Fast forward to 2014 and we have been trying for our baby for nearly two years. I knew, straight away that something wasn't right. I charted my cycles and realised that they were, at times, 65+ days apart. I peed on ovulation sticks, purchased a fertility monitor, ate all the right foods, visited a nutritionist and at Christmas 2102 I went to the doctor.
Blood tests revealed that my prolactin levels, the hormone that tells your body to ovulate, were sky high and that I could possibly have a tumour on the gland in my head. I waited four long months and on Easter Sunday 2013 I went to the local hospital for an MRI scan. Two weeks later, I saw my brain on a screen and was told that news that, thankfully, all was clear.
This all coincided with a big promotion at work to a Director at a large secondary school but in September, I handed in my notice and took a very difficult decision to step down in my career to return to classroom teacher. That month we were also referred to the fertility clinic, Hubby had his tests and they came back normal.
In November last year, I was told, after an internal scan, that I will need one or possibly both of my fallopian tubes removed. Having had the Laparoscopy and tube removal we are now waiting for IVF to start.
Like most people, I have found this difficult and have worked hard for the last two years to keep myself on the straight and narrow. Our marriage has suffered and we are in couples' counselling. It is slowly saving us.
But, I refuse to be defined by my infertility. I want to enjoy life. I have lost two years in a cloud of gloom and am well aware that we face more challenges so need to be as strong as I, and we, can be.
To look after myself I attend yoga, swim at least four times a week, go to acupuncture and for the first time in forever, I put myself first before my very demanding job.
I have just completed an 8 week mindfulness course as I am strong believer that the mind is a powerful tool. Mindfulness helps me to live in the here and the now and I urge you to look into it if you haven't already.
In the coming months, I am setting up a Fertility Support Group, Ciren Fertility Friends, in the hope of meeting other people in my local area who are experiencing similar things to me. I believe that real-life support from people who truly understand can only be a good thing.
Thank you for reading and please leave a comment if you so wish xx
No comments:
Post a Comment