Kellie & Mikail

I used to work with Mikail’s Aunt, and she introduced us at one of her parties. We exchanged phone numbers and started talking but at the time, Mikail was living in Texas. I would go visit him and he would come to Atlanta to visit me. A year after we met, we got married and this April will be six years. We always talked about having kids and were ready to start our family.

Trying to conceive

Once we started trying to conceive, I had an ectopic pregnancy in my right tube. We were hurt and saddened by the loss but needed to keep moving forward. A year later, I had another ectopic pregnancy, but this time in my left tube. I couldn’t understand why this was happening and lost all hope in having a baby. I was diagnosed with tubal blockage and told we would have to go through IVF to have a baby.

I started with one fertility clinic, but the staff was rude and unprofessional. I switched to another one and this time, the staff was amazing, but I didn’t feel comfortable with the doctor. I guess it’s true when they say third time’s a charm because I came to Shady Grove Fertility Atlanta to see Dr. Mark Perloe. He diagnosed me with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and prescribed medications which helped my symptoms significantly.

His staff was amazing. They always returned my calls and emails. Dr. Perloe was very helpful when he explained everything from my PCOS to my blocked tubes.

Starting IVF treatment

I started to feel hopeful again as I got ready for my egg retrieval. I was so nervous about administering the shots and never thought I could do it, but you don’t know what you’re capable of until you have to do it.

After my transfer, I was told not to take a test, but on the ninth day, I couldn’t help it. I took one and it was positive! I was beyond happy. IVF really worked for me! However, my happiness quickly turned to worry and panic. I started bleeding and had to go to the emergency room.

Luckily, I was told everything was fine and to keep taking my meds. After a few weeks, I was transferred to my OB/GYN. We were so grateful that everything was normal, and our baby was healthy.

One rainy day during an ultrasound test, I was told my baby had a marker on her heart which was found in babies with down syndrome. Once again, my heart sunk but we knew we’d love her regardless.

Our SGF miracle

On October 30^th, I went in for a scheduled C-section two weeks early due to gestational diabetes. Just a few minutes past two o’clock, Lauren Victoria Campbell was born. She was beautiful and healthy with no issues. My husband and I have been on cloud nine ever since our daughter came into this world. We love everything about our baby girl, and I feel so blessed to be her mom.

Advice to future patients

My advice for anyone that’s going through IVF is don’t give up! The sun does shine after rain, and there is a pot of gold at the end of your rainbow.

I did a lot of praying during the whole process, but I also tried to keep busy. I threw myself into work and just tried to stay positive about the whole thing. I also read several books and attended counseling to help me through it. I was able to talk about my feelings and learn how to cope with stress, which was very helpful.