Delivery Time

My husband and I returned to the hospital on Labor Day at 3pm for the ECV procedure. We had grandma come in and stay with our other children on the off chance that they'd keep me. My husband was pretty certain delivery day was here. I on the other hand was optimistic. I really wanted to wait another 2 weeks to be closer to my due date-September 22nd. Our 2 older boys also had their first day of school tomorrow. If I delivered the baby, that would mess up their first day of school. We arrived at the hospital at 3pm. They put me into a labor and delivery room and put on a gown. The two OB doctors arrived to do the ECV procedure. They first checked the baby's position with a portable ultrasound. Baby had turned from sideways (transverse) to completely breech. My disappointment quickly escalated. The chances of a successful turn just decreased from 75% to 50% working now. I only hoped we made the right decision. Part of me wanted to wait it out and see if baby would turn on it's own later. My midwife though had assured me those chances were very slim as I was almost 38 weeks and baby had been in the transverse position for most of my pregnancy. It had come to like that position. The longer I wait to have the ECV procedure done, the less chance it would work considering the baby will continue to grow taking up more room allowing less room to move around. The procedure took only about a minute. They monitored baby closely-the heart rate and position with ultrasound. They continued to monitor the baby after the procedure also. The midwife consulted the OB doctors about inducing labor immediately. Their thought was I still was having increased blood pressure, which could lead to preeclampsia, and since they were able to easily move the baby's position, it could easily move back again. I would then most likely be facing a c-section. I hestitantly agreed to be induced. I really struggled with this. I wasn't mentally ready to have a baby. We had everything ready at home for the baby. In my past pregnancies, two were induced on a scheduled date due to being over my due date and my other baby came on his due date. I knew he was coming soon as I started having contraction a couple of days before he was born. On all three of these, I had warning baby was coming. This baby, I didn't even pack my bag. I didn't have any time to get used to the idea. Baby was on it's way!

Baby is here!

Wow! How time flies. Here it is almost winter & Christmas. Through all of the tribulations, I delivered a beautiful baby boy 2 weeks before his due date. I was so concerned with the diagnosis of gestational diabetes and the possible complications of it, that now looking back, I overcame that only to have a more difficult complication. I tested my sugars as directed by my midwife and was controlling them with no difficulty. The midwife stated I could have fallen into the 1% that are misdiagnosed. I received some difficult news during my routine dr appt at 37bwks 2 days. Baby was laying transverse and couldn't be delivered that way for a successful vaginal delivery. I was devestated. I had three previous uneventful pregnancies and now this. My options were to undergo an ECV procedure or have a planned csection at 39 weeks. Since this was my last baby and all of my previous babies were delivered vaginally, I wanted that option. I did my research on the ECV procedure (external cephalic version), this is where a trained OB physician turns the baby on the outside of your abdomen. It has potential risky complications, although a very low percent. During this appointment, my blood pressure started elevating. I reassured my midwife that is was the stress of this news. It didn't seem to comfort her too much, but I told her I was fine & I'd see her in a week. She didn't like that response and decided I needed to follow up with her on Monday, Labor Day. She was oncall at the hospital. Since the clinic was closed for the holiday, I had arranged to go to the hospital at 10am to have a blood pressure check, check baby's position, and have a consult with an OB dr in regards to the
ECV procedure. My husband and I got there a little after 10am on Labor Day. I expected to be there for less than an hour. To my surprise, we left there around 12:30pm only to have to return at 3pm. The nonstress test on baby showed a healthy very active baby, but my blood pressure still elevated. My blood work showed only minor elevations but the baby was still transverse. I was now 37 weeks and 6 days. After speaking to the OB dr, we decided to go ahead with the procedure. He personally had not had any complications. I'd need to go 6 hours without food. Since I ate at 9am, I'd return at 3pm to have it done. To be continued....

Feeling overwhelmed

Feeling overwhelmed in life? Everyone does at some point. Whether it be related to an unexpected bill or an illness. How to deal with it can make a difference. Choosing your attitude is the best way to approach it. Look at it as a learning experience. Do you best and accept the outcome, whatever it may be.

