Health Update

I have had lots of questions regarding my health lately, so I thought I would give an update here for anyone interested. I have a hard time sharing about my physical health in general because I don't want to come across as "sick" or needy. It's a weird feeling since I have no problem being completely open about my mental health struggles, but when asked about my physical health I automatically downplay and side step. So here's what's going on (without using the words "I'm fine").

Let's start with some background: I have had three pregnancies in two years. The first, as many know, involved severe hyperemesis gravidarum-extreme nausea and vomiting resulting in serious weight loss and a plethora of other complications. My second pregnancy resulted in an early and emotionally challenging loss. And this pregnancy has come with its own set of challenges. In addition to pregnancy and all of its joys, I also suffer from chronic migraines, anemia, stomach issues, and kidney stones. With this information, we can move on to the most recent update.

Throughout this current pregnancy I have dealt with mild to moderate hyperemesis along with my other more chronic issues-the works. Occasionally due to these issues, or so I thought, I would become very faint and pass out. In the beginning it was written off as dehydration from the vomiting, treated with IV fluids and rest. Around 22 weeks the vomiting stopped completely. It was a beautiful gift. Unfortunately and fortunately at about 24 weeks my fainting episodes became more frequent and concerning. I realized it was a problem when I passed out in the middle of Nordstrom. That was just all kinds of embarrassing. But after a few days and a few more episodes I had an increasing feeling of something being just not quite right. On a sudden impression I decided that I needed to go to the emergency room even though I was relatively ok at that moment. I knew I just needed to go. So I calmly drove myself there and checked in. Well, they don't take passing out lightly in those places so I was seen and tests were started pretty quickly. It was quickly discovered that my heart rate was extremely elevated even while resting. After fainting twice while tests were being run, I was admitted to the hospital where I spent 4 days while doctors tried to stabilize my heart rate. I was blessed to meet with a doctor who specializes in heart rhythms and I was diagnosed with an arrhythmia that can be exacerbated by pregnancy. I was sent home with a heart medicine and a 24 hour heart monitor and strict orders not to do most everyday activities, including but not limited to: climbing stairs, lifting or carrying my one year old, and driving. These limitations have by far been the most challenging part of this whole situation. I am about three weeks into this now and am becoming more stable but am still having occasional episodes of tachycardia, dizziness, and fainting. The hope and the goal is to completely eliminate these episodes before delivery as they can become worse during labor if not managed properly. The good news is that I have some amazing doctors and an even more amazing support network. I am hopeful (most of the time) and very grateful that I am receiving the proper care and treatment. I am also scared a lot of the time. And pretty disappointed that I don't get to give birth in a bathtub anymore. But I know that it is all for the best. I am making it through day by day with tons of help and lots of prayers. Life is never what I expect, but even in the stress and the struggles I am constantly reminded of how blessed I am. So this is where I am. It sucks a lot but I am managing. And even though I am not fine, I know I will be eventually and it's nice to have that to look forward to.