Not everyone’s fertility / infertility journey is the same. A lot of women struggle with fertility issues, see a specialist and accomplish their goals. For others, though, it’s a bit more complicated.
For 5 years, this was my life. My every day, every month, every thought, every dollar, life. I started with my OB/GYN whom I love. I love him and his NP. I’m comfortable, comforted, given enough time for questions and conversations. I’d recommend their practice time and time again. Unfortunately, my fertility journey brought me elsewhere because I needed the help of specialists.
I started with one in Lafayette. Things moved quickly, I got pregnant, and was discharged back to my OB. All was good until I miscarried. Here, I had the option to return to the specialist or explore other options. And explore, I did.
Staying with a local physician would have been the easiest option. But throughout my weeks of appointments, I never felt any compassion; poor bedside manor, if you will. I was simply the next patient in the room. I vividly remember a comment from the physician: “You’re pregnant. It’s not big deal.” BUT IT WAS. It was the biggest deal. So I moved on.
My next stop was to a specialist in Baton Rouge. She was excellent, but her expertise was limiting. She did find some underlying issues that were never tested or checked at my local specialists office, so at least we made some progress. But, on we go. Next stop, Fertility Institute of New Orleans. I was treated at both their NOLA and Baton Rouge office, depending on appointment needs.
Anyone who’s familiar with what fertility appointments entail knows how often you travel to these appointments. Some days I was driving to NOLA for a 15 lab check and back home again.
I never achieved pregnancy after my first miscarriage but what I did experience was a caring team of professionals that helped me every step of the way. The experience was phenomenal. Frustrating, but not because of the nurses and physicians; that shouldn’t be part of your fertility journey.
Explore your options. Your first stop doesn’t have to be your last. If you’re not comforted, met with compassion, then it might be time to move on. The fertility journey can be one of the most emotional and taxing journeys of your life. Having the right physician and team with you can make all the difference.
