From IVF to Family: A Vitalab Patient Success Story
Fertility journeys are rarely straightforward. For this family, the road included years of trying to conceive, an ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, IVF treatment during a global pandemic, and moments when hope felt difficult to hold onto. Today, they share their story to encourage others who may still be navigating infertility and to remind them that they do not have to face it alone.
It was worth Every.Single.Step
September 2020… and again April 2023 (with faith and luck… and some clever medical teams, hopful for 2027)
Almost 6 years ago, we started our IVF Journey officially. Not because anything is physically wrong with either of us- we did the tests. Perhaps a bit of impatience, the universe, God, I will put all my money on “stress” really impacting more than you think – perhaps a whole combination of things but this is what I know;
Fertility treatment can be grueling & all-consuming. It is both a physical & mental challenge. There we were smack bang in the middle of a “world pandemic”, knees deep in stress of life & seeking out plans to emigrate but “if not now, then when?” Today becomes tomorrow, becomes next week & then next month- before you know it, it’s 7 years later of trying, added to that an ectopic pregnancy and a miscarriage.
This journey had almost perfected our ability to be a solid support system & pushed us to ends that no couple should ever want to go to and it has given us a new found appreciation for all that we have to be thankful for. Trust me, I prayed harder than I’ve ever prayed!
For those who are in similar shoes, my advice is to make sure that you are well-researched & prepared for the financial, mental, & physical burden of such a journey on yourself & your relationship. Be ready for a change of plans, & then more changes- as sometimes things come up unexpectedly & you have to be flexible to make a new plan, to pivot, while trying to not be emotional in the most emotional roller-coaster of your life! You’re going to get left-hooked to the floor & when you find the strength to stand i can assure you this will find a way to upper cut you when you think it’s going to be ok. You have to be willing to appologise to doctors when you lambaste them for news you aren’t ready to hear, and come to your knees when you near crucify the support staff when you reach the point of oblivion & explode (trust me, it happens), you’re basically pulling at what little “smile & wave” strings you have left, (oh yes, then throw in all the fun and wild injectables too).
I know some have had it harder than us- yes, even more so than an ectopic pregnancy and a miscarriage and failed IVF. But what I know for sure, It’s worth every single step, to get to where you are going (even for only 2 viable embryos, and ONE that actually takes). It’s given me a new found realization for my grit & our determination!
Fast forward a year, we didnt give 1 second thought to “maybe we should try naturally” and we started this journey all over again, from start. Thinking you’re more prepared this time. You won’t be! But what gives you more ease is knowing that this Vitalab family, from reception, to finance, to nurses, and the doctors… are all in this with you! And that is what makes it easier. Still baited-breath everytime in hopes for ONE viable embryo, still near passing out trying to remember to breath to hear that first heartbeat, and then every one after that. Its not easier! Its a sense of calm that irrespective of the outcome, there is a plan. Sister Anne, Sister Vellie, Dr G – all keeping my crazy brain sane even at 2am – its sanity money cannot buy.
Our second round of IVF, resulted in more viable embryos (not usual), but how cool! Some aren’t so lucky! We are blessed and ever-indebted with gratitude to Vitalab. There’s a sense of calm in the storm, wuth wonderful people around you, the best in the biz! Hopeful families, single people, just dads, people from all over the world, reminding you, that you aren’t in this alone!
They gave us hope, sometimes news we didnt want, sometimes life changing hope! All in the name of helping people become families!
Its not fun! Its not for the weak! Its for everyone on this journey to know what you’re getting in to. Its TOUGH, but you WERE built for this!
Be kind to yourself. Keep hoping, keep holding on.
You’ve got this. 💜 It truly takes a village! You aren’t in this alone!
