Rebecca's Story 

I have two girls (they are 7 and 8 years old), but I wanted another child. After my youngest was born, I decided an IUD would be the best form of contraception for me (I have a strong history of breast cancer in my family). I wish I had never had that IUD. It was in about four months and caused a huge infection in my pelvis.  My tubes were badly damaged. This was confirmed about 4 years ago when a doctor said that both tubes were blocked. On November 28th, my period was a  week late. I did a pregnancy test, and to our delight it was positive!  I was afraid right away that the baby was not in the right spot because of my history. I called my doctor and told the receptionist of my concerns.  They blew me off as a patient who was overreacting.  They just scheduled me for my first appointment on December 8 and told me my due date. The nurse was suppose to call me back, but she didn't. I was spotting and cramping and I had a strange heavy feeling in my abdomen. My husband became concerned and called the clinic.

He called and they finally just wanted me to come in for HCG testing Thursday, Saturday, and Monday. I got a call back on Monday and they told me the HCG level was increasing and scheduled me for an ultrasound on Friday, December 8th. After I saw the nurse practitioner and got all the paperwork on how to have a healthy baby.  I headed down for my ultrasound. I was so scared because the tech didn't say anything right away and then with a TVS she began telling the doctor about the embryonic sac, etc. and that it was clearly in the right tube.

I was so devastated! Then, for the first time in my pregnancy, I saw a doctor. He then said he would have to remove my right tube because the baby was already so big. Again, I was devastated! After the surgery, he told my husband that the remaining left tube was severely damaged. The doctor said it looks as though I could only have a baby with IVF. I do not think I could ever go through with a pregnancy like that because of my beliefs.

People keep saying you have two wonderful daughters, and it could be worse. Imagine if you did not have any kids. Honestly, this does not make it any easier. We all wanted this baby tremendously! I also feel cheated, I blame the clinic for not looking into my situation sooner.