I've had many a people ask me if I'm currently giving myself blood thinning shots during this pregnancy. The answer is no. My most recent trip to the Hemogologist says that I have a blood condition called ITP:
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is the condition of having a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) of no known cause (idiopathic). As most causes appear to be related to antibodies against platelets, it is also known as immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Although most cases are asymptomatic, very low platelet counts can lead to a bleeding diathesis and purpura. Easy bruising is also an indication.
Anyway, my platelet count is low, but not low enough for me to be worried. As long as it stays above 50,000 (right now it's at 102,000), I don't have to be on steroids. The blood count dropped when I got pregnant, but is currently stable. I pray that it will continue to be that way since I really don't want to be put on steroids. The Hemotologist suspects this happened during my last 2 pregnancies as well. I will continue to get a blood platelet count each month until the baby is born.
Joshua being born with me on blood thinners was a true miracle. We're not quite sure why we lost Matthew and why Joshua was growth restricted, though. The Hemotologist says that my birthing history (blood clotting) doesn't match with my condition. It's something that I'll have to take up with the High Risk OB/GYN (MFM). So we start again at square one. At least I know NOT to be on blood thinners and that I will continue to be closely watched. That's an answer to our prayers alone.
Ryan has high hopes that with each pregnancy my body will get stronger and each baby will be bigger. Oh, to have an 8-pound healthy baby. That would be a dream!
On doctor's orders, I was told that I can't do any heavy lifting, so the move will all have to be done without me! (except the packing/unpacking, of course) Since I have a bleeding disorder, if I were to rip anything interior, me and the baby would be in trouble from internal bleeding. So I will follow the doctor's orders and "take it easy" for the next 5 months or so. Yeah...that should be easy with a 2-year-old!
I have my ultrasound in about 5 weeks. We are praying that everything continues to looks good and that this baby has a 3-vessel umbilical cord (Matthew only had a 2-vessel). I'll continue to keep you posted. Thank you for all of your continued prayers and support.
7 comments:
Wow. It sounds like you have a really good handle on your situation. I'm so happy that you don't have to be on blood thinners. And I too share your dream - 8 pounds (that's about three months old for me)! I can't remember - How big was Josh?
Kim,
You are amazing! Thanks so much for your blog! We love the updates! We are excited for your new little bundle of joy, we will be anxiously awaiting his or her arrival ~ and watching the blog for pictures since you will be in Arizona by then:)
Oh my goodness! I am so glad you have some good doctors taking care of you. I hope this pregnancy goes smoothly (and bonus if you get an 8 pound baby!).
You know that you and the baby are always in our prayers. Every time I go to the temple I always put your name on the prayer roll.
Mom
I'm glad that you are being watched so closely -- you are always in our prayers as well. I am so excited for your ultrasound! I was just thinking it is too bad that we can't average our platelet numbers -- mine have ben as high as 1.3 million! Wierd... We must have done something strange together in high school :)!
Whenever you are feeling tired or just whenever I am totally happy to watch Josh! Bree would love it too. Also, I am more than happy to help you move. We aren't moving until July, so it won't be a problem AT ALL!
Do you know what you are having? I got the announcement for graduation. I can't remember when you are leaving. Love
Janeen
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