I have been married for 37 years and Charlotte is the elder of our two children.  It is ironic that whereas I had absolutely no problem in falling pregnant, with our son arriving sixteen months after Charlotte, Charlotte is unable to bear a child herself.

The Consultant Gynaecologist to whom Charlotte was referred was kind, thorough in his examination and quick to refer Charlotte to Mr Edmunds, although he admitted that until the previous year he had never come across a case of MRKH but in that short time, Charlotte was the third patient with the condition that he had seen.

It was a hard learning curve for Charlotte and for us as a family.  Although Charlotte had the support of QCCH and the few friends that she told in those early months, there was nothing for the parents.

I suspect we were not alone as parents feeling at a loss as to how to support Charlotte.  Thankfully the professionals at QCCH were there for her – and continue to be so.  She was also very lucky in having the support of our GP especially when she looked into the possibility of IVF Surrogacy.

We never felt any loss regarding being grandparents.  We were just sorry for Charlotte that she would be unable to give us the grandchildren she desperately wanted.

There has been a sea change in the last twenty years.  People are now more open about their health and their emotions.  It is easier for those who struggle with mental health issues to find help and support.  All physical illness or condition comes with it a corresponding mental health perspective.  A 17 year old girl diagnosed with MRKH today would find a much better support structure than Charlotte found back in 2001. Social media shows value when it can bring together people affected by illness/grief as people discover they are not the only ones who are suffering.

Adrienne

MRKH Connect Trustee