I could have a little exta tequilla in my drink?
Margarita on the rocks for me please, oh heck, make it a large. Thanks for putting together ICLW every month, I love it!
Tea. Earl Grey. Hot. Honey and Milk.
I may or may not be laid off in the next 6 months. My school plans are on hold due to the potential layoffs. I have a new boss and she’s a micromanager. All the local nursing jobs have dried up. I want to be pregnant again, but my health is not good enough to consider it. Boo hoo hoo.
I think I’ll join Mrs. Spock for a nice cup of Earl Grey tea, with milk and brown sugar 🙂
Next week will be my last meeting with my therapist for quite a while. Double errrrr – one for it being such a bad timing for us (well for me :-)) to have a break, the other for it being a maternity leave..