tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34572490853626347522024-03-13T14:09:43.735-07:00My Life as a Mom with CFKristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04080519484467517870noreply@blogger.comBlogger311125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457249085362634752.post-13098040311819184632016-04-25T18:00:00.001-07:002016-04-25T18:00:07.969-07:00Postpartum Depression<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">I suffered from postpartum depression after the
births of both my children. The first time I wasn’t sure if I was depressed or
just not cut out for the job. Lily was a hard baby, and I did not have a
support system. I was exhausted and overwhelmed. I would call my husband at
work, sobbing and telling him that I couldn't take it anymore. I had daydreams
of killing myself. I honestly felt like the only way I would ever get a break
was if I killed myself. I asked myself, “What is wrong with me??? Billions of women
have been moms! Why can’t I handle this???”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">So, one day I called my OB/GYN's office and told them I thought I might
have postpartum depression, (I even told them I had suicidal thoughts). And
they told me "you just need a break." Can you believe that???? They
told me to take Lily to the gym and drop her off in gym daycare. But I knew
that dropping her off at gym daycare would not work because she would cry
uncontrollably and they would call me to come get her after 15 minutes (no joke
– it got to the point that I would twitch every time I heard the loud “BEEEEP!”
over the loudspeaker). I hung up phone with the OB’s office and sobbed, feeling
helpless and alone. I felt like I was dragging myself through life, forcing
myself to go on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">It got better as Lily got older, and, when she was two years old, we
decided to try for another child. I was terrified. My mom didn’t think I could
handle another. But I had always wanted two kids, and I knew I would regret it
if I didn’t try to have another one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">The second time around, we got pregnant after our first IUI. And I found
a new OB. I told him about my previous postpartum experience, and he agreed
that I should immediately start Zoloft after giving birth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">After I had Grace, I started the Zoloft and I felt AMAZING. I wanted to
scream from the rooftops: “If you ever think you need an antidepressant, take
one!!!” And I did tell people, because I knew there is a stigma with
antidepressants, and I didn’t want other people to have to go through what I
went through. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">I still feel that way today. Depression is a disease. The brain isn’t
making enough serotonin. People take medicine when other organs aren’t
performing correctly, it should be considered the same with the brain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">I now believe that, if a person is wondering if they need an
antidepressant, they probably do. And it doesn’t hurt to try one. It could
change their life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Unfortunately, I experienced excessive bruising with the Zoloft. It was
so bad that Greg was worried I might have cancer. So I was switched to Lexapro.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">And that didn’t work. I slid downhill again - more crying, and more
suicidal thoughts. And I got blown off again. I called my OB’s office and they
told me I had to stop breastfeeding if I wanted to change medications. (And
that wasn’t an option for me at that time.) I tried to see a psychiatrist, but
I couldn’t find one who was taking new patients. So I stayed on Lexapro, even
though the side effects killed my sex drive and it didn’t seem to work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">At one point I went into my OB’s office, complaining of feeling
overwhelmed and exhausted, and the nurse practitioner told me, “You are in the
season of your life.” I looked at her and said, “What does that even mean?” And
she replied, “It means, you will feel like yourself again someday.” Thanks for
nothing :/<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">When Grace was about two and half, I saw a counselor, hoping she could
help me get into a psychiatrist. I loved talking to her, and she referred me to
a psychiatric nurse practioner. The nurse practioner switched me to Brintellix,
and that did help, although it wasn’t as dramatic as my initial experience with
Zoloft. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Around the same time I started the Brintellix, life also got easier.
