God is good, all the time.
22 July 2009
12 July 2009
Back to life.. back to the streets!
We rode our bikes 4 - FOUR times this week! How cool is that? Well, actually, it wasn't very cool at all. Most days the heat index was over 100 degrees. But, we did it!!
Today, we did 34 minutes and 5.6 miles. Much of that was on the street too. This is amazing because I've been run off the road by careless or reckless automobile drivers, so we've been riding almost a year and this week was my first week out on those roads. We did most of the street riding after 7pm and on the weekend here in downtown, Houston. The street riding was much safer than on weekdays 9-7pm.
Anywho.. I just wanted to get the update in, because I am still on my exercise high!
Hugs, Christa..
Today, we did 34 minutes and 5.6 miles. Much of that was on the street too. This is amazing because I've been run off the road by careless or reckless automobile drivers, so we've been riding almost a year and this week was my first week out on those roads. We did most of the street riding after 7pm and on the weekend here in downtown, Houston. The street riding was much safer than on weekdays 9-7pm.
Anywho.. I just wanted to get the update in, because I am still on my exercise high!
Hugs, Christa..
06 July 2009
Some hope...
Well, I can't say we will be doing anything in the baby department anytime soon. But, I can say that my follow-up doctor appointment was good. He said that we still have no reason to miscarry in the future and that my odds are that of a normal person. I don't know how that can be, but it is none-the-less. So, we are waiting on genetic testing of the babies and for some follow-up blood work on David and me.
I'm tired of not being normal and of not doing normal things. I know it will be a slow process, but I really want to feel better, especially mentally. God is bigger than this, I just have to continue to believe and trust in that.
Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers.
Christa.
18 June 2009
crazy life.. more pregnancy disaster
Ok, so I promised we'd have an update after today's appointment.
Well, apparently I didn't miscarry this past weekend. All the blood, all the pain, all the clots, all the mess for 3 days.. nope.. I wish this was a good report post, but it is not.
The scan this morning showed the babies still in there, with no growth or heartbeats. I am scheduled for surgery tomorrow and they will be doing genetic testing to make sure we're not creating an extra set of chromosomes or something. I should get those results in 2-3 weeks. That will determine where we go in the fertility process.
Thanks again for following and checking in on me.. it will be another hard week, but I'm not holding on to Jesus.. He's holding on to me..
Well, apparently I didn't miscarry this past weekend. All the blood, all the pain, all the clots, all the mess for 3 days.. nope.. I wish this was a good report post, but it is not.
The scan this morning showed the babies still in there, with no growth or heartbeats. I am scheduled for surgery tomorrow and they will be doing genetic testing to make sure we're not creating an extra set of chromosomes or something. I should get those results in 2-3 weeks. That will determine where we go in the fertility process.
Thanks again for following and checking in on me.. it will be another hard week, but I'm not holding on to Jesus.. He's holding on to me..
16 June 2009
Pregnancy loss
Well, this update isn't one I want post. It needs to be done however.
(TMI warning)
On Saturday in one of our first outtings in weeks I fell ill. Turns out I was starting to miscarry. We made it through dinner at Star Pizza. To my horror, I bled through to the chair. We canceled the rest of our plans and headed home while calling the dr.
The pain was worse than I remember and came on hard Saturday night. The dr said to monitor and go to hospital if looks abnormal. Sleep was allusive and I think I passed out around 6am.
Today is Tuesday and I'm still in bed with cramps and little bleeding. My next appt is Thursday, hopefully we had a complete miscarriage and won't have to go to the hospital for an D&C.
David has worked from home the past two days. I am so blessed. He has also finished work early and then sat with me in bed until bedtime.
My heart is broken and in so many pieces. We saw a heartbeat for the first time in all my pregnancies. The chances of miscarriage after seeing a heartbeat dropped down to 10%. I can't even beat those odds. What is wrong with me? Life is so unfair and so rough. I really don't know how to get through this. I know God is there somewhere. I just can't hear Him through my screams.
What to say, what to do. I am at a complete loss and feel like I'm in a hole with no way out. How do you hold hope with so much loss? Seven babies in heaven. I can't do this.
