At age 22, another gynecologist told me that it would be difficult for me to conceive. I was single and I was too young to think about my future maternal life. The pains and fainting harassed me every month, with hormonal treatments or without them. I no longer found analgesics to help me. I got used to them. In 2005, at age 23, I met Carl, who later became my husband. At the end of 2006 we decided to stop planning and extend our love.

A year later, we had not achieved a pregnancy. We visited a gynecologist and, after several studies, she told me that I had large cysts in my ovaries, and that it would be better if they treated me at the Carit Women’s Hospital. Once there, I was diagnosed with severe endometriosis and polycystic ovaries. They recommended an exploratory laparotomy. When I woke up from surgery, I was informed that both ovaries had been removed and that, due to abdominal adhesions, my uterus had not been removed. This was in the year 2009, I was just 27 years old and my maternal life had already died.

A month later, in the same hospital, they told me that they had not completely removed the right ovary. My hopes returned. However, I was informed that I could never have children. I died again as a mother. I stopped attending check-ups at this medical center. There was no reason in visiting a place where I had been left without options. My marriage was on the fence and there was no money to seek other medical alternatives.

In 2013 or 2014, I had some bleeding that lasted for 3 or 4 weeks. We then looked for a gynecologist to see what the problem was. I do not remember what she said, but she explained that it was very unlikely that she would become pregnant naturally, but that she could try some fertility treatment. A window of hope returned to our marriage. However, we still had no money. In September 2015, I searched for fertility centers on the Internet.

A week later we were seated at at Centro Fecundar, answering questionnaires. Then, genetic tests, ultrasound, salpingography, hysteroscopy … everything gave us a green light to continue with hope. Dr. Perez Young warned us that it would not be easy, but that we could try in vitro fertilization. My case was complicated by severe endometriosis, thrombophilia, the fact that I was 34 years old, a single ovary, a decreased ovarian reserve, frozen pelvis and a high FSH. In April 2016, we went to Panama for an IVF. There was no pregnancy. The doctor blamed the failure on the low quality of my eggs.

In December 2016, we tried again. The doctor did not have much faith in the quality of my eggs, despite having increased the value of the antimulleriana hormone. I insisted on trying again with my limited reserve. We finally got pregnant. Everything went smoothly, until the doctor told us: “There is no more heart rate.” Our baby girl ceased to exist in February 2017. She was only 6 weeks old.

Our world collapsed. There has been no greater pain in our lives than this baby loss. My body had rejected my baby. In addition to the complications I mentioned, we found out that I had autoimmunity problems: my body reacted negatively to my husband’s cells and had anti-thyroid antibodies, which had produced Hashimoto’s disease. Depression, fear and uncertainty took control of our lives. To think of another attempt was unimaginable. Our emotions were raw. Exposing ourselves to another loss was inconceivable.

My body was suffering and self-destructed. Autoimmune diseases prevented a pregnancy from all possible angles. I searched for information. I read books. I investigated. I had to treat my body and find the causes of my ailments. First, more vitamins and supplements, better nutrition. The ketogenic lifestyle came into play. My life changed. My health returned. My days took color, faith and hope were again with me. With us. In November 2017, we visited the Fecundar Center again.

We made the next attempt and the pregnancy test was positive. My body was at peace. My pregnancy, although with risks, progressed with no problems. Of course, the trauma of hearing again a “no heart rhythm” never left us. Our baby was born on September 10, 2018. That day I was able to breathe again. Isaac was finally with us, alive and real.

Severe endometriosis, thrombophilia, the fact I was 34 years old, having a single ovary, a reduced ovarian reserve, a high FSH, low progesterone, autoimmune diseases, frozen pelvis … my body was determined not to be a mother ever. It was not easy. There were moments of despair, of uncertainty, and hysteria. 12 years of waiting, of anger, of frustration before a society that made us feel marginalized and told us to adopt or accept our destiny, that it was God´s will that we were not parents, that IVF was not God´s will, that it was sin…

Despite everything that prevented pregnancy, courage sustained Carl and I. Nothing stopped us from following our dream, not even the premature death of Nora, as we thought we would call her. We drew strength from where there was no more and helped each other; we did not wait for the miracle to fall from heaven. We fought for it, we cried it, we suffered it … at the end everything was worth it. God blessed our lives with Isaac. Our son has filled our home with joy, great emotion and illusion. Everything is possible. Do not lose sight of the goal. Thank you, doctor, for being patient with us and for not leaving our case aside.