Friday, November 22, 2013

And It Begins

UD. It sounds like an STD. Or the initials for a state college. Or the sound a Neanderthal makes when he is trying to lift something heavy. What does it stand for in my life? Uterine Didelphys or as the Mayo Clinic more clearly states, a “double uterus.” I apparently have two uteruses, two cervixes and a vagina that is almost split down the middle. 

What?! That is the most common reaction I have received when I began to tell people my diagnosis. Often associated with big eyes, gaping mouths, and comments like, “I saw that on Grey’s Anatomy!” and “Can you have a baby in BOTH?!” When my dad heard the news, his response was, “She always was an overachiever.” My husband (that blessed man) probably had the calmest reaction of anyone that I told and overall wasn’t too concerned about it. I, on the other hand, feel like I am living in the body of a stranger. 

How do you go 27 years without knowing something like this? I am healthy. I exercise. I try not to eat cake every single day. My mom wanted to be pregnant and took care of herself before and during her pregnancy. I wasn't a preemie and have had no other abnormalities or ongoing health problems. I have had pelvic exams for years with multiple doctors and no one ever mentioned any abnormality. It was only after a recent visit to a new OB-GYN that this rare abnormality came to light. When the doctor told me of his suspicions, I laughed out loud and asked if he was joking. One week after that I had an abdominal and pelvic MRI resulting in my UD diagnosis just a few days later. 

Although the diagnosis isn’t life threatening or painful, it could affect my fertility and the risk of having kids down the road, which has been the most overwhelming part of this whole experience. My husband and I have only been married for about a year and had hoped to start our family this summer. However, now rather than baby planning, I have visits with an infertility specialist and possible surgery on the horizon instead. 

I am trying to stay focused on the blessings in this unexpected blurb of my life---my supportive friends and family (who try to make me laugh about this unusual situation), the fact that I have great health insurance for all these doctor visits (one thing I appreciate about the Army!), and the man I sleep next to every night who has no problem being married to a woman with two uteruses. 

I have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving---and this year I can add an extra uterus to the list!