(TMI warning)
On Saturday in one of our first outtings in weeks I fell ill. Turns out I was starting to miscarry. We made it through dinner at Star Pizza. To my horror, I bled through to the chair. We canceled the rest of our plans and headed home while calling the dr.
The pain was worse than I remember and came on hard Saturday night. The dr said to monitor and go to hospital if looks abnormal. Sleep was allusive and I think I passed out around 6am.
Today is Tuesday and I'm still in bed with cramps and little bleeding. My next appt is Thursday, hopefully we had a complete miscarriage and won't have to go to the hospital for an D&C.
David has worked from home the past two days. I am so blessed. He has also finished work early and then sat with me in bed until bedtime.
My heart is broken and in so many pieces. We saw a heartbeat for the first time in all my pregnancies. The chances of miscarriage after seeing a heartbeat dropped down to 10%. I can't even beat those odds. What is wrong with me? Life is so unfair and so rough. I really don't know how to get through this. I know God is there somewhere. I just can't hear Him through my screams.
What to say, what to do. I am at a complete loss and feel like I'm in a hole with no way out. How do you hold hope with so much loss? Seven babies in heaven. I can't do this.
12 June 2009
pregnancy loss
Thanks for visiting my page and checking in with me.
My appointment today went horribly. It looks like we lost the twins. There was only 3 days worth of growth over the past 8 days and we lost the heartbeat on baby A. I started to cry, but David says we still have hope. In all honesty, he and maybe others have hope, I do not. With 5 miscarriages ending much the same as this one I do not see hope.
The Dr agreed to let us scan again in 1 week (next Thursday) but he is scheduling a D&C for Friday the 19th because there is no hope. I am tired, I hurt, I am crampy, I am lost. Did you know I spent over 6 hours researching OB's in the Houston area in the past 2 days. I can't do this anymore.
I know you are praying.. but please don't comment until after the 20th and it is all over.
Thanks, Christa.
My appointment today went horribly. It looks like we lost the twins. There was only 3 days worth of growth over the past 8 days and we lost the heartbeat on baby A. I started to cry, but David says we still have hope. In all honesty, he and maybe others have hope, I do not. With 5 miscarriages ending much the same as this one I do not see hope.
The Dr agreed to let us scan again in 1 week (next Thursday) but he is scheduling a D&C for Friday the 19th because there is no hope. I am tired, I hurt, I am crampy, I am lost. Did you know I spent over 6 hours researching OB's in the Houston area in the past 2 days. I can't do this anymore.
I know you are praying.. but please don't comment until after the 20th and it is all over.
Thanks, Christa.
11 June 2009
quick prego update..
last thursday, June 4th we were 6 weeks and 2 days along..
we saw heartbeats on twin a. 110!
twin b no yoke sack or fetal pole.. we will rescan next week on friday..
dr isn't optimistic on twin b..
also twin a's gestational sac is about 50% smaller than it should be.. this is another cause for concern.
i'm doing okay, minus a hefty headache..
heading back to bed.. thanks for prayers!
love, christa +2
we saw heartbeats on twin a. 110!
twin b no yoke sack or fetal pole.. we will rescan next week on friday..
dr isn't optimistic on twin b..
also twin a's gestational sac is about 50% smaller than it should be.. this is another cause for concern.
i'm doing okay, minus a hefty headache..
heading back to bed.. thanks for prayers!
love, christa +2
02 June 2009
Oh joy.. pregnancy!
So, I thought I'd give a little report on how we were doing.
I am still very tired and worn out. The doctor keeps saying "take it easy and stay off your feet." That is much harder to do than I thought. We are thinking of getting a small refrigerator for upstairs and a microwave too. I will bring the water filter pitcher and hot tea maker up too. I'd be set then! David has already moved the room around so I can go from a recliner to the bed in one step. Isn't he grand?
I'm not that nauseous. My wonderful doctor already gave me the whole gammit of things to take, just in case. I haven't been that hungry, due to the pressure in my abdomen area anyways. The doctor is worried about that, although I haven't lost weight. So, I've created a week's worth of menus and a grocery shopping list, I just haven't had the energy/desire to make it happen. I know, I know, take it easy.
