Our Journey with Miscarriages and IVF to finally having our Munchkin.
For some, having a baby is a smooth ride with everything as planned. For some, it is a hell of a ride until they hold their little one in their hand. Our ride had many speed bumps and unexpected turns. So, gear up you all, to read our story.
In Spring 2012, I got my first pregnancy test positive and we were so happy and excited. With all the excitement we stepped into Doctors office, but she said that she is going to put me under high-risk pregnancy. She said not to worry as it is for a precaution. Around week 7 of my pregnancy we came to know that there is no heartbeat and that it is a miscarriage. It was a very heartbreaking moment. Frankly, I did not know until then that there is a word called Miscarriage. That is when my research on miscarriage started. But after reading many articles I thought because it is the first pregnancy my body could not adjust to the new phase and I had my first D&C. But we did not lose hope.
We got pregnant again in the same year. But on 7th week of pregnancy Doctor said she does not see any heartbeat. Another miscarriage. Another D&C. So, she asked me to consult infertility specialist and the Infertility specialist ordered blood work and said everything looks good except one of the levels which was high but he said not to worry as I am getting pregnant naturally.
Then we moved from Connecticut to California. We thought the warm weather almost equivalent to Indian weather would suit my body for a successful pregnancy. But I had a miscarriage again. Nothing seemed to be working.
We had no idea what to do next. I felt that I should concentrate on my health. I am a healthy eater already. I thought it could be the work stress or the daily commute to work. So, I quit my job. Took a break and went for a vacation to India. In India, I was recommended to take Ayurveda medication which I took for few months. We were hopeful this time it would work.
Since I had 3 recurrent miscarriages, I was referred to consult an infertility specialist even in California. So, my infertility specialist did some tests. He said there is nothing wrong with my body and all the tests came normal.so he put me on Progesterone medication instead of IVF as I had no issues in getting pregnant naturally. I got pregnant again but when I was around 7 weeks, I had a miscarriage. Another D&C. It was disheartening and frustrating as we had high hopes this time.
Our doctor suggested us to go for IVF. I have done online research on IVF. But the daunting process is the needles. I should not be missing schedule as the needles should be injected at the same time every day. I had bruises but I thought all this pain would be fruitful. Finally it was the day of the transfer. With lots of prayers and hope we reached the facility. But unfortunately, we came to know that none of the Embryos survived so there cannot be a transfer. That is when I could not stop my tears. Our hearts shattered right at that moment. I did not even listen to what the nurse was saying after. It felt like nothing worked.
Instead of feeling disappointed and depressed, I felt it would be good to keep occupied with something. I got back to work for change of mind. But we never lost hope we just moved on. We kept ourselves busy.
Since it was almost a year, we wanted to have another IVF. Successfully there was a transfer. We were hoping and praying everything goes smooth with this transfer. But our pregnancy came Negative. Again, we were back to nothing.
In fall 2017, I was scheduled for a year-round check up with my OB-GYN. During the appointment, she went through my whole case and we told her our plan to go to India and consult IVF Specialists in India. She only said, “Nobody is getting younger, why are you delaying”. It hit us hard. I started doing my research on Indian IVF facilities. I spoke to 3 to 4 facilities and picked one which is Nova IVF. In a month, we went to India and we met Dr.Lakshmi Chirumamilla. We did IVF with her. After first transfer we got the pregnancy test Negative. It was another disappointment. In Early 2018, Dr. Lakshmi has transferred the last 2 embryos. This was our last hope as we were not up for any more IVF’s. The next big wait is my Pregnancy Test, and it came Positive. Our happiness was beyond words.
Finally, in fall 2018 my husband and I heard our Munchkin’s first cry. That moment erased all the pain and agony we went through.
THANK YOU!!!
Loving Husband — Throughout the ups and downs of this ride, you never left my side. Thank you for being with me in the toughest of times and making me comfortable and pulling me back on track. You are my rock partner. I LOVE YOU!
Loving Family — There is no bond stronger than family. Thank you for always supporting me. Without you, I could not get through the hard times. I LOVE YOU ALL!
Jayasri, ED’s and all my friends — Thank You for answering my calls and listening to my heart-breaking days and happy days. I LOVE YOU ALL!