Dealing with gestational diabetes, I've gone through the steps...denial, acceptance, all. I've done a ton of research on the topic and do still believe my eating habits prior to the three hour test resulted in a false positive. Rather than dwelling on the burden of testing my sugars, I take from it I'll have a healthy baby and have controlled my weight gain. I've learned how to become a healthy eater despite my pickiness. That's the positive of a negative situation. I truly believe that if everyone just looks for what they can get positive out of it, they'll deal with the situation better.

Gestational diabetes- the challeng

So I've been tracking what I've eaten and my glucose levels for a week now. I have sympathy for anyone who has to do this earlier on or who are diabetics. I have to test my glucose 4 times/day. I can't stand needles or blood. My 2 hr after meal numbers have been excellent-low numbers no problem. I have had 1 high fasting number. Freaked out by that, I immediately took to the internet and was also blessed to have a husband who's a nurse and told me what to try. Some people do not eat enough at night so their body "crashes" at night-thinking you're starving it, will release glucogen (I think that's what it's called)and this elevates your am fasting glucose numbers. I have now resorted to eating a peanut butter cookie before bed and even drink a little milk in the middle of the night. This has helped my morning numbers. Some of my numbers have been dangerously low-one was 56 and I've had quite a few in the low 70's. My husband freaks out at those numbers, reiterating that in the hospital, those numbers would be a reason to give a patient some sugar asap. I have an appt next Monday, 7/27 to check in and see what the next step is. I wonder if they misdiagnosed me. I've tried to eat so much better with this baby and elimate snacks after supper. That could have been the culprit to my little high 101 fasting score on the 3 hour test. Some sites wouldn't have determined this to be considered gestational diabetes until it hits over 105. I just want a little more sugar, some more freedom to eat something different and to stop poking my fingers.

Another day

I'm so enjoying the fat free jello, meats, and wheat bread. For a picky eater, this is a challenge. I meet with a nurse educator and dietician on Thursday. I'm sure that will help me understand what's going on.

I know this is a challenge that I have to meet and do an awesome job at since my baby's health depends on it. I'm sure in future months I'll understand the purpose. Even if it's to get me to eat healthier to lose the baby fat after baby is born.

Test Results

So disappointing. I received the phone call I was hoping I just wouldn't get. Yes, you've failed the 3 hour glucose tolerance test! 2 out of my 4 results were elevated. The very first fasting one & after the 1 hour test. My two and three hour test were well below the allowed limit. My body just isn't breaking it down quick enough is what they told me. Not sure what that means. I feel a sense of hoplesness. I've had 3 uncomplicated pregnanacies. Now I realize how lucky I was and how stupid I was for taking that for granted. Being diagnosed with gestational diabetes and being hormonal was enough for a tear to develop. I tried so hard to eat low carb/low sugar diet. I'm angry that after all of my efforts, it didn't pay off. Oh how I'd love to have a brownie or some ice cream. Part of me wants to give in and eat-what difference does it make? After all, I ate healthy and still had failed the test. I worry that I did or didn't do something to cause this and put my unborn baby at risks. What had I done wrong this time I didn't do the times before? I don't snack much at all and only eat 3 small meals. How can that do this:-(

Another Day

I never thought I'd be overcoming the challenge of a diagnosis of gestational diabetes. It gives new meaning to a healthy baby and normal pregnancy, which I obviously will never take for granted again. I'm on day 5 of my crash diet of decreasing carbs and low sugar. I had the low sugar part already under control, but had no idea how much food I love contains carbs. I now find myself not looking forward to eating and in fact, sometimes don't care if I skip a meal. I rarely eat snacks between meals either. Now I wonder if my husband is indeed right, and I'm not getting enough nutrients. Is there not a happy medium? We'll see on Tuesday when I do the 3 hour tolerance test.