That's all I have until Friday's report about heartbeats. :)
Hugs, Christa +2
I am still very tired and worn out. The doctor keeps saying "take it easy and stay off your feet." That is much harder to do than I thought. We are thinking of getting a small refrigerator for upstairs and a microwave too. I will bring the water filter pitcher and hot tea maker up too. I'd be set then! David has already moved the room around so I can go from a recliner to the bed in one step. Isn't he grand?
I'm not that nauseous. My wonderful doctor already gave me the whole gammit of things to take, just in case. I haven't been that hungry, due to the pressure in my abdomen area anyways. The doctor is worried about that, although I haven't lost weight. So, I've created a week's worth of menus and a grocery shopping list, I just haven't had the energy/desire to make it happen. I know, I know, take it easy.
That's all I have until Friday's report about heartbeats. :)
Hugs, Christa +2
26 May 2009
Pregnancy Update..
A quick update on the OHSS (ovary hyperstimulation syndrom). My ovaries have grown to over 10cm each!! (that's about 3 times their normal size!) Ugh.. I saw the dr last Friday and again today. Things are looking up. The pain is about the same, size about the same, the fluid around the ovaries has increased, but my CBC and other bloodwork, etc is still looking good.
On to other good news... It looks like TWINS! We saw two little buds today! :) I go in a week from this Friday and hopefully see heartbeats.
Woo Woo x 2!
Tired, tired Christa
On to other good news... It looks like TWINS! We saw two little buds today! :) I go in a week from this Friday and hopefully see heartbeats.
Woo Woo x 2!
Tired, tired Christa
21 May 2009
Fertility UPDATE! :) We made it!!
Hey all,
I went in on Monday and had another scan along with the prego test. The test came out positive!! (doin' a dance!) We did it, we did it, we did it!! Praise God, amen.
The scan, however, was worse than last week.
The OHSS (over hyper stimulation syndrome) has worsened due to all the prego hormones. The dr says it might last 4 to 6 more weeks. I have gained 7 pounds in a week. I have bloated up over 10 inches in my waist. (I look 5 months pregnant!) Of course we are monitoring this and other symptoms very closely.
We had another scan on Wednesday and my ovaries had grown another 2cm each. Thankfully there is no fluid in my belly or in my lungs. The nurse said they would typically drain the ovaries, but with 5 miscarriages in my past, they were using that as a last resort. She also said that I needed to keep a bag packed for the hospital because these cases can go bad in a hurry. (like this isn't bad enough?)
I will be scanned again on Friday. I need prayers for mental support. I have been in bed for almost 2 weeks now and we're only technically 4.5 weeks prego!
Thanks for all your prayers and support gals!
-- Christa.
I went in on Monday and had another scan along with the prego test. The test came out positive!! (doin' a dance!) We did it, we did it, we did it!! Praise God, amen.
The scan, however, was worse than last week.
The OHSS (over hyper stimulation syndrome) has worsened due to all the prego hormones. The dr says it might last 4 to 6 more weeks. I have gained 7 pounds in a week. I have bloated up over 10 inches in my waist. (I look 5 months pregnant!) Of course we are monitoring this and other symptoms very closely.
We had another scan on Wednesday and my ovaries had grown another 2cm each. Thankfully there is no fluid in my belly or in my lungs. The nurse said they would typically drain the ovaries, but with 5 miscarriages in my past, they were using that as a last resort. She also said that I needed to keep a bag packed for the hospital because these cases can go bad in a hurry. (like this isn't bad enough?)
I will be scanned again on Friday. I need prayers for mental support. I have been in bed for almost 2 weeks now and we're only technically 4.5 weeks prego!
Thanks for all your prayers and support gals!
-- Christa.
15 May 2009
Fertillity issues...
So, you know that we are on this journey this month right?
I told you that I had done really well at the studying part part, right?
Well, I ended up with a moderate (almost severe) case of OHSS (Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome). I look like I am 4 months pregnant. The swelling is insane. Each of my ovaries ended up bigger than my uterus. How is that possible? I don't fully understand. But, apparently I was slow to respond to the medicine that stimulated the follicles in my ovaries. So, they have swollen up so much that they are touching each other!! Needless to say (although, I am going to anyways!) I could barely walk and function. However, I was not running a fever or nauseated and throwing up. So, I didn't call the doctor and waited for 3 days until I had an appointment.
