4 days in...

As much as I am looking forward to this new year, these past few days have brought some unfavorable things my way...

I met with my ob-gyn regarding my PCOS. I changed doctor's right before my pregnancy and had not been able to address my issues and concerns with my new doctor. At that point we focused on my pregnancy. Due to my PCOS symptoms and the limited information/testing completed by my previous doctor, she ran a full blood workup and had multiple plans for various scenarios based on the pending results. While this was promising, my blood pressure level was not. I've had issues with my blood pressure since pregnancy...nothing prior. It was high the day of my visit and she suggested I follow up with my family doctor before proceeding.

I met with my family doctor today. By the end of the visit I was given a medicine for a virus that has caused a progressive cough and was prescribed the same blood pressure medication that I was put on during pregnancy. I HATE taking medication of any kind...unfortunately, I have to do what is best. It is my hope that between watching my sodium intake, increasing my exercise and eating more "cleanly" I'll be able to get off it. She told me that it is not uncommon to have blood pressure issue once someone has them during pregnancy. The level may even out eventually or it could be a condition that I deal with on and off for the majority of my life. Boo. It's no fun being labeled "hypertensive" but it is not a label that has to define me. Just as with my PCOS, I will learn to own the condition and tap into the things that will help me. I've found many wonderful resources to add to my Be Healthy Board on Pinterest and I'm actually excited about some of the transforming that will likely occur. I'll be more healthy, have more self confidence, and will hopefully serve as a good example for my daughter and husband.

::via::

 

One thing that does concern me is the high blood pressure and future pregnancies. I had to be pretty careful during my first pregnancy. In fact, the last reading they took spurred them to want to induce me (which fortunately, it was as if G knew I did not want this and was already on her way...I love that part of her birth story) within the next couple of days. I was put on medication and had to be conscious of many things throughout. With this blood pressure issue still at hand, I do get a little nervous when I think about how it could impact my next pregnancy. Praise God that I have a very competent set of doctors and many good reasons, my daughter in particular, to make good choices and create change as we prepare to hopefully add to our family. While this time is a ways off, there is a lot to be done before then.

::via::

 

As I was driving home from the doctor's office, I was really bummed about the medication, my blood pressure and some of the other issues I'm facing medically. I then reminded myself that if I dwell, Satan will quickly use those emotions as a gateway to ruin. So instead of throwing a pity party or crying because of how overwhelming all of this feels, I am choosing to lean on my Savior, seek encouragement and resources and focus on some wonderful things coming in 2014 (not to mention those things that the Lord will surprise me with along the way).

2-the number of teeth G will add to in the coming year
0-the number of excuses I have for not making change this year
1-the number of the age G will turn in April
4-the number of years of teaching I'll have under my belt

As I nurse myself (once again) back to health, I'm taking time to enjoy the precious things in my life. I am grateful for my hubby who continues to love and support me through the highs and lows. I am completely in love with our precious little girl and I am so excited about how God plans to use our family in the coming months. I hope you too will enjoy all that the Lord has to offer. His blessings are plentiful and His grace is contagious.