I've got a question out with the clinic, do they need me to donate again?
I'd like to get to my ten family limit, and most importantly if any of the existing families I've helped would like another brother or sister more donations may be required.
As I've mentioned before, I think it is important for siblings to share a common genetic background - I know how I'd feel if I was a donor conceived child, I'd feel more secure if I had the same genetic Father as my brother or sister.
I'll probably have a vasectomy once our family is complete. Though that may be with this pregnancy, or perhaps the next? Who knows?
Monday 12 October 2009
Saturday 10 October 2009
Clinic Update
I contacted the clinic recently to find out the current situation regarding their success in using the sperm that I had donated during 2007/2008.
The news that I got was fantastic. I was able to help seven families conceive, of which a number have complete their pregnancies and some are currently in progress.
If you are a Mother or a Father, or someone that is working towards having a child - you appreciate how fabulous this is.
The news that I got was fantastic. I was able to help seven families conceive, of which a number have complete their pregnancies and some are currently in progress.
If you are a Mother or a Father, or someone that is working towards having a child - you appreciate how fabulous this is.
Saturday 3 October 2009
The Thin Blue Line
We did a test today as my wife hadn't gotten PMT which was very obvious :) and she was due AF from yesterday.
We got two lines - the control line - and a very, very faint blue line.
If so then baby'd be due in the first half of June.
We are very excited, scared, and realise that it may be a chemical pregnancy or just a trick of the light - as I did leave the test to develop for 5 minutes longer than we should have.
We got two lines - the control line - and a very, very faint blue line.
If so then baby'd be due in the first half of June.
We are very excited, scared, and realise that it may be a chemical pregnancy or just a trick of the light - as I did leave the test to develop for 5 minutes longer than we should have.
Sunday 6 September 2009
Thursday 27 August 2009
Mechanical Intercourse
Thank goodness the last week is over.
Having Intercourse 8 times in 7 days, at my age, and with my commitments, was quite a challenge.
Loving making under these circumstances is I am sorry to report, quite a chore.
Not only are the number of positions restricted to those which as rather most conclusive to depositing the sperm in the deepest, most correct place, the whole concept of pre-arranged sex is one which is rather less enjoyable than the more spontaneous type.
We'll know in the next two weeks if we were successful - fingers (and legs) are crossed that it all went well.
Either way I'll blog an update.
Having Intercourse 8 times in 7 days, at my age, and with my commitments, was quite a challenge.
Loving making under these circumstances is I am sorry to report, quite a chore.
Not only are the number of positions restricted to those which as rather most conclusive to depositing the sperm in the deepest, most correct place, the whole concept of pre-arranged sex is one which is rather less enjoyable than the more spontaneous type.
We'll know in the next two weeks if we were successful - fingers (and legs) are crossed that it all went well.
Either way I'll blog an update.
Wednesday 19 August 2009
Sperm under the Microscope
Yesterday my wife and I were watching a television programme about 'The secrets of the cell and of life itself', the programme discussed the improvement in Microscopes and had a section on a rather ingenious linen merchant called Antony van Leeuwenhoek. Amongst his studies and discoveries were blood cells, bacteria, and also sperm cells. The host of the programme procured his own sperm, and looked at it down an antique microscope.
Now, something I wondered for some time, what magnification do you need to see Sperm cells?
A cheap Microscope from a toy shop can be had for £25 or so that have magnification up to 1200x. Would this be enough?
So - I'll leave it for you, the reader to do your own research on Google - you may be surprised.
And my kids may be getting a Microscope for Christmas ;)
Now, something I wondered for some time, what magnification do you need to see Sperm cells?
A cheap Microscope from a toy shop can be had for £25 or so that have magnification up to 1200x. Would this be enough?
So - I'll leave it for you, the reader to do your own research on Google - you may be surprised.
And my kids may be getting a Microscope for Christmas ;)
Saturday 8 August 2009
Houston We Have a Problem
My wife had her AF a few days ago.
It's not surprising - we are not sure whether we had intercourse at the correct time of the month, and if we did we were probably both suffering from Swine Flu which is hardly the healthiest time to conceive.
This time around we'll work out when she'll be at her most fertile, and try to remember to have sex during that period.
It makes us realise how lucky we were first and second time to fall pregnant straight away.
It's not surprising - we are not sure whether we had intercourse at the correct time of the month, and if we did we were probably both suffering from Swine Flu which is hardly the healthiest time to conceive.
This time around we'll work out when she'll be at her most fertile, and try to remember to have sex during that period.
It makes us realise how lucky we were first and second time to fall pregnant straight away.
