IVF Interviews (cont.): Angie
Today, our second-to-last day of interviews, we have Angie, who is expecting twins! Angie is a fellow Colorado girl and a fried of Elise's (which makes her a friend of a friend of a friend of mine). You'll meet Elise tomorrow, by the way.
Thanks so much, Angie, for chiming in here! And congrats again on your twins...so happy for you! :)
1. Hi Angie! Briefly, give us an idea of what you went through with your fertility issues. (How many years you tried to get pregnant, the sorts of procedures you underwent, etc.)
We started our infertility path in June 2009. I was taken off birth control 2-3 years prior (for other health concerns) and my husband Kevin and I just went with it and hoped one day we would just get a Surprise!!! But after 2 years of no accidental pregnancies I began to wonder if something was off. We started to really get worried after about 6 more months of ovulation predictor kits, taking mucinex, and timed intercourse with still no results. At that time my OB/GYN NP suggested we get some further testing done. We consulted with a fertility group (CCRM- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine) and they ran the gamut of blood work, ultrasounds, etc and nothing was found to be off so they suggested a trial with clomid. I have always been a 28d cycle and regular. After 2 rounds of Clomid with IUI, I developed large cysts each time and no pregnancy. At that point they suggested trying SQ injectable medications that were stronger to stimulate more follicles. We tried two more rounds with this and IUI and still no pregnancy. So at this point it has been about 1 year of test after test and 4 IUIs with CCRM and Kevin and I needed a change. Still no reason for why we weren't conceiving left us frustrated but it was time to let it go and move on to something that would give a better chance of conception.
We went on a wonderful vacation and came home more refreshed and decided to seek a second opinion at the other great facility in Colorado (Conceptions). We met with the Doctor there who had a slightly different approach and some new ideas to try but he also agreed that after 4 failed IUI attempts IVF was the better route to go. Before he did IVF he wanted me to take DHEA supplement for 3-4mo before to stimulate the best follicles possible during the IVF process. I was skeptical and this time but the new research was linking low AMH (which I did have) and DHEA to higher success in IVF. I was on it but didn't enjoy the side effects of the supplements, acne and weight gain!. It was all worth it now but really tough at the time. Kevin was also put on 6 supplements a day as well to enhance quality sperm production. We started our IVF meds OCT 29th, 2010, retrieval done Nov 10th (6 follicles) and Transfer of two beautiful embryos on Nov 15th. We got our positive pregnancy test on Nov 26th and didn't find out it was twins until Dec 16th, 2010. We just hit 13 weeks and feel so blessed and excited. I am still nervous every minute of every day but still continue to count my blessings.
2. How did you pick your clinic?
We are fortunate enough to live in a state that has 2 amazing fertility clinics with great success rates. I started with CCRM because of reputation and others great success there. We ended up at Conceptions after we felt it wasn't a right fit for our situation. I think both clinics are amazing and give great results but it all ends up being where you feel most comfortable and personal preference.
3. How did you stay sane through the process?
Infertility is an emotional roller coaster but after talking to others who have been through it and have babies it gave me hope and encouragement to keep going. We continued to have faith and deep in our hearts we knew we would be parents some day. Kevin sticking by my side and giving me space when I needed it and hugs when I needed it also gave me the strength to continue through the process instead of giving up.
4. What did you do as far as being good to yourself?
This was hard because normally I loved to exercise and run to blow off steam and stress but during this process of 2 years I was told to slow things down and all the meds really made me exhausted so my normal routine got changed. After finding my acupuncturist Debra Skelton, my infertility journey really changed dramatically. She was amazing and it really decreased my stress going to her approx 2x/month.
5. Was it hard on your marriage? How did you keep your marriage intact/strong?
I feel lucky to have such a supportive husband by my side. He was wonderful and we both struggled through the process in different ways. It is hard for men to feel helpless and see there wives in so much pain. I think this made us stronger as a couple and we can conquer anything together now after this journey. He wanted this just as bad as I did so every negative pregnancy test was devastating to both of us. But when we got a POSITIVE test, I don't think there could have been two happiesr people in this world.
6. Ugh…the two week wait. How did you deal? Did you use home pregnancy tests?
That was a long two weeks. Every cramp, every gas bubble you look into. I read a lot of books, and had many friends and family keep my mind off of going to the bathroom to do a pregnancy test. I didn't do a home pregnancy test but I thought about it all the time. I am too superstitious, so decided after 2 years of trying I can wait 2 weeks. I was worth it :)
7. Having been through it, what would you do differently?
Geez that is tough one. Hindsight is always 20/20. I wish I could say I would have done IVF a lot earlier and saved myself the pain and $$$ spent on IUI but I think we both had to get to the point together and our timing is what was meant to be.
8. What’s it like when it’s all over?
It is still not over to me yet. I have made it through the first trimester but I am still nervous every day. It is still very fresh to us but I am thankful for every little cramp, twinge or symptom I get during pregnancy that tells me this is actually really happening.
9. How has this process changed you?
It has already made me more patient because you play the waiting game so much in this process. I feel more compassion for others going through any life changes right now because it is really tough. I was excited to be a mother but now I am even 100% more thrilled for the adventure we are about to enter into.
10. Has there been anything positive associated with this experience (besides the obvious)?
Really seeing who your true friends are and seeing the amazing support you get from friends whom you had lost touch with but are now your shoulder to cry on. Also, the closeness that I now experience with my husband and support that he and I can get through the toughest of times and still laugh and enjoy just being together. Lastly, seeing the joy in our families eyes for the excitement they have for us and our future family.
11. What would you tell someone currently in the middle of it?
Know that you are not alone and that there will be a light at the end of this journey and this is not forever even though it feels like it now! Talking to as many people you can who have been through this process really has helped me.
