When I first considered getting pregnant and having a child as a single mother, I had no idea where to turn next. I had a vague idea about sperm banks and fertility doctors but I didn't know where to start.
I had actually toyed with the idea of having a baby alone more than a year ago. Emotionally, I was in a much stronger place so I dove right into the research. I looked into a couple of purveyors of fine sperm and also joined SMC - Single Mothers by Choice. I did absolutely nothing with the info...until now.
The lovely ladies of SMC are a wealth of knowledge when it comes to getting started on the road to Babyville, population: me!
After looking into the success rates of the local fertility clinics, I made an appointment with Dr. Kevin Winslow at the Florida Institute for Reproductive Medicine.
I was so excited and hopeful! I did my homework, made sure I had all of my questions ready and waited for Dr. Winslow to tell me how we were going to get me pregnant. If only it went the way I played it in my mind.
Instead of matching my enthusiasm, Dr. Winslow peed all over my Wheaties. After reviewing my medical history and chatting for a bit, Dr. Wins-NO told me that he didn't think I would be able to get pregnant using my own eggs. He felt that I was just too old and would have to go directly to the most aggressive treatment: in vitro fertilization with donor eggs. This would mean I would be my own surrogate. I would carry and give birth to a child who is not genetically mine.
The moment I got into my car, I burst into tears.
Nothing I read in my research prepared me for that consultation. I knew that 39 was old for baby making and that previous miscarriages may play a part but I never expected the doctor to want to start with the most aggressive, most expensive treatment. IVF with donor eggs costs upwards of $30,000!
Perhaps I am not meant to be a mother after all.
1 comment:
I went to Dr winslow for a myomectomy. I hemorrhaged during the procedure and a hysterectomy was preformed. I almost died. afterwards he told me he removed 25 tumors. He tried to blame me for not having them removed earlier. However, he did a ultrasound and he never mention that I had 25 tumors. I believed I had 7-8. I was shocked to find I had so many. also, I did not understand how he would precede with removing so many. I am happy that I survived. however, I felt that he was experimenting on me. He also told me that he had never removed so many. Also he reproted that he had preformed a poor quality ultrasound. I trusted him. I have no children. I would have never agreed to a hysterectomy. I am 38 years old now and probable will not have any children. I am very angry. Has this happen to anyone else?
Post a Comment