The Ontario Fertility Program – Jacquie’s Story #IVF4ON

Paula — Mon, 05 Dec 2016 14:02:07 +0000

This month marks the first anniversary of The Ontario Fertility Program. The highly anticipated program has increased access to fertility treatment for many in Ontario who previously couldn’t afford the cost of assisted reproductive therapy. The Ontario Fertility Program has helped about 5,000 patients. It has given hope to many infertility patients, closure to some, and it has made family a reality for thousands like Jacquie. More than 50 clinics in the province offer the Ontario Fertility Program for patients who qualify. You must have a valid Ontario health card and be under 43 to access the program. Patients who qualify are eligible for one IVF cycle per lifetime. The Ontario Fertility Program has made all the difference in the world to many infertility patients like Jacquie. Jacquie asked to remain anonymous because culturally, she said, it’s still not acceptable to share infertility experience. “No one in my family or friends circle know that we suffered with infertility. My background is Indian, and most people don’t talk about their fertility struggles.” The Ontario Fertility Program launched in December 2015. Jacquie was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism, and Poly-cystic Ovary Syndrome, (PCOS) a condition where the ovaries sometimes produce many cysts and irregular periods are common. It is the most common endocrine disorder for women in their reproductive years. Jacquie is a medical secretary. Her husband works in the service industry. Both work full time and they only recently managed to save money to buy a condominium in the Toronto area. Although both work full time they were not anticipating the cost of paying for IVF when they took out a mortgage. Borrowing more money to do treatment was not an option. Dr. Marjorie Dixon, a well known Toronto fertility doctor at ANOVA Fertility, recognized that they were a couple who qualified for the Ontario Fertility program. Jacquie’s experience with the Ontario Fertility Program has been a good one. “All the doctors, and nurses were super helpful and always were willing to help and answer questions.” [tweetthis]Jacquie waited only about three months to start the Ontario Fertility Program #IVF4ON [/tweetthis] The soon-to-be Mom says she is currently feeling great. The start of the pregnancy was rocky with hyperemesis gravidarum. She had to take 2 months off work because of the amount of vomiting and nausea she had. It got better at 16 weeks, and eventually went away at 26 weeks. In the New Year, Jacquie says looking forward to the chance to be a Mom and can’t wait to meet the new baby. Jacquie doesn’t know whether the baby will be a boy or girl and she’s looking forward to being surprised. “The funding has meant so much to so many women suffering from infertility. They are finally able to get a chance at IVF if they were not able to afford. The Ontario Fertility Program meant we could access treatment and have a chance at building a family.” Hope For Others Starting in the Ontario Fertility Program Asked what she would tell infertility patients who are still hoping to do a funded IVF cycle, she said: “My advice is stay positive and patient. From my IVF cycle, I had 18 follicles, 7 mature eggs only and 1 Embryo. I had no hope as to that 1 embryo would work as most people get a couple. My embryo was frozen on day 3, and thankfully it worked when I did the transfer. Don’t lose hope; Anything can happen.” You can follow the group Conceivable Dreams on line and learn more about the Ontario Fertility Program. http://www.twitter.com/ivf4on/ and http://www.conceivabledreams.org/

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Nine Things We Want You To Know About Infertility – #IVF4ON #ONPOLI