Wednesday 5 August 2009
CMV Results
Got my final CMV results back, they are all negative and no evidence of infection.
So this is good news for the potential recipient, wherever, and whoever you are.
Not entirely sure why it took so long to get the report to me - the Lab printed the report at the start of July, and the Clinic received the results a few days later. So a delay of a month in posting it to me.
Finally - my arm is not fully returned to normal - I wouldn't say that it is giving me much pain, mostly pins and needles, and mild electric shocks. The sensations become stronger if I've used my arms. It's not the end of the world if that's as good as it gets.
So this is good news for the potential recipient, wherever, and whoever you are.
Not entirely sure why it took so long to get the report to me - the Lab printed the report at the start of July, and the Clinic received the results a few days later. So a delay of a month in posting it to me.
Finally - my arm is not fully returned to normal - I wouldn't say that it is giving me much pain, mostly pins and needles, and mild electric shocks. The sensations become stronger if I've used my arms. It's not the end of the world if that's as good as it gets.
Wednesday 29 July 2009
All I want to do is ...
Is my wife pregnant?
She has mentioned a few tingles and aches so far.
We didn't have intercourse very frequently during her fertile period due to being so busy with the children, work, and planning and also enjoying some social events for our families.
So it'll be interesting to see if she is in the family way.
If so, then it'd be a Mid-April baby(s).
Testing from this coming weekend onwards may give a hint.
She has mentioned a few tingles and aches so far.
We didn't have intercourse very frequently during her fertile period due to being so busy with the children, work, and planning and also enjoying some social events for our families.
So it'll be interesting to see if she is in the family way.
If so, then it'd be a Mid-April baby(s).
Testing from this coming weekend onwards may give a hint.
No Results ... again
A few days again I sent another email to the clinic to ask for the results of the CMV test.
This time I stuck a read receipt to see when they'd read it .... and they'd read it the same day.
Really, this isn't good enough, when they don't need something from me I am treated like something they trod in.
Very disappointing.
This time I stuck a read receipt to see when they'd read it .... and they'd read it the same day.
Really, this isn't good enough, when they don't need something from me I am treated like something they trod in.
Very disappointing.
Monday 20 July 2009
Family Sperm Donation History
I learnt something of interest this month regarding a previous history of Sperm Donation in my family.
My late, Great-Uncle was unable to have children with his wife due to problems with her plumbing, and sometime during the 1950's/1960's he decided that he didn't want his genetic line to end and he became a Sperm Donor. As he lived and worked in London I guess that does narrow down the clinics that he may have donated at.
No doubt records may have been may have been long lost a long time ago, and therefore I have no idea whether he ever had any children due to his donations.
I found this out by chance as my mother was discussing my sperm donations with her sister, I guess totting up all the 'extra' grand-children she had gotten, and her sister mentioned this 'hidden' piece of family history.
I am just sorry that he, or his twin-brother (my Grandfather) never got to meet my two lovely, healthy and superb young boys.
If our next child is a girl then we are going to name her after my Great-Uncle, we didn't see him much, but he was always kind towards me and my brother.
My late, Great-Uncle was unable to have children with his wife due to problems with her plumbing, and sometime during the 1950's/1960's he decided that he didn't want his genetic line to end and he became a Sperm Donor. As he lived and worked in London I guess that does narrow down the clinics that he may have donated at.
No doubt records may have been may have been long lost a long time ago, and therefore I have no idea whether he ever had any children due to his donations.
I found this out by chance as my mother was discussing my sperm donations with her sister, I guess totting up all the 'extra' grand-children she had gotten, and her sister mentioned this 'hidden' piece of family history.
I am just sorry that he, or his twin-brother (my Grandfather) never got to meet my two lovely, healthy and superb young boys.
If our next child is a girl then we are going to name her after my Great-Uncle, we didn't see him much, but he was always kind towards me and my brother.
Friday 17 July 2009
We may have the Swine Flu
My symptoms,
My wife is getting better - though still very tired.
I've had a couple of days off work - and I've only managed to last this long due to drinking pots of coffee every day.
It brought up the question - do we go to a social event where a friend is in their third trimester? We could have made it, it would have been tough but we'd have survived. We decided that it wasn't fair for us to put someone at risk - and although our Doctor would not say for sure that we had Swine Flu - I don't see what else we can have?
If we have got Swine Flu then I can only say we got off with the 'Mild' version. I'd say that it's been almost as bad as having Shingles, but not quite. Plenty of rest, paracetamol, and fluids seem to have helped a lot.
We discussed, do we put off having a child until next year when all this Swine Flu is over with? But what could happen next? Sheep Flu? Hopefully Swine Flu will be all done and dusted by the time my wife gets to her third trimester - but who knows?
