Ashley McKenzie & N/A

Ashley McKenzie & N/A's Story:

I had been trying to conceive for over 8 years. I first was told I couldn't conceive due to cysts on my ovaries, so I had surgery to correct that. After waiting a year, I was told it was because I was overweight, so I lost a little over 100 lbs. Still was not getting pregnant. And then no Dr was able to really tell me why, you have PCOS, you have low egg reserve etc... the "reasons" just never seemed to stop. I decided to start the process of fertility treatment with my boyfriend at the time, we tried timed intercourse for months with medical monitoring and medication. We did this for almost a year. I then moved to IUI, I tried 4 times, they all failed. My relationships ended and I was devastated. The only thing I have ever known, I wanted to be in my life was a mom. So even though I was newly single, I refused to give up on my dream and started looking into IVF. I could not believe the price tag of IVF, my dr had given me her "best price" of a $35,000 package, which I would have had to pay upfront and fully out of pocket! I was once again devastated! I started to think maybe this wasn't meant to be, as I could never afford that! After googling for days, I came across an article about a man, Dr. Robert Kiltz. So I googled him and found CNY. I called and was given an initial appointment and after months of waiting, I traveled to Atlanta for my initial consult. A few weeks later I drove all the way from South Florida to Albany to start my IVF journey. After about 2 weeks of treatment, I had my first egg retrieval, the phone call came and they were only able to abstract one egg. I was so disappointed but it fertilized. I decided to move forward and do a fresh transfer. Monday came the day of my transfer, I woke up early and went for acupuncture and then for my transfer, everyone who asked me why I was there today, I just replied, "I'm getting pregnant today!" and smiled. And that is exactly what I did. 9 months later I had my son, my lucky, little egg!

Favorite Team Member at CNY:

Mary was the nurse I saw most often in Albany and she was AWESOME! So kind and comforting during this very emotional process. Although everyone was very nice and supportive! Dr. Grossman was also excellent, very professional, encouraging and informative!

Helpful resources Ashley McKenzie & N/A found:

I started acupuncture about 6 months prior to doing IVF. Once I found CNY and Dr. Kiltz it was one of the things he recommended. I also started getting reflexology massages which I did once a week a few months prior to starting IVF. During my hormone injections and monitoring for IVF, I did acupuncture twice a week and a massage every 3 days. I did acupuncture the day of my transfer as well, and 4 days after my transfer. I also started medication and just taking more "me" time. I think all of this helped at it just relaxed me overall and allowed me to put all of my energy into myself and my goal.

Unique Moments:

The IUI was the hardest part for me, the hormone pills given to me by my other dr were horrible. I would have days where I would just cry and be so sad. The process was also very uncomfortable. I didn't have any of those issues through my process of IVF with CNY.

Choosing a sperm donor was also a HUGE thing. It is very nerve-wracking to look at these online profiles and pick the father of your child. It's very odd and stressful. However, I am so happy I did it. I have been able to connect with other families that used my donor and we have a group of really awesome moms and super cute kids!

I was and am on this journey of fertility and motherhood all by myself. I never thought I would be a single mom by choice but here I am and I love every moment of it.

Hope, Inspiration and Advice:

The process of IVF isn't that bad. I thought it was going to be much worse. Don't give up. Own your process and BELEIVE that it is going to happen for you. I had several doctors tell me to look into adoption and stop trying, but I knew that wasn't right. Everyone is different, so just follow your intuition and gut. If you want to do something do it, if something doesn't feel right, don't do it.