Our Story

Hello,

I'm Amanda and battled with infertility for 4 years. In truth I don't think you ever 'stop' battling or go into an entirely new category. It just always seems to stick with you.

My husand and I started like many couples do, excited and ready to go. I had little to no knowledge about what it took to get pregnant. I figured you have sex and then comes baby. That bit is rather embarassing to admit. My story is perhaps different from yours but we were generally relaxed during that first year. I actually think I was in denial when we reached the year mark. I kind of refused to believe that there was something wrong with us. I turned to my photography and invitation making to kind of keep my mind off of things. I didn't at that time know about charting, OPK's or even Leutal phases etc. I was truly ignorant to the ENTIRE process. When we hit the year mark I was sad and devastated, but as I said before I didn't want to think we were anything less than the normal couple.

We got to 18 months and I want to say that's when it truly sunk in. Somethings wrong and we may need help in doing something that seems to come so natural for some. The type of person I am this just floored me and was upsetting to admit. So I started doing my research and was I ever overwhelmed with everything there is involved with TTC and ultimatley infertility. The other person who was extremely hard to convenience was my very positive husband who took on the attitude that 'it'll happen." (cringe).

After 1 more year of trying my ob put me on clomid, and for 2 months nothing happened. The one month I didn't take anything would be the first month we got pregnant but lost it too soon. That was beyond devastating. I think the added frustration was I had this notion in my mind that if we struggled to conceive that meant that we'd be cut a break and have nothing else to worry about. If there's one thing this journey has taught me is expect everything and don't be surprised at what life throws at you. I would then continue to go on to have 3 more pregnancies after our first loss. All of them were lost far too soon. Our 4th loss was a baby girl (genetically tested) who had Triploidy at 9 weeks gestation. This all happened in the course of a year. To say my heart and soul was hardened after that year is a gross understatement.

I was diagnosed with PCOS mid 2012 and after our 4th loss officially diagnosed via testing to have Antiphospholipid syndrome also known as APS or Lupus Anticoagulant. My husband was cleared of any issues. We discovered that in order for us to have successful pregnancies it would require a gambit of medication. Please note all of these mediactions I went on per the advice of my doctor. I do not suggest in any way to take these medications unless under the supervision of your doctor.

Our last loss was the result of our first IUI. I went on to have 3 IUI's total. Gonal F / Lupron with a trigger shot and IUI.

I was on the following after each IUI that would continue until a negative test or until pregnancy was achieved. I've noted in the case of pregnancy when I'd stop the medication. 
Intralipids (every 4 weeks, and once after pregnancy achieved. My RE had me do 2. One at 6 weeks and another at 10)
HCG Booster shots (Every 3 days up to 10 weeks gestation)
Metformin (help treat the PCOS) (Every day up to 12 weeks gestation)
Baby Aspirin (Every day up to delivery)
Lovenox shots (Every day up to36 weeks then switch to Heprin until delivery)

I'm extremely grateful to say that we did finally get our take home rainbow baby. She was born November 10th 2013 and has been the light of our lives. Infertility has forever changed my husband and I. I will never forget or let go of what we went through entirely. I will always be a strong advocate for Infertility and pregnancy loss. I'm always here for support and will never forget what it took to get to where we are today. Please don't hesitate to message me if ever you need someone to talk to.