Infertility Sucks!

Bobby and I decided to take a break from our infertility treatments over this summer. We recently purchased a pontoon boat and have been enjoying lazy weekends on the river and lounging on the beaches with friends and cocktails. It has so far been a summer of rejuvenation and putting everything baby-related to the back of our minds. It has also been a time to help lessen the anxiety and depression that was gradually getting worse and worse for me with each month of failure. So far I have lost 22 pounds! Eating well and exercising regularly have definitely improved my mood.

This year, the Dubuque/Delaware Coalition against Domestic Violence (of which I am on the board) is doing a 5K Run/Walk called the Race Against Violence on October 16, 2010 to generate funds for our Victim Assistance Fund. The Victim Assistance Fund helps members of our community who have been affected by domestic or sexual violence and need emergency funds for things like changing of locks, new doors, deposits on new residences, a place to stay if residence is damaged during assault, etc.

After starting this blog, many people contacted me to share similar stories of either infertility or difficulties in conceiving. I am always happy to share any of the information I have gathered during my journey and love being a support for others who are navigating through fertility treatments, doctors appointments, etc. When someone I know has been struggling gets pregnant, it is a win for all of us in this position, because it shows that it can happen for each of us.

Because of my new healthier habits, I have decided to RUN in the Race Against Violence in October. I have started training on my elliptical and by doing some outside running/walking. My goal is to help raise money for a good cause, to do something that challenges me, and to make me feel better about myself. Because it is a constant fight to not let infertility define me, I plan on wearing an "Infertility Sucks" t-shirt, since that is what inspired me to get healthy and challenge myself to run the race in the first place!

If anyone would like to join me, just let me know.