Ever since I started my blog, I realized the role of the online infertility community in providing support. It is truly amazing how people come together to help each other on a journey that is so difficult. I think being able to share the stories of people who have gone through treatment or those who are just starting the process can be helpful for others. It lets them know that they are not alone and that they can reach out to the community. This is one of the main reasons why I decided to share stories of people going through infertility on my blog. I feel honoured to be able to share these stories and hope they are helpful for those who need the little extra sense of compassion and support.
I first came across Erin Elizabeth through her Instagram (@childberindreams). I appreciate her opening up about their journey and allowing me to share it with you all. She and her husband's path through infertility may sound familiar to many. She has 2 sons from previous pregnancies and ectopic pregnancy in 2004. She got married in 2006 and when they could not get pregnant within a year she knew something was wrong. Her husband (Michael) had received hernia surgery the year before and a mesh was placed in his lower abdomen. At the time, he knew that the surgery could affect his fertility but did not give much thought to it as he did not think he would want to get married or have kids. When he met Erin, things changed and they were both eager to start their family. At the time they were living in Los Angeles. Erin was unable to work because she had severe pain for 8-10 days within the month which had gotten progressively worse and so they were living with the single income from Michael. Due to this, they were unable to afford the diagnostic tests at the time. In 2018, Erin was finally able to find a doctor who listened to her and diagnosed her with adenomyosis, 3 fibroids, 2 polyps and a blocked tube from her previous ectopic pregnancy. Michael's semen analysis also showed low count, low motility, low normal morphology and abnormal viscosity. From these diagnoses, they were advised to go ahead with IVF and ICSI. However, the cost was $30,000 for 1 cycle in which they would only transfer 1 embryo. This was not a good option for them and they decided to hold off from treatment for a year and a half.
In July 2020, Erin found the infertility community on Instagram and found CNY fertility. When they opened a satellite clinic in Colorado Springs, which was closer to the west coast, Erin and Michael went in for a consult. They instantly liked this new clinic and fell in love with their doctor. They booked their tests and started treatment in November of 2020. The cycle was $4,000 plus medication and they had the option of transferring 2-3 embryos due to her age (39). They had 7 eggs retrieved out of which they decided to transfer 3 day-3 embryos. The transfer was successful and they are now 21 weeks pregnant. From the remaining embryos, 1 made it to day-6 but the preimplantation genetic testing showed that it was abnormal and so they will need to go through another cycle of IVF for a sibling.
For them, the process was extremely difficult emotionally but not physically. One thing that was really amazing to hear was that the process did not affect their marriage and they still love each other more every day. Erin experienced a lot of emotional distress but they were able to move through the difficult times together with the mentality that one day it would be their time. Some tips she wanted to share was that she took some supplements that were referred by her RE and she also had acupuncture and went on a keto diet. The excitement and happiness of finally having treatment helped with her stress.
The pandemic affected their treatment but the hardest part of it was that Michael was unable to attend the transfer or any of their ultrasound appointments. He is missing out on this part of their journey which is difficult. It has been a scary time for everyone in this pandemic but they have persevered through and are excited to welcome their little baby into the world.
When Erin shared their story with me, I was moved by their relationship and how they have been able to support each other through their long infertility journey. The biggest message for me was that they never gave up. I know that many may not have successful treatments but having a positive outlook and staying supportive of each other can help make the emotionally demanding process a bit easier. I'd like to thank Erin for sharing.
Please get in touch if you have any questions, just want to chat or if you'd like to share your journey.
Thank you for reading.
