‘Infertility is something I never thought I’d ever have to go through after conceiving my son naturally.
I have unexplained secondary infertility and we have been ttc for over two years now. We started our fertility journey over 12 months ago and I’ve had many procedures; HyCosy (which found my left tube to be blocked), Pelvic MRI scans, Laproscopy, Hysteroscopy and lipidol flush to try unblock my tube (it is blocked in the centre), many scans and blood tests! You feel like a pin cushion!
We have gone through one egg collection, collected 15 eggs, of which 5 were fertilised (I was definitely expecting a higher number). I’ve had 3 transfers; one straight after egg collection, one natural cycle, and one medicated Cycle, which included intralipid infusion straight after. None of these took, not even a squinter of a line. The two-week wait is just agony!
We’ve tried Accupuncture and many Chinese Herbs. We’ve recently changed doctors and found out I have Type 2 diabetes and have raised insulin. I am now starting metformin to reduce this.
I am very open about our journey and talk openly about our experience to my family and friends. It helps me process what is going on and gives me a place to vent! It also makes people aware so you don’t get asked those inappropriate questions like, “Isn’t it time your son had a sibling”!
Infertility is such a taboo topic and not one commonly spoken about, even though it is more common than we think! I am lucky to also have friends who have or are going through this journey.’
Courtney
FIVE QUESTIONS … with Courtney.
1. Describe your experience in 5 separate words.
Overwhelming, possibility, journey, emotional, heartache.
2. Do you have a positive mantra to get you through the tough times?
You were given this life because you are strong enoigh to live it!
3. What has been the biggest surprise in your journey so far?
After the surgery and scans, nothing was found to be abnormal and our next transfer still didn’t work! I was sure that was the one.
4. What’s the best advice you’ve received?
It’s ok to not be ok. Cry if you need to, binge watch that tv show, look after you and be kind to yourself.
5. And the worst free-advice you’ve heard?
Just “relax”, go on a holiday and it will happen! (Yeah, this is a common one…. #dontsaythis)