day 6 - gonal-f 450 & support

First day of Gonal-F 450 and I can feel the side effects! I'm feel pretty nauseous, I have this lingering headache and my ovaries feel like they are exploding. Ha, just feels like bad ovulation cramps. Other than that I have not had any emotional melt downs or anything of that sort, which has surprised me. We aren't done yet though!

Where do I start with how much support we have received during this time? Ryan and I started a GoFundMe in February to start raising money for all of the costs associated with IVF. I think I cried when we got our first donation. We were absolutely overwhelmed with the amount of response to our campaign. People we haven't spoken with in years donated to our cause. I couldn't believe that so many people would help us out in a time of need. It's almost embarrassing to be in such a position to ask people for money, but we didn't really know what else to do, besides wait years to save the money ourselves. By then it's too late, because you're too old! Anyway, people sent us cards, well wishes and told us they were praying for us.

Our GoFundMe also opened up a whole new window for us. So many people reached out to me to tell me their own struggles. People around me were going through the same thing and I didn't even know. It made me wonder why so many people have issues getting pregnant. I've been hearing more and more about male infertility. Is it something in our packaged food or medications? Why do so many couples have issues? It's disheartening to think of so many people feeling so sad like I once was/am.

The relationships I've built along the way have been amazing. Someone I went to school with reached out to me and is going through the exact same thing. It's been amazing to have her there and chat with from time to time and check in on each other. We've shared our woes and our growing faith in God. I think of how she is doing all the time and can't wait for the day that we can get together with our own little ones. Several others from high school, college and on have shared stories from trying and conceiving to IUI to IVF. There are many avenues to take and your doctor will know the best one. Trust them.

Believe it our not, Instagram has been a huge help as well. I feel like I have my own little Insta Fertility Fam going on! There are lots of individuals sharing their stories and groups to follow as well. I have built social friendships with those that are on the same Gonal cycle and followed those who have became pregnant. I follow one group How To Buy A Baby who is just hilarious. They make the topic of infertility a lighter subject and I can laugh as well as cry when I read posts. There are a lot of inside jokes I feel like when it comes to infertility and they get that. They are awesome, give them a follow!

All in all, it's been amazing having everyone around us be so supportive. It's made me realize how many people go through this exact thing and I want to help. I would love to work with a non-profit here or start one of my own. I would really love to start some sort of scholarship for the costs as well. There are some options like that out there, but there was always some sort of catch to them. There is nothing like that here in Nebraska though, or that I know of (now I'll find out about them, now that we are almost done). :P If you are feeling lonely, reach out for help! Go on Instagram, look for support groups in your area, share your story! I bet you will be amazed how many of your own friends are going through the same thing. Maybe if we all ban together, we can get insurance to pay for IUI/IVF! Yay! Doubtful, but we can dream right?

Thanks for reading all! Stay tuned! xoxo