Lily started full time Kindergarten, and Grace went to preschool part-time. I
was no longer depressed and felt much better.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">I also started to learn more about my genetics, and how they were
influencing the way I felt….And that will be the next part of my story!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04080519484467517870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457249085362634752.post-53967862175173802672016-04-23T08:21:00.000-07:002016-04-23T08:21:08.178-07:00Why I "Quit" BloggingI started this blog because I couldn't find information about pregnancy in women with CF. Since that time, so many of us have gotten pregnant, and there is so much information out there!<br />
<br />
But that is not why I quit. I quit, because, frankly, having two kids is A LOT of work! I am so very thankful that my health has been stable, because, otherwise, I don't know how I would have kept up with it all. Lily is almost SIX - (how did that happen?) - and Grace just turned three. I have been busy, busy, busy.<br />
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I have also been TIRED. This past year has been a health journey for me, but not one that I expected. I didn't understand why I have been so tired, and now I realize that it is partially because I am entering new "uncharted" territory of the CF world. I am in my late 30s, in a body that has been dealing with a chronic illness and harsh medications, and having two kids took a lot out of me. I wasn't expecting that.<br />
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And now I want to share the information I have learned along this journey in case it may help others. Stay tuned, I really want to get back into this blogging thing :)Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04080519484467517870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457249085362634752.post-66125672306288677512015-02-16T05:36:00.001-08:002015-02-16T05:36:17.252-08:00Kalydeco Week 3I just wanted to post a quick update, although there is not much to report. The Cipro seems to be helping, but I am still coughing, my lungs are still rattling, and my FEV1 is still down. Greg and Grace are still coughing too. Sigh. Hopefully I will have something to report soon!!!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04080519484467517870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457249085362634752.post-4915168131700099382015-02-11T05:10:00.003-08:002015-02-11T05:10:28.059-08:002.5 Week UpdateThis coughing virus is a beast! My husband and I are both still coughing. Last week it was so bad I almost threw up a few times, and the same thing happened to my husband. I was talking to a friend who said she and her husband had the same virus - she said she was coughing forever and that her husband threw his back out.<br />
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So, with that said, I still can't really say for sure how Kalydeco is helping my lungs. I usually blow about 3.3 L on my FEV1 monitor. At one point last week I was struggling to blow 3.0 L, but I started feeling better, and at one point I got it all the way up to 3.9 L! I didn't believe it the first time, but I managed to blow 3.9 L two more times. H-O-L-Y C-O-W. The highest I have ever blown on that thing is 3.6 L, and that was over two years ago, when I was pregnant with Grace and my FEV1 was 120%. BUT, two days ago my numbers went back down and I started feeling worse. I had horrible night sweats and fell like crap yesterday - coughing a ton and feeling short of breath. So, last night I started Cipro. I already feel better this morning. I don't remember Cipro working this fast in the past, so I'm not sure if I would have felt better anyway. But, hopefully I am officially on the mend!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04080519484467517870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457249085362634752.post-25531936684246301932015-02-02T06:08:00.001-08:002015-02-02T06:08:23.915-08:00Kalydeco Days 8 & 9 Warning! Talk of mucus ahead.<br />
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I'm sick! Everyone in the house has some sort-of coughing virus. No other symptoms, just a cough. But, I am the only one with a productive cough...I was hoping Kalydeco would prevent that, but maybe it's too early, or maybe it's because I have some mild bronchiectasis. My mucus does, without a doubt, seem thinner when I cough it up - it feels just like saliva, instead of a blob. So that is exciting.<br />
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If it weren't for my husband having a cough too, I would have chalked this up to part of the "clearing out" stage. Last night I was coughing so much I was gagging and I couldn't sleep, so I ended up taking cough syrup, something I never do. Wow, that stuff worked instantly!<br />
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My sinuses continue to feel awesome. Hopefully my lungs will too once this cough goes away.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04080519484467517870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457249085362634752.post-25236857081478907812015-01-31T05:39:00.002-08:002015-01-31T05:39:30.859-08:00Kalydeco Days 6 & 7Day 6: No night sweats or night time wheezing, but I woke up feeling wheezy. I was coughing and clearing my throat a lot this day. But I had plenty of energy and felt good overall.<br />
