More Diagnoses

 I really do like our doctor, Dr. Andrew. We have been consulting on and off with him over the past few months trying to decide if we have it in us to do another treatment cycle, and if so what the best option for us will be. He ordered more blood work and I was tested for MTHFR gene mutations. What is MTHFR? So glad you asked- "The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene contains the DNA code to produce the MTHFR enzyme. This test detects two of the most common mutations. When there are mutations or variations in the MTHFR gene, it can lead to serious genetic disorders such as homocystinuria, anencephaly, spina bifida, and others." (source: here)

The two most common gene mutations found are on the c677t and a1298c genes. (Don't ask me where they are, I've had to google everything I've learned thus far.) If you carry two mutations on the gene you are considered a homozygous carrier, and with one you are a heterozygous carrier. Feel like you're back in 8th grade biology?! I am heterozygous for the c677t mutation. Short version of what that means- high risk for miscarriage due to clotting problems, possible neural tube defects and an inability to process folic acid. It could be much worse- the homozygous carriers have a VERY difficult time getting pregnant and/or maintaining pregnancies. Most people are only tested for this problem after multiple losses. Thank you Dr. A. for being proactive. The treatment varies, but for us he decided on blood thinners, specifically Heparin, daily while we are trying to conceive naturally. He also started me on a supplement that is designed to help my body break down folic acid, which will in turn also help prevent neural tube defects if we do get pregnant. 

The diagnosis list is now:

Premature Ovarian Failure/Low Ovarian Reserve: my ovaries are failing early and I am running out of eggs
Ovarian Antibodies: my ovaries are seen by my body as foreign objects and as an autoimmune response makes cells that try to kill them
Natural Killer Cells: my body sees embryos/eggs as foreign objects and as an autoimmune response ends any pregnancy that begins
Heterozygous MTHFR C677t Mutation: My body doesn't process the folic acid needed to maintain pregnancy. If I am able to beat the odds and get pregnant there is a high chance that my body will create a blood clot in the blood supply to the embryo and it will cause miscarriage. 

We aren't 100% sure where to go from here, we are still hoping to have our own child and every time we sit down to fill out foster or adoption paperwork we feel strongly that it isn't the route we are supposed to take. We don't know if that will change, since Heavenly Father often changes our path as we change our prayers. For now... we wait. And hope.

"We hope in Jesus the Christ, in the goodness of God, in the manifestations of the Holy Spirit, in the knowledge that prayers are heard and answered. Because God has been faithful and kept His promises in the past, we can hope with confidence that God will keep His promises to us in the present and in the future. In times of distress, we can hold tightly to the hope that things will “work together for [our] good” 27 as we follow the counsel of God’s prophets. This type of hope in God, His goodness, and His power refreshes us with courage during difficult challenges and gives strength to those who feel threatened by enclosing walls of fear, doubt, and despair." (source: here)

On a more positive note, Easter is coming and also, my favorite two weekends of the year!!! LDS General Conference is on Easter weekend this year and I cannot wait for the uplifting messages and answers to prayers that are coming. Please, take the time to watch or listen, and you can read all of the talks just a few days later. I know that if there is something you are struggling with that if you pray for the answers or peace and comfort you seek, you will find it among the messages given over those two days. 

As Easter approaches I would like to share with you one of my favorite messages. I know He lives! (Source: Here)