I guess this illness probably isn't doing a great favour to my sperm count but hopefully I have a good overhead available and so things will work out fine.
One final thing of note - Swine Flu - it's a very apt name as with all the tummy upsets our house smells like a farmyard.
- Sore Throat
- Oh so very very very tried / can't concentrate / feel dizzy and drunk
- Runny nose
- Aching Limbs
- Tight Chest
- Chills & Sweating
- Headache
- Tummy upset
- Occasional Cough
- Hacking Cough
- Headache
- Very tired
- Tight Chest
- Sore Throat
- Tummy upset
- Chills / Sweating
- Very tired for about 8 days
- Temperature
- Diarrhoea
My wife is getting better - though still very tired.
I've had a couple of days off work - and I've only managed to last this long due to drinking pots of coffee every day.
It brought up the question - do we go to a social event where a friend is in their third trimester? We could have made it, it would have been tough but we'd have survived. We decided that it wasn't fair for us to put someone at risk - and although our Doctor would not say for sure that we had Swine Flu - I don't see what else we can have?
If we have got Swine Flu then I can only say we got off with the 'Mild' version. I'd say that it's been almost as bad as having Shingles, but not quite. Plenty of rest, paracetamol, and fluids seem to have helped a lot.
We discussed, do we put off having a child until next year when all this Swine Flu is over with? But what could happen next? Sheep Flu? Hopefully Swine Flu will be all done and dusted by the time my wife gets to her third trimester - but who knows?
I guess this illness probably isn't doing a great favour to my sperm count but hopefully I have a good overhead available and so things will work out fine.
One final thing of note - Swine Flu - it's a very apt name as with all the tummy upsets our house smells like a farmyard.
Tuesday 14 July 2009
No Results
Just sent an email to the clinic to remind them to send me a copy of the CMV test results.
It really makes no material difference to me what the result is - though if it is negative then I know that it was worth the hassle.
I suspect that the six weeks the Doctor said for a full recovery is probably about right.
It really makes no material difference to me what the result is - though if it is negative then I know that it was worth the hassle.
I suspect that the six weeks the Doctor said for a full recovery is probably about right.
Sunday 12 July 2009
Donor Conceived Perspectives: Voices from the Offspring
My previous posting had been in the back of my mind for sometime and I was spun into action by reading this Blog --- if you are considering Donating --- than take a read.
Stupid Laws
I am very disappointed in with regard to the current Law and Donor Conceived children, here's a couple of rants to get things started:
- There is no law to say that the parents must tell Donor Conceived children that they are Donor Conceived. If the child suspects they can ask the HFEA ... once they reach their teenage years--- but that's about it. I do know there was some talk about putting on the Birth Certificate that a child was Donor Conceived but this it just total stupidity as this makes the information almost public. Surely the answer would have been for the HFEA to send a letter to the child when he/she reached 18 to set up an interview. This'd force the parents to tell the child at an earlier date that they were donor conceived.
- My children have no right to access information about their Donor-Conceived half-siblings. This is just lunacy - why can Donor-Conceived half-siblings request information about their other half-siblings but exclude my children? Total crassness on behalf of the lawmakers
Saturday 11 July 2009
New Project
Yep - this weekend we start off with trying for baby #3.
It's a tough job, of course I'm not enjoying it one tiny bit but it is a burden I'm happy to carry.
It's a tough job, of course I'm not enjoying it one tiny bit but it is a burden I'm happy to carry.
Thursday 9 July 2009
Armed and Dangerous
My arm is almost better.
The recovery was set back by a week or so as on Sunday I had a pushchair to push for a few miles when we had a day out at the seaside.
I've not need to take further pain relief - that is a blessing in itself.
Hopefully by the time my vacation starts in August everything will be better as we have many days-out planned ... and I guess I'll have a pushchair to push.
Actually isn't it funny. We come into this world with little or no hair, unable to feed ourselves, get wheeled around and have no control over our bowel or bladder. And when we exit this world, if we get to a grand old age, history repeats itself?
The recovery was set back by a week or so as on Sunday I had a pushchair to push for a few miles when we had a day out at the seaside.
I've not need to take further pain relief - that is a blessing in itself.
Hopefully by the time my vacation starts in August everything will be better as we have many days-out planned ... and I guess I'll have a pushchair to push.
Actually isn't it funny. We come into this world with little or no hair, unable to feed ourselves, get wheeled around and have no control over our bowel or bladder. And when we exit this world, if we get to a grand old age, history repeats itself?