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Day 7: No night sweats or night time wheezing, but I again woke up feeling tight and wheezy. My nose was less congested this morning. But, I had slight rattling in my lungs and I was coughing all day. I hope this was just Kalydeco loosening things up.<br />
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So far, today seems to be a repeat of yesterday.<br />
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It has now been a week since I started Kalydeco. I would say that I think it is helping me, but it is not as obvious as I was hoping for. I haven't had a bad day since starting, which is unusual for me when the cedar pollen is high. Usually I feel very run down, tired, achy, and drowning in mucus. My sinuses feel really good!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04080519484467517870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457249085362634752.post-84392868065187712812015-01-29T06:32:00.001-08:002015-01-29T06:32:05.488-08:00Kalydeco Days 4 & 5I think one detail I need to remember is that it is currently cedar season here in Austin. Many people, including myself, suffer from cedar allergies that make them miserable, CF or no CF. This time of year, I almost always end up needing a round of antibiotics to treat a sinus infection. The week before I started Kalydeco, I had lots of mucus in my sinus rinses. So, some of what I am feeling is most likely influenced by that.<br />
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Day 4: More night sweats a bit of tightness in my chest, but I didn't need my inhaler in the middle of the night. Woke up feeling wheezy. Had the usual mid-morning cough & coughed up a big (for me) blob of green gunk. I went for a run and wasn't able to run any faster than normal (my pace is about a 10 minute mile). At the end of my run, some sweat ran down my face and into my mouth, and it tasted salty. But, I wasn't coated in salt, like I sometimes am. Still, I started to worry that Kalydeco wasn't working.<br />
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Day 5: More night sweats and nighttime wheezing. But, I didn't wake up with a sore throat, which almost always happens thanks to post-nasal drip, and my mid-morning cough was a bit less. By noon I started to feel really good. All afternoon I kept taking deep breaths, expecting to feel the usual bit of mucus build-up on the back of my throat, but it wasn't there. I started to get excited that maybe the Kalydeco was doing it's thing!<br />
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I have also been obsessively using my PiKo FEV1 monitor, and I am holding steady at around 3.2 liters. My peak about a year ago was 3.6 liters. I'm not sure if I am going to see much of an increase because my FEV1 is usually 110-115%.<br />
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Last night I didn't have any night sweats or wheezing, but I woke up wheezy and congested. We'll see how today goes!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04080519484467517870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457249085362634752.post-76284517042502425802015-01-26T17:33:00.003-08:002015-01-26T17:33:57.553-08:00I am on Kalydeco!This weekend I got the FedEx delivery of my dreams - my first shipment of Kalydeco!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKxA-NDHWFyiKIjN1VPo_JL8yhkFTWSjej5mLfDzFE39LW3LnnppcRntyQfDDFmdRVfMs1i9zSPOKb9WwjvDDqDSalWTTtyt17c511NaxZ7WLhcgdiAsx0twD4M57LvZ8QQGuNvwWl1WM-/s1600/IMG_1831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKxA-NDHWFyiKIjN1VPo_JL8yhkFTWSjej5mLfDzFE39LW3LnnppcRntyQfDDFmdRVfMs1i9zSPOKb9WwjvDDqDSalWTTtyt17c511NaxZ7WLhcgdiAsx0twD4M57LvZ8QQGuNvwWl1WM-/s1600/IMG_1831.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRg5eHSPGvZMnUEjQ1FJgUNywplWpgb8htGeoAvBGbEe5fYmNf8jw_kXiK6pvQBD-SlFq8vL2pvnmep-Bw_ux282Pwr4In-31eNJV0D4BRrB92VyHcE85juxzpT0RXfXQBsbElgaGkAfYc/s1600/IMG_1840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRg5eHSPGvZMnUEjQ1FJgUNywplWpgb8htGeoAvBGbEe5fYmNf8jw_kXiK6pvQBD-SlFq8vL2pvnmep-Bw_ux282Pwr4In-31eNJV0D4BRrB92VyHcE85juxzpT0RXfXQBsbElgaGkAfYc/s1600/IMG_1840.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I thought it would be fun to log my initial experiences on the drug, so here we go :)<br />
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Baseline: CF-wise, my baseline usually consists of a cough from 10:00 AM until around lunchtime. And my nose is usually at least partially stuffed up. On top of that, I have good days and bad days, which I think are triggered by allergies. On the bad days, I have night sweats and wheezing in the middle of the night, and then I wake up feeling tight and wheezy. And I feel tired and gunky all day - clearing my throat, coughing, and congested. Sometimes I also feel achey, and sometimes I have a sinus head ache.<br />
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Day 1 - This particular morning I woke up feeling good after a good night, so it was a sign that I was going to have a good day. The FedEx man showed up at 8:30 AM, and I immediately took my first pill with a scoop of peanut butter (you need to take fat with the medication). Then I headed to the gym.<br />
