Hi everyone!
I never thought I would be posting here! I used to read these stories for inspiration. I hope that this can also serve to help someone else on their TTC journey.
I was TTC for over 4 years and I just got my first ever BFP this week!
My story: After 2 years of TTC we decided to see a specialist. It turned out I had high prolactin levels caused by a benign pituitary tumor (microadenoma). After I had an MRI, they gave me Dostinex which worked effectively and lowered my prolactin levels. I figured once they levels were low I would get pregnant. I was wrong. Another year went by and nothing. We decided to see a gynecologist who did tier 1 infertility treatments and I took Clomid (that made me crazy!). Clomid also did not work for me. It was at that point we decided to see a Reproductive Endocrynologist (we had to fly to another city since there is none where I live). The RE diagnosed me with Diminished Ovarian Reserce (DOR), and said my left ovary was not functioning properly (possibly POR). Basically, my left ovary was asleep. After I did my first IVF cycle and two transfers, they both failed. After that, they did a hysterpscopy and discovered I had a small, yet significant uterine septum that they surgically cut out. They also gave me an endometrial scratch. I was pretty positive my next IVF attempt would be successful. On my 2nd cycle of IVF (3rd transfer) they did assisted hatching as well. I had 3 high-quality day 5 embryo's (which is a LOT for someone with DOR), however that cycle also failed.
I was very sad following all these years of failures when the doctor told me that I needed a donor egg due to poor egg quality. I was obviously heartbroken with this news, but I eventually accepted the idea, and became excited about it. I actually decided I would try this. Before getting into the egg donation process, I read the book "It Starts with an Egg" and followed some of the book's advice by taking 600 mg coq10/day, vitamin e, folic acid, prenatals, and exercising regularly. I also ate a lot of eggs, meat, veggies, and cheese. I figured I could test my luck naturally before using an egg donor.
To my surprise, this worked! Two months after my final failed IVF cycle, I got a NATURAL bfp with my OWN eggs!! I am still in shock! The week before my BFP, I had signed up for the egg donor process, too! I literally had given up on my own eggs.
I also had light brown spotting for WEEKS before getting my BFP. I thought my period was just taking forever to arrive.
I know that everyone is different and that infertility is a huge struggle. I hope that this story can bring some people hope :)
Best of luck! <3