The Seated View

April 23-29 is National Infertility Awareness Week in the US and today, my sister Janne tells her story of infertility, treatment, and two amazing miracle babies. Many of you have followed the Tinks from they were born , but you may not know that they came to be because of infertility treatment.  The Tinks at 2 weeks   When did you first learn that you might have fertility problems and how did that make you feel about your future? A gynecologist diagnosed me with PCOS ( polycystic ovarian syndrome ) when I was around 15 or 16 and explained that due to a hormonal imbalance I didn't ovulate regularly, hence my very irregular periods. He prescribed birthcontrol pills to regulate my periods. I didn't worry too much about what it might mean for my potential future as a mother until I was 19 when my best friend Claire got pregnant. I knew I had always wanted kids some day, but hadn't really thought about the possibility of not being able to until she was preg...

    Wrung-out dishcloth. Someone unplugged my power cord. Death warmed over. All of these (and more) have been used to describe the fatigue associated with active RA and other types of chronic illness. And all of them have applied to me lately. Which explains why you haven’t seen much of me. I have fond memories of the energy levels I had in the Fall. Looking back, I still can’t understand how I was able to do what I did then. Just thinking about it makes me tired. It’s also making me feel a little desperate and weepy — I have books to write, friends to see, stuff to do. But all my work body wants to do is rest. Preferably sleep. For days. via GIPHY It’s called sickness behaviour — fatigue, malaise, and avoidance of social interaction — and it’s a normal consequence of inflammation. It’s easier for the body to heal when you’re resting. Yeah, sure. But it does get really frustrating after a while. I’ve been having two fatigue-related problems...