I would like to trust my body that we can do this. Conceive and nurture a baby until it is ready to be born into this world. I don’t necessarily mean we can make it without assistance — but even with all the power of ART, there are some parts that my body has to do on its own.
This probably sounds too esoteric for a scientist. But at some level, what happens in our brains is biochemistry — which also controls our hormones. So perhaps, by improving one we have a chance to improve the other? Or is this just a phase that everyone goes through on their ttc journey? Believing that they can make it work by eating the right foods, doing the right exercise, or some other magic?
One reason behind this idea is the realization that both H and I have been in fight-or-flight-mode for the last couple of years, mainly thanks to our work situations. Which cannot be good for the state of egg and sperm, or the rest of our bodies and minds, for that matter. So, getting more sleep and less stress would certainly be good. It could at least help me/us deal with the difficult times that may lie ahead.
Thinking about this, I noticed that I probably haven’t trusted my body in quite a while. Which is a sad thing to say. Having been a chubby girl, getting along with my body wasn’t always easy. (Isn’t it lovely what this society does to us?) I thought our relationship had improved; in general I would say I’m okay with my shape. But to actually trust my body to do something physically difficult, that’s another thing. There are some types of exercise e.g. in my martial arts classes that I don’t do — because I don’t think I can. In the last months, I was also hoping that I might be pregnant, and then such high-impact movements wouldn’t be good… but it comes back to the same point. I don’t trust it.
However, I’m not sure my body got the message — I spent yesterday in pain (almost) whenever I moved. That was CD-1 (i.e., the day before CD1), and for the last couple of months I’ve had this odd pain at the very end of my spine on that day (does anyone else get that?). Piercing pain when I assume a new position. After a while I find one that is (more or less) comfortable — and when I get up, it starts all over again. Now, this is quite different from the symptoms I had with endometriosis years ago (bad cramps during my period — whereas this weird pain mainly comes before CD1). And yet I’m afraid it could be that… or something else I’ve never heard of. No less scary. I’ll go to the doctor the week after next, but finding out what this is will probably take longer — endo doesn’t show up on u/s and even if it did, that site is rather inaccessible.
I would like to trust. Really. But now I’m afraid my body will fail me (and my desire for a baby) again. Which doesn’t make it easier.
Conceptionally challenged 
I get this. I don’t know that I trust my body to make and keep a baby either. My body has not done a very good job so far – how do I know that this time it will be different? I don’t, it’s just a leap of faith that at some point, it will figure it out.
Oh I know all too well that feeling of not trusting your body.
I am sorry to hear about the pain you are experiencing, I hope you can find out what’s causing that.
I figure the best reason to take good care of yourself is so you’ll be doing everything you can. Even if the magic doesn’t work, it’s something within your control in an otherwise uncontrollable situation. And yeah, these bodies sure have let us down! But it’s not their fault, and hopefully they will redeem themselves.
That pain sounds super scary! I hope it turns out to be something unrelated to your reproductive system and totally fixable.
I could have written this word for word. How I understand that pain!
Thankyou so much for your lovely comment on my blog post announcing our MFI – when I hopped online yesterday and checked my email, it was like receiving a huge hug, and was just what I needed.
Thankyou.
Jo
It is very frustrating. I’ve even asked the doc, can we do anything to improve his sperm count? Foods, vitamins, etc…and she said no. So it’s frustrating to rely on our bodies when you don’t believe in them. Sorry love! Hugs and positive thoughts being sent your way.
I know what you mean, I have trouble trusting my body too and worry that even though the hard part is being done for it (via the IVF) my body may not be capable of carrying q pregnancy. I think I need some more faith in my bodies abilities! I hope the pain eases off for you soon.