Sunday 28 June 2009
Handy Update
I went to see the doctor last week - and I got offered an emergency appointment that meant I was seen within the hour.
The doctor advised take Ibuprofen on a regular basis - avoid using the arm for any strenuous activity, and that is may taken up to 6 weeks for the problem to go away.
Up until today I've not been able to use the arm - and even just moving it a few mm's was agony.
Researching the condition - it seems it's fairly uncommon and I read some horror stories of nerve damage not repairing itself.
Today I feel it's starting to get a little better. The electric shocks/stabbing pains etc are reducing in intensity - although I will try to avoid using it till it's a lot more improved.
Hopefully my discomfort will result in something wonderful for another family.
The doctor advised take Ibuprofen on a regular basis - avoid using the arm for any strenuous activity, and that is may taken up to 6 weeks for the problem to go away.
Up until today I've not been able to use the arm - and even just moving it a few mm's was agony.
Researching the condition - it seems it's fairly uncommon and I read some horror stories of nerve damage not repairing itself.
Today I feel it's starting to get a little better. The electric shocks/stabbing pains etc are reducing in intensity - although I will try to avoid using it till it's a lot more improved.
Hopefully my discomfort will result in something wonderful for another family.
Monday 22 June 2009
Blood Test Agony
The clinic forgot to do a CVM for my second set of donations - so I received a blood-test pack in the post and took it to my local Doctors for them to draw the sample.
The nurse clearly wasn't concentrating - and must have poked a tendon as my left-arm has been in agony ever since - a mixture of 'electric shocks', burning pain, and freezing pain - and I can't put any weight on it or do anything more than lift a pencil.
I can't lift my children, or even hold their hands, and it is keeping me awake at night. I haven't tried driving - I am not sure if I'd be able to do this without pain.
I am not at all surprised as the nurse wasn't taking any notice on what she was doing and was just chatting away about goodness-knows what else rather than concentrate on what she was doing.
I am very annoyed - and can ill afford more time off work for a follow-up consultation.
The nurse clearly wasn't concentrating - and must have poked a tendon as my left-arm has been in agony ever since - a mixture of 'electric shocks', burning pain, and freezing pain - and I can't put any weight on it or do anything more than lift a pencil.
I can't lift my children, or even hold their hands, and it is keeping me awake at night. I haven't tried driving - I am not sure if I'd be able to do this without pain.
I am not at all surprised as the nurse wasn't taking any notice on what she was doing and was just chatting away about goodness-knows what else rather than concentrate on what she was doing.
I am very annoyed - and can ill afford more time off work for a follow-up consultation.
Monday 15 June 2009
Results so far
The clinic has confirmed there have been three children born due to my donations so far, and a number of pregnancies which are on-going.
I'm really excited for everyone involved - this has made it all worth while.
Just for the record - I will only disclose the total number of children born - and no other detail.
I'm really excited for everyone involved - this has made it all worth while.
Just for the record - I will only disclose the total number of children born - and no other detail.
Friday 15 May 2009
Goal for the Hattrick
Well - so far in the three month's I've lost 29 pounds - and only another 19 pounds till I get to my perfect BMI.
I'm on extra Zinc, Garlic Capsules, Vitamin C and a general Vitamin Supplement.
Alcohol consumption has been reduced - and credit-crunch permitting we'll start on Baby Number Three in July/August - my sperms should be good as they will ever be.
What really bothers me - Sperm Donor Donation is so complicated - a whole industry built around it - when it could be such a safe procedure to undertake. I guess people can't be trusted - and hence why it's so expensive for recipients to receive.
I'm on extra Zinc, Garlic Capsules, Vitamin C and a general Vitamin Supplement.
Alcohol consumption has been reduced - and credit-crunch permitting we'll start on Baby Number Three in July/August - my sperms should be good as they will ever be.
What really bothers me - Sperm Donor Donation is so complicated - a whole industry built around it - when it could be such a safe procedure to undertake. I guess people can't be trusted - and hence why it's so expensive for recipients to receive.
Friday 17 April 2009
Profile of a UK Sperm Donor
If you are interested - please join in. I've been thinking about doing this post for the past six months - so please bear with me.
I'll post a short profile - and then please ask any question that you have - I know this site gets a lot of hits - so fire away and don't worry about the question - I promise to answer them all.
So a little about me.
I'll post a short profile - and then please ask any question that you have - I know this site gets a lot of hits - so fire away and don't worry about the question - I promise to answer them all.
So a little about me.
- I am married
- I have a full-time professional job
- I have two children
- I am in the 35 to 40 age bracket
- I am blonde, with grey/blue eyes, I am tall
- Religion - I practise a little, but mostly private
- I don't hold a grudge
- I try to be a good, nice person, I have the patience of a saint, and often put others before myself
What more do you want to know?
