Well, I did it. I came out about my struggle with infertility to the entire world. I posted a blurb on Facebook that I borrowed from someone on "The Bump" forums. It read:
It's National Infertility Awareness Week! Infertility (inability to conceive after a year of trying) is something one in eight couples struggle with. Chances are, I'm not your only facebook friend either currently dealing with it, or has dealt with it in the past and has come to a resolution. It's a fairly silent disease as many feel isolated or shameful of the diagnosis. For those who suffer silently, this week I will help be your voice. Infertility is not your fault and nothing to be ashamed of!
This is why I came out- I don't want to feel shameful of this experience. I guess in the past I felt like I almost didn't have the right to come out. We were previously only diagnosed with MFI (Male Factor Infertility) and I felt as though it was more Chris' story than my own. Now that we have laundry list of new diagnoses for me, I feel like this is more my story than his. I hate that I think of some things as not ours- we are together in this battle but the struggles in my head, the acceptance I need to give myself, overcoming the shame associated with infertility- those are my battles. Chris is (not only amazing but) very open about the struggle and will tell everyone and anyone what's going on. I have selected to tell very few people. Most people I don't know in real life know the details, but my family does not know what we've been through. I have one good friend at work, one great friend at school, Chris, and my therapist for support. Now that I'm out- not only am I hoping I can be a support for others, but I'm hoping more people can help support me.
So after my big unveiling- some friends put the pink and blue infertility ribbon on their profile picture- I must say, I'm not overly emotional but it truly brought tears to my eyes. Amazed that people would be that supportive. One friend from Facebook even took the opportunity to come out about her struggle and now a lot of people are talking about it on her thread. This is the whole point- we need to talk about it. There is no shame.
I can't wait to see how this week of awareness turns out. Spread the word!
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That is so amazing that some friends supported you by adding the ribbon!! How awesome :-)
ReplyDeleteYour comment about how you will help be the voice for others who are not ready to "come out" gave me chills. You go Nicole!! So proud of you!