Happy Holidays???? Thoughts About Infertility During the Thanksgiving and Christmas Season"

Please read the above blog entry. It goes hand in hand with my previous post regarding infertility and the Holidays.

http://twondra.blogspot.com/2008/11/happy-holidays.html

Infertility and the Holidays

The Holiday Season is slowly (well, maybe not slowly) creeping upon us. I cannot help but think about all the blessed families who are sharing their Holidays with their children. I also cannot think about how I would love to be doing the same. I know there are thousands and thousands of other women who are thinking about the same thing. That brings me to thoughts on infertility and the Holidays. I don’t think people realize how many women around them are affected by infertility. You may not know a person affected by infertility but I am sure there is someone around you at some point holding on to that secret. It may be the woman at the grocery store or it may be the clerk at the post office. One just never knows.

I think everyone needs to become more aware of infertility. The following is just a snippet of information regarding infertility.

Infertility is “a disease or condition of the reproductive system often diagnosed after a couple has one year of unprotected, well-timed intercourse or if the woman suffers from multiple miscarriages. Infertility can be male or female related.” (http://www.resolve.org/site/PageServer?pagename=lrn_wii_home)

· Affects approximately 10% of the population
· Can be a major life crisis
· It is often experienced as a private matter, and is not ordinarily discussed in public forums
· Infertility depression levels can rival those of cancer

The above information was found at http://www.resolve.org/site/PageServer?pagename=lrn_wii_he

The Holiday Season can be a very, very difficult time for women and men suffering from this secret disease. It is often the hardest time of the year, a time when their loss is magnified. Please remember to be sensitive to their needs and emotions.

I urge you to find more information regarding infertility. I also, if you know someone personally dealing with infertility, urge you to find more information on how to support him/her. Here are some articles I have found and believe are worth reading.


Infertility Etiquett By Vita Alligood http://www.resolve.org/site/PageServer?pagename=lrn_ffaf_ie

Infertility Myths and Facts http://www.resolve.org/site/PageServer?pagename=lrn_ffaf_moi

How Can I Help? The Do's And The Dont's Of Support
By Diane Clapp, BSN, RN and Merle Bombardieri, LICSW http://www.resolve.org/site/PageServer?pagename=lrn_ffaf_hcih

For those of you dealing with infertility my heart and prayers go out to you. I am amember of a wonderful community called Stepping Stones. "Stepping Stones is a Christian ministry offering support and information to couples facing infertility challenges or pregnancy loss." I recommend you check it out. You can find Stepping Stones at http://stepforums.bethany.org/

OTR

About a month ago I joined a message board for women who are going to or have had breast reductions. I am really glad I joined because I have learned so much and have gotten so many tips. The one thing I have been wondering about is OTR. Everyone keeps talking about being OTR. From reading it is obviously after surgery but for the life of me I could not even imagine what it stood for. After a little research I finally know. You probably won't find it as interesting as I did but I am going to tell you anyway.

OTR means Over the Rainbow. Why you ask? It refers to Judy Garland's chest in the Wizard of Oz. Apparently, her chest was wrapped so she'd appear flat-chestedto make her look more like a little girl.

My quick change act

I went to a wedding on Saturday. After the wedding I got in my Jeep and decided to take a drink of the pumpkin cappuccino in there from earlier that day (I love cold coffee and cappuccino). Well as I tipped the cup back I felt something cold run down the front of me. Yep, you guessed it, PUMPKIN CAPPUCCINO! Boy was I mad, it was on my pants, shirt and the seat. Thank goodness I was only about 12 minutes from home because I was able to get home, change and get to the reception before the bride and groom!