Marisa & Gary
Infertility Diagnosis
- Unexplained infertility
Treatment(s)
- Gestational carrier
Location(s)
- Syracuse
Physician(s)
- Robert Kiltz
Marisa & Gary's Story:
At the age of 15 years old I received some of the most devastating news any female could hear. After many exams and tests I was told that I was born with MRKH a diagnosis that affects 1:5000 girls. Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a disorder that occurs in females and mainly affects the reproductive system by being underdeveloped or absent.
So at that vulnerable age I must now accept the fact I will never be a mom. Throughout the past 20 years I have tried to find ways to accept my future. Some days were easier than others.
I tried to find peace in myself when faced with family and friends who would become pregnant. I tried to find the good in me and realize I am more than a “baby machine” when boyfriends and/or their mothers thought less of me. I tried to find other ways to be needed which I feel shows in the care I give in my nursing career.
But after all is said and done I still had that aching in my heart. In the summer of 2017 I had my first consultation. I then proceeded to prepare for my egg retrieval and had the first transfer with a gestational carrier in January of 2018.
That transfer was a success but ended after 10 weeks. That moment looking at the ultrasound screen and not seeing a heart beat will forever be burned in my mind. That was one of the hardest moments of my life. When we were given the OK we proceeded with a second egg retrieval and transfer which was not a success.
At this time emotionally I didn’t think I could handle a third attempt. Family and friends had a large part in getting me to the moment that I was able to say yes to a third retrieval and transfer. I’m so happy they did because that third attempt resulted in the birth of my beautiful healthy baby boy on April 26th, 2019.
Favorite Team Member at CNY:
Truly everyone at CNYF were amazing. I fail to remember all the names and I’m so upset that I have.
Dr Kiltz
Dr Corley
Stephanie, RN
Allison, RN
Jessica , RN
Bridget, RN
Dee, RN
Sarah, RN
Maryanne
Helpful resources Marisa & Gary found:
The Spa was heavenly. The third egg retrieval I did acupuncture treatments.
Unique Moments:
My gestational carrier is not your average GC, she was my very own mother.
Hope, Inspiration and Advice:
All I can say is have hope. Hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
