Friday, September 28, 2012

Fit Fridays {Week 17}

This week has been a great week for me to really realize how much I have lost. This is the first week where I've really been able to appreciate and see how different my body looks! Last week I was a little frustrated with not being able to see the progress, but I can definitely see it now and that is a great feeling.

I'm still working on losing weight, but it's getting harder with the doctor appointments that I've been having. Not a good enough excuse, but I still stay in my calorie range and that's just as important.

According to my Wii Fit board/scale I have maintained my weight. I don't think it's super accurate, but that's ok. My new scale is on it's way and I should have it in the next week or so and I'm definitely excited about that.

I've also been doing some reading about my diagnosis of PCOS and it really explains a lot.


I can identify with almost everything on this chart {except for the low thyroid, high cholesterol and triglycerides, and facial hair}. It's definitely been an eye-opener and explains so much. I used to wonder all the time why I was so hungry, had a hard time losing weight, and was so tired.

PCOS has definitely helped me gain weight and makes it difficult to lose it, but I'm doing it! My doctor did put me on Metformin ER yesterday to help with my insulin/Hb a1c levels and he hopes it can continue to help me lose weight along with my diet/exercise program that I'm doing.

It's no magic fix, but there's a plan and it could help so much more.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Follow-Up


Today is our follow-up appointment with the RE.

We're finished with all of the tests that needed to be completed before we find out our treatment plan. This includes: ultrasound to see the antral follicle count, initial blood work to see if I had ovulated, infectious disease blood work for both of us, a PCOS panel for myself, a semen analysis, cycle day (CD) 3 blood work to establish my LH and FSH levels, and an HSG.

Yes, there was a lot of testing to get done in order to have this appointment today. But, it's finally done and we get to talk to the doctor to see what he wants us to do in order to get me to ovulate.

I the results of some of the tests, but not all. I know that...
  1. I am immune to chicken pox, rubella, and have no infectious diseases!
  2. My husband's SA came out normal {praise the Lord!}, but I don't know the specifics.
  3. My CD3 blood work was all in the normal range, but my FSH:LH ratio was off. It's supposed to be a 1:1 ratio and mine was a 2:1.
  4. My antral follicle count is high {which is normal with PCOS} with 15 on one side and 18 on the other, if I remember correctly.
  5. My hemoglobin {Ha1c} is a little elevated. Normal range is under 5.6 and mine is 5.8. Online reading suggests pre-diabetes, but that's ultimately up to my doctor.
  6. My HSG came out all clear!
I am definitely interested in finding out what the doctor is recommending. With my husband's tests coming back normal, we don't have to jump to any extreme {or expensive} measures right away. Hopefully, we'll leave the doctor's office with a plan of action and God will work it all out.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

So What Wednesday

So What Wednesday
 
This week, I'm saying So What if...
  •  We're keeping my in-laws in the dark with my fertility appointments. I've tried to open up and I'm told that I should "wait until you've been trying a year" no matter what. Yep, even after I mentioned that I have PCOS and the doctor doesn't think I ovulate at all. No ovulation = 0% chance of pregnancy.
  • I was actually excited for my HSG. I figured that there was no guarantee of pain or something bad and it gets me that much closer to getting to know what our options are!
  • I come across as super put-together and organized at church when my apartment is a hot mess. Hey, it's a work in progress.
  • I got dressed to go to the gym and I decided to sew and take a nap instead. My allergies make me super sleepy and my allergy meds are no longer working.
  • I want to like yoga a lot, but I don't. It's ok, but I find it super difficult for me. I do it because it's good for me, but when the yoga teacher says things like, "The universe and animals know when you're at peace because they sense it and will do something to disrupt your inner peace", I can't handle that.

Friday, September 21, 2012

Fit Fridays {Week 16}

This week has definitely been super interesting. I was unable to work out Sunday-Tuesday of this past week due to a doctor's appointment and not feeling well. That's ok, I stuck to my calorie plan, did yoga on Wednesday, and did a short walk on the treadmill yesterday. Saturday is softball, so that's always a fun work out too!

This week I had a great, non-scale victory. I tried on a pair of jeans (size 16W) last night that I haven't been able to wear since sometime last year and they fit! I was able to put them on, button, and zip them without having to suck in, lie on the bed, etc. I can also tell the difference mostly in the bottom of my stomach, the tops of my legs, and the bottom of my bum.

