At our clinic, we are honored to witness countless journeys filled with hope, resilience, and joy. Today, we share the uplifting story of Lila Johnson, one of our committed medical assistants. Lila has faced the hurdles of fertility treatments head-on and discovered incredible strength and support within our community.
With nearly 20 years of experience as a registered medical assistant, Lila’s path to the fertility field was both personal and professional. “I always had a background in healthcare, and when I realized I needed in vitro fertilization (IVF), I found out that many facilities, including hospitals, didn’t offer fertility coverage,” Lila shared. “I learned about openings at our clinic and applied because I wanted to achieve my goal of IVF.”
Beginning the Fertility Journey
Lila’s fertility journey began years before she joined our team. “I struggled with menstrual issues since my teenage years and was put on birth control at 16. I stayed on it until I got married,” she explained. “When I remarried, and we were ready to start a family, I had so many questions. I thought, ‘I’ve been on birth control since I was 16, and now I’m in my early 30s. What do I do now?’ Nobody explained to me the implications of being on birth control or what would happen when I tried to conceive.”
Before turning to IVF, Lila had several treatments with her OB/GYN, including multiple cycles of ovulation induction with Clomid and Femara. Unfortunately, these attempts ended in disappointment.
Becoming Part of the IFI Family
Lila’s decision to work at our clinic was deeply influenced by her experiences as a patient. “I was referred to Dr. Parker by my OB,” she noted. “Initially, I just wanted to complete my IVF, but the exceptional care I received inspired me to join this team. Dr. Parker’s passion for his work made me feel truly supported.”
Even after relocating to a different state, Lila continued to travel back to see Dr. Parker, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her fertility journey.
The Emotional Ups and Downs of IVF
Lila’s IVF journey was a rollercoaster of emotions. “I started the IVF process in 2021, but COVID restrictions delayed some hands-on aspects,” she recalled. “When I became an employee in early 2022, I began my first IVF cycle.” Lila’s 14-year-old stepson, Alex, played a vital role during this time, assisting her with her IVF injections. Although her initial cycle produced two embryos, both transfers sadly failed.
“There were moments when I wanted to give up after my first failed IVF cycle. But [Dr. Parker] kept encouraging me, and I am so grateful because I thought that was the end of my journey.”
Despite the setbacks, Lila pressed on with her treatments. “In 2023, Dr. Parker suggested a surgical procedure to assess the reasons behind the failed transfers,” she explained. “The surgery revealed that everything looked good, which was both relieving and frustrating.” With new fertility benefits introduced at the end of 2023, Lila and her husband, David, decided to try once more, opting for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) on their embryos.
The Breakthrough Moment
During her second IVF cycle, Lila’s team adjusted her protocol, resulting in eight embryos. “We decided to test all of them, and I’m thrilled we did. Out of the eight embryos, only one was normal,” she revealed. “It was a lightbulb moment for me. The previous embryos were likely abnormal, which explained the failures.” Although there was a delay in her embryo transfer due to her thyroid levels, the transfer was successful. In February 2024, Lila received the wonderful news that she was pregnant! Her baby, a boy named Charlie Johnson, is due on November 7!
Lila’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience and hope that many individuals facing fertility challenges embody. “Every step of the way had its ups and downs. Now that I’m here, none of that seems to matter,” she reflected. “I understand the frustrations patients feel, but being prepared for the unexpected is crucial. If you get pregnant on the first cycle, that’s amazing, but it’s rarely that simple.”
Her advice for those considering fertility treatments with us? “Educate yourself. The journey will be emotional, so focus on the medical aspects. Don’t let outside voices sway you. You and your partner need to be the ones to determine your path.”
Conclusion
Lila’s journey is a beautiful testament to the power of perseverance and community support. We are incredibly proud of her and grateful for her courage in sharing her story. Her experience highlights the importance of compassion, determination, and hope in the quest for parenthood. At our clinic, we are devoted to supporting every unique journey, just like we did with Lila’s.
If you’re thinking about fertility treatment and want a compassionate, dedicated team to help you, we encourage you to reach out to us. Together, we can take the first step toward realizing your dream of starting or expanding your family!
For a deeper dive into at-home insemination, check out this post on we conceived on our first attempt, or explore more about artificial insemination as a fantastic resource. You might also consider the Impregnator at-home insemination kit for additional options.
In summary, Lila’s experience reminds us that while the road to parenthood can be challenging, there is hope and support every step of the way.