I shared on my Instagram a while back that I had started seeing a naturopathic doctor for my fertility, but most importantly for my overall health. You see, after 6 pregnancies in the past 5 years, 6 miscarriages, & dealing with PCOS & hormonal issues, my body and my health are just not the same. It’s funny after each pregnancy my body changed so much & I kept ignoring it & kept ignoring all of the underlying problems for a few reasons. One because I probably thought if I ignored it that it would all go away. & the second reason is that my regular doctors were ignoring the underlying problem and just trying to give me medicine & fertility drugs to get me pregnant & sending me on my merry way. But that wasn’t the problem. The problem was I had miscarried 6 times. After each miscarriage I asked what we could do, what we could test, & what the next steps were & they only said that it was natural and that I was healthy enough & there was nothing they could do. They were trying to mask the real issues & I trusted their route because I’ve always trusted what my regular doctors told me. I thought it was all in my head & that I was crazy for thinking there was a larger problem. But after 6 years of struggling with infertility & 6 miscarriages I finally got sick of being unhealthy and I was ready to forge my own path and face those problems head on.
That’s when I decide to take my health in my own hands & seek out someone who would actually want to find the underlying problem, someone who would dig deep & do research, someone who would want to heal me & not just cover up the issue, & someone who would want my over all health from physical to spiritual health to improve. That’s why I found naturopathic medicine through friends and people in my life who care about me & I’ve been hooked ever since. I honestly am the biggest skeptic, but from what I’ve experienced so far & what I have learned, I know this is exactly where God wants me. I have been to countless doctors since starting this fertility journey 6 years ago and they all lead me to this moment in my journey where I’ve taken everything into my own hands & have taken the scary, but wonderful leap into naturopathic medicine to work alongside my fertility doctors.
Most of you know that we are not pregnant & have not been pregnant since our last miscarriage two years ago. Life has been crazy & we have truly been enjoying our time together, but that doesn’t mean my health has been great or that I haven’t been noticing some pretty scary changes like rapid weight gain, depression, & per usual hormonal issues. Another problem is that I have PCOS which causes hormonal imbalances along with a bunch of other issues as well. Most days I feel pretty out of control mentally & physically & that’s when I knew I needed to seek help. I know a lot of it is because of all the busyness and stress in our lives, but I know a lot of it is my health & that’s why I’m seeking help for all of it. So far I’ve had only a few visits to my naturopathic doctor, but I feel like we are getting somewhere. For instance they have been teaching me how I can heal my body by eating right & treating my body right. Also, in more frustrating news, they looked over my past records where doctors have tested me for health issues & have discovered a lot of mistakes and areas where they didn’t test the right thing or go in depth in anyway to find an issue like they should have. Basically the doctors that have tested me have only skimmed the surface where they should have realized I wasn’t a “normal case” and should have tested a lot of things in deeper detail. The amount of info I have learned about my body, my health, and just general healthy life habits in just a few visits with my new doctor is more than I have learned in my 29 years of life with any other doctor I’ve ever had & for that I’m so thankful for.
That being said am I mad at my past doctors? No. I’m more mad at myself for not asking more questions or pressing the issue. Am I saying “normal doctors” are bad? Oh my goodness no. I have loved my doctors in the past & still see my physician, but I am now seeing more than just one doctor & feel really good about that decision. I have had a lot of testing done lately & have been going through a lot of different things & should have a lot of those results by the end of the month. For the first time ever I think I’m really ready to share with you guys those results & what my naturopathic doctor has to say about all the results I get back. I just wanted to pop in today & let you know that we have started this new part of our fertility journey & that I’m enjoying my naturopathic doctor experience so far & also that I highly recommend checking into it if you have been questioning your medical issues or the care you are receiving at your normal doctors office at the moment. I’m feeling free, accomplished, & like there is more hope now. I’m excited to share this part of our fertility journey with you guys & all the progress I make in my overall health. I will be back soon with updates & more of my experience and things I am doing with my new doctor. I’m hoping to get some serious answers very soon & you will be the one of the first people to know. Have any questions for me? Leave them below so I can answer them for you. Thanks for always being there for us through the highs & the lows. xx
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You mayhave said in a previous post but have any of the docs put you on metformin? This has helped two family members get pregnant in less than three months after starting the diabetic drug Metformin for PCOS.
I am so happy you are on your way to finding some answers and hopefully a baby in th end. I have been following your blog for years now and have always admired your strength and honesty around this subject. Best of luck on not only your journey with fertility but with the other concerns associated with PCOS.
Hi Liz
You have had a tough journey so far with your fertility journey but hopefully this new path will prove more productive for you. Keep your spirits up lovely girl.