So, how did I do this week?

Starting Weight: 224
Last Week's Weight: 203.5 (ish)
 *Going with the most recent weight last week
Current Weight: 201.9

- 1.6 pounds this week 
-  22.1 pounds overall!


Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Encouraged.

I'm feeling encouraged today.

I woke up and knew it was going to be a great day. The air is cool and crisp and the sun is out which makes today even better.

I've been having the feeling over the past few days that this Fall will be a season of change. I feel many blessings coming on and I can't wait to see what God has in store for us.

I feel so grateful and excited for what is about to come.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Fall is Here

 Have I ever mentioned how much I love fall?

It's my absolute, hand's down, favorite season. I love the colors, smells, and of course, the weather. Crisp, cool weather that is nice enough for a scarf, hoodie, or boots.

I am so thankful that the weather here has changed, even though my allergies are acting up. It is a welcome, much needed change in our household and makes my mood so much better.

I did a little decorating with the few fall things that we have. The goal was to not have to purchase new decorations this year. So, with my tiny bit of fall decor, I set everything up in the focal point of the living room...right around the tv and window.

We did purchase two small, pie pumpkins to go along with it and that couldn't make me happier. 

I also love scents that remind me of fall. I love Scentsy and have quite a few bars and warmers, but the cost can definitely add up at $5 per bar! When I saw this I just about died of excitement...


 I may have been motivated to go to Wal-mart to check this out. My favorite scent for fall? Crisp Fall Leaves. It smells amazing and makes me feel so calm and happy. And for $2? Yes, please!

What are you doing for the new fall season?



Saturday, September 15, 2012

Isn't she Lucky?!

Lucky is a girl who lives in Uganda in an AIDS affected area. She also lives in an area with higher risk of exploitation and abuse. Her birthday is coming up on October 27th and she will be turning 8 years old!

Who could think of a better birthday gift to give her than the gift of sponsorship?

Here's some information directly from the Compassion website about Lucky...

"Lucky lives with her father and her mother. Her duties at home include carrying water, gathering firewood and teaching others. There are 6 children in the family. Her father is sometimes employed as a laborer and her mother is sometimes employed as a laborer.

For fun, Lucky enjoys rolling a hoop, ping pong and singing. She attends church activities regularly and is in primary school where her performance is average.

Your love and support will help Lucky to receive the assistance she needs to develop her potential. Please pray for her."

 
Who wants to be the "lucky" one to sponsor this wonderful child?

Friday, September 14, 2012

Fit Fridays {Week 15}

Unfortunately, I don't have an accurate weigh in today as my scale decided to break before I go on. I noticed it wobbling, got on anyways, and it gave me results in the 100's...which would be awesome, but not accurate.

Either way, I know that I lost this week! I'm either at 201.8 (per yesterday's reading) or 203.5 (per my husband's old scale this morning). Both scales were reading a bunch of different weights so I know that neither of them were super accurate this morning.

So, I will be going out to purchase a new scale today and will be working with that one from now on! I will, however, miss my old scale since I've had it since I lived in California and it was pretty accurate. Last week, I weight myself in the morning and it was only a two pound difference from the doctor's scale later that day (and I had eaten and drank a ton of water, was wearing jeans, and heavier clothing). The nurse was surprised that it was so accurate.

Of course, I have been staying under my calorie goals for the day and I'm happy to report that I went to the gym yesterday, did yoga Wednesday, and I have a gym-date set up with a friend for today at 10am. I also have a double-header softball game (hopefully it won't get rained out) tomorrow so I should be getting in a ton of exercise that way as well!

I'm also using a heart rate monitor now. My step-dad said that I might be pushing myself too hard so I should work at a lower heart rate for longer periods of time to build up more stamina so I don't feel like I can't breathe. I found the one I wanted on clearance at Target for $30 less than the original price, called my husband, and he reluctantly said I could buy it! I did my first workout with it yesterday and love it!

Whatever my weight comes in this week...

I am down 20 pounds!!!!!

Starting Weight: 224
Current Weight: < 204! 
*Current weight between 201-203ish...

