I was diagnosed with PCOS. Now, I'm a mom of two!

Tell us about how you discovered you had PCOS. Your journey to parenthood after diagnosis. What gave you hope throughout the process?

I have been with my husband since we were 15 years old! We dated all through high school and college. In 2016 we got married and started our journey as Mr. and Mrs. About a year and a half into our marriage, we decided it was time to start a family. As the months passed and the tests were negative, I knew something was off. We went to our regular OBGYN, and they advised us to seek a fertility doctor since we had been trying for a year and only had negative results. We went to an IVF clinic and saw a doctor, who eventually diagnosed me with PCOS. He gave us a treatment plan which included medications and monitoring. But something still did not feel right. I did not feel at HOME. 

I am unsure if that makes sense, but after several months of working with this clinic and more negative results, I knew I needed to look elsewhere. 

We contacted IVF FLORIDA Reproductive Associates and scheduled an appointment with Dr. Daniel Christie. The SECOND my husband and I met him, we immediately KNEW he was the doctor we had been waiting to see. Dr. Christie immediately made me feel at HOME. He went through every single step of every process we had to endure. If we did not understand something, he would explain it until we did. 

We did medicated cycles, Several IUIs, and even with all of those cycles returning negative, Dr. Christie always had the most positive outlook on EVERYTHING, which would carry over and help our sadness of the failed cycles. Eventually, we decided IVF was going to be our option. Dr. Christie communicated and kept us informed every step of the way, and we froze 12 embryos. 

In 2019 we transferred my first embryo, which was successful, and on January 10, 2020, I gave birth to my first miracle baby boy Brandon. Then in 2021, we were ready to add a sibling and transferred a second embryo. On March 29, 2022, I gave birth to my second miracle baby boy Christoper. 

Had it not been for Dr. Christie and his attitude and overall love for what he does, I would not have been able to go through this process the way I did. I am forever grateful to Dr. Christie and his staff at IVF Florida. 

What were some highs and lows?

I would say a high would be when you see that positive test -- when you get that call, the call you've waited two weeks to receive. 

The lows are that the medication takes a toll on you. All the injections can be overwhelming and seem like they are never-ending, especially that progesterone! BUT ask for help! 

Did any IVF FLORIDA team members provide outstanding care or support?

The nurses at the transfer clinic in Margate are amazing! Everyone makes you feel safe, and they do all they can to make you comfortable. 

What advice or tips would you share with patients starting out on their fertility journey?

DO NOT GIVE UP! I know that seeing multiple negative tests can be the most horrific thing. And there are no words that can help but know that not giving up and pushing yourself to keep going is the only way I was able to do it. 

Also, talk to your loved ones. During all this, I would not have been able to do it without my husband. He is my best friend and my total rock during this whole process. He pushed me and encouraged me every single step of the way.