EF#46: “Navigating Endometriosis and Infertility – A Journey Across Borders”

In this deeply personal episode, I share the rollercoaster of experiences my family and I have been through over the past couple of years. From our move to Oman to our ongoing fertility journey, this episode is all about resilience, adaptability, and maintaining hope in the face of challenges. There was so much I didn’t go into, which will come out over the season as I deep dive into certain topics I know you will benefit from me sharing. This episode offers valuable insights and lessons learnt for anyone dealing with fertility challenges with endometriosis.

In my last personal story episode (Episode 44, May 2022), I shared about our journey from my post-partum recovery to trying to conceive our second child. I discussed nutritional care, testing, and various treatments. In this episode, I have given an overview of the last two years, including our fertility journey, moving countries, and going through IVF and surgery.

Navigating Life’s Unexpected Turns: Our Journey Through Relocation, Fertility Struggles, and Hope

In this deeply personal episode, I share the rollercoaster of experiences my family and I have been through over the past couple of years. From our move to Oman to our ongoing fertility journey, this episode is all about resilience, adaptability, and maintaining hope in the face of challenges.

The Big Move: Embracing Change in Oman

Summer 2022 marked a significant milestone for us as we packed our bags and moved to Oman for our next military posting for a couple of years. This transition brought a mix of excitement and more than its usual challenges:

– Normal house-moves are one thing but adapting to a new country, school for the first time, new routines, new climate, and culture took some time to get used to.
– Juggling work became more complex with reduced childcare hours and time zone issues with my main clients.
– Unexpected issues, from drowning a car in a puddle, more car problems, and more, mental health concerns to dealing with severe mould in our new home – this all tested our patience, sanity, fertility, son’s health and our mental health.

The key takeaway from this experience? During times of change, it’s crucial to be kind to yourself. It really was “take one step at a time and remember that adaptability is your greatest asset“. This lesson applies not just to big life changes, but also to managing endometriosis symptoms and navigating the fertility journey.

Our Ongoing Fertility Journey

Despite our hopes and efforts, pregnancy still didn’t happen. By Christmas, we started seriously considering IVF. We chose a clinic and began the process, but very shockingly our first attempt resulted in no eggs being collected – a devastating setback that led us to consider donor egg IVF.

Health Concerns and Trusting Your Instincts

Throughout this time, we continued to battle mould problems in our home and also worried for Pete’s father who was very sick. This caused significant stress, especially concerning our son’s lung health. Eventually, we came to the decision we had no option but to move to a different house, which the military were incredibly supportive over and brought immense relief.

This experience reinforced an important lesson I too often forget: “trust your instincts and intuition“. When you know something isn’t right, don’t give up advocating for yourself and your family’s health.

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Donor Egg IVF

Our journey led us to pursue donor egg IVF in Greece, a process that came with its own set of challenges and emotional ups and downs. We went through multiple transfers, each bringing a mixture of hope and disappointment. I’ll be diving deeper into this experience in future episodes, sharing my mental and physical preparation, the wins and worries of this path.

Where We Are Now

After many unsuccessful attempts, and a decision to have laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis in the UK in the summer, we are currently taking a step back from fertility treatments. We’re focusing on living life to the fullest and enjoying our time with our son. While we’re taking a break from active treatments, we remain open to the possibility of a natural miracle.

Looking Ahead: Sharing Lessons Learned

This journey has taught me so much, and I feel compelled to share these lessons with others who might be on similar paths. Ion this episode I shared 10 key lessons I have learnt, and I know there are so many more that will come out in future episodes. These are:

1. Embracing change during your fertility journey
2. Maintaining positivity while dealing with infertility
3. Prioritising self-care and stress management
4. Trusting your instincts about your body and health
5. Importance of nutrition in fertility and endometriosis management
6. Building a support network while dealing with infertility
7. Acknowledging the emotional aspects of the TTC journey
8. Preparing for setbacks in fertility treatments
9. Seeking professional guidance for fertility issues
10. The value of persistence in facing fertility challenges

What’s Coming Up

I’m excited to announce that I’m setting up an affordable monthly membership program “The Endo Fertility Mastery Membership“. This initiative aims to help women transform their health, manage endometriosis symptoms, and optimize their fertility at an AFFORDABLE cost, as not everyone can afford to do 1:1 coaching programmes alongside costly fertility treatments..

Also in future episodes, I’ll be delving deeper into topics like:

• The ins and outs of donor IVF
• How to choose an overseas clinic
• Preparing for and recovering from fertility-related surgeries

Plus, I have some fantastic interviews lined up that I can’t wait to share with you all.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Remember, no matter what challenges you’re facing, you’re not alone.

Mentioned resources

• Endo Fertility Podcast Goodie Bag 📦  each week check this out for new goodie’s from Lizzie and her guests.

Relevant podcast / blogs:

• EF#44: My Post-Partum TTC Journey So Far

How to work with me:

• One off 1:1 coaching sessions e.g. blood test reviews and fertility strategy sessions

• Personalised 1:1 Endo Fertility coaching programs

• Book your free 30 minutes 1:1 coaching session >>HERE<<

• Upcoming affordable monthly Endo Fertility Mastery Coaching Membership [wait list open soon – be sure to join my mailing list not to miss the launch].

Further Endo Fertility resources:

This episode is sponsored by the Ultimate Endo Fertility Library – sign up HERE to get yourself on the mailing list and started with a Quick Start Endo Fertility E-book, a symptom tracker, delicious recipes, workbooks, guided meditations, and other helpful resources.

• If you have a question or feedback for the podcast – you can leave me a 90 second voice note >>HERE<< I can also leave a short voice note reply to you!

• Follow me on Instagram and Facebook

• Join my Endo Fertility community – find us in the FREE Thrive and Conceive with Endometriosis Facebook Group.

Make sure you hit SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on any future episodes – which will be out weekly on Wednesdays – ready to download for your commute! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a rating and a review? Thanks! 

If you want to be on the podcast or have feedback please email: info@endofertilityspecialist.com

This podcast is for educational purposes only. As I do not know your personal circumstances, none of my podcast episodes, blogs, guidance in the Facebook group or any other materials available to you where I have not taken you on as a one to one client shall be construed as medical advice and I shall have no liability to you in any circumstances should you choose to rely on any of the materials I publish.