Heart of a rogue

* Chapter 9 -

Sitting in Eline's office, I felt a knot of nervousness twisting in my stomach as I prepared to broach the subject of fertility treatment. Glancing at Declan beside me, I drew strength from his reassuring presence before turning my attention to Eline, who sat across from us.

"I... I wanted to apologize for my recent behavior," I began, my voice hesitant as I met Eline's gaze. "I know I shouldn't have lashed out and trashed your office. I was feeling trapped and angry, but that's no excuse for my actions."

Eline's expression softened with understanding as she listened to my apology. "I'm glad to see that you're feeling better now, Lucy," she replied gently, her tone warm and reassuring. "Abel was able to help where I couldn't, and I'm grateful for that. Consider your apology accepted."

A sense of relief washed over me at Eline's words, grateful for her forgiveness and understanding. Taking a deep breath, I braced myself to broach the topic of fertility treatment, knowing that it was a conversation that needed to be had.

"Thank you, Eline," I murmured, my voice tinged with gratitude. "Declan and I are here to discuss fertility treatment."

Eline nodded, her expression turning serious as she explained the potential outcomes of such treatment. "There are certainly positive outcomes to consider," she began, her tone measured. "The possibility of conceiving a healthy child is certainly one of them. However, it's important to be aware that fertility treatments also come with their fair share of risks and dangers."

As Eline delved into the potential risks and dangers associated with fertility treatments, her voice took on a measured tone, her gaze steady as she addressed Declan and me.

"Firstly," she began, her expression serious, "there's the risk of multiple pregnancies. Fertility treatments like IVF can increase the chances of conceiving twins, triplets, or even more. While this may seem like a blessing, multiple pregnancies carry a higher risk of complications, including premature birth, low birth weight, and the need for neonatal intensive care."

I nodded, absorbing her words as she continued.

"Another concern is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, or OHSS," Eline explained. "This can occur as a result of the fertility drugs used to stimulate ovulation, causing the ovaries to become swollen and painful. In severe cases, OHSS can lead to fluid buildup in the abdomen and chest, as well as blood clots and kidney failure."

My stomach churned at the thought of such complications, but I listened intently as Eline outlined the potential risks.

"Ectopic pregnancy is also a risk," Eline continued, her voice somber. "This occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tubes. Ectopic pregnancies can be life-threatening if not detected and treated promptly, and fertility treatments can increase the likelihood of this occurring."

As Eline spoke, I felt a knot of anxiety tightening in my chest, the weight of the risks weighing heavily on my mind. 

"Also," Eline concluded, her gaze meeting mine with empathy, "it's important to consider the emotional toll that fertility treatments can take. The process can be physically and emotionally draining, leading to feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. It's essential to have a strong support system in place and to prioritize self-care throughout the treatment process."

As Eline concluded her explanation of the potential dangers of fertility treatments, her voice softened with a note of solemnity. "Lastly," she said, her words carrying a weight of caution, "you're both aware of herbs and alternative medicines, Lucy. While they may seem natural and gentle, they can have a significant impact on your body, potentially causing more harm than we anticipate. It's important to remember that all bodies react differently to medication, and what works for one person may not work for another."