Jackie xxx
I have enjoyed following your blog for some time now and I am so happy to hear about this. You have been an inspiration to all and I hope this new path leads you to the answers you have been waiting for and the health that you need and deserve. I can not wait to hear more about it and watch your journey through this. I also would love to know more about the natural side of doctors, something I would love for my family!
Corin xo
Thank you Liz for sharing your journey. Its wonderful your looking into alternative medicine. You seem very thorough in your investigation of relief for your pcos/ hormonal issues. I am not giving you medical advice or telling you what you should be doing. I have read a lot about the keto diet and positive effects on symptoms. I’m sure you’ve probably seen info yourself about it. I do agree with you that some health care providers push medication before natural cures. God bless you and your husband and your journey:)
Glad you’re seeing another doctor. I sent you an Instagram message a few weeks ago about how diet can affect your body in so many ways but I don’t think you saw it. I too have pics and my diet and exercise is the only thing that has helped. I’m no longer on any medicine as that made it worse. My husband and I listen to some great podcast if you’d like to listen. We are avid weight lifters so it’s geared towards that but their information is amazing. Check out Mind Pump and Paleo for Women. Both are wonderful.
As someone who has struggled with infertility for the last 5 years I have found solace in your blog, and I thank you! ? I’ve read your blog for a couple of years and read about your multiple miscarriages and thought to myself, I could never survive a miscarriage. However this past March after I saw my first positive pregnancy test in my life, after an iui from our fertility dr, I miscarried our Baby Chip two weeks later (3.15.17)when they couldn’t find a heartbeat. I put back the pieces after going through all the emotions and sought answers why. I look back and can’t imagine dealing with that without having God to lean on during those dark days. My lady dr ran a whole big panel of blood work (that I’m still paying for!) and it was determined that I have MTHFR (not a swear word ?) which I’m still not 100% sure what it is because genetics confuse me! But MTHFR has been linked with miscarriages. I’m not sure if that has ever come across the radar?
I’m happy to report that after another IUI that I am now pregnant again and am nervously waiting for our ultrasound prayerfully hoping that there will be a heartbeat on the ultrasound. God works in amazing ways though… this baby will be due exactly one year (3.15.18)after our whole lives fell apart (3.15.17). ? Keep the faith and know you are not alone! ?
So happy for your new journey and pray it helps. I wish this option was there for me but I
Do believe that when I moved to a new state and a new Doctor where all my friends there got me eating healthy and exercising helped me.
I am a doctor and also suffered with infertility and miscarriage and my docs did not pick up on that I had the mthfr gene mutation which actually almost half of our population has these days. A simple blood test will let you know if you have it. The mutation does not allow you to absorb nutrients like folic acid and others that are so important for a healthy pregnancy and many women suffer miscarriages because of this. It’s an easy fix which is to take a supplement that helps you absorb ( methylate) nutrients. It’s worth getting the test. Glad you have taken your health into your own hands and gone to a naturopathic doc. Unfortunately the western docs do not either believe or get trained in these areas. Good luck!
Liz, I always think you are so brave for sharing this story. God gave you this journey to share and I know you are being a bright place for others.
Liz,
I also struggled with intense hormonal imbalances and infertility in the past and did not realize how haywire my body has gotten until I was deployed and stopped taking birth control, hoping to go home a year later and get pregnant. Over that 12-month span, my cycle never returned. Finally, I was allowed to see a Naval OBGYN who did blood tests and ultrasounds, ultimately diagnosing me with PCOS as well. I had begun all of the proper dieting and taking supplements to assist with healing my body and when I got home I went to see an Endocrinologist who found that my thyroid was working just a TINY bit too slow. I was put on a very low dose of Levothyroxine (50mg) and my cycle returned in just two weeks. This took place in April, and by the first week in August I was headed back to the Endo for follow up blood test reviews and to be referred to fertility finally BUT I had a positve pregnancy test…today we have a healthy three month old baby girl. You are so inspirational, and I pray each and every time I come to your page for you to find what your body needs to carry a sweet baby of your own! I absolutely empathize with what you’re going through and the struggles of this journey xo
Good for you! I too had health issues, not the same as yours, but issues. The doctors just wanted to cover it up with another procedure. Something deep inside of me told me that wasn’t the way. I seeked help from a naturopathic dr…..it was the best thing I ever did! They reached down to the underlying issues and worked on them so my body could heal its self. Gut health is so important…work with them for probiotics and a methalated multivitamin…someone else mentioned that above….super important! I take a fully methalated multivitamin and an awesome probiotoc from a company called Plexus…its amazing! Keep going! My issues has resolved and I’m 100% sure the naturopathic medicine will help you!