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

So What Wednesday

So What Wednesday

This week, I'm saying So What if...
  • Due to my new schedule {adding in the dr and meeting with someone for AWANA}I have not yet gone to the gym this week. But, I am signed up for yoga today at 9:30am so I'll be there.
  • I'm not upset about finding out that I have PCOS. I mean, it's been suspected and they have things that can help. I'm trusting God and feel at peace.
     
  •  I didn't make dinner until after my husband got home last night. I really try to have it ready for him when he gets here, but that was not happening.
     
  •  I think that maybe I am "that girl" that annoys my nurse/doctor. I like to look things up ahead of time and research what they may have me do so that I'm not shocked when they tell me what tests they're going to run.
     
  • I forgot to charge my iPhone last night and it was dead this morning. It wasn't plugged in the dock right and I'm glad I woke up in time.
     
  • I spilled a little ink on the floor refilling our printer cartridges. It's expensive to buy new ones so I bought a refill kit to save money!


Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Random Tidbits

Wow, I feel like this past week has been a whirl wind of activity!

Saturday I had my first craft show of the season. It's a kid's consignment sale and I can only bring my baby, kid, and maternity inventory to that show. I am so happy that it went fairly well. I made back my booth fee and some extra on top of it! After the show, I went to my first softball game of the fall season and right before we were supposed to take the field, he heavens opened up, and we were soaked. The came has been rescheduled and the weather looks good for this weekend!

Yesterday, Phil and I got our blood work done and Phil completed his test. We won't know the results of the blood work for a little while, but I had them call me with his results and I am so happy to report that everything on his end is normal! Seriously, I couldn't be happier that the issue is only on my side! 

We have also started volunteering at church for AWANA. I love that ministry and used to volunteer when I was in high school. We are working with the 3rd-5th graders so that will be both fun and challenging. I am in charge of admin so it's right up my alley with planning and organizing. So far, I've gotten a good amount done and I'm looking forward to giving out awards and AWANA bucks.

I have also been working on organizing my sewing room again. It's gotten really bad, but is in the process of getting better. I'm hoping that one day soon we will be able to get some cabinets from Ikea to store the fabric in since I have too much for my small bookcase.

I also have a lot going on with my sewing so that's always good. I have a few orders for the fall/winter season and I still need to complete the quilt for my in-laws for Christmas. 

I've also decided to put all of the money I make from my business to help with the costs of the fertility testing. We have great insurance, but it still is really expensive and not something that we planned on so I'm hoping that my business will do well this holiday season so I can help with the costs. My husband is a wonderful provider and has not asked me to do this, but I really want to make it as stress-free as possible.

Monday, September 10, 2012

Letter to God {Compassion International}

Dear God,

     If you would have told me a few years back that I would put my selfish ambitions aside and love three girls that I have never met unconditionally, I don't know if I would have believed it. My, how you have changed my heart so much.
      Admittedly, I used to get angry watching all of those "Feed the Children" commercials on tv. I mean, how could I help? I barely had enough money to support myself, let alone sponsor a child. I wondered if that would ever change and sometimes doubted that it would. Then I moved and began to attend a church with my (now)husband.
     The senior pastor's wife was a Compassion Advocate and I got my first view of Compassion at a Christmas Tea that they hosted as their main fundraiser for the year. As I got to know more about her and the church, I began to open up to the wall of faces that were being sponsored by the church members. Each child had a different story and each child was loved by someone they never met.
     I now know that You placed me there to soften my heart. You gave me the desire to want to sponsor a child and get to know them, pray for them, and make a difference in their lives. You wanted me to love them.
     I distinctly remember when I first told my husband that I felt that You were calling me to sponsor a child. I felt so blessed to be getting married and knew that it was the right time. I prayed and prayed that You would reveal which child You had for me to sponsor. I would walk to the Compassion table, pray, and look through the packets waiting for You to tell me which one was mine. I remember the feeling you gave me as I showed my husband her picture and we agreed to sponsor our first little girl.
     I remember when you told me that it was time to sponsor another child. Again, I spoke to my husband about and we prayed for the resources to be able to do so. You were faithful and blessed us and we wanted to give back. We chose another girl, an older child this time, and sent in the packet. I didn't feel the same connection with that child, but knew You had a plan.
     That child ended up already being sponsored. We got a phone call that there was another child who had been waiting for sponsorship who was the same age and from the same country. We were encouraged to look at our online account and see if we wanted to sponsor her. When I saw this child, I immediately knew that she was the one I had been searching for.
     I am so thankful for the relationships that You have built with our sponsor children. The unconditional love we feel for them grows every day. I look forward to writing and receiving letters and praying for our girls together. I cherish them dearly and think of them as family.
     Of course, I wanted to sponsor more children, but since we are now living on one income, we can not afford another sponsorship. Once again, You were faithful and fulfilled the desire that you put in my heart by way of becoming a correspondent sponsor. Our third girl is just as beautiful as the others and I can't wait to be able to impact her life and tell her that we love her.
     Thank you for the opportunity to love these girls and for softening my heart. I am forever grateful for the new additions to our family and for the means that You have given us to provide for them.

