I first embarked on my surrogacy journey nearly two years ago. Unforeseen events led to my decision to part ways with my first set of IPs and seek out a new agency closer to home. Then last March I was overwhelmed with joy when I met and was matched with my IFs. Over the past nine months we have developed a strong relationship that I could not have imagined even in my wildest dreams. As mentioned previously in this blog, we suffered a heart wrenching blow with the news that I had miscarried last September at five weeks. Our second transfer last month ended with the dismal news of a negative beta.
Yesterday I received a call from my coordinator telling me that my IFs RE had no idea why both transfers were unsuccessful given both embryos transferred were great and my lining and hormone levels in both instances were perfect. In a nut shell I was told that due to the possibility that my body may not be compatible with the donor in this instance that the RE has denied my medical clearance and suggested that my IFs use a new surrogate for their future transfer(s). I must admit I was stunned and heartbroken and fighting back tears. I absolutely want all the best for my IFs and with that said I agreed with my coordinator that this descion may be for the best if it gives them even the slightest advantage toward a possible successful pregnancy during their next transfer.
In the same breath which I kept to myself, I feel like I have been just tossed to the side like a used up napkin. I feel cheated of the amazing relationship that my IFs and I have although I know it does not nor will it end. I know that many surrogates on AAS have gone on to have successful pregnancies even after two failed transfers. It just feels so wrong for the doctor to make such a bold descion based on a possibility or a hunch. Although I didn't ask my coordinator, I have this very eerie feeling that because my medical file has now been denied and I have been through two transfers neither of which produced good results, that I will no longer be viewed as a good candidate for surrogacy. I just feel tainted. And with the RE being out of town for the next month I will just have to let it all go for now which just stings.
I spoke to my IFs last night and they are clearly heartbroken which makes everything hurt so much more. They feel torn but of course they trust their doctor 100% so they are on board with moving forward and I assured them that I supported their descion, which I do, and I very much look forward to hearing all about their next journey. I very much hope that with the two remaining embryos left that one of them will be the miracle that they are waiting for. They deserve all the best.
I'm very uncertain about what this means for me in terms of being a potential surrogate again. I feel a bit overwhelmed at the idea of starting all over and rematching, if that's even an option at this point. For now it's the end of the road. I think I just need some time to process all the emotions I'm feeling too.
I am very sorry to hear this. PT&P coming your way.
ReplyDeleteThank you Melissa!
DeleteJessica, I had to re-read the title several times before reading your post, because I just couldn't believe it. But, really, it is not the end of your journey, nor is it the end of your journey with your IFs as you will continue to keep that friendship. It is a journey that went in a direction that none of you had anticipated and it can still have a happy ending. I am so heartbroken for you because I can only imagine how this all made you feel and after all you have been through (I can empathize, it's difficult). But I also want to let you know that this is something that happens and it is NOT your fault. I'm shocked that the RE automatically assumes that it is a compatibility issue (which is very odd for the RE to make that kind of call). How is it a compatibility issue when it has nothing to do with you, when the miscarriage was basically the embryo that did not develop......and yet your body carried until you stopped the medications? Many surrogates have had the "perfect lining, perfect hormones, perfect pregnancy history, and perfect embryos transferred" with the end results of a negative beta or a miscarriage....and it is often chalked up to the odds of pregnancy and IVF. I will also say that intended parents are often left with only the option to re-match with another surrogate if they have embryos left because that is the only variable in the mix that can be "changed" (i.e: the IPs stay the same, the embryos are going to stay the same, the surrogate is the one who "has" to change). You are by no means tainted as a surrogate. If you were a surrogate with our agency, we would simply explain the situation in your profile to reflect the chances of IVF and pregnancy. We have SO many surrogates who have been through unsuccessful transfers and miscarriages and have gone on to have a very healthy pregnancy and delivery for new intended parents (or the same IPs if they decided to stick together after more than 2-3 attempts). Everyone's situation is unique, but I hope you know that a lot of them share happy endings, even if things didn't end the way they "planned". I really hope you'll consider re-matching with new intended parents. If your agency makes you feel as though you are now a "tainted surrogate".....come talk to me at IARC, we'll be happy to match you because you are a very wonderful candidate.
ReplyDeleteThank you so very much for the kind words. What a difference a few days makes. I'm certainly feeling better now that I have had some time for everything to just sink in. Although my heart still aches some I do take solace in the fact that my family and I have made life long friends with out a doubt. I really am looking forward to following my IFs journey even if it is from a distance.
DeleteI really have no idea wether or not my agency is interested in working with me again as I suspect that will depend on the clinic they work with. Both the head attorney and the RE are both out of town for sometime so it may be awhile before I hear anything.I am 40 going on 41 next month so I know the clock is ticking:)We will see.
I am so sorry to hear this Jessica! I was following your story so closely for a while, but life gets busy. You've been on my mind lately, so I decided to check out your blog and found this post. My heart aches for you. I can understand how they want to trust their doctor, but how can he really tell them that? He doesn't know if your the reason or not! You are such a generous and kind person, I'm sure everything is going to work out just fine for you. Sending lots of prayers, thoughts and hugs your way lady!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much. I sincerely hope you are still doing well and all is well with your pregnancy thus far.
DeleteYes, everything has been good. Pregnancy is going well.
DeleteHey there lady, I too have been wondering about you. I missed this post. I'm so sorry but if you still want to be a surrogate I truly hope you keep pursuing it! I know how much work it is to wait and match and establish the relationship and go through all the medical stuff but I hope it all works out for you next time around if you go for it again. And I agree with a previous comment, if you feel like your agency or the RE they work with are treating you as tainted find another. Keep your head up. <3 Best of wishes to you and your (previous) IP's.
ReplyDelete