Saturday, July 30, 2011

Just wanted to share ...

Chad always says that I post too much online, but I just feel like I need to explain the obvious. I'm looking at pictures from Tyler's party, and it's fairly obvious that I've gained a lot of weight since Grayson has been born. I just want my friends and family to understand what is going on with my health.

I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. My TSH level should be .3-5.1. However, mine is 49.2. The doctor said it's an autoimmune disease where I produce an antibody that shuts down my thyroid. The antibody, Thyroid peroxisade AB, should be less than 35. Mine is 740! There is nothing I can do about the high level of antibody. It will always be there, which means I will be dealing with hypothyroidism for the rest of my life. The doctor started my treatment last week, which involves setting an alarm and taking a pill at the same time every day. I go back for blood work again in 3 weeks, followed by more tests several weeks later. We continue the process until I establish a healthy thyroid level.

At my current levels, I am gaining almost a pound a day! It's just insane to me, and I am really struggling with the effects, both physically and emotionally. 

Additionally, I have been struggling with some post-baby emotional issues (as well as a recurrence of my migraines). The doctors are trying to regulate my hormones, which are causing an array of symptoms. Thus far, I've tried four different medications. Hopefully, that will level out soon.

I know this is probably more information that anyone really needs to know. It's a difficult time for me, and I'm not sure I have vocalized that to everyone. I would just really appreciate understanding, support and prayers. Thank you, friends.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Grayson 4-month well check

I thought about catching up and posting Grayson's 2-week, 1-month and 2-month well visit stats before this one. But then I remembered that I renamed the blog, so I wouldn't have to stress about getting behind on posts. Let's just say that he was about average those other months and definitely hitting all his milestones.

4-month well visit stats:

Weight: 14 lbs, 4 oz. and 32 percentile
Height: 25 1/4 inches and 57 percentile
Head circumference: 16 and 12 percentile

We're going to start solids tomorrow. I'll admit, Chad and I both got teary-eyed thinking about starting rice cereal. We don't want our little baby to grow up. He's so precious and adorable. We SO love the baby phase!

On another note, Tyler is gaining weight! Yay! He lost more than 2 lbs when he was sick and in the hospital in April. He is up to 25 lbs and 8 oz now. We have his 2-year check in another several weeks. Maybe he'll make it to 26 lbs by then! Speaking of 2-year checks ... I'll just admit now that I will most certainly be that mom that cries hysterically when her child goes to kindergarten. I want to cry now that Tyler is nearly 2 years old. He is growing up so quickly, and as much as I try to treasure every moment. It's passing by too quickly.