Factor II Mutation/Prothrombin

Please see the bottom of the post to find some links that may be helpful to you!

Many of you have been wondering what's going on in the results of our medical testing. I recently met with a Hematologist to discuss a diagnosis. I have a genetic disorder called Factor II Mutation, or Prothrombin. Basically, my body makes too much of a protein called thrombin, which causes one's blood to clot. While this was not an issue with my most recent pregnancy and miscarriage, it's possible that it could have caused the previous two miscarriages, though we'll never be able to know.

The issue is that if the blood is not flowing smoothly enough, it can deprive the baby of vital oxygen and nutrients needed to grow and develop. The solution is to use blood thinners throughout the pregnancy and six weeks after. This is where it gets complicated for me. I'm not considered low risk because I've had three miscarriages, but I'm not high risk because this has not been the proven cause, as far as we know. I'm in the grey area. Low risk situations would call for a regimen of baby aspirin daily throughout the pregnancy. I'll also be doing this as a precaution throughout my reproductive years, and possibly beyond. High risk situations administer a shot of Lovenox to ones' stomach daily. I am in the middle, and therefore, the decision is being left up to us.

This is a difficult decision for me, personally. I HATE shots. My mom could tell stories of herself, a nurse, and a doctor holding me down for a vaccine. But I would do anything to save the life of my baby. So, I'm facing the reality of giving myself a shot in the stomach everyday for up to 11 months. Being selfish, I want to do the baby aspirin; but I also know that if I lose a baby due to not taking the aggressive route of Lovenox, I would blame myself, be that right or wrong.

Initially for me, there was no question that I would do the Lovenox, and I guess that there probably still isn't. I just scared myself by searching the Internet and coming across a YouTube video of a woman giving herself the shot during IVF treatments. It freaked me out! But I know that I will do this. The Lord will give me the strength, and if I feel that this is where I am being led, I will have perfect peace.

I have, as I mentioned, been scavenging the Internet searching for information about this diagnosis as related to pregnancy. Aside from pregnancy, its been found that many people travel through life not having any idea that they have this genetic mutation. Its been diagnosed in less than 10% of the population. Most women my age learn that they have this because they have had multiple miscarriages, or they have developed a blood clot while on hormones, or 'the Pill.' Birth control can cause blood clots, so if you are already predisposed to this, your risk is doubled or higher. (That is another post for tomorrow!)

As far as pregnancy, there isn't a lot that I could find in layman terms. Most of my search has landed me in different forums of discussion among women who are pregnant or trying to conceive with Factor II Mutation. Some are on Lovenox AND baby aspirin, on heparin, just baby aspirin, or a combination of vitamins and supplements. Each situation, obviously, is different. Some have other complications piled on top. It's hard to learn much without being confused about something else! Mostly, I hear that someone has Factor V or Leiden (I think!), which is more common. Some are on blood thinners until 6 weeks after delivery, some come off at 36 weeks for delivery, and then go back on. My search has really only brought up more questions, and I plan to contact the Hematologist to discuss these questions.

I'm thankful that we are learning these things, and that there are possible medical answers. I only wish we had started five years ago. Hind site is 20/20, right?! Above all of this, though, I struggle with being overconfident in the diagnosis. The human side of me wants this to be the answer, but I know that this could not have saved my baby girl. Her issue was extra chromosomes. I'm constantly reminding myself that trusting in God and leaning on Jesus are the best answers to anything! I don't have to be comfortable, just content and growing in my relationship with Him.

UPDATE:  I have since found some helpful websites for information...  I found support at Babycenter's forum group called Lovely Lovenox Ladies, as well as the following:  Clot Connect and CNN.  I'll add to the list as I find others. 

Happy Birthday, Bella!

Isabella Rose ~ June 2, 2005.

June, 2006

1 year old

June, 2007 2 years old

June, 2008 3 years old

June, 2009

4 years old!!

A funny girl who loves to tell stories and play games! Bella picked out her dress for her third and fourth birthdays, and she picked the same dress both years. At age three, it was a little long, but at age four, it fits perfectly!

We celebrated tonight by using skype to allow memaw and pepaw to watch Bella open her gifts from them, then we headed out for pizza at Monical's (a girl after my own heart!). Bella fell asleep on the way there, and slept until Daddy carried her out to the van to go home! She missed her own birthday dinner!! She did make it for cake and ice cream, however. We had 8 candles on the cake this year because we had to use ALL of the pink ones! Later, Mommy and Daddy surprised her by showing her a video (search: create a personalized celebration video) to tell her they are taking her to Disney World in 3 weeks! She was happy, but when she realized we weren't going right now, she wanted to read her new book instead. Daddy also got her a jump rope, and a pink polka dot tee-ball set (ball, glove, bat). Apparently she had a good nap, because she is still awake at 11 pm!! She's such a night owl like her daddy!

Watch this...

And tell me what you think! I think it pretty good!

And no, this is not the special post I mentioned earlier. Its still coming:)

I'm Baa-aack! Did you miss me?