I’m so very happy for you! Sounds as if you’re on the right path. My Chiro in CO was treating a patient/my friend for infertility and POCS. She was a nurse but was seeking help for her “girlie” problems that the medical world wasn’t able to help. She now has two beautiful boys ? Don’t give up hope. NOTHING is impossible with God ?
Do you know how excited we’re all going to be when you have a baby???? It will be epic
We have discovered holistic health as well lately and have been very impressed with the results! I’m praying you get the results you are hoping for!
I’m so glad to hear this–I also recently had to seek the opinion of a naturopathic doctor and it has changed my life. If they haven’t already, make sure they’ve tested you for MTHFR. It has caused me numerous health issues, and can be a huge player in the land of fertility. God’s blessings on you.
Prayers for you and hopefully answers soon! I’m 37 and have not felt well for basically 3 years….I have had every single test done ( i think) known to man….ugh! which means i have medical bills out the ying yang! I have had a few answers, but I think I have something else going on…. or I’m just crazy! I have also wondered if i have PCOS…… just weird hormonal things going on….I’m going to try to get an appt with my Dr. to have it checked out…… I will keep you guys in my prayers! you are a strong, brave woman!!
Oh, sweet woman. I adore you in so many ways. I am from Michigan as well and have been searching for a homeopathic doctors, would you mind sharing who you are seeing? I was referred to a woman in Ann Arbor and my Grandma has had wonderful luck with her, I just want to be sure she is going to be good for me. I admire your strength and bravery. Hugs and love to you and Jose through this next chapter.
Good for you. Some doctors just aren’t as thorough. One of my friends had 4 miscarriages, all after seeing a heartbeat. She decided to switch doctors and it turned out she had a type of blood disorder. She had two successful pregnancies after that because her new doctor prescribed shots she had to give herself every day for the first two trimesters. Love and hugs to you and your hubby.
I recently read the book “Every Bitter Thing is Sweet” by Sara Hagerty, a Christian author. As I was reading it, I thought of you. It might be a book the Lord uses to speak to you. I know that it was transformational for me.
Liz,
I can relate so much to you. I also struggled with PCOS and many miscarriages. I had all but lost hope. Grown frustrated with it all and the “helpful advice”. Filled with resentment and anger at times… you seem to handle it with much more grace than we did. We struggled for 10 years. Doctor after doctor…test after test with no answers….enter Dr. Neo Chin (Cincinnati Ohio). One visit to his office and he was able to prescribe medication that fixed the multiple issues that prevented a healthy pregnancy that was successful. My issue was that my eggs didn’t grow large enough most of the time for fertilization (because of the PCOS) and when they did…I couldn’t sustain the pregnancy… until Dr. Chin who suggested I take a baby aspirin daily for the first 3 months of my pregnancy which fixed that issue. Such a small thing. Unbelievable. That visit resulted in my twin boys being born… healthy and full term. Then it was like my body reset. 15 months later… I was able to conceive my daughter without the intervention of doctors. I was placed on bedrest with both pregnancies but it resulted in full term healthy births. Please don’t give up hope. Know that the Lord is working in this area. We will be praying for you.
I enjoy your blog! And this one particularly strikes a chord with me, as my husband and I have been struggling with infertility as well. It’s encouraging to hear switching doctors got you more answers. We’re thinking about switching doctors as well, but a little undecided where to start.
Good luck on your new journey to health!
Dearest one, I only recently found you and was so “at home” with you ,I was immediately on-board ; I have not actively blogged in the past, yet I had set one up, using WordPress, where I tended to express myself through my love for creative writing, and with reflections of truths in my life- it is one of my passions re-discovered . Soon it will be transformed for sharing info about my yoga practice & maybe another for connecting with others through a different venue. You are a tireless inspiration!
We are in-process of re-locating and back to our own beloved farmhouse of 25 years ,off and on, in Alamance County, N. C. ,just 9 miles West of Chapel Hill. This is home! Your blog jumped up & found me- I am dreaming and living vicariously through your progress as you shape your home so beautifully. Looking at your choices w/ the hardwood floors I long for, the kitchen I am reading up on you transformed ,etc., has my eclectic style hooked, leaning even more-so toward the vintage/farmhouse possibilities.
I initially caught your headline for the writing you had done about going through loss with miscarriages I just read this today. I have no doubt that you are a woman of strong Faith, are unstoppable, and will be able to find what God intends.
