For this installment of On the Journey With… I’m interviewing Teresa from Where the *Bleep* is Our Stork? Enjoy!
Q. Tell us a little about who you are.
My name is Teresa. I am 31… for another 4 weeks or so and my partner in crime, Mike is a sexy 38. We live in beautiful Bend, Oregon with our two fur-babies, Zeke and Zoie. We were friends for about 10 years before being married on 9-10-11. I work in the health/dental field and Mike works for the city.
Q. What sort of infertility struggles have you faced?
Before we were married we had discussed children and we knew that one day we would want to have a family of our own. However, we knew that I need to have a check up because I wasn’t having periods like I should; months would go by without one. After a year of hoping for a miracle we decided to seek medical help. I was finally diagnosed with PCOS in February of 2012. It has been a total of almost 4 years of trying to conceive and not once have we seen a single BFP (unless you want to count the ONE time I tested the trigger).
Q. What was the lowest point in your journey and how did you handle it?
Right now the biggest challenge we face is the financial burden of the fertility treatment and the fact that I don’t respond very well to many of the medications. It is frustrating and defeating knowing that money is a big factor for us and that I can’t commit to such a large “gamble” when I don’t trust my body. My heart and my head don’t see eye to eye right now- and that is a huge frustration. For now, we are taking life as it comes; day by day, trying to avoid the stress.
Q. How has infertility affected you as a physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual being?
This journey has so many low parts; it is full of highs and lows. The lowest moment that stands out was the day I found out my co-worker was pregnant. She had been trying a less time than we had (go figure) and had gotten pregnant after 6 months of TI. I had just gotten my diagnosis and had just failed the Clomid challenge when she texted me at work telling me that she was pregnant. She forgot that 3 days prior I told her I was infertile. Needless to day, I had to use a “personal day” that day.
Q. Were you able to find a silver lining in your struggles?
Infertility was a curse at first. But now, it has become a gift. I think that statement goes to show that infertility has changed me in many ways, many good ways. Of course, I still have very dark moments when I feel totally pissed and angry and cheated but those are only moments now- not days, weeks or months. I don’t carry the angry with me like I did. I am able to adore children, newborns, baby bumps and pregnancy announcements with grace (on most occasions). Infertility has also brought me closer to my faith, closer to God and the Holy Spirit. I feel like there is now an open line of communication between us- I am able to talk to God without being angry or hateful. I don’t hate my infertility anymore. But, I don’t love it either.
Q. What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to women who are currently in the middle of their journey?
My advice to those struggling with infertility is not to give up hope. If you have eggs, and he has sperm there is always a CHANCE so don’t give up the hope. If you have been told that you will never have children without the help of medical intervention I hope that you are able to find peace in the life you do have if intervention is not the route you are able to take. My only piece of advice is to never forget your dreams.
Many thanks to Teresa for sharing her story with us. Please take the time to visit her blog and let you know you appreciate her.
Connect with me on {Facebook} | {Pinterest} | {Twitter}| {Instagram}Many thanks to Teresa for sharing her story with us. Please take the time to visit her blog and let you know you appreciate her.
