Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Insensitive Speaker, or Overly Sensitive Listener?

Dealing with infertility and going through a miscarriage, I am aware that I can be overly sensitive to people's unintentional insensitive comments.  I really try to not let that stuff bother me, because I know it's just me, and I can't expect everyone to know the struggles we have gone through.  However, there are some places I consider "safe" from such stupidity.  You would think the most safe place would be your fertility treatment center, right?  I mean, all they do is deal with couples who can't conceive on their own.  So that's why I was a little thrown off by the following exchange that happened during my ultrasound last week.  For the record, it didn't really upset me at the time, or even now, it was just one of those things you wouldn't expect to hear at that place, during that time.  It was more of a WTF moment, and not I want to run away crying moment.  So I'll let you be the judge.

Ultrasound Tech (UT):  Is this your first time here?
[making small talk as she violates me with the dildo cam]
Me:  No, I cycled with you guys 2 years ago.
UT:  Did you get pregnant then?
Me:  Yes, actually I did 2 cycles - one resulted in a miscarriage and the other a little girl who is now 18 months old.
UT:  Oh that's great.  So if this works it's really just a bonus.  
Me:  Uh...yeah, I suppose. 

The more I thought about it, I started really dissecting that statement.  Does that mean anyone who is infertile should just be happy to have one child?  Are we being greedy by wanting more?  Would anyone ever say this to fertiles who already have 1 child?  For the record, I am happy and feel incredibly lucky to have Maddie.  I will feel the same way about any future child(ren) we have.  

I have been getting similar attitude from other people saying things like "well you already have one, and you can't keep spending that kind of money forever."  I'll probably save that for another post, but I suppose it's likely that has clouded my brain a little making me more sensitive.  Of course, that brings up the argument, why shouldn't I be more sensitive on this topic?  And why do I need to keep apologizing for being offended or hurt by people who don't think before they speak?  

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