The Natural Fertility Community

Our journey TTC began in May 2008, but I've wanted children my entire life. When people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, no matter what career I said (and that was ever-changing), I always added, "and a mom." My family is fertile. Like look-at-us-and-we're-pregnant fertile. Well- I guess them, not us. I assumed I'd be pregnant almost immediately. I read the books, charted, took my family history into account, etc.... I wasn't worried in the least.

The first BFN, I thought we'd just messed up timing wise. We'd cut it close. Again- not worried. The second month- BFN. Hmm- I guess God is putting me in my place for being so cocky. I get it. Now we'll get pregnant. The BFNs kept coming. I started to obsess over charting. I'd spend hours every week looking at my chart, counting, estimating, wondering, stressing. I finally made the decision to stop charting for my sanity (and for my husband's sanity- I was driving him bonkers!!) We switched to OPKs. I devoured books and internet sites. I started acupuncture, though at this point the fertility problems were unexplained. I was only able to do that for about a month or so because of my schedule (but I'll be starting again soon- I loved it!).

I was scared to go to the doctor. I didn't want to get pushed into fertility treatments. I wasn't ready for them at that point, but I knew that it would be difficult to turn them down. We had my husband's SA done. Most of it was fine. There were a couple of numbers that were slightly low. It was time for me to get checked out. Most of my numbers were good. Some of the bloodwork was positive for PCOS, but my ultrasound looked good, so we didn't worry about it. We decided to do an IUI without medication in May 2010. I had my HSG in July 2010. It showed that I have a partially blocked left tube. In September 2010, we decided to do an IUI with Clomid- 50 mg. When I went in for my ultrasound to see if it was time to trigger, they discovered the string of pearls and diagnosed me with PCOS. My husband and I discussed it and opted out of the IUI.

We immediately began researching PCOS and found out that it is a hormonal issue that can be healed! What a blessing! I began a fertility diet right away (and continued in prayer), and have been working on it ever since. I have another health issue right now (lymphodema in my left leg stemming from a previous injury). That has been the focus, but I have not neglected my diet and supplements. It is difficult. There are things that I love that I miss- sugar, coffee (oh- did I mention sugar and coffee?). At some point I'll probably give up dairy, too. There's conflicting info on it, but a trusted doctor recommended giving it a shot. I can always reintroduce it later if I feel the need. I'm also gluten-free, just to add stuff to the diet mix.

I am blessed that my husband 100% supports healing first! We both want children, and we've been trying for so long. This route could potentially take longer than the medicated route, but we agreed patience is the best course of action at this time. We are not ruling out anything. We just want to prepare my body as best we can before anything else.

So that's where we're at right now, continuing on this journey of faith that the Lord will bless us with a child. We humbly accept any prayers, and continue to pray for those who are on the journey as well!