The joys of pregnancy

Life is busy when you're married, working outside the home full-time and have 3 boys under 12 to keep up with. Try adding on being 7 months pregnant. I'm sure all of the moms out there can relate. This being my fourth and very last child, I was expecting the normal run of the mill pregnancy similar to my past ones, non-complicated except for the vericose vein on one leg, being nauseas for 4 months and really tired. This one is more challenging, adding the potential diagnosis of gestational diabetes. I recently took the one hour test and failed it miserably with a result of 190. So high that they just wanted to start monitoring my glucose levels several times a day. I'm not one for needles, blood, or having to make several trips into the ob deptartment to monitor this. It meant I'd have to slow down. After discussing my concerns with a nurse and getting permission to delay the monitoring, I'm now taking the 3 hour test next Tuesday, July 7th. I have learned since my previous test (which was just a few days ago) that even though I tried to avoid sugars, my high carb diet was contributing to this problem. I'm such a picky eater that I quickly became discouraged at what all I could not eat. Wow, lots of foods I took for granted. After reading about complications with the baby, I became determined to change my diet to a low carb, low sugar diet. I've been doing this now for 3 days! Doesn't seem like a long time I know, but to drastically change my eating habits, read lables is an incredible challenge. I don't know if it's all in my head, but I actually feel like I have a little more energy and don't feel quite as fat. I'm hoping my crash diet will make my test on Tuesday go much better. I'm sure other moms or future moms can relate. And if any of you have helpful advice on how to overcome this diagnosis, I'd love to hear suggestions!

Have a safe and happy 4th!

Favorite TV shows-The Bachelorette, Jillian Harrison

Totally off the subject, well kind of. How many of you out there watch the Bachelorette? I think the show lost some viewers after last season with Jason Messnick. I'm not a big fan of Jillian's from that season, but it's still great entertainment. In related to my blog's topic on life challenges, I would like to point out that she hasn't overcome one of her challenges, and that's to not judge a book by the cover. She looks at Wes a country singer, sweet, and caring. Really he's selfish and looking out for numero uno-him. She's overlooking the obvious men that would treat her well, like Jake. The good looking pilot from Texas. She seems to think he's too perfect. This is the same mistake that Deanna Pappas (previous Bachelorette season) didn't pick Jeremy. Now Deanna isn't seeing the man she was to marry from that show-Jesse. Perhaps she made a mistake not choosing Jeremy, we'll never know. I only hope that Jillian sees past the obvious and can look at really who they are. When she does that, I'm sure she'll let Wes and foot fettish guy, Tanner go home. Who will she end up with? We'll have to stay tuned.

Need extra cash?

I'm betting I'm not alone out there, wondering where I can find some extra cash? Having ends meet has become more difficult, especially for the averge middle class family. They make too much money to qualify for any kind of assistance, but not enough to save. I hope to review options out there to bring in some extra cash and welcom any ideas that readers have found beneficial as well. Many people have a wealth of knowledge. It's trying to tap into that to assist others in need.

Valuable life lesson

In our local area, a tragic acccident occurred. A family of 6 people were in a minivan driving back home from a family gathering. It was around 11pm on a Saturday night. In a matter of seconds, life would change forever. A drunk driver two times over the legal limit fell asleep at the wheel, blowing through a stop sign, crossing 2 lanes of traffic before hitting the van broadsiding it. It killed 4 people-a dad, his newborn son, his step-daughter (19 year old mom of two), and her friend. It would also a few days later take the life of the 19 year old's 2 year old son. The only survivor was the mom. She lost her newly wedded husband, their newborn son, her 19 year old daughter, her 2 year old grandson and the friend of her daughter. Instantly lives were turned upset down. The 19 year old girl was to graduate from a challenging year of high school. Many excited for her accomplishments of being a teen mom and completing her schooling. People that know this family and the lives lost are shocked at the lesson-life can end just like that. You may never get a second chance to sit down and play with your child, take a walk, hug them good night and say "I love you". We all forget about those so dear to us and how quickly the things we take for granted daily can quickly leave us. Be greatful for each day you have. Live as though there is no tomorrow and live with no regrets. This is easier said then done as many of us expect to be here tomorrow. Just remember this family though. They all thought they'd have a tomorrow and tomorrow never came!