Paula — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 15:17:55 +0000

It must be spring because everyone is suddenly pregnant, or posting a photo of their new arrival on Facebook. At this time of year with Spring, plus Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Infertility Awareness Month all wrapped up in one big bundle, family is everywhere. The triggers for infertility patients are seemingly endless. Even I am feeling it this year and we adopted our children 13 years ago. I guess that’s proof the emotions of infertility never go away. With spring comes the constant reminders of people who have suddenly succeeded at getting pregnant. That’s hard for so very many people waiting, or in the process of undergoing treatment for infertility. Excruciatingly painful for people who have just experienced a miscarriage too. When the winter clothing comes off, the pregnant bellies are everywhere. Other people have a choice in how and when they start a family. Some people get to choose to have 4 children, or 5 children, even just one child! For infertility patients, choice and control disappears. This year I decided to ask infertility patients in Ontario what they want people to know. They had so much to say that I am going to break this into a two or three part series. This is part one: Nine Things We Want You To Know About Infertility: These are their words: 1. Jill – I’m not embarrassed. I just keep it from people because it seemed like too much pressure when we are going through treatment. [tweetthis]Jill – I’m not embarrassed about infertility. I just kept it from people because it seemed like too much pressure when we are going through treatment #IVF4ON #onpoli [/tweetthis] 2. Mel – It affects every single aspect of a couple’s life, stress, health, finances….it can be incredibly isolating at times. To have even one of those stressors removed for example, the financial burden, would help exponentially. [tweetthis]It affects every aspect of your life #IVF4ON #onpoli [/tweetthis] 3. Emily – It seems so taboo.. But once we mentioned that we did ivf, it must’ve just opened up the flood gates for questions and inquiries.. And it gave them hope, even just a glimpse of a positive light, and reassurance that there’s nothing to be ashamed of.. We are beyond grateful and blessed with twin girls. 4. Stephanie: So many people say “why don’t you just adopt?” Adoption can be a very expensive, long and invasive process too. Sometimes longer than fertility treatments, and much like fertility treatments- you are guaranteed nothing. We also want the opportunity to experience pregnancy.. Rather than suggest adoption – which we all know about, ask us if we have explored other avenues? [tweetthis]Stephanie – Rather than suggest adoption – which we all know about, ask us if we have explored other avenues? #ivf4ON #onpoli [/tweetthis] 5. Jennifer – it’s not always a female problem. Almost half of infertility is male factor. Let’s get talking about that too. [tweetthis]it’s not always a female problem. Almost half of infertility is male factor. Let’s get talking about that too. #ivf4ON #onpoli[/tweetthis] 6. Lara – Never ask ANYONE “when are you going to have kids?” Since 1 in 6 have problems with infertility, you can be pretty much guaranteed that you’re going to make this comment to an infertile couple eventually, and it’s like a kick in the gut every time. [tweetthis]Lara- never ask anyone when are you going to have kids. 1 in 6 struggle with infertility – at some point you will ask someone this will hurt. #IVF4ON #onpoli[/tweetthis] 7. Christina – it is not God’s wish that I be childless. Stop saying things like – maybe it’s meant to be… [tweetthis]Christina – it is not God’s wish that I be childless. Stop saying things like – maybe it’s meant to be…#ivf4ON #onpoli[/tweetthis] 8. Erin – People who have had a child still suffer the same emotions as those who haven’t. Secondary infertility is just as devastating. [tweetthis]Erin – secondary infertility is just as devastating #IVF4ON #onpoli [/tweetthis] 9. Emma – The insecurities, stress, and overwhelming emotions with the illness of infertility don’t just disappear after you have one child (especially if conceived with help- IVF). Are we blessed to have one? ABSOLUTELY! Does that mean our hearts don’t want more? Heck no. The struggle doesn’t end- it’s still there taunting and haunting you. [tweetthis]The insecurities and overwhelming emotions of infertility don’t disappear when you have a child. They are still there #ivf4ON #onpoli #IVF #TTC[/tweetthis] In Ontario Infertility patients have a group called Conceivable Dreams to help advocate and support people going through the process. If you are struggling with infertility in Ontario you can follow this group on twitter (@IVF4ON ) We tweet and share our messages with #ivf4ON #onpoli hashtags. You can follow some of the advocacy and events for infertility patients in Ontario by watching this site: http://www.conceivabledreams.org/ I am community manager for this group and as such I am compensated. I support infertility patients in Ontario. All of the patients mentioned here were happy to give voice to some of their feelings this month. If you want to be added to our private Facebook support group email me inkscrblr@rogers.com please indicate subject line (Infertility) in your email.

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infertility patients Archives — Thrifty Mommas Tips

The Ontario Fertility Program – Jacquie’s Story #IVF4ON

Nine Things We Want You To Know About Infertility – #IVF4ON #ONPOLI