Liz Marie, loss whether through your babies not able to be born alive, or of our beloved ones who walk the earth in life with us, is all the same, it is loss- it is real with everything that comes with it :much grief, sadness, even fear that becomes Faith, hope, and outcomes that through passing time comes in different ways to grieve~ which keep us from suffering, though we will never forget those souls. People do not understand this, unless they have experienced it. I just had to first say this, and can write more but this is your time, your questions, so that other part about my own experiences with miscarriages can come later, or in snail mail. I can happily though give positive hope for the dark times we all share . After it was the right time and right doctor, I gave birth to two perfectly healthy now-adult kids, 4 years apart . My sister who had suffered also suffered miscarriages , before and in between the joyous but early, healthy births of 2 babies.
I don’t know specifics about your babies’ losses, nor about the condition you have, though I know you are leaving no path unbeaten to reveal the right one. You are right: it is a combination of both the knowledge only found through the practice of scientific medical studies, and nature Herself , remembering it is your choice as you see fit, asking the questions, talking and listening, and doing your part to keep well and staying healthy. I come from a family of medical degree’d healers I know, as they were not only M. D.s, intelligent and well-studied, but also compassionate, and worked not for the money or the glory but rather for their patients. It is still out there, find this!
I am already praying for you, Liz Marie, as I am also sending much love, healing, strength, comfort, & support for you two and your team of experts. It will happen as God intends, as we know, but it sure does help to have a flock of people around and supporting you as you go forward. It is always on solid ground for you to meditate and pray as a part of your private time of the day, bringing perhaps peace and calmness w/ benefit of God’s support, even opening up to the possibilities of receiving words that may bring help as well as a sense of balance. Whatever you have done, or do, is perfect- you have so many people who will remind you of this. I will also add my belief that you are not to listen to advice from any of us ,( lol but it only sounded funny, though I am attempting to be serious) – I learned that only your team there is the one you chose, who will thus answer all questions faithfully and knowledgeably! If you believe in their wisdom, that is where you belong. You know in your heart and mind who is dedicated to your health and life. Keep up your spirit as I see how strong you are!
With much love and wishes along with prayers, for your health and progress with this, and I pray that you and your sweet husband will have the family that you so desire!
Miracles happen every day- I believe~ and it sustains me whatever comes my way! Debbie
So glad to hear this. I have read where a Ketogenic diet has helped women with infertility and PCOS. I wanted to share that so you could look it up if you wanted to. God Bless.
Hello,
I just wanted to say, I highly recommend you look up Christa Orecchio at The Whole Journey.
I’m praying for you and feel that hope with you! I saw your story this morning about being Grace’s mom. The very first story I saw of you picking up Grace and bringing her home – I could see the natural Mom in you come right out and the bond between you and that little lamb is just what you needed! Isn’t our God good to give us surprise gifts like a lamb to love! I grew up on a farm caring for baby animals and I absolutely love all of your farm stories – they bring back such happy memories for me and are your gift to me! Keep it up and keep the faith! God’s got you in His hand!
Thank you so very much for sharing this! I had three miscarriages, then my son, and another two miscarriages after having him. Three separate doctors have told me that all of my testing results come back normal. I’ve often wondered why there are no answers, as I can’t be the only one with this problem. You’re truly inspiring! And I love the lamb posts, they’re the cutest thing ever!
I’m in Cincinnati, and I’ve heard he is a good doctor. I saw Dr Awadalla at the Institute for Reproductive Health in Cincinnati. People come from all over the country for help with infertility. I’m happy to say after multiple miscarriages, including a stillbirth, we are expecting a boy in 9 short weeks. I can’t thank Dr Awadalla enough. He truly cared and took care of my needs. I highly recommend that office if you decide to travel.
Hi I used to see a chiropractor, and have struggled with infertility. I was just wondering the details of how your friend’s chiropractor was treating her for infertility. I haven’t heard of chiropractic care for infertility and was just wondering if you could give more information. Thanks!
Thank you so much for sharing with us! It’s really inspiring and encouraging. I know I struggled crazy with my hormones and depression. They were so out of whack and I didn’t even feel like myself. It was like out of body! Natural approach, gut health and it changed my life!
I was wondering the same thing about weather or not anyone has tested you for the MTHFR gene. I waited 8 long years for my son. It was only after I took an alternative and natural approach to my fertility that I got results. Liz – feel free to contact me for my practitioners name and contact info. She does do Skype consults and she is AMAZING.
A family member had a very, VERY similar infertility journey as yours, and also made the change to a naturopathic doctor. She said she felt it was what God was telling her to do, and was so happy that she did. That was a little over a year ago and now her and her husband have a beautiful baby girl. May God bless you on your continued journey! All the prayers!
