Patient Portal
Couples confronting the possibility of infertility – or who are working through the realm of fertility treatment options – need a tremendous amount of support. While emotional sympathy and well-intentioned encouragement from friends and family is nice, sometimes you need support from people who have been where you are. No one understands the poignant highs, lows, fears, loss of control and feelings of hopelessness that can arise throughout the infertility journey like other couples who have been down the same road.
Words of Encouragement from Parents Who Have Been Down the IVF Tunnel
We say tunnel because that is exactly how it can feel. You have one focused goal and it can seem like everything else has ceased to exist outside of your single-track route to fertility. Even so, there are times when you might lose hope or think it’s time turn back. If that’s the case, take a listen to what these parents and IVF success stories can teach you about infertility, IVF and making it happen.
“Get in…and get started.” Bruce and Michelle have two beautiful children as the result of successful IVF treatments. Michelle says that if she could say one thing to couples in the infertility boat it would be, “Get in…talk to your doctor, find out what your options are and get started.” We agree, the longer you wait the more opportunities you are missing to start your family. If you suspect infertility is a reality for you and/or your spouse, schedule a consultation with a fertility clinic and begin working on your fertility plan.
“It is a very emotional process.” Parents Richard and Carolyne tried to get pregnant for a solid year before their OB/GYN referred them to us. They valued the unconditional and honest information, support and treatment they received as they pursued two failed intrauterine insemination (IUI) sessions and then moved on to IVF. Carolyne admits that dealing with infertility and making one’s way through fertility treatments, “…is a very emotional process,” but having faith and trust in your fertility specialist is integral to your success. Take advantage of initial consultations to meet with more than one fertility specialist in your area to make sure you “feel at home” and are 100% comfortable with the staff, doctors and nurses. Do they listen? Are they responsive? Do they address your concerns immediately? If not, it’s in your best interest to find a fertility clinic who does.
“Have Fun; Don’t let it take over your life.” What a refreshing sentiment from Tamison and Brett who went through two IVF cycles before finding out they were pregnant with their baby boy. Remaining strong, vibrant and positive as a couple is so important to keep your romantic and intimate relationship alive while you valiantly commit to the fertility treatment path. They say, “don’t let this run your life…it stinks, you didn’t ask for it, you don’t like it…but keep living!” And, all this was said before they found out they were pregnant. Tamison and Brett feel like this experience has made them even closer than before, which will make parenting a much easier task.
“You just have to remember what the outcome is going to be.” Perhaps one of the most touching videos in our Patient Stories Series is one featuring the Wenger Family. Ten months after starting IVF treatments, Randy and Julie gave birth to a beautiful daughter, Lily. Julie says, “I don’t even think about the process anymore…,” which may be difficult to imagine for those of you who are just starting or are in the middle of your own process. But, tearfully, Julie says, “You just have to remember what the outcome is going to be.”
Let these words of wisdom inspire you to seek the help you need, learn as much as you can about your fertility treatment options, and stay as positive as possible along the way. Ready to meet with a fertility clinic that would love to add you to their family? Schedule a consultation with RRC.