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Here is Kate’s story of how she advocated for her health and infertility struggles. She also writes a blog Busted Plumbing that you should take a look at. If you like her story be sure to leave a comment below to help her win the $250 AMEX card!
When my husband and I first started trying to get pregnant almost seven years ago, I never dreamed we’d run into any road bumps along the way. When my period disappeared after stopping birth control, I thought “this is it!” Yet all pregnancy tests came back negative, and my cycle never returned. After eight months, I finally went in to see the doctor to figure out what was going on. An ultrasound revealed dozens of cysts in my ovaries, and I was sent home with nothing more than a question mark looming over my head. A phone call from the nurse with the results of the ultrasound left me even more perplexed… she told me I have something called “polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS”. No further explanation, no request to come back in and review what this diagnosis meant or how I could manage this disease. Just a prescription was given to re-start my period.
In the absence of information from my doctor, of course in today’s world of modern technology I turned to “Dr. Google”. If I had the problem of too little information from my OB/GYN, then it was the opposite problem with the internet… way too much information! My head was swimming with statistics and gloom-and-doom stories of infertility. Not only was I devastated that we were having trouble conceiving, but now that my health could be facing serious risks. I knew I had to take a proactive role in making positive changes to my health!
I began by finding a new doctor… one who would take the time to explain my PCOS diagnosis, what it meant for fertility and my overall health, and how I could manage it better. I also researched reputable internet sources, ones that utilized modern scientific findings and not just “scare statistics”. This information helped me formulate an action plan through a combination of changes in diet and exercise, traditional “western” medicine, and alternative techniques like guided meditation (Circle+Bloom!), acupuncture, and herbs. I experienced heartache along the way–like finally being able to get pregnant but then experiencing miscarriage after miscarriage (at least five over three years). Through some experimentation, I found a combination that felt right to me and my body… and I learned that achieving a healthy body isn’t through some “one size fits all” program.
Perhaps the most critical component to becoming my own advocate was finding a community. Meeting other women like me, who had a PCOS diagnosis, and were also actively seeking solutions too helped me to learn from other’s successes and failures. Twitter, message boards, and blogging were all instrumental in making these connections–plus it helped me to help others become advocates for themselves, too! I hope to convey to others it isn’t just about body, it’s about mind too… and while “just relax” doesn’t help anyone, changes in your head and heart can help make physical changes a reality too… this is a big reason I’m such a big advocate for the Circle+Bloom system! Also, being able to find humor in situation helps to lighten a heavy heart. I began writing my blog “Busted Plumbing” during some of my darkest days, and somehow found the strength to laugh in the face of infertility and loss.
Fortunately, my story has a happy ending. All my efforts to manage my illness finally resulted in a healthy, full-term pregnancy… and son in December of last year! If I had just shrugged my shoulders after leaving that first doctor’s office and resigned myself to that diagnosis, I might never have had my son. I’m so happy I chose to take an active role in my health, and I hope now that I may inspire others to do the same!
Sherrel says
Wow, this story makes me feel hopeful. And, I feel as if I am staring in a mirror. I have not officially been diagnosed with anything, but my story is similar to yours. I went off birth control so we could conceive, which I thought would happen right away then no period came—not due to pregnancy. Finally went to a doctor who informed me I had follicles all over my ovaries. I am now undergoing a cycle of Clomid, but I do not fully understand what’s going on with me because my doctor said I do not look like someone with PCOS because I do not struggle with the physical symptoms associated with PCOS. I will definitely check out your blog. Congratulations on your healthy pregnancy and son.
Busted Kate says
Hi Sherrel: I read your comment and just wanted to pop in and say thanks for sharing your story. I hate that comment “don’t look like someone with PCOS”… it really shows what a long way doctors have to go not only understand the physical aspects of this disease, but the emotional ones too. Hang in there, and hang on to hope… I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you! Much much love 🙂 Kate
Adam the Husband says
I’m a little biased since Kate’s my wife, but I still think she (we) have a really amazing story of advocating for yourself. Without her determination and continued hope, we wouldn’t have our son! Please spread the word, and vote for Kate!
Cat Robinson says
I would vote for Kate! She’s the best. 🙂
Patricia Hurley says
I vote for Kate Lawson.
Hanna Cordova says
So thankful this story has a happy ending! 🙂
Sherrel says
Thanks for writing back, Kate. I will definitely keep perusing our family with hope. I checked out your blog and love it. You’re hilarious and have such a good attitude about this entire situation. You make me laugh, which is something that’s much needed during this time.
Tom says
Love and determination has brought you a beautiful baby boy. Thanks for being a great Mom.
Kristi says
Way to go! Congratulations on your lil man! I’m so happy you took charge of your health and life and pursued until you got what you wanted- what a blessing!
Marci says
I love the positivity you’ve always shown on your blog and here. You made struggling more fun.
Amanda says
Great post Kate! Thanks for letting us be a part of the bumpy but happy-ending ride!!! Miss you!!!
