FCI Past Patient Guest Blog: Bill & Katie O’Connor

Former patient, Katie O’Connor, 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. Read on to experience her journey through her eyes.

My journey through infertility started with my husband, Bill, and I deciding we wanted to start our family, get off the pill, and ring in 2009 with a normal annual exam at my OBGYN. I learned I had a non-existent period which lead to going through preliminary testing, trying several rounds of hormonal meds to help "jump start" my period. With nothing working, I got referred to an infertility specialist, going through WAY more testing, getting diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), to even more rounds of hormonal meds, (more than I can count) blood works and ultrasounds, and again nothing working. 

Turning the corner in 2010, I finally I got my period started - after several failed IUI (the glamorous acronym for Intrauterine Insemination, previously known as Artificial Insemination) attempts, we had our first IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization) attempt. This time around included more meds (you name it I was probably on it), shots (in my stomach and my behind), tons of monitoring appointments (blood work and ultrasound), periods of stress, sadness, pain, and general "why me?". 

What NOT to Say to Someone Who is Dealing with Infertility

More than seven million Americans struggle with infertility. Perhaps you have a friend or family member who is still hoping and waiting for the child that has not yet come. Or maybe you’re one of those seven million, and wish your friends knew how to support you. 

Infertility brings its own brand of private grief. There are crushing disappointments and painful heartbreaks, along with invasive and expensive treatments. There is also hope – hope that this month will be different and the dream of parenthood will finally come true.  

The journey through infertility can be a long one, and emotional support is crucial along the way. Those who love you and are closest to you may not know what to do or say, and can unintentionally make it hurt even more.

Dr. Ariadna Cymet Lanski, a clinical psychologist who treats those with infertility at Fertility Centers of Illinois, offers these tips on what to avoid: 

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.

FCI Patient Events for Early 2014!

We are dedicated to providing the support you need, from renowned fertility experts & knowledgeable financial specialists to staff clinical psychologists & alternative health care professionals. All FCI Patient Education Programs are open to the community. You do not need to be a current FCI patient to attend. If you have any questions or comments please contact us at (877) 324-4483.

JANUARY:

• 1/22/14 | Webinar -- Optimizing Fertility and Egg Quality: The Role of Dietary Choices, Nutritional Supplements and Healthy Weight | 7-8:15PM | LEARN MORE

FEBRUARY:

• 2/3 | Egg Donation Is It Right For Me? - Chicago | 7-8:30PM | LEARN MORE
• 2/6 | Holistic Fertility Open House in Highland Park | 6-8PM | LEARN MORE
• 2/19 | Keeping It Spicy! Yoga Date Night Plus | 6-8PM | LEARN MORE
• 2/20 | Behind Closed Doors: The Day by Day Journey of an Embryo at FCI Chicago | 7-8:30PM | LEARN MORE
• 2/25 | Cracking the Door to Adoption - Glenview | 7-8:30PM | LEARN MORE

MARCH:

• 3/1 | Making Parenting Conceivable: A Gay Man’s Guide to Family Building - Chicago | 9:30 AM | LEARN MORE
• 3/20 | Holistic Fertility Open House in Highland Park | 6PM | LEARN MORE 
• 3/24 | Cracking the Door to Adoption - Chicago | 7-8:30PM | LEARN MORE

If you have any questions or comments please contact us at (877) 324-4483 or visit our Patient Events page here!

FCI Past Patient Guest Blog: Julie Pelc Adler & Family

Former patient, Julie Pelc Adler, 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. Read on to experience her journey through her eyes.


It was December 2011 and we were still months away from what would become the date of our son’s conception. My husband and I were frustrated with our unexplained infertility and the years of fruitless attempts to conceive a child. I was beginning to lose hope.

I glanced around the office of our new doctor, searching for an object upon which to fix my ever-shifting gaze. Then I saw the stuffed animal stork nestled on the doctor’s bookshelf.

“Really?” I asked him, rhetorically.
“Really.” He replied.

Past FCI Patient Guest Blog: Rachael Kobleske & Family

Former patient, Rachael Kobleske, 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. Read on to experience her journey through her eyes.

FCI Gave Me Hope - by Rachael Kobleske

Jon, Rachael, Sophia (left) & Chloe (right)

Seven years ago my husband and I decided we wanted to have children. Me being the naive person I was back then just thought that we would actually "try" to get pregnant now, instead of preventing it, and things would work out right away. After all, my mother told me over and over that unprotected sex leads to unexpected pregnancy! I had NO clue what sort of journey I was in for.

After a year of trying to conceive without success and then a miscarriage I started to worry that I would never get pregnant and kept wondering "What is wrong with me???".

Advice from Two Pros: How to Navigate the Holidays With An Infertility Diagnosis

Time-tested techniques and advice from two infertility counseling experts at Fertility Centers of Illinois

The holidays can be a difficult time for anyone. Our culture promotes an ideal of the perfect holiday season with unrealistic expectations, and when that experience inevitably falls short, it can lead to disappointment. For those coping with infertility, the joy of the holidays can seem even harder to attain.   

The holidays are focused on family, with children at the epicenter. Those who long for the child that has not yet come can feel isolated, sad, and discouraged.

"The holidays tend to remind those dealing with infertility that family building has not gone the way they imagined," says Dr. Ariadna Cymet Lanski, a clinical psychologist at Fertility Centers of Illinois. "Seeing your siblings and cousins with their children can remind you of what you don't have, and that's not easy."

Dr. Marie Davidson, who is also a clinical psychologist at Fertility Centers of Illinois, agrees. "For couples experiencing infertility, there can be deep sense of alienation from the spirit of celebration. As a result, you may not want to participate in the usual family rituals, and you may search for ways to protect yourself from the distresses of social comparison."

Yet the holidays and family gatherings can still be meaningful and enjoyable. Drs. Davidson and Cymet Lanski offer advice and techniques on how to navigate the emotions that surround the holidays.