This is IVF: Grieving, Broken, Hopeful, Grateful, Hurting, and Waiting

I’ve been trying to think of when would the right time be to share our story. I wanted to wait until we had good news to share. We did have good news a few weeks ago...                                             

Our journey started a little over a year ago. We had tried for over a year on our own with no success. I made the call and set up our appointment with the Atrium Health Women’s Institute. All of our test were normal. I may or may not have a condition, but basically nothing that should keep us from getting pregnant.             

We made the decision to try IUI first, 3 rounds, 3 months, all failed. We were then told we would need to move on to IVF (invitro fertilization). For some reason that was the hardest thing for me to say “I’m an IVF patient”. I honestly believed we could work through this or fix it on our own and having to say “we are going through IVF” meant we needed help. 

Our first frozen embryo transfer was in September, we were beyond excited and so hopeful. At the 9 day post lab draw we found out that this transfer would end in miscarriage. 

We pushed forward and we had our second transfer on December 19. However this time at our post 9 day lab draw, we were pregnant! On January 24th we had our viability scan at almost 8 weeks, and found out that the baby had stopped growing. I don’t remember much after that besides knowing we were going to lose our baby. 

So here we are. Grieving, broken, hopeful, grateful, hurting, and waiting. This is IVF,. Multiple injections, pills, patches, Dr appointments, ultrasounds, lab draws, crazy hormone surges, crying, excitement and waiting. 

I’m sharing our story because for one, it’s not over, and two, I want you to know you’re not alone. I see you. There is an entire community of us with our arms wide open waiting to help. We have never felt alone in this process. No one we knew had gone through IVF, but we have always had the absolute best support system, cheerleaders, medical care team and prayer warriors.  Please know you’re not alone, please reach out! We are an open book and will answer any questions. 

We know God has bigger plans for us. 

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and Hope. - Jeremiah 29:11

-Cortney Alwran

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The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider or qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog.