[Kiwi]

We had our appointment with the Genetic Counselor on Friday about me having this Balanced Translocation. I already knew a lot about what he told us (thanks Kyle!), but there was a few more interesting facts we didn't know....

First of all, I'm covered for IVF! Huge relief! I thought that as I wasn't technically 'infertile', that the government wouldn't cover me, but they actually will... even with the extra 'PGD' testing they will have to do for us. So that gives us another option if we need it. It saves us $20K.

So, basically every time I conceive, there is 5 possible outcomes, depending on which chromosomes match up with which... Hopefully this is clear:

1. My normal chromosome 3 and 15 match DBF's normal chromosome 3 and 15. We get a completely normal, healthy baby.

2. My chromosome 3 that has a little bit of 15 attached to it, and my 15 that has a little bit of 3 attached it it, matches DBF's normal 3 and 15. We get a baby with the same genetic disorder that I have.

3. My normal 3 and the 15 that has a little bit of 3 attached to it matches with DBF's normal chromosomes... we get a baby that has to much 3 and not enough 15. This is what happened with our baby last year. If that happens again, the doctor feels I will carry the baby to at least as far as what I did last time (15 weeks), so thinks we will end up in a position were we will most likely have to terminate again.

The three options above are the most likely...

4. If my normal 15 and the 3 that has a bit of 15 attached to it matches DBF's normal chromosomes, then the doctor feels I will miscarry before I even realise I am pregnant. He doesn't think the egg will even implant. Obviously I won't ever be able to know if this happens, so if I do fall pregnant, the outcome will more likely be one of the three options above...

5. There is a very very rare chance that the baby could end up getting both chromosomes 15 from me, in which case I would have to terminate. This does have a special name, but I can't remember... will have to look up the word tomorrow...

So yeah, those are the options. So now it's up to us to decide if we go down the IVF route, or continue trying naturally. The doc has recommended we try naturally... his words were "but it depends how tough you are" (ie how many miscarriages or terminations we could deal with).

We have put our name down to go to the next meeting regarding more info on PGD, so that should be interesting. But I do think at this stage we'll try a few more times naturally before we consider IVF.

Hope all that makes sense. Am off to bed now. Will re-read in morning to make sure I've written it clearly enough!!

[*vi]

wow Tasha, I'm glad you got all this info and that you will be more prepared. Since I haven't been in this position, I don't know what I would do but I still wish you all the best in whatever you choose to do. I hope you keep us updated with whatever path you choose! GL!

[alicenwonderland]

Wow that's a lot of info. It really is a very personal decision. I hope to see you TTC in either manner soon. And I want to see a healthy baby in your arms!

[LisanAndy]

Awesome Tasha! That's a lot of good info! Sounds like you'll be pregnant again soon and hopefully with a healthy little one. KUP!

[The Jenny]

I'm glad you got all the info that you needed. I hope whatever way you chose you end up with a healthy baby in your arms

[IamMom]

Wow Tasha that is alot of info....but it must be great to know all those things now and awesome about the IVF being paid for or covered for the most part! Excited to see you get that healthy baby.....I pray you don't have to deal with any more losses in the process.

[**jessie**]

You must feel so much better getting all that info. And that is amazing that IVF will be completely covered. I can see there would be advantages and disadvantages to both strategies. I know IVF procedures can be extremely tough, as well. Did the doc think that that outcomes 1-3 could happen in equal proportions? I wish you all the best. Kyle got her beautiful healthy boy, and I think you will too... be it naturally or with IVF.

[~*sierra*~]

well that sounds like it was a very informative appointment! i'm glad he went over all the options so thoroughly with you, you explained them very well. i hope you get a healthy outcome fast and dont have to go through any more losses. xoxo

[Angelaosaurus-rex]

I am so glad you had a good appointment. That is awesome that IVF will be covered if needed!!! ((big HUGS)) I just know you will have a healthy baby either way!

That is a tough decision. I know I wouldn't be strong enough to risk the odds, esp. with covered ivf at my disposal. But I suppose it is faster to try naturally if that particular cycle produces a healthy baby, right? I am so happy you are getting answers and options

[Chelnae6]

Baconslut!

You seem to have a very good and supportive doctor which is indeed a positive!

[*krista*]

Wow. That is a lot of info. Sounds like you have a great doc. That is truly awesome that you have IVF at your disposal if you should choose to use it. I know it is going to be difficult to play the odds, but it's gotta feel better just knowing everything about what is going on and being able to prepare for what lies ahead of you. I really hope your next one is a healthy little bean! Did doc mention odds of each one happening?

[JediRach]

I'm glad you now have all of this information but sorry about all the difficulties you may have to face.

[Kiwi]

It was totally info overload! But the doctor was so nice and we spent an hour and 15 minutes with him. It felt like he was really interested in helping us and wanting to explain things really clearly so we could understand it all.

We are going to continue trying naturally and see how we go. I think if I end up in the same situation as our last pregnancy, then the only option after that will be IVF. I am going to be 'bumped to the top of the list' with any testing during pregnancy, so will be able to have the CVS at 11 weeks, rather than 13 weeks 6 days as per last time. So at least we'll know as early as possible.

With the PGD, there is only 19 places in the whole of NZ to have that extra testing during IVF, so there may be a really long waiting list. So for that reason, we have organised another appointment to have IVF with PGD explained. There is also a waiting list for that, but I think we'll be able to get into the May clinic in the city I live in so that's not too long.

So yeah... I'm 'offically' TTC again And of course my d**khead of a boyfriend is being sent to Aussie this week for 3 weeks work, so we'll most likely not be able to TTC this next month coz he won't be here!! Typical

[Mod-LadyCoconut]

I'm so glad your appointment went well Tasha. It must be so reassuring to know you have a good doctor who takes the time for you to explain everything and give you all of those different scenarios. Its definitely awesome that NZ offers free IVF for you too! That's huge! I hope you get a healthy baby on the next go - no matter if its by TTCing with or without MA.

I'm looking very forward to seeing you as a Mommy Tash!!

[Frozendesire]

Wow that's alot of information. Sounds like you have it figured out with what you are going to do next. Good luck hun!!

[Mars]

You got a lot of helpful information and I'm glad that you have several options. I hope that this do work out and hopefully you can get a natural pregnancy with a healthy baby.

[..Penelope..]

Tasha, I'm hoping and praying SO hard that your next BFP leads to a healthy baby!

[Bre*n*Will=Reid]

Oh wow, Tasha. I'm so glad that you have more concise explanations/possible outcomes and that you are covered for IVF if that's the way you want to go eventually.

Congrats on TTC! I'm praying that your next baby is healthy. Tons of BFP and correct chromosone *dust*