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I did start coughing up some gunk about an hour after my first pill, but that is normal for me at that time of the day. The rest of the day I felt good. I took my second pill with dinner, and again I had a little bit of a cough an hour after I took the pill.<br />
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Day 2 - I ended up having night sweats and a bit of wheezing in the middle of the night, and I woke up feeling tight and wheezy. I had my normal mid-morning cough, and I was tired enough to need a nap in the afternoon, (but Grace also woke me up in the middle of the night, so that was at least part of it). My nose was half stuffed-up most of the day. My stomach had little pains off and on.<br />
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Day 3 - More night sweats and a tight feelings in my chest. I immediately did an albuterol treatment when I woke up, and I notice it didn't help with the tight feeling right away, like it usually would. But, when I did my hypertonic saline 90 minutes later, (and an hour after taking Kalydeco), I noticed that the hypertonic saline was less irritating than it usually is. I still had my mid-morning cough.<br />
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I would say, overall, I haven't yet noticed Kalydeco having an affect, but it's hasn't even been 72 hours, so no big surprise. I am so excited to see how this goes!<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3457249085362634752%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-ZuLRGIu5msc%252FVMbqOfn_ZBI%252FAAAAAAAAATM%252Fp29hbL6YIXI%252Fs1600%252FIMG_1831.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 97px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 54px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3457249085362634752%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-ZuLRGIu5msc%252FVMbqOfn_ZBI%252FAAAAAAAAATM%252Fp29hbL6YIXI%252Fs1600%252FIMG_1831.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 97px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 54px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04080519484467517870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457249085362634752.post-46946810827427325012014-10-22T05:28:00.003-07:002014-10-22T05:28:54.819-07:00Big Kalydeco Day!Today was another big step forward in getting Kalydeco in my hands! My CF mutations are dF508/R117H-5T. Today the FDA had an advisory committee meeting to discuss the results of the clinical trial of Kalydeco in patients with the R117H mutation. The committee voted to approve it, 13-2! Now I have to wait and see if the FDA will decide to go along with the committee's recommendation, which it usually does. The FDA has until the end of the year to decide.<br />
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I was almost in tears listening to the testimonies of people with R117H who have been on the drug. They all said they can't imagine going back to the way they were before Kalydeco. They all said they can now plan their retirements. They all said it was a miracle. I can not believe I might be able to feel that difference soon - to not cough anymore, to not be so tired and achy by the end of the day, to be able to fully breath out of my nose and really smell things again! And to have the confidence that I will be here to help raise my grandchildren :) Crossing everything!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04080519484467517870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457249085362634752.post-52473481178991272662014-10-19T19:30:00.001-07:002014-10-19T19:30:56.019-07:00It's Been ForeverI know I dropped off the face of the earth almost two years ago. Life got insane once I had two kids! But, lately I've been thinking about blogging again. When I started this blog about six years ago, it was because I couldn't find much information about pregnancy in women with CF. Now, it seems like that has all changed. There are hundreds of women with CF having babies, which is so awesome! But, I've realized that I am still one of a few in the CF world - almost 40 years old (I turn 38 in a few weeks), with two kids! I think I still have information to share, and I think I may finally have the time to blog again. We'll see how this goes....<br />
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So, I think I need to share an update since my last post! My sweet Grace Helen was born on 2/9/13 at 40 weeks 4 days. I went into labor on my own, but I failed to progress and was administered pitocin, which caused such strong contractions that her heart rate was dropping with each one. When her heart rate didn't recover, I was sent for an emergency c-section. That was very scary, but she was born perfect - even had an Apgar of 10!<br />
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Here is a picture of Grace from the day she was born:<br />
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And this is her now:<br />
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Hopefully more info to come! I am excited to get back into this!<br />
