My name is Grace, and my story is one of persistence, unexpected turns, and ultimately, a joy that seemed almost elusive. After 12 months of trying, experiencing 9 anovulatory cycles, and undergoing treatments with Clomid and Femara, my husband, Mike, and I faced each new cycle with a blend of hope and guardedness.
Our journey wasn’t easy. Each month came with its own set of challenges, and the repeated disappointments began to weigh heavily on us. With an appointment scheduled with a reproductive endocrinologist (RE) in August, we decided to take what we called our “month off.” It was a brief respite from the intense focus on fertility treatments.
During this month, I continued my routine of tracking basal body temperature (BBT) and using ovulation prediction kits (OPKs). It was more out of habit than expectation. Mike and I managed to find time for intimacy (BD), despite our conflicting schedules. We weren’t actively trying as hard, but we weren’t not trying either.
Then, something unexpected happened. On June 25th, I ovulated naturally for the first time in years, without the help of medication. It was a small but significant milestone. However, a subsequent progesterone test showed a low level, dimming my hopes of a successful cycle.
Despite this, early July brought unusual symptoms: strange pains in my uterus, constant fatigue, and other signs that were hard to ignore. Then came the faintest positive on a pregnancy test, followed by another faint positive the next day. By July 10th, a digital test confirmed it – I was pregnant.
This surprise pregnancy, in our so-called “month off,” taught me the unexpected nature of fertility. It showed me that sometimes, when you loosen your grip on the reins of control, life can unfold in the most surprising ways.
To every woman walking this path of uncertainty, remember, your story is uniquely yours. It may have its share of trials, but it’s also filled with hope and potential. As I prepare for the arrival of our little miracle, I am reminded of the incredible journey that led us here, a journey of resilience, hope, and the power of letting go.