I pray for you as I drive by your farm on my way to church. You are so gifted and inspiring. I have PCOS and struggled with infertility. It is lonely and the emotions are so hard to put into words. I was so disappointed too with the lack of knowledge and expertise in the general medical field and OB world when it came to treating and diagnosing PCOS. I wish that I had been more informed during my childbearing years in order to advocate for myself. Good for you for going with your gut and getting another opinion. Low carb diet (it stinks I know) and regular exercise..especially strength training are what I do to manage my PCOS now.
Thank toy for being brave and sharing your story! I’m so sorry for all that you have gone through. I have a similar story with several miscarriages and lots of problems when I have been able to stay pregnant. The BEST and most helpful thing I’ve ever done for my health is so genetic testing through 23andme.com and find out what genetic mutations I have. I see that the MTHFR gene mutation has been mentioned here. I have that mutation. They have linked that with recurrent miscarriage, pre eclampsia, pcos, depression, anxiety, etc. When I take methylated folate instead of folic acid I feel so much better! And my pregnancies have gone better. Whatever path you take I strongly recommend that you get tested for these mutations. They are a fairly simple fix and make such a huge difference.
I would have changed doctors as well. You are wise to not keep going with them.
Everyone will offer suggestions and there are so many positive stories that people will share. No two journeys will be the same. It will be as individual as us all.
Keep up the dream. It will come true one way or another. Dreams can change and alter. All that matters is you get happiness and fulfilment at the end. Xx
Hello Liz! Love your blog & shop (I work in Hudsonville and stop in a lot!) I saw a naturopathic doctor in GR– Micah McLaughlin of Continuum Healing in Eastown. I had a wonderful experience there. I feel like people would think I was crazy for not seeing a traditional doctor for my condition, but I felt the same as you! It’s all about listening to your body and getting to the root cause! I firmly believe our bodies were made to heal themselves. Praying for you in your journey!
Bless you, bless you, bless you for sharing your story. You will never know how many people you are helping. I too suffered with fertility issues. Everyone needs to know that they MUST advocate for themselves. We’re all programmed to accept what we are told by professionals. As my husband says “they all didn’t graduate in the top of their class”. This is what I’m going to pray for you. Good Health!! What ever comes from that is God’s plan for you. God bless you.?
Hi Liz your post always has me in tears for you but, when God blesses you & Jose with a little one you’re going to be the most amazing parents ever! You have so much love to give that baby will be truly blessed! I’ll keep you both in my prayers.
Hey Liz,
I just wanted to let you know that I love that
You are not afraid to share your journey with
Us girls! I have only met one person that has PCOS! I always just read pcos story’s online about there journey and have no one to relate to because no one understands! I’ve been diagnosed with PCOS 4 years ago. I just recently have been telling people when they keep asking me over and over why my husband and I don’t have kids so I finally just told them the truth. I kinda knew something wasn’t right when I had my period every 2-3 months and didn’t even start having periods till I was 16. I’ve gone threw a few Obgyns and still I feel like I’m not being helped and have just put me on metformin and wouldn’t do Clomid but now I’m seeing a infertility specialist which I really like! I met the dr on a Monday and by Wednesday I was already having surgery to have one of my large cysts drained so she could Start me on Clomid that night of my surgery so I didn’t have to wait till my next period to show up when ever that would be! So I just finished my first round of Clomid and have been taking ovulation test and I finally just started ovulating so fingers crossed! I have an ultrasound sound tomorrow to see if things look good, My ultrasound last week showed two follicles but she wasn’t sure yet if they were just more cysts or eggs so I’ll find out tomorrow! But anyways you are absolutely amazing! I’ve been following you for years and love your blog!!! I hope this new journey of yours brings you and Jose the most beautiful healthy baby that will be definitely worth the wait and heartache! He or she is going to be one little blessed baby to have you two as parents, be so loved and gets to be watched and protected by their 6 angel baby brothers and sisters <3
God bless you. I pray you soon find answers you have sought for a long time. You are right to be proactive. Many doctors don’t take the time to look for things out of the norm. One family member had several miscarriages and discovered her high immunity was attacking the fetus. She took shots to combat this and has two beautiful children. Another family member could not get pregnant for years then finally did after some tests were run at UCLA but with radioactive dye that could harm the baby. She miscarried – God knew best – but was blessed to soon become pregnant again. She had gallstones years earlier and had her gallbladder removed. Doctors took years and thinking she might have cancer to discover that some of the stones had backed up in the bile ducts of her liver preventing pregnancy. They did a procedure to break them up and pass them. She had a healthy son less than a year later. I pray you will be blessed as they were.
