Small business owner Amanda Chenausky and her navy veteran husband, Josh, have learned how strong they truly are as they’ve been tested again and again by their infertility journey. Though bent by the challenges they have not broken. They’ve relocated, changed careers, and have worked hard to become their own best advocates, all in service of having a family. She shares her story on social media to inspire and provide strength to others in the infertility community.
Allowing myself to be completely open with people I didn’t know and receive so much acceptance and knowledge has greatly impacted my journey and self confidence.
Q: You’ve been on your infertility journey for the past 2 ½ years. Can you briefly describe your story?
My husband Josh and I have been on our journey to becoming parents since January 2018.
My infertility diagnosis is bilateral tubal blockage with hydrosalpinx and Stage 2 endometriosis.
We’ve done Clomid, I had laparoscopic surgery to remove the endometriosis and repair one of my fallopian tubes. Since surgery, we’ve done one stimmed cycle, two stimmed IUIs and started IVF in September.
Q: What inspired you to share your story online? How has the TTC community helped you in your journey?
I was inspired to share my story after a long period of depression and shame following my infertility diagnosis. I decided to start my Instagram account and just let it all out! For the first eight months, it was strictly strangers only. Allowing myself to be completely open with people I didn’t know and receive so much acceptance and knowledge has greatly impacted my journey and self confidence.
I know I always thought that infertility was extremely rare and easily fixed — until I was the one in the hot seat.
Q: What do you think are some of the misconceptions around infertility?
The biggest misconception about infertility is that it “doesn’t happen to me.” I know I always thought that infertility was extremely rare and easily fixed — until I was the one in the hot seat.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their fertility journey?
My advice to someone fresh on their infertility journey is to advocate for yourself. Ask the questions and ask them again if you don’t like the answer. It’s your body, your emotions and your future. Take charge of it.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share?
I’d like to say thank you to the infertility community for being such an amazing resource for all women and men struggling through infertility, infant loss, miscarriage and male factor infertility.