Economic Hardship (continued)

In my last post, I gave some ideas on how to help your finances in difficult times. In reviewing, know where your money is going and some suggestions on how to save when going out to eat.

Once you know where your spending money, it's time to work on decreasing the spending. Try setting a budget. I know many of us attempt this, but things always come up....someone's birthday, someone needs a new pair of shoes, etc. Try planning ahead and find things on sale. Maybe decrease your maximum amount that you normally spend on, for example, birthday gifts. Look in places you maybe haven't thought of and get creative. It's amazing what kind of things you may be able to find at a dollar store. A child's birthday, you could easily put a basket of creative play together-some coloring books, crayons, etc can be purchased very cheap at a dollar store. You could also change your budget for gifts. If you normally spend $20 on a gift, try reducing it to $15. Cards are incredibly expensive these days. Try having your kids make a card for a special occassion. It'll mean more as they put thought and time in to it. Try making gifts. If you're lucky enough to be a great photographer, you can do alot with ordering pictures and framing them for some great art to hang in someone's house. A nice fram can be purchased for under $3 at Walmart. It's not how much money you spend on a gift that makes it nice, but the thought you put into it.

It's these little things that can add quickly add up debt and put little money back in your pocket. Plan ahead, be creative, and look for deals.

Economic hardship

In these times of economic struggle, I think I'm probably not alone in wishing I had a lucky lottery ticket or a winning power ball ticket. Prices of goods increase while our wages stay steady or in some cases decrease. Over the next few blogs, some suggestions on how to get through difficult economic times. Like a tip of the day to take home and try it out. I'm by no means an expert as my family is right there with the next in figuring out how to juggle the money or the bills. If anyone has ever seen the t.v. show from the past, "Roseanne"...excellent tv show on your normal run of the mill family. I think the most important tip is to know where your money is going. Once you keep track of your spending, you may find areas that you can slim down. It's amazing how quickly going out to eat, even the quick fast food, can add up during the month. That extra money spent on that could have gone towards a phone bill for example. If dining out is a must, try eating off the dollar menu, using coupons, and if you have kids, know which restaurants have kids eat free night. It's amazing how much you can save by being aware of those things.

Changing one's lifestyle to accommodate the budget is a lifestyle change. Almost like going on a diet. You have to be committed to doing it, not for a month and call it good. All of the ideas for saving a little money will help in the future to put into savings, or start your child's college fund, or retirement. Honestly, unless you're a millionaire, one can never have too much money.

I find this topic of interest because I think most of us are struggling with it and can share ideas on what we've found helpful. It's also a huge stressor in life when you work all day and feel like it's just not enough. It's part of life's journey that can be difficult to overcome.

Part 2 Give it Time!

So I just found out I had a miscarriage. I was about 10 weeks along. Devestated at the news and angry as to why God would do this to me, I realized in just a couple short weeks why. That old addage "everything happens for a reason" is true. We may not always like the reason it has happened, but it did happen to teach us a lesson or help steer our path down life's lane.

I soon received a call from the clinic. My prenatal tests (pap smear)came back with an abnormal result. Since being out of college, I hadn't made yearly doctor appointments. I actually don't recall my last doctor visit or even had future plans of visiting the doctor up to starting the prenatal appointments. I just thought if I was healthy, no need. After 2 more pap smears came back abnormal, I was ordered for a biopsy. The biopsy came back with precancerous cells-early onset of cervical cancer if I didn't get those cells removed. I was 23 years old and scared. I had never been sick before. I was about 2 hours away from home (my parents, siblings). I couldn't dare tell them. They had worried so much when I had a miscarriage that dealing with this on top of it would be too much. I decided to deal with it head on and have cryosurgery to remove the cells. After the painful procedure, I then had to follow up for testing every 3 months. All of those showed normal. I then had to get tested for cervical cancer every year. Last year I was finally cleared to not require yearly testing. I could go up to 3 years now. It may some day surface, but I had learned a valuable life lesson....get annual check ups and be proactive with your health. If it hadn't been for the pregnancy to begin with, I wouldn't have gone to the doctor for quite some time, possibly years. By that time, I could have developed cervical cancer. In a way, the unborn baby I lost saved my life. I will always remember how fortunate I was for that bumpy road I went down. It could have turned out much different.

