Turning Hurt into Hope
Being diagnosed with unexplained infertility as a medical provider makes the head really spin. I currently work as a doctorate nurse practitioner and felt there was more, I could do to help others. After experiencing a miscarriage, I knew there was more going on. Exhausted and confused we proceeded and endured 3 failed IUIs, we decided it was time to take a break. During this break I took part in a once in a lifetime opportunity. I was selected by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners for a health policy fellowship for 1 month in Washington, DC. Little did I know how this opportunity would play into my future of helping others who are experiencing infertility.
After I returned, we scheduled a consultation with a new doctor and began down the IVF path. During this I experienced a canceled transfer. Wow, are there emotions that play into this situation. We decided to do genetic testing and had two beautiful embryos that we transferred May 1st, 2017. I would soon be devastated to find out that we miscarried one embryo yet filled with joy that I was finally pregnant.
My pregnancy was normal and going well. It took a long time for me to sit back and really enjoy being pregnant without any fear or anxiety, yet I’m not sure that ever truly happened. At 32 weeks, I was rushed via helicopter two hours away to my OB where I spent 3 nights in the hospital. It was determined that I had a placenta abruption, but everything remained normal. I then spent another 4 weeks living 2 hours from home to remain close to my OB. At 39 weeks, Hayden surprised us and was born via emergency c-section. He is a happy and healthy toddler who gives me the courage and strength to keep fighting for others in the wait.
While on maternity leave it was like a wave of what had all happened over 2 years finally hit me. I felt so many emotions for what we had gone through but more so for those still walking this long journey. That November I started to work with Resolve to determine what steps needed to be done to introduce the first ever bill into North Dakota Legislation mandating insurance converge for infertility care and cancer preservation. In three short months, I had a bill with a sponsor, committee hearing, and the bill hard on the senate floor. Unfortunately, the bill failed but so much good came from this event.
In August we held the first Resolve DIY Walk of hope at the North Dakota State Capital Grounds. I felt we needed to keep the momentum and awareness alive in the state. For the first time ever, we had media attention from our legislative efforts and awareness walk. We had a social media presence and North Dakota infertility patients were sharing their stories. Everlasting Hope was established July 2019 and is the first and only infertility nonprofit in the state of North Dakota. Our mission is to create public awareness that infertility is a treatable medical condition and provide financial support to qualifying uninsured patients living in North Dakota. It is our wish to support families experiencing infertility through resources, education, events, and support. I have turned my hurt into hope. I truly brings me joy to share our journey, be there for those going through infertility, and be a source of encouragement.
Medical Disclaimer:
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.
