Happy Wednesday! I am SO excited to share with you my first post over at FertilityAuthority which goes live today. YAY! I am thrilled about this opportunity to write for this website, which for those who don’t know, is an online source for fertility information. They offer some great tools and resources for those being diagnosed and going through treatment and one of the ways they offer support is through a handful of bloggers. Yes, yours truly is one of them starting today!
So here’s what you can do – simply click here and read! Without further ado … here you go!
http://www.fertilityauthority.com/blog/chelsea-ritchie/2014/12/02/i-have-infertility-i-am-just-you
I love being able to write and share my heart with a new group of readers, however know that this commitment won’t interfere with my writing here in any way. It’s simply another opportunity to connect with me (and me with you!)
And can I beg? Even if you aren’t in need of this website, I would GREATLY appreciate your click and support. I would love to come out of the gates with my community strongly behind me (and yes, I do have a minimum requirement of hits that I need to get) so your click does mean a lot! Thank you in advance for the read, shares and comments! :)
Secondly, we heard back about my blood work results last week and while we weren’t really sure what we were hoping for, we did get some answers. My results came back showing a severe Factor V Leiden mutation which essentially is a rare (less than 3%) mutation where my blood develops abnormal blood clots and is known to cause reoccurring pregnancy loss and late pregnancy miscarriages. The good news is we finally have an answer which is a gigantic answer to prayer. While this mutation can’t be “fixed”, it can be treated with twice daily injections to thin the blood, therefore lessening the chances of blood clots, particularly to the uterus while pregnant.
I was a little overwhelmed when the clinic first called with these results but was quickly reminded by my amazing support team that this answer is a blessing and the success stories once diagnosed are impressive. Even more so, I was reminded that God eats odds for breakfast and that who we serve has abilities far greater than this mutation. In fact, I am fearfully and wonderfully made and this diagnosis doesn’t come as a surprise to Him! So with that, we are stepping forward with faith that this answer is the key to unlocking a miracle.
My last day on active birth control pills was LAST NIGHT (arghhhh!) which means we will likely be starting our IUI cycle in the next few days. CRAZY! Can’t wait to keep you all posted on the exciting happenings as we walk with God back into this treatment pool and await His perfect timing. Join us in prayer, will you? Pray then click the link above. :)
Thanks my friends, for your faithfulness to our journey. We adore you guys and are so thankful for all the ways you partner with us.
“I thank my God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3
Trials Bring Joy 
Blessings to you and your family! At least you have a diagnosis! It is a huge thing to find out too, since you will be at extra risk for blood clots in the future as well. (Think surgeries and long airplane flights). Good luck with this upcoming IUI! Hubby and I will be talking with our RE about our next steps soon as he just had surgery yesterday to fix his varicoceles. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving~ Lisa
I am super grateful to know this as well! I am hoping that your husband has a smooth recovery and that your next steps are seasoned with baby dust! Thanks for the comments and thoughts Lisa! <3
Good luck on your IUI!! Praying for you!
Great news,Chelsea! So glad you got some answers! I had a blood issue, too – started on Lovenox, will be on heparin later. So great you are writing for FA! I wrote for them, too – ((let that go, though) – great organiztion! So exciting! I’ll def. click over! Hugs, friend! xoxo
Isn’t it amazing how medicine can help now a days? Its good to hear you had a good experience with FA too! Fun! Thanks for the click and know I always think about you!! XXOO!
Al though it sucks that we have to take preventive measures to give our bodies the best chance of conception and a healthy pregnancy, I’m also glad these medications are available. Hoping we both have a success story to share.
Amen! I am thankful they are as well! We WILL be the success stories! You are so right that preventative medications are a blessing!
I’m so excited that they found the probably cause, and that it is treatable! I am so hopeful for you!!
And I’ll be sure to check out your other post later today when I have more time :)
Thank you for the encouragement and for checking out the other post too! You are wonderful!
Wow, great news that they found the cause! It must feel amazing to have answers. Good luck on your IUI!
Thank you! It does feel nice to have some answers … now to kick Factor V’s butt! :)
My sis-in-law has factor v. She’s so thankful for those shots–she had successful pregnancies because of them!
What a wonderful story for you to share – thank you!!!!! <3
God eats odds for breakfast!! Love it!! Keep leaning into him. We’re all praying for you.
:) Thank you for those prayers and encouragement! It means SO much!
a diagnosis!!!! That’s exciting!!! It’s a relatively simple treatment as well, oh bring on the IUI!
Thank you for that encouragement! We finally have some answers and that is indeed something to be thankful for!!
Wishing you all the very best! I’m glad you got some answers and can move forward. I’m headed to go read your post now!
Thank you so much! I appreciate you reading BOTH posts and for all the wishes! Means a ton! XO!
Wishing you so much luck and praying the big prayers for your IUI! Your new diagnosis will provide the missing puzzle piece, but you won’t be defined or defeated by it.
I read and tried to comment on Fertility Authority, but they thought my comment was spam (sad face). I’ll try again later. So happy for you on your new writing gig!
HA! Oh my little spammer friend. :) Thank you for the excitement and encouragement. It IS a missing puzzle piece! What a great way to explain that. I won’t be defined or defeated … love that. Love YOU! Thanks for all the support along the way, it means soooo much! XOXO!
Loved your post for Fertility Authority and so happy that you are getting some answer’s. Praying that this IUI will be your miracle! Hugs!!!
Thank you for clicking over and ready my friend!!! I am hopeful for a miracle this month too! :) Hugs!
Way behind on life right now, but going to check out your article now! GIRL, I have had two friends who both did IVF and had repeated miscarriages, all to find out they needed shots because of blood clots and guess what they never had a miscarriage again! Praise the Lord for answers!!! Seriously!!! Amen and Amen! Lord, I believe and declare life and fruitfulness over Chelsea’s womb!
This is interesting. And great work too…I think this is the ideal place to share all our views regarding fertility.