<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04080519484467517870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457249085362634752.post-22889312975960429352013-02-03T19:02:00.001-08:002013-02-03T19:02:55.742-08:00Almost 40 Weeks!I figured I needed to do at least one more post before I had this baby! I'm due in two days, although things are looking very similar to when I was pregnant with Lily: I started making progress between 36 and 37 weeks, but I've been stuck at 1cm dilated, 25% effaced since 37 weeks. Last week, my OB said, "It looks like you are going to go past your due date again." And we are already thinking I may have to be induced again, which scares me after my labor and delivery experience with Lily.<br />
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My OB said I will have three non-stress tests this week, and, if I make it to 41 weeks, I'll either be induced or do daily non-stress testing until I either go into labor on my own or make it to 42 weeks, at which time I will definitely be induced. This is a hard decision for me because I don't want a repeat of last time, but my OB also told me the risks of problems associated with post-term infants starts going up after 40 weeks (which is why it is now standard for OBs to induce at 41 weeks). I'm making Greg come to tomorrow's appointment because I want us to make this decision together.<br />
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In the meantime, I am trying every natural remedy that might possibly work. Evening primrose oil, red raspberry leaf tea, acupuncture, sex, squats, riding the elliptical...I even ate chicken parmesan the other night!<br />
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The pregnancy has been going well. My lung function only dropped 2% (FEV1 118% at CF clinic three weeks ago), and I've gained over 40 lbs. I didn't WANT to gain that much weight, but it's a good thing in the CF world. I also haven't had any illnesses (:::knock on wood:::). The biggest thing has been that I have been so tired the entire pregnancy - I don't sleep well and I can't survive the day without a nap. And my back has been killing me!<br />
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I am feeling very excited to meet this girl!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04080519484467517870noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457249085362634752.post-3848976029591928162012-11-11T19:47:00.000-08:002012-11-11T19:47:24.641-08:00Long Overdue UpdateIt's been ages since I've blogged! I'm now almost 28 weeks pregnant and doing well. My only complaints are that I am having trouble sleeping and am tired all of the time. I still take a nap every afternoon, which means I don't get much done around the house, but it's become the new normal around here. Being pregnant while chasing after a toddler hasn't been too bad. Some days I feel like I am just dragging myself around, but it's totally manageable. I am so thankful that Lily still naps.<br />
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I've also been having some hip pain. I also had it with Lily, so I decided to see a chiropractor this time, and it has really helped! I don't need 800,000 pillows or an extra mattress topper this time, so that is nice.<br />
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I am gaining too much weight (although, in the CF world, that is not really a complaint) - I'm already over 25 lbs. I gained over 40lbs with Lily, and I was hoping to gain less this time, but I guess my body just likes to gain extra weight during pregnancy. I will admit that I am not eating perfectly, but my diet isn't horrible. I am just starving all the time! Oh well, I guess I will just go back on Weight Watchers after this one is born.</div>
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CF-wise, I am doing great, for which I am so thankful. However, I am very nervous about how things are going to go once the baby arrives. February through April seem to be my sick times of the year, so it should be "interesting" to see how I do with a new baby and a toddler bringing germs home. I know, whatever happens, we will get through it, but it may suck, especially if I end up needing IVs.<br />
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I am planning to look into Kalydeco once this baby arrives, but I am not very optimistic. I am extremely confident that it will work for my mutation, based on the in-vitro data, the fact that Vertex is currently doing clinical trials on my mutation, and the results one woman (who has my mutation) experienced. But, my doctor hasn't seem to keen on the idea. Before I got pregnant, he didn't seem to really want to write the script because it's so expensive, but he said he would because my insurance would cover it and he "didn't want to the be roadblock". However, now my insurance is requiring pre-authorization, so I think my doctor will have to fight to get me on it, and I'm not sure he will be willing to do that. And, even if he is, I'm not sure insurance will cover it.<br />
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And, I can't believe I forgot to mention that it is a GIRL!!!! I am so excited to have two girls. I grew up in a family of two girls, and I just love having a girl, so I am really excited to have another. Now we just need to decide on a name!</div>
Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04080519484467517870noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457249085362634752.post-68150685154175646162012-07-24T14:38:00.002-07:002012-07-24T14:38:14.383-07:0012 Week NT ScanToday I am 12 weeks and I had the NT scan. Everything looked good! The baby was very chill - just laying on its side, not wanting to be bothered. I still can't believe everything is going well!<br />
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One thing I forgot to mention about the second time around is how I am so distracted by Lily that I almost forget that I have a baby in my belly :)<br />
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I'm still very tired and feeling nauseous, but I'm hoping it will get better soon. My hips started aching last week, so I decided to visit a chiropractor. I had my first visit on Monday and I really liked the chiro. I can't say yet if it helped (my hips felt better when I left, but they ached last night). I'm going to see her again tomorrow so we can talk about my treatment plan.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04080519484467517870noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457249085362634752.post-54300919132254333082012-07-17T13:46:00.000-07:002012-07-17T13:46:07.113-07:00The Second Time AroundSo, can I just say that the second time around has been hard? The first trimester exhaustion has been kicking my butt! I'm not sure if it's actually worse, or if it just feels that way because I have am now a SAHM to a toddler, which means I can't sleep in, sit at a desk all day, or leave work to rest. Lily doesn't go to bed until 9:00, so I rarely get to bed before 10:00. And then I've had insomnia, and I keep waking up to pee. And the sun usually wakes me up at 6:30. On the plus side, I do get to take a nap while Lily does every afternoon, so I'm usually EXHAUSTED until 2:00, but then I feel better until I go to bed (although I still feel very lazy).<br />
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I also can't work out like I want to. It's too hot to go for a run (bad for the baby), and I'm too tired to workout while Lily is napping. So we make it to they gym about two days a week. The other days we either have errands or doctor appointments. And, once in a while, I like to do something fun with Lily. I'm also feeling guilty about not being able to do as many fun activities as we usually do.<br />
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To top things off, Greg has been traveling for work like crazy. That just sucks and I hope it gets better by the time the baby gets here.<br />
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I've been counting down the weeks until my energy may come back! I'm hoping I'll be feeling better by 14 weeks (although my fingers are crossed for 12 weeks). I'm 11 weeks today, so hopefully there are only three more weeks to go!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04080519484467517870noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457249085362634752.post-65161087733238341822012-07-03T13:12:00.001-07:002012-07-03T13:12:30.478-07:00First OB AppointmentToday was my first OB appointment. It was also my first appointment with this OB because my previous one moved. This OB was a sweetheart and I'm glad I picked him. I am going to get a lot of ultrasounds, which is nice! I even got one today, and the baby was measuring 9w0d, which is only one day off based on ovulation and exactly right based on my last u/s. The baby's heartbeat was 174 bpm and everything looked good! He said the risk of miscarriage low enough (5%) that we could start sharing the news, but I am still nervous and will probably wait until after my 12 week appointment.<br />
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I am still in awe that the baby is doing well - I just can't get over how easy it was this time around. :::fingers crossed it continues to go this way:::Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04080519484467517870noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457249085362634752.post-39703339076187744442012-06-15T16:50:00.001-07:002012-06-15T16:50:56.935-07:006w2d UltrasoundWe saw a heartbeat! The ultrasound went great. The little bean was measuring 6w3d and had a heart rate of 124 bpm. I'm finally starting to relax a little and actually believe we might be taking home a new baby in February :)<br />
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The coolest part of the ultrasound was when the tech said to Lily, "You're gonna be big sister." And Lily looked a bit confused and said, "Big Sister...."<br />
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The RE gave each of us a hug and said we were ready to move on to the OB, but we could have another u/s in a few weeks if we wanted one. I am on the fence about that, mostly because I already have enough doctor appointments. But, I may schedule it just for the peace of mind.<br />
