Scary week!

This week has been a crazy one! Zack and I have been trying to have a baby for about a year now. When we first started this process, we thought it would be no big deal and probably be pregnant fairly quickly. We were right--after only three months we were pregnant. In May, we had our first miscarriage. Of course it was so shocking and we were very upset, but truthfully, they happen all the time, so we moved on. I found out I was pregnant again the first weekend in September. We were thrilled! Things went along fine for a while, then in October we went for our first ultrasound and heard no heartbeat. We were crushed. It was extremely difficult plus I ended up having to have a D&C. We were referred to a fertility specialist at that point. We went through several tests and were told two things: I was very deficient in folic acid & I had a positive ANA test. I was then referred to a rheumatologist to further examine the positive ANA. It took almost two months to see the rheumatologist. We got to see him on the 18th of January. He took some tests as well and Tuesday of this week we got the results. (That's the story in a nutshell).

The doctor called Tuesday night with my results and met with us Wednesday afternoon. I tested positive for Lupus as well as Antiphospholipid Syndrome (a blood clotting disorder). I don't have more markers for Lupus, so the doctor did not want to diagnose me with this yet. But, the APS, he said, was a little more urgent. The doctor also cared for my grandfather. Apparently my grandfather had APS but they did not know about it until he developed a blood clot in his leg and had to have it amputated. The doctor said he didn't want to take any chances with me. So, I was put on blood thinners on Wednesday. The medication is a little tough on eyes, so I had to get that checked. I also had to get my heart checked to make sure I didn't have any hypertension. They treat me for APS regardless of pregnancy because it can cause a number of health issues (blood clots, heart attacks, strokes, etc.). It was busy and VERY scary! I called my fertility doctor as well and we went to see him Thursday morning. He was really calmed me down. While a pregnancy will be difficult, now that we know what is causing me problems, I have a 71% chance of a successful pregnancy (up from 10% without treatment). I will be high risk, but with daily shots and medication, I should be fine (let's pray about that). Zack and I were so happy to hear we could try again, but honestly we are very afraid of pregnancy. It's a risk worth taking, but scary nonetheless. I am so thankful God is taking care of us. Although going through miscarriages is horrible, I wouldn't have known about APS if it all hadn't happened. I know whatever happens God will take care of us, it's such a good feeling.

At work, LCU had board meetings starting Friday through Saturday afternoon. Zack announced the LCU baseball games this weekend too. By Saturday night we were so tired. I don't think either of us is really caught up. Anyway, being busy & emotional is not a good mix I've decided.

The highlight of the week was the Baby Blessing shower. We had over 50 women come to provide for a single mother who was in real financial need. The outpouring of love was amazing. I think the new ministry will be a success, I am excited to see where it goes.

I am hoping this week is calm & restful. For those of you praying for us, thank you. I know it has made a difference. We will definitely need as much prayer as possible while going through whatever the future holds with a pregnancy or just my health. It's going to be an adventure, but I think we are ready for it!