First, I became a conscious of my body and then I held my baby in my arms!

Our story started in April 2007. My husband was diagnosed with a very low number of sperm. Therefore, we had to undergo treatment to have a baby. I was 34 years old so we had to start the treatment as soon as possible. Because of this, we had already started searching for a treatment center nine and a half months into our marriage. After contacting a few centers, we went to Bahçeci Women’s Health Center. We had the pre-interview with Dr. Esra Aksoy. Her sincere and frank attitude gained our trust. We had not found this kind of warmness at the other centers. In the beginning of this process, the doctors’ approach towards you is of great importance. This was critical to our psychological state. Dr. Esra Aksoy looked at the results of my previous tests (especially my FSH value) and referred me to Dr. Murat Berksoy, family physician and dietician.

So, our adventure began. First, Dr. Murat Berksoy requested a great number of tests to analyze if my body would be able to produce high-quality eggs. Based on the results of these tests, he identified the issues that may pose problems in the treatment stage (tachycardia, low glucose level, rheumatism, susceptibility to celiac disease, etc.) and gave me a regulatory medication and nutrition schedule. Though it was very difficult to prepare myself psychologically for such a treatment process, Dr. Murat Berksoy’s reassuring attitude and belief in my ability motivated me. I started to do physical exercise and to eat largely fruits and vegetables. I also took herbal medications. After a while, I observed that I had restored my fat/muscle/water balance. This further strengthened me psychologically.

We made our first attempt in October 2007. Three embryos were transferred. Although the embryo adhered in the beginning, it ended negatively one month later. For the next attempt a great number of tests, notably the chromosome analysis, were performed. I once again prepared myself for treatment based on these results. I tried to always keep my motivation high because I fully trusted my doctors. The second attempt was made in April 2008 based on the joint decision of Dr. Murat Berksoy and Dr. Esra Aksoy. I fell ill following the egg retrieval procedure. Before the transfer could be performed, it turned out that my gallbladder had to be removed. My three embryos were consequently frozen. I was devastated. They convinced me that if the transfer were made before the surgery the result might be negative. I had my gallbladder removed. After the recovery period, the three frozen embryos were transferred in June 2008. One of them adhered. I was extremely afraid of losing that one, too. However, thanks to the strong advice and guidance of Drs. Esra Aksoy and Murat Berksoy, my fears dwindled away as the pregnancy went on.

I went through an easy pregnancy without any problems such as weight issues, hypertension or diabetes. And finally I was able to hold my baby in my arms. My daughter is now four months old and I am very happy. I would like to thank all the employees of Bahçeci Clinic, notably Drs. Esra Aksoy and Murat Berksoy, who were with me throughout this period. I hope that everybody who is longing for a baby will enjoy the same happiness that I am.

Fusun Aydıner / 24 February 2010