A Success and Walking a Tightrope

 Since last writing, I have discontinued all protein supplementation.  I now eat a plant heavy omnivorous diet with beans (and occasional cheese or whole milk) for protein during weekdays and meat on Friday through Sunday.  The reduction in my protein has caused a dose dependent reduction in libido and energy, which I fight through 2 long hikes per week and strength training 3 days per week.  I’ve reintegrated dips and static pullup holds to rebuild muscle lost in my lats and chest.  So far I have gained some mass back, though it does cause mild breathing difficulties at times if I overtrain.  This is likely the best I can do for myself, since myotonic dystrophy is progressive, and muscle building might eventually be replaced by recurring injuries and weakness.  My hope is to delay this decline and possibly prevent its worst impacts on my mobility as I age.

My semen retention and suffering through protein supplementation has been successful for my family.  I provided a sample which fertilized 7 of my wife’s eggs.  Of those 7 healthy blastocysts, 4 carry my disease and 3 are healthy and unaffected.  We intend to transfer 1 this year and the 2 others subsequently.  If we are unsuccessful with the 3 healthy embryos, it will be my wife’s choice whether to go through another egg retrieval, implant one of our affected embryos, or resign hope for children.  The entire process has cost in excess of $50,000, but I am satisfied that our family line will continue, hopefully perpetually unaffected by the burden of this disease.  This week my wife will have our first transfer.  To medically support this process, my wife is undergoing an injection of progesterone every morning, estrogen twice per week, and a cocktail of pills every morning and evening.  She has been heroic for us in helping me battle this disease and honor my promise to start a family.  She has suffered a humiliating and uncomfortable ritual of these treatments through an egg retrieval, mock cycle, and now a transfer.  For a woman who is afraid of needles, she has overcome much for us.

This blog will start to resume its original function as a place of reflection on martial preparations and physical/dietary practices that enhance one’s life.  I am nearing peace with my condition and the life course I will need to lead.  And protection will be crucial for my hard won family.