Praying for you tonight, Liz Marie!! So happy to hear that some answers and clarity are headed your way soon. In the meantime, praying you have a peace that transcends all understanding. We all love you sweet girl!
Bethany, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve been an L&D nurse for almost 30 years, and have taken care of dozens upon dozens of patients with MTHFR and other blood dyscrasias over the years who have gone on to deliver healthy, term babies. They’ve been on baby ASA or heparin until 36-37 weeks. Wishing you the best of luck!
Hi Liz,
I too have had 6 miscarriages! Our journey seems so similar it’s crazy. I just now started to advocate for myself more by seeing different doctors and am in the process of finding a naturopath because I still have no answers. I am so lost and it would be so helpful to hear more about your testing. Please email me, maybe we can help each other xoxo
Read The Woman Code by Alisa Vitti amazing amazing amazing for fertility knowledge and our cycle. Great read too! Xoxo
Could I get info on that, please?
I also found out I have the mthfr disorder recently, when I switched doctors. I discovered this at age 54 and had my miracle baby at age 40 through IVF after 5 miscarriages. Somehow, she made despite me NEVER knowing I had that disorder. Imagine my surprise when I just found this out at this age. I could have had possibly another child due to leftover embryos. It’s been on my mind so much lately and now I’ll have my 14 year old daughter tested so it doesn’t post entirely disrupt her future. Glad you are doing new investigating, Liz. ?
I am so happy you are getting some clarity and getting to know & understand your body better! I live on a farm too. I take advantage of the quiet, peaceful evenings and walk the fields with Jesus. I use this time to talk to him and listen. I find that when he agrees with an idea or thought I have, he gives me a heart. Either in the form of a rock or leaf… something heart shaped! Just felt compelled to share that. He probably has answers for you too ❤️.
Hi Tammy, what is the metformin ? I myself have been struggling with infertility. I also am getting help with trying to consevice
Hi Liz, my sister in law suffered multiple miscarriages. She ended up having Leiden Factor 5. She went on to have 2 baby girls after they discovered and were able to treat her. Something to possibly test for if you haven’t all ready. Prayers for you and your husband. Cindy
Metfomin is primarily used for diabetes, however it’s used to help women with PCOS ovulate regularly. Was on it for years because of my PCOS. Tough on the tummy though. Have your Dr. help guide you but general rule is 1 pill 1x day for a couple of weeks and then increase it to two pills a day.
Liz,
I have prayed for you for years and I will continue to do so! I know Ive sent his before but for any of the other ladies on here who want to heal their bodies and find the underlying cause you need to look up NaPro Technology (Natural Procreative Technology). Dr. Hilgers has been helping women find and heal the root cause for infertility for years! And he has much MUCH better rates of success than IVF and uses only ethical practices. Praying for all you women!!
Being proactive with your journey into health and well being is the best thing you can do! I’m sure your new doctors have educated you on the many chemicals that are in almost every personal care products of which many are full of hormone disrupters that can wreak havoc on you and your fertility. Just because ingredients say it’s organic don’t always believe it! It’s a problem in our society that we just assume everything we use is safe but unfortunately most of it is not when used over time. Lotions, shampoos, cosmetics, cleaning products, All have parabans and preservatives and ingredients that are not good for us! Check out http://www.ewg.com as a starting point for education. I really enjoy your IG page and watching your stories . Hang in there and know that life is a journey not a destination and things will happen as they’re meant to!
Hi Liz,
I’m praying for you, you sweet lady. Just love visiting your blog and seeing your beautiful farmhouse. I don’t often comment, but I sent you a note before recommending Dr. Hilgers and his NaPro technology. I see that another reader also mentioned him above. I can’t stress enough the beauty and truth and goodness in his work. He is brilliant and he gets to the underlying cause of what’s causing fertility issues, in a compassionate and ethical way. Please do research his work and see if he can help you or any of your other readers with similar difficulties. You can find information here:
https://www.popepaulvi.com/
God Bless!
