Time to Rest - and Learn

I went to see a variety of doctors on Monday. For those of you not well versed in my medical history, I have a condition called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome - or POTS. Basically, when I stand up for too long, my circulation doesn't work so well... blood pools at my feet and my heart races in order to get the blood flowing again so I don't pass out. I was diagnosed with this back in 2ooo, so it's nothing new to me. Many times, I don't even notice the tachycardia (fast heart rate) or other symptoms. However, during the past 5 weeks or so, it has come back with a vengeance. Three weeks ago, I called my cardiologist to let him know what was happening - and that I was pregnant. We had discussed the impact of pregnancy on POTS before Michael and I conceived, so I knew this was a possibility. I also knew that his stance was "no meds during pregnancy." I hadn't been on medication for this for several years, so I wasn't too concerned. During the phone call to my doctor, he said that he was very sorry, but that there was nothing to do except drink lots of fluids and eat extra salt. (I know... most people are shocked to hear a doctor recommend extra salt - but it helps increase circulation!) Anyway, when I went to see the cardiologist on Moday, I was shocked to hear his advice: stop working immediately - and until the baby is delivered. Obviously, I was in complete shock - and had a very hard time dealing with this at first. I had expected to have to go out of work, but not until several months from now. He explained that the reason my heart is racing every time I stand is that blood flow is inadequate getting to my heart, and therefore to the baby. The medications that are available to help with my condition (POTS - Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) are not good for use during pregnancy due to causing issues with low birth weights, issues with the placenta, etc. He said that after I stop working, if I am still having problems at home that are unbearable, we can talk about medication - but he's still reluctant with that. Later in the afternoon, I went to my 3 month appointment with the OB. Honestly, I was hoping that he would say, "Don't worry about it. You can keep working." That, however, was not the case. He agreed with my cardiologist.

Those of you who know me well will not be shocked to hear that this "announcement" greatly upset the "planning" side of me. :) I will say, however, that even in the past 3 days, I have learned many amazing things about myself and the people around me...

• My friends have stepped up to the plate in more ways than I can imagine. My friend from school, Maria, had already been bringing meals to us for two weeks - a huge blessing.


• Our friend Kathy from our Small Group at church came over with her 3 daughters on Wednesday and ironed all of our clothes and cleaned the bathrooms.


• Already this week, our friends Heidi & Pauline (both from our Small Group) brought two delicious dinners over for us.


• Some friends (Paula, Carolyn, & Brita) from school are sending dinner home with Michael.


• Members of our small group are organizing so much help for us - everything from grocery shopping to cooking meals to helping us clean the house.


• Friends have kept me busy with emails, text messages, and phone calls this week. (One of my biggest fears about this time at home is that I'll lose touch with friends... they're not letting that happen.)


• My mom and grandmother came up to go with me to the cardiologist on Monday. (We weren't expecting such big news, were we Mom?!) I've been talking with them each day this week, and they are helping to keep me calm and POSITIVE. :)


• Michael has continued to show me what it means to truly love someone and put them before yourself. He has done all of the cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping, ETC. for the past 2+ months... in addition to all that is encompassed in teaching. I am so blessed to have such an amazing husband.

So what have I learned so far?

• I've learned that while I would like to be able to handle the day-to-day activities of life, I can't right now. I can't stand up long enough to make a sandwich. I can't walk up the stairs more than once a day. I can't walk to the mailbox. YET. ...But every day I pray for the strength to be able to do a little more. Yesterday, I was able to make a couple of phone calls to friends. (I didn't feel well enough to do that the day before.) Today, I have felt like I could sit up. (That wasn't such a great idea yesterday.) Today, I was able to update our blog.


• I've learned that humility is a quality that I need some help with - but I'm working on it. I never thought I could allow someone else to come into our home when it wasn't "spic and span" - but we've had more visitors come by to drop off food or help us clean in the past 3 days than we've had for several weeks or months. I lived through it - and despite my embarassment of things not looking "perfect" - no one has seemed to even blink.


• I've learned that NO MATTER WHAT, the people who love us most - our friends and family - are there for Michael and I when we need them the most... and without us even having to ask.

And, what about our baby, you may be asking? The baby is doing great. We got to hear Baby Boyes's heartbeat on Monday afternoon - it was pumping right along at 158 beats per minute (ironically, about the same pace as mine after I stand for 30 seconds or so!). The baby is about the size of an apple right now - 4 inches from crown to rump - and weighs about 2.5 ounces. :) Our next appointment is on March 3rd - when we'll be having an "anatomy" ultrasound ... and will be able to find out if Baby Boyes is a BOY or GIRL... Stay tuned! We can't wait!!!