The doctor ran some tests to make sure I wasn't a severe case of OHSS. He then put me on bed-rest for 5 days. Good news swelling has gone down although I still cannot fit my jeans.
My next doctor appointment is Monday. We will learn if we are pregnant and check on the status of my ovaries. If we aren't prego then we will take a month or two for my ovaries to get back down to size. (heal?)
That's my update for now.. I'm really feeling much better and I am very thankful for all your prayers!!
~Christa
I told you that I had done really well at the studying part part, right?
Well, I ended up with a moderate (almost severe) case of OHSS (Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome). I look like I am 4 months pregnant. The swelling is insane. Each of my ovaries ended up bigger than my uterus. How is that possible? I don't fully understand. But, apparently I was slow to respond to the medicine that stimulated the follicles in my ovaries. So, they have swollen up so much that they are touching each other!! Needless to say (although, I am going to anyways!) I could barely walk and function. However, I was not running a fever or nauseated and throwing up. So, I didn't call the doctor and waited for 3 days until I had an appointment.
The doctor ran some tests to make sure I wasn't a severe case of OHSS. He then put me on bed-rest for 5 days. Good news swelling has gone down although I still cannot fit my jeans.
My next doctor appointment is Monday. We will learn if we are pregnant and check on the status of my ovaries. If we aren't prego then we will take a month or two for my ovaries to get back down to size. (heal?)
That's my update for now.. I'm really feeling much better and I am very thankful for all your prayers!!
~Christa
03 May 2009
Fertility Update - round 2
We're on round two of our fertility journey with our new doctors. We have tried a new-to-me medicine that did not give me a 5-day headache like round one did.
We just returned from our second u/s (ultrasound) to learn that they have successfully stimulated 2 large follicles, 4 medium follicles and 3 small follicles. Because of all the stimulation, we need to use Ovidril (force ovulation) even if we decide not to try because of all the possible releasable eggs.
Yes, we were in for a big surprise this morning during the u/s. Apparently, I did much studying for this test and responded overly-well to the follicle stimulation. My doctor stands on the conservative side and said he'd give a less than 10% chance of triplets and only slightly higher for twins. Of course, he said he wouldn't do and insemination round with us for fear of the multiples. Although we will be releasing eggs, we still have to get one fertilized. This has been the main stumbling block for us.
I am still surprised and stumped by the response. We've been through over 3 years of fertility treatments, and I have NEVER responded with more than 1 medium follicle. Crazy stuff is happening here. I am not sure what we are going to do. More babies, more chance of miscarriage, more expense, more bedrest, more house needed. AHHHHHHHHHH!!
We will pray about it, though I think I will wimp out on this round. We'll see.
-Christa
We just returned from our second u/s (ultrasound) to learn that they have successfully stimulated 2 large follicles, 4 medium follicles and 3 small follicles. Because of all the stimulation, we need to use Ovidril (force ovulation) even if we decide not to try because of all the possible releasable eggs.
Yes, we were in for a big surprise this morning during the u/s. Apparently, I did much studying for this test and responded overly-well to the follicle stimulation. My doctor stands on the conservative side and said he'd give a less than 10% chance of triplets and only slightly higher for twins. Of course, he said he wouldn't do and insemination round with us for fear of the multiples. Although we will be releasing eggs, we still have to get one fertilized. This has been the main stumbling block for us.
I am still surprised and stumped by the response. We've been through over 3 years of fertility treatments, and I have NEVER responded with more than 1 medium follicle. Crazy stuff is happening here. I am not sure what we are going to do. More babies, more chance of miscarriage, more expense, more bedrest, more house needed. AHHHHHHHHHH!!
We will pray about it, though I think I will wimp out on this round. We'll see.
-Christa
Recent Biking Trip
Here are some great pics from the last 8 mile ride down the Houston Buffalo Bayou system.
(David and his bike are here somewhere!)
(David and his bike are here somewhere!)
Scrapbooking give-o-way!
I found this little give-o-way over at Storm's 365 Memories. She sends out many organizational tips for crafters along with a whole seperate blog for getting ready for Christmas.
She's great and a great blogger: You can enter her contest here.
She's great and a great blogger: You can enter her contest here.
24 April 2009
Big Fat Negative
Thanks for the prayers everyone. This cycle was a bust and we're gearing up to start another.
