To say this was a challenge with a lot of heartbreak is an understatement. I think I cried every day for a year. I always tell people 80% of our news is bad news, that it's the nature of the process. I hope my story can offer encouragement.

I started off reading “It starts with the egg”, and from there dedicated my life to my fertility. That included acupuncture, red light therapy, vitamins, Mediterranean diet, yoga, daily affirmations, journaling, daily walks, chiropractor, massages, less alcohol, no more HIIT workouts. I worked full time as an Electrical Engineer in a high-stress job the whole time, and never stopped asking questions, no matter how "crazy." I also credit a lot of my success to duo-stims, and I ended up doing five in a row, intense but worth it. I chose not to share my journey with close friends and family because if they knew what it did to me, they would have made me quit. That choice helped me mentally, and let me process bad news with just my husband and move on.

I was diagnosed with DOR (age-related). I also worked with Reproductive Immunologists and had a blood clotting disorder that required Lovenox throughout both pregnancies. My insurance denied IVIG until the 4th attempt, when I submitted a 32-page appeal and finally got it approved.

I owe my success first and foremost to Dr. Jeelani and her amazing team. She never gave up on me. I would text her late on a weekend ready to give up hope and she talks me down from the ledge. She was always honest, explained everything, and was always thinking outside the box for my specific situation. She made me feel like I had a real say in my own treatment and I was not just a number. She is why I have my baby, and soon my second. There are so many ways to do this. Find what works for you. It's not easy, but if you want this, don't give up! Baby dust to all.