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I can't believe I may never see my RE again. That seems just crazy (and a little sad).Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04080519484467517870noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457249085362634752.post-49392739469690379072012-06-07T17:17:00.000-07:002012-06-07T17:17:13.311-07:00Ultrasound TodayI ended up having a "surprise" ultrasound today. This morning I called the RE's office because I've had a pain in my left upper back for three days, and I had read shoulder pain could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. My RE was glad I called and told me to come in right away.<br />
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I was fairly confident that it wasn't ectopic because I hadn't had any other symptoms, but I was so glad he told me to come in because I wanted the extra piece of mind! I just can't get over the disbelief that it could happen so easily this time around, and I was feeling nervous because some of my symptoms had disappeared.<br />
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We saw a gestational sac with a yolk sac, in my uterus, which was perfect for 5w1d. No signs of ectopic. Yay! I feel much more relaxed now!<br />
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As far as symptoms go, I had been experiencing some mild morning sickness, but that went away a few days ago. I had a few days where I felt nothing other than bloat. But the past two days I have been so sleepy, and I've been hungry!<br />
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As far as the back pain goes, I also called CF clinic because I thought it could be lung related. Because I'm not having any other symptoms of a chest infection, they think it's probably just a sore muscle and suggested I get a massage ;) I'll take that diagnosis!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04080519484467517870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457249085362634752.post-55368904664803654852012-05-31T16:33:00.002-07:002012-05-31T16:33:43.853-07:00Beta #2175! I am loving these good, strong numbers. Before I was always a bit below average, and now I'm a bit above average, which would make sense with my early BFP.<br />
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I'm already having some pregnancy symptoms, which is reassuring - mostly a raging appetite, cramping, and a little nausea.<br />
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My RE's office also checked my TSH and upped my Synthroid dose. My TSH was 3.3 before the dosage increase.<br />
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In other fun news, Lily turned two yesterday! It all does go by so fast.<br />
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In CF news, clinic called yesterday because I cultured "a little bit of pseudomonas." Which means that, if I get sick while PG, I will have to go on IVs because there are no oral antibiotics I can take that are safe for pregnancy. So that sucks. Hopefully Cayston will keep the pseudomonas at bay. I'm also thinking I am going to stay on Azithromycin...originally I planned to go off it because I didn't really notice it helped me, but it's only a pregnancy category B, and I think it would be good to include anything I can that might help to fight the pseudomonas.<br />
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<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04080519484467517870noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457249085362634752.post-60947627642652405332012-05-30T05:47:00.000-07:002012-05-30T05:47:01.758-07:00Beta #170 at 13 dpo! (Average is 63). I've been very nervous because my symptoms aren't as prominent as they were with Lily, so that made me feel a lot better.<br />
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I had my beta drawn yesterday at 12:30, and the lab said the results wouldn't be in until 4:30, so I assumed I wouldn't find out until this morning. Instead, my RE called me himself at 9:00 last night because he "didn't want me waiting on pins and needles any longer." How awesome is that?<br />
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He told me to call this morning to schedule another beta for tomorrow and an u/s for two weeks from now.<br />
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I am still in disbelief and am taking this one step at a time, but I feel more relaxed now!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04080519484467517870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457249085362634752.post-56096413323796439182012-05-26T05:38:00.000-07:002012-05-26T05:38:02.403-07:00It Got Darker!!!Here is a photo to compare today's test to yesterday's. I don't think the camera picked up the faint line from yesterday, but you can definitely see it on today's test (which is on top).<br />
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Soooooo....I think I am pregnant! I am giddy with excitement. The timing would be perfect - our kids would be just under three years apart, so Lily will be more independent, (and hopefully potty trained), but they'd be close enough in age to play together. And I'd be due in the winter (February), when my mom wouldn't be working.<br />
