021: How to Navigate Endometriosis and Infertility with Steph

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Have you ever faced a medical diagnosis that changed the course of your life?

Today, we delve into the heartfelt journey of Steph, a woman who has battled endometriosis and infertility, and her ultimate triumph in becoming a mother. This is a compelling story of resilience, emotional strength, and the tireless pursuit of a family.

Steph's journey began at the age of 30 when she first received her diagnosis of endometriosis. Despite having a family history of painful periods, it wasn't until she experienced excruciating abdominal pain and was diagnosed with a cyst that she began to truly understand her condition.

Their surrogacy journey brought them to Los Angeles, where they underwent further IVF treatments to harvest and inseminate Steph's eggs, creating embryos ready for transfer. After an initial setback with their first surrogate, they met a wonderful woman in North Carolina who successfully carried their daughter.

Throughout this period, the emotional toll was immense. Steph grappled with grief, anger, and anxiety. Her anxiety hit peak levels during the surrogacy process, to the point where she relied on Pablo (her husband) to manage the logistics and updates. Despite the emotional upheaval, the couple's perseverance paid off when they finally welcomed Alma into their lives.

From her journey, Steph offers invaluable advice for those grappling with endometriosis and infertility. She emphasizes the importance of not losing hope and managing the disease through diet, acupuncture, and physiotherapy to reduce inflammation. Connecting with others facing similar challenges and staying informed about the condition can make a significant difference.

Today, five years after their successful surrogacy journey, Steph continues to manage her endometriosis through a disciplined lifestyle, including dietary changes and regular acupuncture. Despite the challenges, she feels good and is grateful for the journey that brought her to motherhood.

Steph's story is a testament to enduring hope, the power of medical intervention, and the unyielding desire to create a family, no matter the obstacles. Her experience offers a beacon of hope to many struggling with similar issues, showing that with persistence and the right support, one can navigate through the darkest tunnels to find light.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro
• 02:12 Steph's Diagnosis and Early Symptoms
• 02:43 The Impact of Oral Contraceptives
• 03:24 Surgical Interventions and Challenges
• 07:44 IVF Journey and Miscarriages
• 11:42 Decision for Surrogacy
• 14:48 Surrogacy Process and Success
• 23:09 Managing Endometriosis and Final Thoughts

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• https://thewholebundle.com/

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1. Introduction to the Show (00:00:00)

2. Steph's Diagnosis and Early Symptoms (00:04:20)

3. The Impact of Oral Contraceptives (00:04:51)

4. Surgical Interventions and Challenges (00:05:33)

5. IVF Journey and Miscarriages (00:09:52)

6. Decision for Surrogacy (00:13:50)

7. Surrogacy Process and Success (00:16:56)