Sunday 12 April 2009
State the Obvious
Over the weekend I needed to drive into town to pick up a few bits - and being the conservative person I am - I normally park well away from the maelstrom of activity in the car park and find secluded spot.
I found myself parked next to a lorry trailer marked 'NHS Screening Unit'. It was probably for Breast Cancer, though I didn't investigate.
Anyway it got me thinking - there should, or could be, a smaller, cheaper version for gentlemen to donate in. The issue with the sperm shortage is that currently we have 35 year old fathers donating - a change from the 1980's when students donated for beer money. This issue is that 35 year old fathers have jobs to go to during the working day - therefore there is a sperm crisis.
Realistically a 'Sperm Wagon' could travel from town to town, being available from 11am, to 11pm, one day in each location. All that is needed is a room for a receptionist, the lab-assistant, cryogenic store, and 4 or so donation rooms. A thirty minute slot is more than adequate - even for those taking their time.
A drive to a local donation center is much easier, and squeezable into a working day, than a drive/train to a distant location.
The donations could be couriered out each day to the holding location - and the crisis would be over.
I found myself parked next to a lorry trailer marked 'NHS Screening Unit'. It was probably for Breast Cancer, though I didn't investigate.
Anyway it got me thinking - there should, or could be, a smaller, cheaper version for gentlemen to donate in. The issue with the sperm shortage is that currently we have 35 year old fathers donating - a change from the 1980's when students donated for beer money. This issue is that 35 year old fathers have jobs to go to during the working day - therefore there is a sperm crisis.
Realistically a 'Sperm Wagon' could travel from town to town, being available from 11am, to 11pm, one day in each location. All that is needed is a room for a receptionist, the lab-assistant, cryogenic store, and 4 or so donation rooms. A thirty minute slot is more than adequate - even for those taking their time.
A drive to a local donation center is much easier, and squeezable into a working day, than a drive/train to a distant location.
The donations could be couriered out each day to the holding location - and the crisis would be over.
Friday 3 April 2009
Speaking of Number 3
All things being well - we're going to make a start on our next child in July/August this year.
We're hoping for a April/May 2010 birth - which will give nice weather and be between our other two boy's birthdays.
My money is on it being another boy, but I'd be quite happy with a girl. The only concern of course is if we are rewarded with twins - which could be a squeeze - in more ways than one.
We're hoping for a April/May 2010 birth - which will give nice weather and be between our other two boy's birthdays.
My money is on it being another boy, but I'd be quite happy with a girl. The only concern of course is if we are rewarded with twins - which could be a squeeze - in more ways than one.
Wednesday 1 April 2009
Confirmed Pregnancies
I phoned the Clinic today to ask about pregnancies.
The clinic confirmed there were at least five pregnancies, and that there would are some additional ones also - though not formally collated in their computer system as yet.
Apparently my sperm freezes/thaws very well compared to most donor sperm - and that the rate of pregnancy of it was much higher than they'd usually get.
They've also confirmed they have used than half my donations with those pregnancies.
I am very happy for the families - I am very happy my time wasn't wasted - I am glad I have done this.
The clinic confirmed there were at least five pregnancies, and that there would are some additional ones also - though not formally collated in their computer system as yet.
Apparently my sperm freezes/thaws very well compared to most donor sperm - and that the rate of pregnancy of it was much higher than they'd usually get.
They've also confirmed they have used than half my donations with those pregnancies.
I am very happy for the families - I am very happy my time wasn't wasted - I am glad I have done this.
Monday 19 January 2009
Final Blood Tests
All the tests are clear - which means that my second set of donations can been released.
No word on any pregnancies - which I am very disappointed with.
No word on any pregnancies - which I am very disappointed with.
Wednesday 14 January 2009
Chasing the Results ... The Day We Made Contact
Sent another reminder email yesterday - this one with a polite but exasperated tone. I got a read receipt this morning, and an apology this afternoon, with the promise for details to follow shortly.
Thursday 8 January 2009
Chasing the Results Still ... No Update
The postman brought nothing. Maybe tomorrow?
Is it me being unreasonable? I sent the original request on the 17th December.
Is it me being unreasonable? I sent the original request on the 17th December.
Wednesday 7 January 2009
Chasing the Results Still ... Update
Well I got a email-read-receipt yesterday ... they can only check email once in the morning ... but no still human response.
Maybe tomorrow will bring a traditional letter?
Maybe tomorrow will bring a traditional letter?
Monday 5 January 2009
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