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I can't bring myself to talk like it is truly real yet. I just can't believe the IUIs worked that fast! I was sure I was going to have to get back to that depressed "will I ever get pregnant?" state that I was in when we were TTC#1. So, I'm probably going to be very nervous for a while. Right now, I'm almost expecting this is going to be a chemical pregnancy or something. It amazes me that Greg and I can have sex on our own 10,000 times (actually, it's more like 20-25 times) and never get pregnant, and then, every single time we've done a clomid IUI - BAM! Pregnant!<br />
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BUUUT, I'm still very excited and happy!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04080519484467517870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457249085362634752.post-58165415201769981912012-05-25T13:36:00.002-07:002012-05-25T13:36:36.275-07:00EeeekSo, I have been testing out the trigger, and yesterday I got my first BFN. Then, this morning, I decided to test again just for additional piece of mind that the trigger is gone, and I got a very, very faint second line. Now I am going crazy wondering if it's the trigger or the beginning of a BFP. I was wondering if maybe my urine was more concentrated this morning, so I took another test after lunch, and the line is still there.<br />
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The last time we did IUIs, it took, at most, 9.5 days for the trigger to get out of my system. Now I am 9dpiui and 10.5 days past trigger, so it could go either way. :::trying not to get my hopes up:::<br />
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In other news, I recovered from my illness without antibiotics! Whoohoo! I bought a home PFT monitor, and I absolutely love having it because it provided me with assurance that I didn't need to call my doctor.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04080519484467517870noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457249085362634752.post-87088550549596102972012-05-16T14:10:00.000-07:002012-05-16T14:10:05.643-07:00IUI #5 CompleteIt was a piece of cake! I was nervous it would hurt (because it did last time), but I didn't feel a thing. And Greg's numbers were fabulous - his postwash count was 112 million :O and 98% motility.<br />
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Now I just need to kick this illness. So far, I don't seem to be getting any worse, which is good, but I'm also not really feeling any better. I don't feel too bad, but I have a junky cough, some lung pain, and my voice is SO hoarse. I keep waiting for CF clinic to call with news about my x-ray or culture (although I know the culture results take a few days). I am counting down the days until I start Cayston next Friday.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04080519484467517870noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457249085362634752.post-67302768140102146802012-05-15T11:08:00.004-07:002012-05-15T11:08:44.831-07:00119%!!!!That was my FEV1 today. It hasn't been that high in almost 10 years! Between adding pulmozyme, NAC, fish oil, and allergy shots, something is definitely helping. My doctor said I made his day.<br />
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It's funny because I didn't even know I had CF clinic today until I got the appointment reminder yesterday afternoon. Perfect timing considering I am sick. My doctor thinks it's just a virus, but he may put me on something if my sputum culture comes back showing psuedomonas (I did not culture it at my last appointment three months ago).<br />
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(And to the commenter who asked if I've tried hypertonic saline - I do take that twice a day and have been for years. I love it and think it's had a big impact on my health.)Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04080519484467517870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457249085362634752.post-15867345663105004062012-05-14T12:11:00.000-07:002012-05-14T12:11:00.325-07:00CD13 u/s and CF stuffThis morning's ultrasound showed that my 12mm follie is catching up - now I have 16.5 and 18mm follies - two! The plan is to trigger tonight and do the IUI Wednesday morning. I'm scared about having two, but my RE said the risk of twins is only 10%. And this is very similar to the cycle I got PG with Lily - I had 16 and 20mm follies when we triggered that cycle.<br />
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And, unfortunately I have to give an update in CF-land. I have bronchitis, blech. Last week I caught a cold from Lily, and now I've lost most of my voice and have a junky cough and lots of nasal congestion. I've heard this is going around right now, so I'm guessing it's viral and hoping to stay off antibiotics. So far I don't feel too bad, just tired and a little junky. This is the first time I've been sick since I've started pulmozyme, so I'm hoping that will be a big help.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04080519484467517870noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457249085362634752.post-50680361174692189852012-05-13T09:07:00.004-07:002012-05-13T09:07:41.146-07:00CD12 UltrasoundOne 16.4mm follie on my left side. The RE wants me to come back tomorrow for another u/s - he thinks I will be ready to trigger, and then we will do the IUI on Tuesday (CD14). I'm so glad I pushed for an earlier u/s!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04080519484467517870noreply@blogger.com2