Support

When we first started TTCing, never in a million years did I think it would take more than a year to get pregnant. I think it's that way for most women going through infertility. And the longer you wait, and the more you find out what's going wrong, the more confused and lost you get. And the worst part about that is, sometimes you just need to talk to somebody who knows what you're going through.

So I find myself fortunate that not only do my closest friends in real life know and support me in this, but also that I am part of an awesome group of ladies in an online support group at FertilityFriend.com (FF). Like pretty much all the other ladies on this site, I joined with the expectation that I would soon be frequenting the pregnancy side of the board instead of languishing in the TTC side. Six months came and went. I soon found myself looking for a buddy group, and found one for those who have long cycles. I seemingly fit right in and forged relationships with these ladies, all who suffered from not having a "normal" 28 day cycle. The support, advice, celebrations and grief were shared by all and it was wonderful to be a part of this group.

But after 2 years, my subscription for the VIP section of FF ran out, and I felt it was time for a break. Because as awesome as it is to be part of a group, it can also make one a little obsessed over their journey. And at that point, I was obsessed with every little thing going on with my cycle. It was not good for me.

After 3 months of me not being on FF, I began to crave the support I got from FF and began to look at free support sites. Maybe I just didn't look hard enough, but it just wasn't the same as it was on FF. The boards were either not busy at all, or they had way too many people and I got lost in the shuffle. So I sucked it up and paid the subscription fee for VIP access to FF 6 months after I left.

It's been one of my best decisions in this entire journey, and it's totally worth the subscription fee. Although the group I had left was on its last breath of life, a private group with the bulk of my friends had been created and I was invited to join. There were a few new faces, but for the most part, it was like I was never gone. They are a godsend to me, and have perhaps kept me saner than I otherwise would be without them. And I hope I am repaying in kind for them. *kiss*