Married six years now, the Huttos want a baby so badly they have tried almost every avenue they could find.
But as long as there’s any hope at all, Hutto said she and her husband will keep trying, and she wants to help others who are working through the same frustrations.
According to the national infertility association, Resolve, 98,160 men and women in Alabama have been diagno association, Resolve, 98,160 men and women in Alabama have been diagnosed with infertility, and 7.3 million people nationwide are affected by the condition.
Under Resolve, Hutto is starting a support group for area couples and individuals dealing with infertility. One-hour meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. this Tuesday in the boardroom at Citizens Baptist Medical Center in Talladega. The meetings will be held the second Tuesday of each month.
Meantime, Hutto is participating in a research study at the University of Alabama at Birmingham for women with polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, a disease that’s contributing to her inability to g, and 7.3 million people nationwide are affected by the condition.
Under Resolve, Hutto is starting a support group for area couples and individuals dealing with infertility. One-hour meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. this Tuesday in the boardroom at Citizens Baptist Medical Center in Talladega. The meetings will be held the second Tuesday of each month.
Meantime, Hutto is participating in a research study at the University of Alabama at Birmingham for women with polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, a disease that’s contributing to her inability to get pregnant. She was diagnosed with PCOS in November 2006.
“I do not have a regular menstrual cycle,” she said. “Without medication, I may have one two or three times a year. This disease also causes issues with ovulation, cysts, hair growth. It elevates the level of testosterone and lowers female hormone levels, also creating a problem with hair growth.
“This is the main reason that we haven’t been able to conceive. I have always had problems with cysts, and they interfere with the conception and fertility processes.”
At one time, Hutto asked her doctor what chance the couple had of getting pregnant on their own without fertility medication, and she was told “one percent.”
“That was devastating to hear,” she said.
Hutto, who works at The Daily Home, described the frustration of not being able to conceive.
“The best way that I can describe it is knowing that you were meant for something you have such a strong desire for … and you can’t have it no matter how hard you fight for it,” she said. “It isn’t fair.”
In November 2011, the Huttos were going to try artificial insemination.
“I took all of the medications required and went in the day before the test was scheduled and was told that we weren’t going to be able to do the insemination because I had one cyst on my left ovary that had tripled in size and another on my right ovary that had developed to nearly the same size as the other one,” she said. “She then told us that … in vitro fertilization would be the best chance for us, and even then, we would only have a 50 percent chance at best.”
The Huttos decided to take a break and think about their options.
“We have considered many different options,” she said. “I have looked into several adoption agencies over the years. I have also spoken with the Alabama Department of Human Resources about becoming a foster parent. The reason that we haven’t pursued these options further is because I have a strong desire to carry a child of our own.”
Hutto said she is fortunate to have a husband who has been supportive and understanding throughout this process.
“He has been a source of strength for me, when I didn’t think I had any strength left,” she said. “Infertility struggles can strain any relationship, especially a marriage. I think it’s important to have a strong relationship with your spouse in order to survive the battle together.”
Hutto said the purpose of the new group is to provide that same kind of support to others coping with infertility. She said she believes she and her husband eventually will adopt, and maybe even have some biological children of their own, but for now she wants to focus on helping others, particularly in this part of the state. There’s one other such support group in Alabama, and it’s in Homewood, according to the Resolve website.
“It makes me feel that I have a purpose in all of this and that everything we have been through isn’t pointless,” she said. “I feel that we have been through this battle for a reason. This is the hardest thing that I have ever faced, and if I can help one person go through it so that they know they’re not alone, then I would say it’s worth it.”
Hutto encourages anyone dealing with fertility issues to join the group to be around others who understand.
“There are so many people out there facing the same things you are, and it helps to talk about it,” she said. “Strength, patience, courage, faith, and all of these things have made me a stronger person. I just want to make a difference in the lives of those impacted by this disease, and I will never give up on being a mother.”
For more information, contact Hutto at resolvetalladega@gmail.com or 256-649-0282.
