"Simple Question, Complex Answer"
The Patton family and their little miracles, Zachary and Madeline; Ballwin, Missouri

“Twins! Do they run in your family?” I get this question asked of me multiple times a day whether I am in the checkout at the supermarket or story hour at the library. Seeing a couple of fun-loving toddlers, so close together in age, must intrigue passing strangers. However, the answer to that question is more involved than a quick yes or no.

The simple answer and the answer I giver passers by is, “Yes, my dad is a twin.” My extended family is blessed with several sets of twins, so all my life I had hoped I too would have twins. My father and his sister were the first set of twins on our family tree, then she had twins, and now I have twins. However, my grandmother and my aunt had their twins the “old-fashioned” way. My grandmother did not even know she was having twins until the doctor announced that a second baby was coming minutes after her first baby had arrived! I, on the other hand, knew I was having twins the day after I discovered I was pregnant, thanks to modern technology.

There is a more in-depth answer: “Yes, my dad is a twin, but my husband and I had help from Bravelle!” This answer usually takes a little more explanation since Bravelle is not a common household name. After trying to conceive for a year on our own, my husband and I were starting to think we might not even have 1 baby, let alone twins. We sought help from a fertility specialist who told us he would do his best to help us get pregnant. Our thoughts then changed from hoping to have twins or 1 baby to not having an entire fleet of babies at once! My doctor jokingly assured us that he averaged triplets and quads once a year, and that he had already reached that average for the year. Our journey with fertility drugs was just beginning.

Month after month of disappointment was often too much to bear. In addition to the emotional roller coaster of not knowing if my husband and I could ever conceive, there was the money factor. Our insurance did not cover fertility drugs or the doctor visits. We were approaching almost a year of failed infertility treatments and constant office visits. The psychological and monetary stresses of having negative results month after month, and he thought that this might never happen for us, were taking their toll.

After exhausting our efforts with oral drugs and having exploratory surgery, our doctor informed us injections were our next step. We were to choose between several drugs he recommended. My husband and I reviewed the clinical drug studies looking for test results that showed the mostly singletons and twins, and that showed the fewest side effects. The method of injection also weighed heavy on my mind, as I would be administering the drug to myself. I decided whatever drug we chose would have to be a subcutaneous-administered drug, as that seemed to be the least intimidating method. We took a leap of faith and chose Bravelle. I was so nervous to give myself that first shot in the stomach, but once I did it, I felt a sense of elation that I would do anything to become a mom. Bravelle gave us a new sense of hope that our efforts would soon give us a child and our prayers would be answered. Of course, deep down, I was trying not to be greedy, but I was still sincerely hoping for twins.

The second round of Bravelle did the trick! The day after my pregnancy test came back positive, an ultrasound revealed that 2 of the 3 eggs were fertilized. My dream of having twins was really going to happen, and I could not wait to share the incredible news with my dad. It was amazing to see that modern technology was allowing me to share this news just weeks after conception; and yet 62 years earlier, my father’s birth was a complete surprise to my grandparents.

On August 6, 2003, my husband and I were blessed with 2 children, Zachary and Madeline: the twins I had always wanted! After going through an emotional roller coaster like infertility, we have come to realize what a miracle conception, pregnancy, and having a baby really is. I truly believe my experience with infertility treatments and Bravelle has made me a more loving, patient mother, and I am proud to tell anyone who asks, “Yes, my dad is a twin, but my husband and I had help from Bravelle!”