Getting to know this small town girl

Before I get into the real reason behind my blogging, I figured you may want some back round information. My name is Hollie Jones. Im a few days shy of being 26, raised in Columbus Ohio. First you should know I am not a writer. Everything you see will be spelled wrong, missing commas, and more run on sentenses than you could imagine.

Im an EFDA (thank you Ohio State dental school) and work in an amazing pediatric dental office. Most people have no clue what an EFDA is, its easiest described as a tooth nurse. I love what I do. I married my husband, Nick, September of 2013. We live on a lake in a small town just east of Columbus. Truly I enjoy nothing more than the joys that a simple life brings. Most people ( everyone) described me as very bubbly and always smiling.

Blogging is something that I know nothing about. Recentley I shared something personal and the amount of love and support I recieved was amazing. So with a lot of encouragement I am responding to peoples request. Im going to share our story.

From the time I was a little girl and people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer was a dancer or a mommy. At 24 I realized I had made most of my dreams a reality. I had an amazing job, supportive husband, and two amazing fur babies. The one thing missing that both of us wanted was a baby. After over coming some medical things with my cervixs we were ready to try.

Everyone says that trying is the best part, Clearly they havent been trying for 2 years. The first year was great, we didn't think much of it. We really enjoy our “nick and Hollie time” when we get it. My OBGYN didnt see any problems with that we were trying for a year with no succsess. He said that it was “normal.” Little did he know.. we were getting ready to find out that I was far from normal. In the midst of testing it seemed like everyone was announcing they were pregnant, or complaining they were pregnant. None of which helps with your anxiety when you have been trying for a long time.

First my OBGYN said that nick had a low sperm count. we were devastated but at least had an answer. I had no clue where to start with a fertility doctor. Thankfully I have had an angel to hold my hand through this process( shout out to Amanda Durbin). Our first visit with Dr Jain was great, but it took a surprising turn very quickly. What we thought was a low sperm count, The dr felt was great. Instantly I felt sick, what could be the problem?! There had to be one right? Dr Jain did feel something wasnt right because with our age and health it should only have taken 8 months at the most to concieve. We are now 18 months into trying for a baby by the time we had our first consult. Thats when the blood work and ultra sounds started. Did I mention insurance doesn't cover any infertility treatment. (remind me to high five whoever thought that was a good idea… Right in the face)

To make this long story short, Once all of our results came in I was diagnosised with diminishing ovarian reserve. Which is more heard of in mid to late 30’s not 25. I went from being “normal” to one of the most rare cases that my reproductive doctor had seen. Hormone medication with timed intercourse was no longer an option for us. Both Nick and I decided at that moment we were willing to do anything to make our dreams of having a family a reality.

Our diagnosis was given in October of 2015. This is where all of the treatment, tears, mixed emotions, and heart of the story begins. This gives all you that are interested a little summary.

My goal with this blog is to help educate all of you who know nothing about infertility or inspire others going through the same emotional roller coaster to be brave, and know they are not alone. Infertility is like a cancer. It doesnt pick and choose its victims and there is no reason behind why you are one of the lucky ones who gets to experience it. It sucks the life out of you. Maybe after reading this you will start to think before asking people “when are you going to have a baby” or not mention the words “just relax” or my personal favorite “you can always adopt.”

We have now had 3 failed IUI’s and today completed our 4th. We have high hopes it will be successful! If not, We are ready to embrace IVF (after a few months of rest with as many palm trees and umbrella drinks as possible of coarse) I hope as I share our story you dont take offense to some of my comments but try to understand what so many people around you are going through and how much of a struggle this is.

with love from a girl who dreams to be a mommy