What's important to take away from this, is that everything does happen for a reason and you must trust that it will work out the way it should. Learn from the experience so you don't repeat the problem again.

This "loss of life" blog deals with the loss of a miscarriage. I know many people out there have experienced loss of a loved one (not an unborn one). In future blogs, I'll share my experiences with how to deal with that as well. Out of everything that I've had to overcome and face, the loss of a loved one is one of the most difficult challenges ever. It's one of the ultimate tests of faith that anyone will encounter.

Remember, we're never given more then we can handle:-)

Give it time! Loss of life

How many times have we heard that famous line, "Give it time!" And you just want to scream at the person who says it. Like they know from their personal experiences what you're going through and how sometimes that just doesn't apply. Some day or several days, months, or maybe even years, you'll look back and realize that by giving something time, you can make heads or tails of what happened and the reason for it.

Real life example: I had just graduated from college with a BS in elementary education. Applying for jobs and eager to start my life. A twist in the road, I soon was pregnant. I had been with the baby's father for a couple of years and were looking to settle down. It just didn't quite happen in the order I had wanted. A blessing from above nonetheless. The pregnancy started out tough. Extreme cramping soon found it's way to me and brought a visit into the ER. Pregnant and my body's way of dealing with it. I continued with the normal prenatal visits and tests. The first appointment to confirm my baby's due date should have been a joyous experience. It soon turned into something much scarier. The doctor couldn't find the baby. Blood tests soon showed the pregnancy hormone had decreased. I had lost the baby. I went into a deep depression, wondering what I had done to cause the death of this tiny being. I didn't smoke, drink, or do drugs. Maybe not the healthiest of eaters and exercising wasn't a high priority at the time. I couldn't help but to wonder what I did wrong. Why would this happen to me. Why would anyone have to go through the joyous experience of being pregnant, to only have it end so abruptly? I didn't know it at the time, but I would soon get my answer. Not years away, but a few short weeks I would start to get my answers. Stay tuned for part 2.

A bad day. Everyone has them

Yep, an icky rainy Sunday. You'd think that would be enough to bring down the spirits of having a day off work. I think every now and then, you're bound to have a day that you just don't want to repeat. Why? It makes you appreciate the good ones.

To Surrender or To Survive

Almost all of us have had a bad experience or "bump" in the road. At the time we think how bad we have it and hope the next day is better. We complain about our day and hope we get some sympathy from someone. This will make us feel better. I was a sympathy looker. Thinking I was "owed" at least a little sympathy from someone. It could have been that I was simply having a bad hair day that set my mood off or maybe something much more serious. After so many bumps and serious runoffs into the ditch experiences in life, one comes to an epiphany. The light comes on and you finally get what you've been missing. The life lesson, do you surrender to the sadness of the situation, which lets face it, some circumstances you have to in order to get to the next step to survive or do you survive it? To survive a "bummer" experience in life, you need to walk away having learned something valuable. It may not come to you right away, but eventually, you will get there. I no longer look for sympathy, but rather hope to share my experiences, good and bad, and how I overcame them to become a survivor. Hopefully you will take something from these posts and apply them to your life.

Compared to many people, my life hasn't been so bad, but then compared to others, it's incredible that I haven't simply lost my mind. It's what I've taken out of the experiences, especially the bad ones, that has helped me grow and survive. It's all in how you look at life. Is the glass half empty or half full? Lesson one-look for the positive in a bad situation. If you surrender, you're givng in and accepting the outcome. If you're a survivor, you'll look at making the situation better or you'll look at what you can learn from it. Learning something is actually a positive. It will help you to not repeat the same mistake. Now, wouldn't that be a good thing.

More tips and personal stories on how to overcome struggles in your life.

Starting Out

I'm just starting out to blog. We'll see how this goes. I'd like to share life's journey...the struggles, the challenges to overcome, the happy moments to cherish. I think we can all learn from each other when we share some life lessons.