Monday, Monday.....

Monday we went to see Dr. R who is a perinatologist (high risk pregnancy obstetrician). Aaron took the day off to go with me. Mom went too, cause lately, I need more ears hearing the medical advice I am getting. I tend to get hung up one word or phrase, and miss the bigger picture. Probably part of my ADD.

Dr. R is an incredibly bright, gentle woman, who handled my care with so much precision. It was wonderful to receive such wonderful medical advice. I really really like her. I think she could read the anxiety on my face and immediatley began to explain everything very thoroughly.

Following a very extensive ultrasound (we saw every angle of our sweet tender baby girl- we even got some 3d images that I will post as soon as I learn how) (She looks a lot like Aaron and is SO SO beautiful- not surprised)she talked with us in detail about the findings and what can be done.

I currently have two bleeds between my placenta and uterus. We know by now that these clots can cause serious problems. Since thrombolphilla is a disorder that promotes blood clotting, they have prescribed me a blood thinner for me called Lovenox. This will more than likely not take care of the current clots (though it may) but even more important it will prevent more clots from forming.

I got tense as the discussion turned to the Lovenox shots are given. They are injectible in the stomach only (a very very wrong feeling, when you spend this whole time protecting your belly when you are pregnant). I will be taking these shots daily between now and when the baby comes, and for 6 weeks post partum.

Also, we found out that a common practice with this medication it to schedule the babies delivery at 37 to 38 weeks, so that I can be off the blood thinner 24-48 hours before then. Induction could mean regular delivery or it could mean a c-section.

I was really scared upon the diagnosis and recommended treatment. To be honest, the whole thing is just very foreign to me. I had so much anxiety sleep was out the window Monday and Tuesday night and they were replaced with long talks with God and lots of pondering of what the future holds.

I have administered the shot myself, Tuesday and Wednesday night, and to be fair, things didn't go that bad. Aaron of course was by my side both times walking me through and holding my hand when I need it most. Once again, is strength is overwhelming. I am so afraid that he might crumble one day under the weight if all this stress.

I am not experiencing any side effects, though I do have slight head aches that make me a little worried, since that is not one of the side effects listed. But that could also come from hours and hours of inactivity, and not a lot of sleep at night and too many hours of TV.

I did sleep amazingly well last night, so maybe that will take care of the headaches. We'll have to see.

I meet with Dr. K on Monday, for my regular check up, at that time my bed rest will be re evaluated. I am hopeful that I will be off bed rest, Aaron however is not optimistic about this. He thinks bed rest will for sure continue given my diagnosis and the high risk pregnancy tag that is on every Dr's chart I have across Tarrant County.

I am resolved to stay positive and put all of my fears and trust in the Lord.

My "Daily Verse" email Wednesday morning read "The Lord is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed." Psalm 28:8

My really sweet friend Kelly brought me dinner Tuesday night and told me that she has known three people that were on Lovenox the entire pregnancy, and that the babies were born healthy and the moms are healthy too. Kelly was more of a blessing to me than she can even imagine. The relief I felt was overwhelming and I am certain God's hand was at work, having her bring me dinner and deliver such kind words.

I thank God every time I feel this sweet angel kick.
I kiss my kids every chance I get and feel them up with knowledge for the future and tell them how bright and amazing they are.
And I kiss Aaron a little longer and put myself in his arms, every time he is still.

I know all of us will pull through this just fine. More than fine- AMAZING! And stronger and closer.

And for that we are so grateful.

Bloodwork Results

I have two blood deficiencies that are both found within a disorder called Thrombophilia.

Basically I cannot absorb folic acid which helps prevent blood clotting, and the other deficiency causes blood clotting.

While all of that sounds scary on the surface, it sounds like things can be done to ensure that the baby and I are ok. None of this affects the baby directly, but can cause complications that would affect her and the placenta.

What can we do?
The first thing would be to start taking a baby aspirin once a day.

Next, my Dr has called in a prescription prenatal vitamin that has a special kind of folic acid that I can absorb.

Last, we are to meet with a specialist on Monday to discuss a treatment plan, which may include daily home injections of something called Lovanox (not 100% sure of the spelling).

I have gone to the March of Dimes Website and found good information there. And I have a lot of hope that things will turn out fine. We will arm ourselves with God's word and get as much sound medical advice as we can find.

I am ordered to still take it easy (Look for my upcoming post entitled "Parenting from the Couch" Hee hee), continue bed rest, go back to the Dr if there is any more spotting.

I feel a little bit like I am on a roller coaster. I am not one who enjoys things to be out of my control and if I am being honest, I don't really like medical stuff in general- I can be very squeamish.

Squeamish as in, don't watch ER, don't watch real stories from the ER, don't watch cage fighting, and I won't help co workers apply a bandage to an injured thumb. I get so grossed out. Aaron can tell you for the first part of our married life, once he found out my inability to handle thoughts of the inner workings of my body, he took great pleasure in describing gross things, like veins being crushed behind my knees when I sit or under my feet while I walk, or hooks in my ribs that were causing me pain when I coughed. I would make a face like I had just sucked on a lemon every time, and turn pale- it brought him so much joy! (Sicko!! See, he isn't ALWAYS perfect).

So the plan is to meet with specialist on Monday and go from there.

Thanks for listening and I will keep you posted.