Chelsea is determined to lower her BMI for funded treatment.
Chelsea and Jared started trying to conceive six years ago and have been together for nearly eight years. Along the way, Chelsea was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and eventually Endometriosis after a laparoscopy surgery. Jared has a daughter from a previous relationship and has been testing throughout their journey, and all is OK on his side.
After several years of trying to conceive, they became quite worried about no outcome, so their GP referred them to a fertility clinic for the next step. They tried monitored and unmonitored rounds of clomiphene and letrozole. Ovulation hasn't seemed to be an issue. After a recent review with their doctor, Chelsea and Jared have decided that IVF is the next step.
Chelsea and Jared do not qualify for publicly funded fertility treatment and are working towards getting on the waitlist. Chelsea is outside of the restricted Body Mass Index (BMI) range. It has been a constant struggle for her to lose weight. Chelsea's doctor sat her down four years ago to tell her she needed to lose weight, and she has been up and down since then. Chelsea is working with a nutritionist to break old habits and help with mindset.
This journey can be very lonely, and people don't understand how it affects you. Chelsea was starting to feel quite isolated on her journey and reached out to Fertility NZ for support. She joined her local fertility support group. The group is lovely, and they have connected through their journeys as they face the same challenges. Jared is a very supportive partner who stands by Chelsea's side and is always understanding.
Chelsea still has her off days but remains positive about their journey, and she is determined more now than ever to get on that waitlist.