Helps Comes from Lebanon via Philadelphia

I knew within a short time that I needed a new OBGYN and providence provided one. At a work function I met a friend who got me into a wonderful OBGYN, Dr. Kellie Flood-Schaffer. One visit to her office and I was referred to her new partner, Dr. Sami Jabara, a fertility specialist and endocrinologist. Dr. Jabara was born and raised in Lebanon and had left his practice in Philadelphia for a faculty position at the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center.
I knew right away I would like Dr. Jabara and his staff. After tests, more tests and laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis, it was time to actively try to get pregnant. Dr. Jabara joked that sometimes all it took was to sit in his office and the couple would turn out pregnant before their next appointment. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen with us, but I did leave that appointment feeling like a part of a team. It was nice to have someone else monitor my cycle and give me directions.
We decided I was a candidate for intra-uterine insemination (IUI). Dr. Jabara presented us with the costs and we felt blessed. I had insurance that would pay 50% of all ultrasounds and procedures as well as 50% of drug costs. We had savings to pay for the rest and would not incur debt. We felt this was God’s blessing to go for it. We entered into the process in full faith and trust that if God meant for this to work, then it would. If this was not His timing, then it would not work.
Two weeks later I was taking daily shots and waiting to get the go ahead for the HcG injection. During this cycle, Dr. Jabara’s nurse told us to give it a try the old fashioned way, but it had to be in next two hours. Can’t imagine how fast Chris drove from Levelland to make it home! Don’t worry, we made our deadline.
We really didn’t know what to expect when it was time for the IUI. By this point we had our fair share of tests, needles, time in the private room and experience with the “special” ultrasound. We were nervous, but so very excited. It took no time at all and while I was resting afterwards, we held hands and dreamed about the future.
I don’t remember obsessing about symptoms the way I had in prior months. The fertility drugs make you feel like you are pregnant anyway, so it was useless to monitor the symptoms. I was exhausted and cramped.
Ten days later Dr. Jabara’s nurse, Lisa called. I was standing in a conference room at work and had to sit down. I could not believe it. One of my co-workers, Marcie Beasley was there. She looked at me, laughed and said, “I know that look. You are pregnant!” We found out the day before Valentine’s Day 2006 and could not think of a better Valentine.