A small miracle shows conceiving after an infertility diagnosis is possible
For some, having a baby is a quick and easy journey. For others, it’s a long, winding road. If you are on a fertility journey, or if you know someone who is, Toi and Anthony’s story may offer solace and wisdom for those dealing with an infertility diagnosis.
When Anthony and Toi got married in 2010, they knew they wanted babies one day, just like many other couples. After a few years, they finally decided to start trying, but two years went by and nothing happened.
“I made a doctor appointment, and he said everything was fine before he put me on Clomid,” Toi recalls. “I did two rounds, but it didn’t work. I went back, and he said give it some time before we try something different. Still nothing. I went to another doctor, and he said nothing is wrong, so give it some time. Well, I’m hopeless at that point.”
The winding road to parenthood took many turns for Toi and Anthony
At that time, Toi and Anthony visited another doctor, who diagnosed her with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Toi explained it ended up helping them move towards an accurate infertility diagnosis. “He put me on birth control to help with my cycles and the PCOS. We faced another year…going on three to four years of trying.”
Eventually, Toi’s obgyn identified a large cyst during a routine checkup. He removed the mass, and he also discovered endometriosis, removing as much as he could. After sending her to another specialist who determined that Toi only had one fallopian tube and a unicornuate uterus, she began to lose faith. “He suggested that I get a surrogate mother, so I became so bitter and angry. I was also becoming weak and hopeless.”
Dr. Vandermolen offers light at the end of the tunnel
Toi’s infertility diagnosis left the couple frustrated, so Toi’s obgyn sent them to another physician, David T. Vandermolen MD. “He looked over our chart and looked at us like we weren’t one of the thousands of patients he sees,” Toi explains. “I will never forget his exact words to me that day, ‘Your diagnosis is not that different from many others.’ That gave me hope.”
Initially, Dr. Vandermolen recommended COH/IUI, but after that failed, IVF became the best option. With IVF, or in vitro fertilization, the sperm and egg are fertilized in the lab and the embryo is transferred to the female partner’s womb. Toi and Anthony had to save money so that they could financially take the next step.
“In April of last year, we started our journey. In May, we started the shots. I knew it was God because everything fell right into place. Each woman’s journey to become a mother will be as unique and individual as she is,” Toi shares. “I believe the journey of motherhood starts the minute you even think about conceiving. Some people will have a short path between that thought and having a baby, while others will have a longer path. With IVF we conceived and welcomed our first child.”
One couple’s story provides encouragement to others
Now that Toi has achieved her dreams, she wants others to know that they can too.
“The more wholeheartedly one can embrace this unique journey, the better. Even your suffering along the way is unique to you. Your tears, your anxiety, your excitement are unlike anyone else’s,” Toi says. “Today, I hold my precious miracle, and we have another one on the way, thanks to Dr. Vandermolen. It wasn’t easy, but I don’t regret my journey to get here.”
Call our office to schedule an appointment with our Northern Louisiana fertility doctor to discuss how to receive an infertility diagnosis and begin the appropriate treatment.