FCI Past Patient Guest Blog: Karin Podolski

Former patient, Karin Podolski, wrote in her own words about her journey to motherhood with Fertility Centers of Illinois. She wanted to share her experiences so that they could help anyone who might be going through the same struggles, pain and worry - especially those going through single motherhood. Read on to experience her journey through her eyes.

The story of my journey begins a little over 10 years ago. It was then I had a dream – the same one that brings all patients to Fertility Centers of Illinois – the ultimate dream of starting a family. However, my story is a likely a little bit different than most…When I made that appointment, I had decided to take the plunge into single motherhood. It may sound cliché, but I always knew I wanted to be a mother – even as a small child I gravitated to playing a nurturing, motherly role.

As the ripe age of 30 loomed ahead, I knew the time was right.

From the first moment I walked in the door, I knew I would have a compassionate partner in every step of the rocky road that lay ahead. Dr. Jacobs was warm and welcoming, and the staff was excited to help turn my dream into a reality. I left with a cryobank catalog, prescriptions and a step-by-step guide on how to track my ovulation.

Once I selected the donor of my dreams (imagine the ability to shop for the perfect man), the real fun began. The staff at FCI literally and figuratively held my hand every step of the way. A typical course of treatment involving IUI includes numerous office visits and phone calls. The most surprising element of this to me was that life does not stop while a mom-to-be is going through this. On one particular morning I had an appointment, and I had the unfortunate luck to have to make the difficult decision to put my very sick pup down. I showed up at the office visibly distraught. The ultrasound technician showed an overwhelming amount of empathy for me – she gave me a few moments alone to gather my thoughts and held my hand as I shared stories of how special my dog Rusty was to me.

When it was time to perform my third IUI – the one that resulted in the best news ever, it pretty much went down the same way the rest of my life runs – with hitch after hitch:

• The ovulation test came up positive on Good Friday  - of course several days early and right before a holiday weekend
• The precious cargo hadn’t arrived yet from California, so I spent a panicked Saturday morning in constant contact with both FedEx and the staff at the Glenview office. Note: the FCI staff was very compassionate and helpful. The FedEx staff, not so much.
• A flat tire on I-90 caused me to be late for the first insemination. Thankfully, the staff patiently waited for me (remember, this WAS a holiday weekend)!
• My phone started ringing and ringing during the procedure. I’ll never forget the technician laughing and saying “Stop calling. This girl is busy getting pregnant over here!” I still snicker when I remember her lightening up the mood.

Of course, my favorite memory of all was that special day when I had the ultrasound where I could first hear Schuyler’s heart beating. Wow, just when I thought my journey was over – it had just begun!

Thank you FCI, for helping to make my dreams come true. I often say that my life began on that wonderful December morning when my daughter was born and I am forever grateful for your open policy to connect single women with the resources to become parents!

If you or anyone you know would like to share your Fertility Centers of Illinois journey on our blog, please email fertilitycentersofil@gmail.com to get started.