Jennifer's Journey With Diabetes, PCOS, Endometriosis, and Fertility
Our fertility journey pretty much started right after we got married in 2016. I had my IUD removed. We waited a few months to see what my cycle was doing and it wasn't good. I only got 1 cycle in 90 days. So we started to try Clomid for 9 months. We had one chemical pregnancy in that time. We started looking into fertility clinics after that.
We found one and started preconception testing in 2018. I found out I had diabetes. So we went on a year long journey to control that with medicine and diet. I lost 75 pounds, a job I hated and a lot of depression. We signed up for insurance at my new job to help cover the cost of my fertility clinic. In 2020 we started the process for IUIs. Right before we started I had another chemical. We did 3 IUIs. We had another chemical and 2 failed. At this point I lost my job and my insurance because of COVID.
Later in 2020 we found CNY and made an appointment to move on to IVF with an affordable cost. We did our first egg retrieval in March of 2021. We got 5 tested normal embryos! We thought this is it finally good news. We did our first transfer in May. It worked! We had a positive beta and it doubled twice. Unfortunately our first ultrasound and 3rd check weren't good. There was no baby and my numbers didn't double. For 2 weeks and multiple ultrasounds we tried to figure out what was going on because my numbers weren't going down. Finally had a D&C in my doctor's office. I was awake for it and it caused a lot of trauma. We decided to wait and do more testing before our next round. I ended up with endometritis.
After treatment we were ready for a 2nd transfer in October. It didn't work. Then again in November it didn't work. In March of 2022 we did transfer number 4 with the full immune protocol and modified natural. We had a positive beta. Unfortunately my numbers didn't double and we had another chemical. Transfer number 5, our last embryo was in September. Once again it didn't work. So we regrouped and decided on next steps with the doctor.
This year we're trying a different CNY location. We'll be doing a retrieval after 3 months of priming in March. We are then going to move on to a Gestational Carrier. My amazing older sister is going to carry our baby for us! So here's hoping a baby will be on its way this year.
Jennifer Hydo-Johnson: I'm 37 (almost 38). I've lived in Illinois my whole life but love to travel. I have 3 siblings and 14 nieces and nephews (5 are step by I love them all). I was diagnosed with PCOS and Endometriosis when I was 20. So I've always known it was going to be a challenge.
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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.