I'm Not Crazy, I'm on Lupron: a Journey Through Infertility

by Stacey Rourke, Perry P. Perkins, Becky Johnson

Basal body temperatures. Hormone injections. Invasive procedures - that leave no room for modesty. Tips on “effective positions” from well-meaning grandparents.

When the natural way fails to work these are all added to the so called “fun” process of making a baby. Walk this rocky path to motherhood with author Stacey Rourke as she openly and honestly shares every good, bad, and awkward step of her three-year long journey. Using humor to break through the perils of infertility, she gives the lowdown on all the strange, embarrassing, and heartbreaking aspects. Stacey guides us through an unforgettable path that ends with a kid on each hip and hope for all those suffering with infertility.

BONUS MATERIAL: “Morsels of Hope”
Success Stories from Infertility Survivors

Genres: Nonfiction

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 10, 2013

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was beyond moved by this book. The fact that not only the author, but so many other writers, opened themselves up and gave you their story was unbelievable. In true Stacey Rourke writing style, I laughed with her, but also cried. The stories are truly inspirational and I think everyone should read this, not just those suffering from infertility.

[Heather Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never experienced the problem of infertility myself, but have family members and friends that have. I thought I knew, but I had no idea. Whether you have IF or not, you should read this book, I think, unfortunately, we all know someone who has struggled with infertility and this is a book that can educate those of us that don't have problems with it, and encourage someone who suffers from it. It's a book of stories from women who suffer from IF problems and the struggles, mental anguish, stress, and oh lord the medications. I had no idea about the massive and horrible side affects of the medications that you have to take, the multiple procedures, the expenses, the hope, the despair, the strain of family and friends. This book explains it all in layman's terms from the women that have experienced it firsthand. I laughed some and cried some, the things that I didn't know about, shocked me. I have a whole new respect for people that are dealing with infertility issues and am amazed by the strength of the families in this book. The stories touch on a variety of things, IVF, surrogacy, adoption, the miracle baby, and much more. It's an easy book to read because you don't want to stop, you want to read each of the stories and cross your fingers for them, hoping that they get their beautiful baby at the end. I think everyone should read this book, it is meant to be an inspirational book that gives hope to IF sufferers and knowledge to their friends and family. It has succeeded beautifully.

[Two Nerds With Words · Rating 5 out of 5]

This non-fiction story is such a wonderful way to help get your head around the crazy journey of fertility treatments. Stacey Rourke, offers an inspiring and witty narrative, that focus on the ups-and-downs of her experience with fertility treatment. The author's ease with her story offers readers a story of hope, as well as embracing the trauma and heartache of infertility. It's not clinical; it's most definitely not patronising; rather, it's one woman's story (teamed with a collection of moving stories from 'real women' of hope at the end) of how she survived her journey. How she reached the end with a smile on her face.

Many women, and indeed men, will be able to identify with her plight, her journey to have a family. My hope would be that readers will embrace this story as it's intended: to offer hope and inspiration, and to recognise that in the face of coping with infertility, you're not alone.

Highly recommended.

[Alana McKinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Infertility. A word that can pack quite the punch to those who wish to have children of their own. While I have not personally struggled with infertility, I know many couples who LONG to have children, and, for whatever reason, cannot do so. "I'm Not Crazy, I'm on Lupron" gave me a glimpse into life for those struggling with the heartbreaking ups and downs of their journey. Stacey opens up her journal and shares with us a glimpse of the roller coaster of emotions she, and her husband, experienced along their journey to having a family. This book opened my eyes to how grueling the process can be physically, mentally, and emotionally on couples. For those that have in the past or are currently struggling with infertility, "I'm Not Crazy, I'm on Lupron," offers hope that, no matter how it is accomplished, your dream of a family can come true.

[Babs | babs_reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very moving! Although it was peppered with Stacey Rourke's usual humor you could tell it was written from the heart. It definitely pulled at my heart strings and I found myself laughing and crying along with her as she faced a long journey of becoming a mother. I was moved by and had so much respect for not only the author Stacey Rourke, but for each and every person that shared their story. It couldn't have been easy to put all of your sorrow, hope, pain and frustration out into the world. I can only hope that those who read this book will learn from it in some way or another and possibly pass on some morsel of hope to someone they know struggling with similar problems.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book not only brought back memories of my own experiences with the heartache of infertility, but it caused the mood swings as well. I went from laughing to crying in the midst of reading one page, heck between two sentences! Many parts of this felt like I could’ve written it myself. My husband is 100% fertile and the fact that I am the reason that we can’t get pregnant weighs on me heavily. I too questioned, many many times, why women who didn’t want children could get pregnant on accident, yet others like me try and try with no success. It isn’t fair and it isn’t easy to cope with at all. You resent your friends or family or can get pregnant with no issue. You resent women who get pregnant on accident and they are upset about it. Constant blame, depression, heartache, guilt, a feeling of emptiness, the thought that you are broken, the excitement of thinking “This time it will be positive” only to see that negative sign (repeatedly)…been there, done that, please keep the t-shirt I don’t want it. My husband and I tried for four years with shots, tests, etc. We never could afford IVF and we’ve considered adoption one day. I still have some hope, though I’m enjoying life with my husband instead of letting it come between us again.
I highlighted the following lines because they are things I thought over and over in my own struggle (And still feel today):

-But the sobs that tore from me as I lay there? I’ll never forget those, because they define the most hopeless feeling of despair I’ve ever felt. So this is what it feels like when dream dies?

-The worst part is, there’s nothing wrong with him, healthwise he’s A-OK and good to spit kids out left and right...with the right girl. (I thought this so many times, that my husband should be with someone that can give him kids because he’d be an awesome dad)

-Stop thinking about it! It’ll happen! (I hated hearing these words. You can’t think about anything else!)

-I wanted to be happy for my friends who were pregnant, and I was, but it also hurt. And that made me feel guilty. (Felt this way MANY times)

-It’s not nothing when the one thing you want more than anything else in this world is just out of your reach

I haven’t gotten my miracle baby yet, but reading about the trials these women went through and their miracle babies...it gives me a sense of hope. Reading this also made me realize I’m not alone and I’m not crazy for feeling the way I do. If you are infertile and struggling, or if you know someone who is and they feel crazy or like no one understands. Read this or have them read it! I’m so glad I did. It brought up a lot of painful memories for me, but also gave me a little peace that everything I went through was a normal reaction.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read I'm Not Crazy, I'm on Lupron by Stacey Rourke. I highly recommend this book! This is a journal of a woman who had infertility. There is laughter, crying, and heart wrenching situations that will keep you wanting to read more, to find out what happens in the end of this real-life story. It's very raw and open for all to see what women go through with infertility. I believe every woman should read this whether they are infertile or not. Every man who has a woman in his life dealing with this should read this too. There are other recollections at the end of the book written by some incredible women and even a man who's wife went though this. It's an awesome perspective from the man. Thank you for the book Stacey Rourke and for telling your story all of you!