NOT immune to Rubella - need vaccine

Well, it has been discovered in my last delivery/OB records that I am NOT immune to Rubella. Therefore, I have to get an immunization shot and have it in my system for approximately 3 months before the embryo transfer. If I was to catch MMR during pregnancy, it could do LOTS of damage to the fetus. My OB/Gyn/midwife office does not give these shots so I have to go to my primary, who I haven't seen since before all my children were conceived - almost 5 years ago! I tried to schedule an appt today, but wanted to talk to the nurse to make sure they had it on hand at the office during my appt. I did not know if the dosing was different for adults from the children's dose. I would hate to travel the 45 minutes to get the vaccine and not have what I need. I will get this appt done ASAP to keep moving forward!

Questions to answer

Jen asks:
I have so many questions about this. Maybe this is too personal and none of my business, so just tell me so if that is how you feel. Are you using your eggs with the father's sperm? Sperm donation? Is this done through IUI or IVF? If IUI with medications, did they tell you the risk of multiple pregnancy? If IVF, are you using an embryo donation? If so, is the embryo from the parents? Do you know which medication cocktail you will be taking? Ok-that is all for now.

Jen - you should know better by now - I am an open book. There is almost no question, when asked sincerely, that I am offended by......I am willing to answer almost anything. Feel free to ask any questions along this process.

I am NOT using my eggs. I would NOT want to do this as I feel some ownership to my DNA. I would not want to give my DNA to a child that would be raised by someone other than myself and my husband.

It varies with each person/couple, but with the couple I am matched with, the embryo/s will contain eggs from the mother and sperm from the father. The intended parents actually have a 4 year old child that they conceived and carried naturally. Her pregnancy was wonderful, but there was complications with the delivery. She had developed TTP/HELLP and it did not present itself until time of delivery. If I remember correctly, she almost died, was in a coma, needed several corrective surgeries, needed dialysis, and was unable to hold her child for several months. Needless to say she nor her family want her to take that risk again. They thought about adoption, but strongly desire their biological child.

Typically, the embryos will be placed IVF. I am not sure of exactly what medication I will be taking and the exact procedures that I will undergo, but I am familiar with the standard practices of gestational surrogacy. My menstrual cycle will need to be on track with the intended mother's so my uterine lining is thickened and ready at the same time egg retrieval is happening from the mother. I may need to take oral and/or injections to make this happen. Here is a list of commonly used medication used during an IVF cycle for both myself and the mother. I am not sure exactly what drug cocktail I will be using until later.

I have been told that the parent's are requesting to transfer 2 embryos. I am willing to do this, but understand the greater risk it involves. I would be happy with 1, concerned - but willing with 2, and scared with anything beyond that.

Here is another link with FAQ's that may interest you. Let me know if you have further questions.

Psychological evaluation scheduled

I am scheduled to have my psychological evaluation completed July 30. I will need to talk with the doctor for about 90 minutes for a consultation then complete a 1 hour test. We will get to see just how crazy I really am! ;) Slow, but steady progress. Looking forward to contract phase and impregnating phase. However, NOT looking forward to hormone shots!

Paperwork

Just a quick note to say I talked with the attorney who will be representing me. We will start on a contract after I pass the psychological evaluation. I also had my pap smear which was normal. I mailed my pap smear results, signed doctor approval form, and signed agency contracts for Brian and I to the agency. I believe the next step will be completing the psych eval. Moving forward! :)

Moving forward!

I heard from the agency today. The intended parents decided to move forward with me. Officially, we are matched up! Yay! The next step in the process is the legal contract. I have an attorney that specializes with these types of contracts to contact in the next couple of days. I also had my most recent pap smear last week that I need to request those records and results to be sent to the agency. At the appt, the midwife signed a medical clearance form, so I need to send that. They have already received all my OB/labor/delivery records. Things are moving forward...it could be as soon as 3 months and I may be pregnant! Wow! I am excited to fulfill my dream of being a surrogate! I will keep you updated as new things happen.

More waiting......decision time soon

Well, ugh. The agency rep called today to keep me filled in. The intended parents have not made a final decision yet as they are meeting with their attorney tomorrow to discuss some apprehension that they have with the complications only insurance policy. They did not receive all the information/assurance they would have liked through the insurance company and want something more solid before moving forward. Their attorney has had experience with this insurance company or similar insurance policies and may be able to alleviate some of the parent's concerns or get the paperwork that they desire. The agency rep will be contacting me by Friday with more information. At some point, there will be no f urther research that will need to be made and a decision will simply be made if they want to choose me or someone else. The agency rep and I both hope a decision is made soon so things can start moving forward - either with this intended couple or matching me up with someone else. I am excited to move forward and hope it starts sooner rather than later.

Quick update

The agency has been keeping me updated well on the happenings/thoughts of the intended parents. I guess the parents have been busy calling my hospital and clinic to find out a clearer idea of the estimate of charges they may have to pay. They have also been in contact with the complications only insurance plan to inquire about specifics of that. It sounds like the intended mother is ready to move forward. We are just waiting for the intended father to be comfortable with the financial aspects of it all. They are investing A LOT of money into this. I understand the reluctance to enter into a legal contract until they are fully informed. I should know soon if I will be working with this particular couple or not.