In 2009, my husband and I decided it was time to try for our second child. It took about 8 months to get pregnant the first time, so we didn’t expect any problems the second time around. That was a mistake.

We tried for a few months, but as I was approaching 40, I decided I needed to take more action. I started monitoring my ovulation with a personal ovulation machine. To my surprise, I realized my periods had become very irregular, ranging from a 14-day cycle to a 50-day cycle, and I discovered I didn’t ovulate every month. As my age was against me, I decided to see my doctor to figure out what was going on.

After a blood test, I was told my FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) was way too high, around 16 when it should have been about 6. My doctor referred me to a consultant in the gynecological department at the Royal Free Hospital. After a few tests, I discovered my left tube was blocked (it may have always been blocked and was never tested before).

On my next visit to the consultant, I was told that I had poor-quality eggs and couldn’t have fertility treatment, but could have an egg donation. To say I was shocked is an understatement. It felt like my world was falling apart, and I was devastated.

Luckily, one of my friends told me to go see Dr. Deepika Rodrigo, and it was the best decision I made. Dr. Deepika was fantastic; she went through everything, including my diet, lifestyle, and medical history. She looks at you as a person, not as a number.

She was determined to help me, and it finally felt like somebody was interested in me. Over an hour later, she sent me home with a selection of powders (which I had to drink at certain times) and some changes to my diet.

I saw her about four more times over a four-month period, and by then, my FSH had gone back down to where it should be, around 6. A few months later, I was pregnant. I had a great pregnancy, which I attribute to having Dr. Deepika in my life.

I am so lucky to have found Dr. Deepika and to have had her fighting in my corner when the NHS had sent me down the road of egg donation.

If you are reading this case study, you have found a fantastic person who will help you.

I am now the very lucky mother of two beautiful girls: Darcey, who is four years old, and Molly, who is four months old.

Best of luck to you, and put your faith in Dr. Deepika Rodrigo.