I normally don’t comment on blogs like this, but I have been following you for quite some time. What intrigued me is the fact you are so open about this and it makes me feel as though I am not alone and I thank you for that. I am not going to tell you I understand what you are going through, cause I don’t, but we both have something in common and that is PCOS. My first child was 7 weeks early and my second I had to get progesterone shots just to keep her in. She then was three weeks early. I was diagnosed with PCOS after my little girl was born. I suffer from acne, weight gain, depression, anxiety, hair loss, and mood swings. What I can tell you is, you are on the right path and you are not alone. I was seeing a hormonal therapist which jacked me all up. She gave me Metformin, estradiol, progesterone, which it seemed to help the psychological aspect but I was gaining weight like no other. I then became estrogen dominant. I am now heavier than I have ever been. I decided to stop seeing her and started seeing a nutritionist/homeopathic Dr. She gave me nothing but a packet of how to change my diet and what to avoid. I am now eating paleo/Mediterranean diet and I do not consume any dairy what so ever. Because I am heading down the diabetics road, I can only have 1/2 cup of berries a day. I have been on the diet for five months now and I have seen some changes. My face cleared up, I stopped having hair that was growing in other places, I have dropped weight, and my period is coming back. My mood is constantly level and I am not exhausted by 3:00. I believe in this diet and I am sure you will get through this period. I can’t wait to read any updates you have. Very curious on what your diet is? Good Luck to you! There is hope!
I’m sorry for your struggles, with the fact that you can get pregnant but miscarry, I’m curious if you have been tested for Hughes syndrome… I know that can result in miscarriages and still births if undetected and is typically treated with injectable blood thinners and very close monitoring of fetal growth.
Chris
Congratulations!!! I cannot stress strongly enough how thyroid function impacts fertility. Finding the right specialist is crucial, and a natural path or D.O. gets that nuance.
I think switching doctors is a huge answer to prayer and I believe you are on the right road friend! Praying Gods blessings over you!!
Good luck to you, I have said a prayer that all is well and you can hear that little baby’s heart just a pitter pattering away. please keep us posted.
Good for you! I have recently gone down the same path after 10 years of knowing that something was wrong but the doctors ignoring my symptoms because I am young ( I am now 36). I found my hormones are unbalanced, I have low blood sugar, my body makes enough iron but my body doesn’t absorb it and I have high cholesterol. I am not crazy after all. My new doctor has me taking natural supplements and on a strict eating plan. Once I get all the levels normal I will control my health by my diet alone no supplements. I wish you luck in your journey! God bless!
Liz…I know this particular method is not for everyone but have you looked into the Ketogenic diet? Low carb, high fat. Maria Emmerich is an excellent resource for any questions. Best of luck to you.
Suzanne
It makes me so happy to hear that you have found the holistic path! As someone who has struggled with infertility and other hormonal issues for years, alternative medicine is the only thing that has given me hope and results! My naturopathic Dr. is the one who knew to test for MTHFR, and it turned out I have that mutation! I see many ladies in the comments have that in common. I am so thankful because I truly feel like God sent me in this direction for answers and I am getting them. I hope you do too! The thorough testing they do is pure gold. It’s so nice to not feel crazy and have someone agree with you that there must be an underlying issue. Our bodies are made to get pregnant, and when they can’t do that successfully it means your body is telling you it has a problem! I get so frustrated when Dr’s just try to throw meds at the problem instead of finding out why it is happening. It is a true gift when you find someone who will work with you on the underlying issues! I also did research into mercury toxicity, and because I had so many metal fillings I decided to get them out and replace them with non-toxic ones. The dentist I found to do that was amazing as well! It needs to be done super safely since it is dangerous. But I have already seen such healing in my body since then! I will keep praying for you that you get answers and as you take it step by step to heal your body! I know how that feels, and I’m sorry it’s such a hard, long journey but I hope it will have a happy ending for you soon! 🙂
Dear Liz, I feel this new path is going to lead to your solution. My chiro has a Phd in nutrition and has literally “saved my bacon” on very elusive issues such as this. She is a healer. One of my dear friends who struggled much like you have found that she had a food allergy(not the epipen kind!) to tomato seeds. She stopped eating them and got pregnant healthfully immediately. I had intractible migraine headache intensity headaches every minute of every day for several months. I went to every therapy provided including a pain specialist and on the very last day of my 4 month disability with no possible idea how I would return to a job I loved, but was very demanding(like yours!); a friend told me about my Dr. She did an ELISA Act test for hidden allergies, I stopped eating those foods for 2 days and my headaches were gone. That was 13 yrs ago and they have never returned. I was a critical care nurse, so very medical model oriented, but I have come to fully embrace alternative medicine as the primary model. I wish this discovery and healing for you as well, dear girl. With God, nothing is impossible, so you now are embracing His ultimate plan for you, I strongly suspect. I know by following you, you have placed this in His hands, so now it is time to completely and utterly turn it all over to Him and watch the miracles happen!!!!!
I have PCOS as well among many other health issues. I am mad at myself too for not questioning doctors over the years for brushing off my underlying health problems. Estrogen dominance seems to be a genetic problem (I did 23andMe too) and has thus far never been treated. Finally feel excited to address the underlying problem. It’s about time! Yay, for natural health and doctors that care!