We've changed meds to include 4 more days of shots. yah!
Lost, lost, lost...
Christa
We've changed meds to include 4 more days of shots. yah!
Lost, lost, lost...
Christa
02 April 2009
Day 13...
Hmmm... Ov-a-dril or not to Ovadril.. this is the question.
So, for all you non-fertility gurus out there. I have successfully stimulated one of my follicles (btw I don't know when they become eggs). Tonight is supposed to be yet-another shot to make me ovulate. Well. I haven't done my homework. I don't know when it is supposed to work, how it is supposed to work, why it works, etc. I do know that we are supposed to do the "babydance" for 3 days starting tomorrow.
I know it's way late in the game to be asking if this is purely selfish on my part. I've had five miscarriages, why would I want to even threaten to have another? Have you seen the world lately? Do you know how many teenagers are getting pregnant? About how many children are up for adoption? ugh. Why am I doing this.
I have been here mentally with many of the past treatments. I am going to let go, and let God. I am going to let His peace wash over me and just take the next step. amen.
So, for all you non-fertility gurus out there. I have successfully stimulated one of my follicles (btw I don't know when they become eggs). Tonight is supposed to be yet-another shot to make me ovulate. Well. I haven't done my homework. I don't know when it is supposed to work, how it is supposed to work, why it works, etc. I do know that we are supposed to do the "babydance" for 3 days starting tomorrow.
I know it's way late in the game to be asking if this is purely selfish on my part. I've had five miscarriages, why would I want to even threaten to have another? Have you seen the world lately? Do you know how many teenagers are getting pregnant? About how many children are up for adoption? ugh. Why am I doing this.
I have been here mentally with many of the past treatments. I am going to let go, and let God. I am going to let His peace wash over me and just take the next step. amen.
31 March 2009
Today is Red-Envelope Day... I sent 3!
The Story...
Below is a letter that has been circulating with a great idea. The message began in silent prayer from a faithful follower who was spending quiet time with God.
Dear Friends and Intercessors:
This afternoon I was praying about a number of things, and my mind began to wander. I was deeply distressed at the symbolic actions that President Obama took as he began his presidency. Namely, that he signed executive orders releasing funds to pay for abortions, permission to fund human stem cell research, and federal funding for contraception. I have been involved in the pro-life movement for nearly 20 years, and it pained my heart to see a man and a political party committed to the shedding of innocent blood. This man, and this party lead our country, but they do not represent me or the 54% of Americans who believe that abortion is wrong and should no longer be legal.
As I was praying, I believe that God gave me an interesting idea. Out in the garage I have a box of red envelopes.
Like the powerful image of the red LIFE tape, an empty red envelope will send a message to Barack Obama that there is moral outrage in this country over this issue. It will be quiet, but clear.
Here is what I would like you to do:
Get a red envelope. You can buy them at Kinkos, or at party supply stores. On the front, address it to:
DON'T FORGET YOUR RETURN ADDRESS. THEY WON'T BE DELIVERED WITHOUT IT.
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20500
On the back, write the following message.
This envelope represents one child who died in an abortion. It is empty because that life was unable to offer anything to the world. Responsibility begins with conception.
Put it in the mail on March 31st, and send it. Then send this website to every one of your friends who you think would send one too. I wish we could send 50 million red envelopes, one for every child who died before having a a chance to live. Maybe it will change the heart of the president.
Warmly, Christ Otto
Let's Send 50 Million red envelopes (and Counting) to the President!
I won a planner!!
Hey there!!
Did you participate in the Ultimate Blog Party? I tried my hardest on the last day and got to visit some really special blogs. (Most are now in my google reader.)
But, what is awesome is I won something!!! Storm over at 365 Days of Organization sponsored this give-o-way and I will receive a planner. How neat is that?
Did you participate in the Ultimate Blog Party? I tried my hardest on the last day and got to visit some really special blogs. (Most are now in my google reader.)
But, what is awesome is I won something!!! Storm over at 365 Days of Organization sponsored this give-o-way and I will receive a planner. How neat is that?
25 March 2009
Spring Photo Contest
Here's what Spring looks like in Texas!
Visit Lisa Berry and join her Spring Photo contest Now! :)
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