Wednesday, April 27, 2011

NIAW and a Recap of Our Story



I have had quite a few bitter-sweet moments over the past couple of days while researching and following information on NIAW: National Infertility Awareness Week. It saddens me that more people are not aware that this even exists- although up until very recently I was one of the many people oblivious to it too. I find it very ironic considering that around this same time last year Husband and I made the very difficult decision of seeking fertility treatment with a specialist. At that time I had no idea how greatly our lives would be changed by infertility, I had not started my blog as an outlet for our frustrations, and I certainly did not imagine I would still be sitting here searching for a way to add to our family.


For those of you who are new to my blog (or those that wish to hear more details on our journey) here is a recap of what Husband and I have endured during our struggle with infertility:


Husband and I were married in September 2009 and almost immediately began trying to add to our family (we had dated for 5 years before marriage so we were already desperate for a little one). After 2-3 months of no luck and no positive ovulation tests, I requested to have a consultation with my doctor and asked that some tests be run (I had some suspicions that things may not be "alright"). I will say this over and over: I am VERY LUCKY my doctor was willing to test me so early- most doctors will not take the time to go through everything until at least 6 months of TTC. After another 3 months of bloodwork, ultrasounds, and other tests, I was officially diagnosed with PCOS- polycystic ovarian syndrome. At this time my doctor felt she was no longer able to help us and strongly urged that we seek the care of a specialist. This was in April 2010- probably around the same week of NIAW :)


We researched doctors in our area and quickly found an Infertility Center and doctor that we felt would be right for us. Over the course of the last year we have tried Clomid, Follistim injections, and have struggled through 3 failed IUI cycles. In January of this year, our doctor decided that it would be too risky to continue moving forward with these treatments (for several reasons) and we learned that IVF would likely be our best option moving forward.


Now, several months later, Husband and I have still not realized our dream of expanding our family. We are very hesitant to move forward with IVF, for various reasons, and have decided to learn how to be happy with just the two of us for now. The past 1 1/2 years have been such an emotional rollercoaster and have taken such a toll on the both of us. We realized that we were going through each day hoping for some kind of answer to the question "why us?" and were worried that we were headed down the wrong path emotionally.


We are still very much hopeful that we will have Baby Hill soon and still plan on moving forward with IVF sometime within the next year. BUT for now, we have had to learn how to appreciate what we do have in each other and how to enjoy what we do have already. Is it still hard? YES! Do I still have days where I just break down and cry? YES! But I have learned to not have those days everyday and that there is still plenty to be happy about around me.


Reading information and seeing segments on the news about things like NIAW have been such a big help for me. I love knowing I am not alone-- according to research there are over 7 million people struggling with infertility. More and more research is being conducted everyday and awareness of this very difficult "disease" (as it is now being called) continues to grow. As hard as it may be to talk about at times, I love being able to help spread awareness and share our story to others! Now, if only we could find our happy ending :)




To learn more on NIAW and Infertility go here: NIAW

15 comments:

Lori said...

thank you for being so brave and honest and putting your story out there. i just hope you find peace with whatever situation you and DH decide on .. whether it's to go forward with IVF, adoption, or just keeping it you two.

we are all praying for you!

Tales of a young mamma said...

You are so strong and brave!!

casprincipessa said...

You are not alone. I am starting my the stims to my first IVF cycle tomorrow.

Lindsay said...

Im still praying for you guys :) Hope everything is going well :)

TanaLicious said...

Thank you for posting this. We suffered a missed miscarriage earlier this year and were surprised to hear that we technically suffer from infertility because of that. Infertility is so hush-hush and not talked about openly and I wish that would change. Here's hoping you guys (and us) are able to expand your family soon. xxoo.

Meredith said...

Still praying for you guys!! Keep your head up!

Just Jennifer said...

I just wanted you to know I was thinking about you. I know it is so hard to deal with all of this- IVF is so involved and it can suck everything out of you. I sent you all that info about my cycles a while back but if you ever have more questions feel free to ask. You are not alone, this is nothing to be ashamed about, and you will the opportunity to experience your dream some day!

Laura@The Oily Cupboard said...

hugs friend!!!!

Kiley said...

thank you for sharing and i admire you for being so strong!

sending many hugs and prayers to you both!

Kelsey Claire said...

I loved reading your story. I am so sorry that you are having to go through this. It is obviously making you stronger as a couple and a person. Praying that God will bless you with your own miracle very soon!

Haylee said...

Cait - I enjoyed reading your recap of this past year. We are grateful to walk alongside you guys in life and pray only the best for the years to come! :)

Ashley said...

I am a new follower!

Feel free to swing by my blog to say hello!!!

Carol {Everyday Delights} said...

I'm praying for you guys - stay strong!!

Jos said...

How have you been Cait? I miss your blogging!

Shintia said...

Hi, I just found your blog, and I also have PCOS. have you ever heard about progesterone cream? I use that and theres some youtube info that you can search. I am currently pregnant, and also using progesterone. maybe if you want to use it too? maybe that help? it sure help me.. will continue to pray for you.. ^_^