I had been enduring agressive infertility treatments through the military hospitals. Three years of unsuccessful attempts every month, with no pregnancies resulting. I was devestated.
My last treatment occured in November 2oo3, as my husband was preparing to deploy to the Persian Gulf. I had been living on Clomid, along with multiple injections of hormones and many other things (mostly self-injected...ouch!). I went in for my usual scan. The military doctor proudly announced I had my best "lot" yet. I had 5 "ripe" eggs on the right side and 4 on my left side. Needless to say, my abdomin and ovaries were extremely painful and I felt as if they were swollen to the size of grapefruits. Nine potential babies, the doctor announced. He decided that was the perfect time to discuss "selective reduction". I proceeded to shut him up immediately!
I endured my final IUI. I took it easy at home, praying each night for just one little baby. The end result...... I got my period. The doctor made an appointment for me to return to him. At this meeting he handed me a stuffed folder, containing an extreme amount of paperwork. He informed me that I will never conceive a child of my own, especially since I had not even become pregnant after 3+ years of infertility treatments. (Those of you who have lived with this kind of monthly news will understand my pain.) The tears began to fall. He said my only choice would be Invetro which is offered at Walter Reed near Washington DC. He said it would cost me approximately $20K and I would need to be able to stay there for a month so they could do the proceedure. He informed me that some women just aren't ment to be mothers and that I should consider adoption. I left the hospital in tears.
About a week later, I stood at the pier watching the tug boats push my husband's carrier out into the Chesapeake Bay. I lost my chance to have a baby, and now I sit in the cold watching my husband deploy to the Persian Gulf. I didn't leave the pier for several hours, though his ship was already gone out of sight. I couldn't bare to go home, completely alone.
In July 2004, I was happily bustling around my home, dolling myself up, and spending hours on my hair, clothes, and make up. Today, my husband is coming home!!! It's only 3am, but I've been up getting ready for hours now. I don't even think I slept. I spent the entire morning and afternoon standing on a very crowded pier awaiting my husband's arrival. Around 11pm, I was sitting in my truck, when my husband called me to say he was finally walking off the ship. I wrapped my arms around my husband, cried, and we heldeachother for what seemed like an eternity.
We spent the next 2 weeks "Honeymooning", as most military couples do post-deployment. A few weeks later, I felt sick. It didn't go away. My period did not come. "Could I possibly be???" I refused to even buy a pregnancy test. I had spent way too much money on those darned things! Another week past, my abdomin is tender and my boobs are very sore. I gave up, at his urging, and purchased a test.
I was pregnant!!!!!
God had blessed me (us) with a baby! In April 2005, I delivered a healthy baby girl. I was severely injured during and after her birth and have been unable to have any more children. But, for my one precious child, I will forever be grateful!
My advice to others facing and enduring infertility, miracles can and do happen. Infertility is an extremely hard road to travel, and your family and friends can only understand very little of your frustrations. Reach out and seek advice, make new friends, and network with other women who are enduring infertility. This was my best outlet. I wish you all the success in the world!!!
Joanne