Oh my. I just started reading your blog and I am sooo sorry for all of your losses. I am 59 now, but we struggled with infertility for about 10 years in my 30s, finally gave up and became foster parents for a while. I don’t mean to downplay your miscarriages because they are a true loss, but every time my period came, it felt like a loss to me. I understand your pain and frustration and I hope for the best for you in future.
I’ve been doing a Ketogenic WOE (way of eating) for awhile now and so many of my ailments are gone. I have heard that it can be effective for PCOS — maybe ask your naturopath. My PCP doc recommended it for me as I was pre-diabetic, but it is not generally accepted yet in the medical field.
I wish you luck and babies!!!
I recently went to a naturopath because my endo would not test my DHEA (I have adrenal insufficiency). The naturopath tested it and it came back so low and now I’m taking some. Now my 19yr old is having digestion issues and western drs are like it’s only stress. I took her to the naturopath and found out she has a lot of food sensitivities. I think a good mix of eastern and western medicine can be great! Wish you the best!
I’m so glad to see comments about the MTHFR gene mutation on here! That is definitely a test that could provide real answers for you, Liz, if that is something you have. Also, going off gluten can be very helpful as there is a link for some people with infertility, and even depression/mood, etc. I have seen this powerful affect on my own daughter. It is VERY real and going off it can make a night and day difference for some people. You may have gone off gluten already, as I think I saw you mention a gluten free cookie before, but if you haven’t really gone gluten free for an extended period of time, that can be very healing. If you have a sensitivity to gluten or Celiac disease, it can very much decrease absorption of nutrients that are critical for your health as well, of course, for being able to sustain a pregnancy and new life. I am SUPER excited for you that you have ventured into the care of a doctor who will DIG deep into your health and test more, and use tighter lab normals. God bless you, Liz! I wish you the very best and that the Lord will grant you the desire of your heart! 🙂
Yes! Gut health is extremely important! And taking methylated multivitamin-mineral supplement can make a total difference in those with a MTHFR gene mutation, which is actually pretty common as I’ve read. If you have the gene mutation and you take folic acid, it can actually be a negative for your body due to your decreased ability to convert it to the active and usable form, folate. Taking methylated folate (the converted form) is key and can greatly impact health in a positive way.
I am currently using alternatives to traditional treatments for my fertility as well! I was diagnosed with PCOS & metformin was one of the things my old MD recommended. I now see a MD that believes in a holistic approach and he recommended that I try a vegan diet! It has CHANGED MY LIFE! Along with that, I take ovasitol which is a supplement that does the same thing metformin will do, but I haven’t had to deal with any of the side effects that metfomrin can bring (upset stomach, etc) I would suggest you do your research on Ovasitol (Inositol Supplement) as it has helped many ladies with PCOS!
The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step and you have taken the first step. I predict that you will find your answers and regain your health. I have autoimmune Hashimotos’ thyroiditis and after discovering Functional Medicine I finally began to get some answers. It’s been a two year healing journey and a total revamping of my lifestyle but I recently got back the test that told me I have healed my adrenal fatique. This is a huge step! Finding our ones root cause, taking the steps necessary to improve ones life, taking the appropriate supplements and radicallty changing ones diet have all helped many of us. I want to share the info. best doctor in SW Michigan with you. This is the doctor that diagnosed my health issues and has helped me heal them. She practiced within just a few miles from your store. I often stop in the Found Cottage after my doctors apt. Dr. Auburn is the BEST!
Natural Health Improvement Center PC Master
Dr. Ann M. Auburn, DO/MD
4466 Heritage Ct. SW Unit D, Grandville, MI 49418
PHONE: 616-301-0808 FAX: 616-301-7887
Practicing integrative functional medicine.
INTEGRATIVE APPROACH
I used to pop in sometimes for home inspiration here on your blog but lately I have been seeing your posts in my facebook feed and reading about your journey to having a family of your own.. I just want you to know that my heart goes out to you. my husband and I too have had issues but to put a little more hope in your future – we do have twin boys by IVF. After 9 years of himha this and himha that treatment we finally found the right person to help us. Of course it’s a long story but I am hopeful for you with this new doctor and I don’t really pray but I am putting good vibes out there for you. One thing I can say for sure that after I look back at how hard it was, I wouldn’t have my life any other way with my husband and two boys. You will feel the same one day. Love to you.
Prayers for you! Maybe someone has mentioned NaPro technology before but I thought my friends story of overcoming infertility using this method could help you or anyone else out there who reads this!
https://melissarupp.blogspot.com/search/label/Endo.%20Journey?m=1