Stories of Life…. Chapter-1
“ Seek and you shall find , Knock and it shall be opened to you’’
I have seen a wide range of emotions walk through this door knocking their way in . Ranging from helplessness , distortion , expectation , warmth , happiness , hate , regret , sense of security and what not . Past this door what awaits them is not entirely up to me , but then all I can provide is a sense of hope …. Well this is the story of one such couple who happened to teach me not always does theories , predictions and statistics come true , sometimes your heart gets you what you totally desire …
When Neena and Ram first came to meet me they astonished my assistant with their profound knowledge in infertility ,embryology and everything concerning ART . “Well aint I supposed to be the Doctor here’’ ?… wondered my perfect assistant. Whatever, she patiently listened to them , took their elaborate fertility treatment history . ‘’Could be on another doctor shopping spree’’ I told my assistant casually when she briefed me about the case . All I cared was ‘’Why ME ?’’. They did get their answers from the who’s to the you know WHO’S ! I dint have anything better to offer either. Well having understood the case and having prepared my mind for the best choice they have, I called them inside . I knew my answer was going to be no different from the others . But the moment Neena and Ram started talking to me , I saw a spark in them , a sense of determination and heart in them . They choose to come to me because they heard me speak on the possibilities of Low AMH / Low ovarian reserve . They did the background check adequately .
They knew I would be up for challenges and wouldn’t be like the old quacks who chased them off their doors saying a big ‘’No’’ to their idea of bearing a child of their own , a true blood of their kind from the eggs the mother bore . Well I should admit the confidence in them. They left me startled !. I sure was impressed but the medical records weren’t that impressive I must say . The old Quacks were right of course . Whatever! with a slight tinge of realism and humour I tried to tell them- all of us meant the best by suggesting the idea of probably sharing an egg or may be going for a donor embryo . Still I offered to go ahead with the procedure of using own eggs betting on their confidence and I must say my prayers . To be honest young blood is often set with such gush of adrenaline .The quacks would have agreed to this in their yester years perhaps . After explaining the pros and cons of this procedure and chances of course I set them up for the procedure . I spent hours of my time researching and probably relearning the science that said No to them . Tried all possible permutation and combination in the IVF drug cocktails I prescribed to them . Well the farm grew a single egg this time . To be honest this was indeed a blessing. One from none is indeed a miracle . The pick up day came , I went about collecting that egg , growing it and nurturing it safely with all my heart and prayers . The transfer was done in time . Neena insisted on being in the hospital until the result day . She abided and remained to be a wonderful patient during her waiting period at the hospital . 2 weeks just went by .. the result day just approached in a swish !. I had my heart in my mouth to be honest when my assistant came with the result . I couldn’t open it . I wasn’t prepared to console them if things went wrong . Alas ….What can I tell you other than this … “Hope is that one stubborn thing inside us despite all the evidence to the contrary that something better awaits us so long as we have the courage to keep reaching , working , fighting for it “. God did answer their prayers . After 9 months of long wait they are here with us today in this picture with their sweetheart , reminding me and all of us don’t let go of things the first time you fail , have the heart to pursue because at some point it may all come true ……..
Dr Ashwin