Embryo Donation update

[Helen]

Hi

Just thought I'd let you know what is happening with our embryo donation. We went to see the ACU at the end of November and had a long chat, some blood tests and a trip to the counsellor.

They are optimistic that our 6 embryos could make one or even two couples PG which would be wonderful. We've had a bit of a setback since then. The blood test showed we are something called CVA+ (we've had some flu-like virus thing) and they can't put CVA+ embryos in CVA- (not had the flu thing) women.

The ACU didn't have any couples waiting for embryos who were CVA+.

When I spoke to the nurse she said that what they would do is leave the embryos frozen until they do get a couple but there is the possibility that they wouldn't be used at all and would get discarded at the end of their freezing time. I was devastated because this is what we really didn't want to happen, hence wanting to donate. Plus I also wanted them to be used quickly and not have it hanging over us waiting to jump out when we're not prepared (if that makes sense).

Anyway she got in touch with their sister hospital and it turns out that there are 3 couples going in for assessment for embryo donation early this year. Keeping everything crossed that one of those at least will be CVA+ and can use our embryos. Hoping to hear in the next few weeks.

I was amazed though. I thought there would be people absolutely crying out for embryos.

 

[rachelle1975]

Ah bless you for doing such a generous thing Helen.
Hopefully one of the other couples will be a perfect match

 

[Jo]

Wow it is a lot more complicated than you think isn't it?

I really hope they find at least one couple as i know discarding ( sorry don't know how to say it properly) was the very last thing you wanted to do

 

[hayz1981]

Hi Helen,

Really hope one of those women has had this virus so they can use your little embryos. Let us know when you get anymore news. Sorry its becoming a bit complicated. When does the freezing time end?

Just out of interest, do they try to give the embryos to someone who lives a certain distance away from you, or does that not really come into it?

Oh and just to say, I read your IVF diary yesterday as you'd posted a link to it on another thread - it was a really fantastic read with the best ending ever.

x

 

[FEDup1981]

what a wonderful thing for u to do!

Hope it all works out in the end xxx

 

[Helen]

Really hope one of those women has had this virus so they can use your little embryos. Let us know when you get anymore news. Sorry its becoming a bit complicated. When does the freezing time end?

There is quite a bit of time left around 2 and a half years. We've paid for the first two years storage £350 per year and now while we're still in discussions it's at the hospital's expense.

Just out of interest, do they try to give the embryos to someone who lives a certain distance away from you, or does that not really come into it?

It doesn't really factor, just one of their patients so it could be anyone within the county I would think. They did say originally that they try to match stuff like skin tone (DH and I are both v. pale) but TBH with the way things are, I don't think they'd worry too much about it.

I must admit it was one of the specific worries I had that I will be endlessly looking at children the right age.... "hmmm.... he looks like Tom..." etc.

Oh and just to say, I read your IVF diary yesterday as you'd posted a link to it on another thread - it was a really fantastic read with the best ending ever. x

Thank you. We know we have been unbelievably lucky. I just hope some other couple get to know the joy of having children through our embryos.

 

[miel]

bless you guys ...such a wonderful thing to do

 

[FJL]

This is such a wonderful thing you guys are doing. The couples that use your embryos are going to be eternally grateful and I hope they have the same success as you did

 

[Mrs R]

What a fabulous lady you are x