You Are Not Alone Testimony: Kate's Story

To help spread awareness of the prevalence of infertility and offer hope to those currently struggling, I interviewed women who overcame the odds and persevered through many challenges to start a family. These are their stories...

My name is Kate and I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome at 13 years old. Finding out that I would likely have trouble conceiving at such a young age affected my life in many ways. When I was finally ready to start a family at age 26, I knew it wouldn't come easy. For almost 6 years my husband and I tried to conceive on our own, due in part to insufficient or nonexistent health insurance. Then much to our relief, my husband landed a job with exceptional health insurance coverage and we immediately made an appointment at a fertility center.

After many tests I found out that I do not have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, I have Non-classic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia. I had been misdiagnosed and mistreated for 20 years! Both conditions present with similar symptoms, however the cause is totally different. Finding the root of the problem was a huge relief and we were excited to finally start treatment. We began with In Vitro Fertilization, bypassing other fertility treatments that were deemed unfitting for our prognosis. We had high quality embryos and our doctor was confident that we would succeed. I was so sure that I was pregnant the first round, but I was not, and it was devastating. So you move forward, because what other choice do you have?

Round 2 was unsuccessful as well. That's when the doubt starts to creep in. With no explanation for failure it was difficult to stay positive. I am very lucky to have a great support system of family and friends, but even their love wasn't enough to keep me sane. I found fertility yoga was a good way to de-stress and focus on myself, which I wasn't doing otherwise. Even if for just one night a week, I could let my mind go blank and focus on my body, breathing, and spiritual self. Meeting other women and hearing about their fertility journeys helped me not feel so alone as well.

Round 3 was a success! Leading up to that treatment we had three deaths in our family and I knew in my heart that they were making way for new life. We transferred two embryos two days before Thanksgiving and found out the week before Christmas that we are pregnant! After so many years of trying and months of nightly hormone injections, it is still very surreal. I am due August 13, 2015 with a baby girl, Cadence Joyce. Seeing her on the ultrasound screen and feeling her move inside me makes it all worth it! What is meant to be, will be and if it is not, write your own ending. The struggle is part of the story.