It's not easy to discuss infertility struggles, but with every voice that speaks, comfort and awareness is given. Anastasia Stacie Koutsidis-Exarhakos is a 's'hero! You've fought many battles but won the war. Thank you for sharing your story with us. We are honored.
"IF only I had met my husband earlier I wouldn't have so many issues getting pregnant. IF only I had quit smoking sooner I would have gotten pregnant sooner. IF only I had exercised more and ate better I would have gotten to experience motherhood sooner.
These are statements I make to myself all the time but, the reality is I cannot control what is already done. All I can do is change my path. I lost weight, starting eating gluten free, stopped smoking and prayed A LOT!
I began this last journey in September 2015 and started a 3 month treatment before beginning my prep cycle. In early December 2015 I began the prepping of my body for the transfer in January 2016. It seemed like a lifetime but, January finally came and I was ready ... AGAIN! As I laid on the table with my husband by my side all I thought is I hope this works but, I am sure it won't. I can't help it after 5 years of trying and multiple failed attempts I have no faith! But I never gave up, even when my husband wanted to, I said no. I prayed to statues, I tried stones, yoga, diet, exercise, Reihki, prayers, crying, laughing and so so much more! FINALLY the day is here, it is pregnancy test time ... Oh boy I know I feel different but, I am not sure what it means, OK let's go see what happens!
Well the first pregnancy test was a success my Beta came back at 75 not to wait the dreaded 2 days and go back again. Test 2 day is here, oh no my Beta numbers didn't double, well I knew this was a possibility so I am not going to say anything to my husband just yet. Come back in 2 more days I am told...Well pregnancy test 3 Beta came back at 152, still not doubling, OK i was prepared for the worst so I am ok with this possibility of this not sticking.
Pregnancy test #4 was 4 days later, the Beta came back at 489 which is great but it has been 4 days so who knows if that's really good or not. The doctor says let me see you in 2 weeks...OMG what am I going to do with myself for the next 2 weeks?????
I finally told my husband by handing him a bag of pregnancy tests that were dated everyday for the past month! Of course he was shocked, he figured because I didn't say anything it must not have worked. BUT IT DID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Off to the doctor's office 2 weeks later which would make us 6 weeks pregnant at this point, I hop up on the table that I had been on so many times before and looked at that dreaded ultrasound machine which was going to be my confirmation of success and as the probe entered me I froze, not knowing what to do except not move. I look at the doctor's face and see shock! IT IS THERE and there is a yolk and sac!!! WHATTTTTTT???????? Doc turns up the volume and my husband starts laughing as we hear the heartbeat for the first time! OK see you in 2 weeks, the doctor said to me. OH NO another 2 week wait!!!
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| Baby Koutsidis-Exarhakos |
The day finally arrived, I am now officially 8 weeks pregnant and once again I hop up on the table and really prepare for the worst as I have no pregnancy symptoms at all. There goes that probe I had become all too friendly with over the years and WHAT? It is still there? HOLY COW we may just have success with this IVF! I was graduating to a regular OB and left the RE's office not knowing what to say since I hadn't seen a GYN in years since beginning this journey.
Well fast forward to today and I am a healthy 14 Weeks and 4 days pregnant at 42 years old and due 3 days before my 43rd birthday! We finally made an announcement and began to tell everyone who would listen that we are expecting. I am still nervous but that's my mind playing tricks on me because for all the heartache and loss over the years I am still worried but officially I have nothing to be worried about!
So that's my journey of only the past few months and I will end by saying this .... IF ONLY I had not found Dr. Browne, I may not be writing this today!!!!!"
- Anastasia Stacie Koutsidis-Exarhakos
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