I'm back!! Wooh, that was a long hiatus. We have been having computer issues (its old!) and crazy schedules, and I just haven't felt that blogging was a priority. I can't promise that I'll be regularly posting, but we'll see! :) So, I'm just going to do a list of updates for you....

• I'm starting my cleaning schedule again! TODAY! I'm back to the point where I think I can handle it, and summer always inspires me to get the work done so we can get outside!
• Our painting is done! I don't have to explain any strange colors in my home anymore, like the green/gold/beige wallpaper that was in our bedroom. The agreement when we bought the house was that that would be the first room painted, along with the master bath (glowing yellow), and three years later, its finally done! ha!
• Bianca is talking like crazy! She started the month of May with mama, daddy, and dog (pronounced dogge, long O), the important ones, of course. Now she'll try to say anything.
• I planted some flower seeds along our deck, and they are preparing to bloom, along with our coreopsis, and geraniums. I love our landscaping, after all of the work we put into it last year! I'll have to get some pictures taken to share.
• I had a doctor appointment with a hematologist due to my multiple miscarriages. That's another blog!
• I LOVE this weather! The windows are open, I love the sounds of the birds and bugs, and the sunshine is glorious!
• We're heading to Orlando in a few weeks for the Nazarene General Assembly. For you non-Nazzys out there, that is our entire denomination coming together every four years for services, and business things. I love the reunions that occur during this. Usually it is held in Indy, but since the convention center is under construction, we get to enjoy the fabulous weather in Orlando!
• Our carpet is in, and while it looks exactly the same as the old (without the stains! ha!), I love that I am not worrying about me or the kids poking their feet on the nails in the doorways.

I'm sure there is more, but I think that's enough for now! There's another very special post coming today, so stay tuned!

Majoring in Motherhood?

Motherhood is a valid profession.

It is that belief that inspired Jill Savage and a group of women to plan the first Hearts at Home conference 16 years ago. Today these conferences are a place where moms can go to find the encouragement and education they need to do this mothering thing right!

The problem is, not everyone can attend a Hearts at Home conference, so Hearts at Home University was created!

Hearts at Home University is a new resource designed to encourage and equip you in your journey as a parent! These live web casts, affordably priced at $15 each, allow you to tap into continuing education as a mom on a regular basis right from the comfort of your own computer.

The topics that will be covered over the Spring and Summer Semester include:

“Is There Really Sex after Kids” with Jill Savage
“She’s Gonna Blow” with Julie Barnhill
“Redefining Romance” with Mark and Jill Savage
“Keeping Your Ducks in a Relative Row” with Karen Ehman

For information on dates and times, or to register go here.

Take <3, Mommy!

Have you ever felt alone as a mom? Lost in your chosen field of mothering?

There is an organization that was created to encourage, educate and equip women in the profession of motherhood. Hearts at Home helps thousands of moms love their lives through their many resources including conferences, website, and books.

Recently, I mentioned this organization briefly when I attended their conference. (I still plan to blog that!) While I was there, I learned of a new thing they were starting up, and partnered up with this organization as a blogger. Over time I hope to share with you the many resources this ministry has to offer (old ones and new). To learn more about the Hearts at Home Blogging team, click here.

In the meantime, I would like to encourage you to explore their website and blog for an immediate dose of mothering encouragement!

The age of Princesses

I'm trying to make a grocery list, but I have no motivation. So I thought I would blog instead!:) Here are some interesting goings on around our home recently.....

Bella absolutely loves playing princess right now. She puts her little princess dress on and wears it ALL day. To the store, to church, to Nina's house, everywhere! Most of the time the ensemble also includes princess shoes (clear heels with snow white on the toe), and sometimes a tiara.

Recently Bella was watching "Sleeping Beauty". When it came to the scary part of the show, she ran to another room, where she could still see the movie, but could 'hide'. I tried to explain to her that the people on the television cannot see her, but she was not convinced. I explained that this was all make believe, and that the same thing will happen every time she watches this movie. Apparently she didn't believe that either, because last night when she watched "Cars" for the 50th time, she was concerned about what would happen to Lightning McQueen! It makes sense that she thinks the people on t.v. can see her, especially when they talk to her, asking her, "where is this, or do you see that?"

Bianca has declared clearly that she likes her cloth diapers better than the disposables. I recently had to put a disposable on her, and she went straight to the diaper supply, grabbed a cloth diaper and brought it to me, pulling at her disposable. She continued this periodically the entire time she was wearing the disposable!

Last night, Isabella fell asleep around 5:30. We continually tried to wake her, but she was very tired, so we let her sleep. We had planned to go to bed around 9 pm because Scott was working at the Extreme Home Makeover site today, but she woke up at 8:30. After giving her some supper, it was clear that she was not going to go to her bed and stay there. I decided to try something else, so at about 10, we put her tent up in the living room, got her all ready for bed, put her in her sleeping bag in the tent, and started the "Cars" movie. My hopes were that she would be entertained enough to stay there, and eventually fall asleep before the movie ended. She slept in her tent all night! I got up with her once around 11 because she was doing something in the kitchen. After the threat of having to return to her room if she got up anymore, she stayed there all night!.