I have been navigating a very difficult infertility diagnosis for the last two years. As a disabled veteran with my disability directly impacting my ability to have children, my mental health has slipped as well. I continually feel like nobody can truly help me, and every provider is just chasing symptoms or unwilling to take the time to look into the root problems.

I was in the process of trying to find a facility that would work with me on my bloodwork needs. My surgeon wanted a specific kit drawer completed, which had lengthy details and specifics. I drove to 4 different area hospitals, all of which did not give me the time to explain the care or needs I had for this bloodwork before denying being able to help. I left the 4 clinics in tears because I just wanted one person to seem like they actually cared.

As a last-ditch effort, I went to the local VA, where I got to speak to a nurse, Rebecca. She was kind and sweet and cheerful. She took the time to look over my surgeon’s orders and asked the lab a lot of questions about how they could accommodate my needs best, and asked me which options would work best with my life.

She spent time answering my questions and made sure I understood my options as well as how to proceed over the course of my 10 days of blood draws. She also made sure that I knew her name in case anyone else at the VA had questions about what was discussed with the lab. I left feeling heard and supported for the first time in a long, 2-year infertility battle.