Jan says
I vote for Kate! As Kate’s mom I watched her go through heartbreak after heartbreak through all her fertility issues. Nevertheless, she keep marching forward despite the multiple obstacles that she faced. Kate is an incredibly courageous woman, but also the best mom a child could ever have. My grandson has parents who truly appreciate the gift of parenthood and I truly appreciate the gift of grandparenthood!
Heather says
Kate, you are such an inspiration and you have such a sense of humour too. Miss your blog posts. 🙂
Jen says
I vote for Kate! She has an amazing story. Gives me hope!
Elizabeth says
You are such an inspiration! Love your blog too!
Melissa Blue says
You’ve made me laugh, you’ve made me cry. Finding your blog got me through some tough times! Now I’ve got one on the way… thanks for all your inspiration.
Anna Nicole says
I’m voting for Kate! 🙂
Haven says
Kate is so super awesome!! I’ve been following her for a while and I’m so happy she has finally become a mom!! Woo!
Kelly says
Great story-I’m voting for Kate. I’ve also learned along the way that no one is more concerned about your health and infertility outcome than you are-this is a great perspective on supporting that approach and ensuring the best outcome when dealing with infertility.
Lisa says
Way to Go
heather says
I have followed u for a while. Your story is an inspiration! Good luck
Laura says
I had the pleasure of working with Kate years ago; and I also had the “pleasure” of walking down the in/fertility path with her. Like Kate, I also struggle with PCOS, and also experienced Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. Kate’s positive attitude and ability to smile and laugh at life despite the pain that it often causes helped me along my journey. Like Kate, I also have a happy chapter in my in/fertility story, and my daughter was born just a couple months before her son. I am so proud of Kate for all that she does to advocate and encourage women (and men) along their path to building their families.
Brittany says
Kate, you’ve always been an inspiration to me. Your blog and story helped me through a tough spot. And because of you and through you I won the Circle + Bloom program. That led to my beautiful (and I mean gorgeous!) daughter. Thank you!
Gwen says
I’ve followed your blog for a while now and I’m so happy for your family to have a beautiful son. Such an inspiration!
Janece says
You are truly an amazing woman! I can’t imagine the emotional roller coaster that you and Adam have been riding. Not many people would have the courage to keep moving forward after a diagnosis such as yours and the repeated setbacks. The world is a better place because of you, your blog, your supportive husband, and the beautiful little boy you two have created!
Marcie Mann says
Shout out to Kate! One of my most favorite blogs!
Yuppy Mom says
I “met” Kate 2 years ago via Twitter as we were both blogging about our infertility and pregnancy loss. Although our stories are different, we both had a happy ending last December when we both had healthy baby boys. I’m proud to call Kate my friend and hope to actually meet her one day. I can’t tell you how many times I would smile while reading her blog and, when you’re going through infertility, you really need to smile! Kate deserves way more than a $250 gift card, but since that is what you’re offering, I hope that she gets it!
cherbear says
Oh hell yes, you have my vote Kate!!!!!!! I enjoyed reading your story here. Anything to help you out!
Now you need to do something for us. New pics of Tuck!!!
Elena says
I’m a new reader of Kate’s blog, and I was so happy she lead me to Circle and Bloom! This is exactly what I was looking in a fertility program! She has helped me to advocate for myself, she definitely deserves to win. Thanks Kate!
pengboo says
Kate is such an inspiration to never give up! Gives so much hope to so many people.
Bethanie says
Thanks so much for sharing your story and for your website! It makes me laugh and gives me hope when I’m feeling frustrated with stupid infertility.
Em says
so happy for you Kate!! Yay!
Florence says
Amazing story for an amazing family. Thanks for all the great blog posts and lessons given to other IF fighters. Take care
Gabby says
LOVE this story and totally love her blog as well!
evsmarie says
You have my vote!!!
Lucy The Valiant says
Yay, I love Kate!!!
Beckie says
I love Kate – She is Wonderful! Good luck!
Anne says
Love your blog and the encouragement of your story!
Jenni says
What a wonderful way to advocate for yourself with an awesome outcome!
Hanna says
I vote yes for funny Kate!
Lynne says
I vote for kate!
KEK says
Great story! Hoping I can be another PCOS success story.
Ashlee says
My vote is for Kate! I love her blog, and I love her story here.
Niki says
I vote for Kate! I have followed her blog for years and she is a constant inspiration to me!
Michele says
I’m a newcomer to Busted Plumbing, and I love it. Kate has my vote!
Steph says
I vote for Kate!! The blog is such an inspiration. The perfect prescription for questions, tears, and much needed humor.
Taylor says
truly amazing! i vote for kate!
Rebecca says
You are so funny, smart and such an inspiration!
Shelley says
I’ve been following Kate on Twitter, but never knew her story of infertility. All I can say is WOW… I haven’t been through infertility challenges, but her story of taking charge of her own health really hits home. Kate gets my vote–I really hope she wins!