Love,
Kate
   


Friday, September 7, 2012

Fit Fridays {Week 14}

Wow, this week has definitely been busier than usual, but that's a good thing! I'm sticking with my minimum of three days a week for exercising and hoping to have some time to add in another day or two since I really liked going five days a week.

I like to do my best to stay motivated and determined to continue to lose weight. It's important for me not to give up on the plan and I make sure to stick in my calorie range daily.

Here are the results: 

Starting Weight: 224
Last Week's Weight: 205.6
Current Weight: 205
Down -0.6 pounds for the week!

Total weight loss: 19 pounds!

Very happy with the continued loss! I'm definitely on track to lose 30 pounds by the end of the year!

Thursday, September 6, 2012

My First RE Appointment

To say that I was excited was an understatement. I was excited to finally see someone who would be able to tell me what is working right in my body.

I decided to go with the recommendation from my regular doctor, so I changed my appointment to a different doctor at a new location. I was surprised to call and get an appointment for the next business day (I called Friday, got an appointment Tuesday afternoon).

We went in for our consultation. The doctor was nice, knowledgeable, and answered any questions that we had. He diagnosed me with PCOS and started a flow chart showing me what we're going to do to get me to ovulate. I'm happy that there are a lot of options and that he wants to try the least invasive options first.

They asked if I wanted to do an ultrasound and blood work so they could check on where my cycle was and see if there were any cysts. Of course, I told them that we wanted to get it done so they started it right away.

I have a list of things to complete before we start treatment. First, I have to take Provera  for 7 days to induce a cycle (I took the first pill last night). Both Phil and I have to get blood work done for infectious diseases (to make sure we're immune) and I will have a PCOS panel done to see where my levels are. Phil has his own test to make sure everything is good on his end and I will go in for CD 3 blood work to check my levels. How CD 3 blood work works is that I call them the first day I start my cycle after Provera, which can be anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks after the last dose. Then, I have to go in on cycle day (CD) 2, 3, or 4 to get my levels checked. It can only be done one of those three days so it's important to call them the first day.

After CD 3 blood work is done, we will be doing an HSG somewhere between cycle day 5-12. This is a test where I will go to the radiology department and they will insert dye into my uterus and fallopian tubes and take x-rays to see if my tubes are blocked.

Once all of those tests are done, I go back in for a follow-up and my doctor will discuss the specific plan for ovulation induction and monitoring, and we will go from there!

Overall, I am so happy with our decision to see a specialist. I feel that the proper monitoring and initial tests are so incredibly important.

So, if you could all say a little prayer for us, that would be awesome!

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Blogging for Compassion

September is Blog for Compassion month. Periodically throughout the month, I will be writing a post about Compassion and the ways you can help.

You might have read some of my previous posts about sponsoring a child and if you're interested, you can go to the Compassion website and check it out.

Today I am going to ask you to just stop by the Compassion page and pray over these children. That's it, super easy! No need to sponsor or commit to anything, but to look at the children and pray for their overall well-being.

The neat thing about this is that you can search and look for kids to pray for from a specific country, a certain age, birth date, gender, orphan, special needs child, or longest waiting. All of these kids need prayers whether or not you decide to sponsor them.

So, if you could please stop by, pray for these children, and take a look around their site, it would be greatly appreciated.

And, just because my girls are so cute and I am blessed to have them, here are the pictures of the girls we sponsor...
 
 Larissa from Brazil                                     Anisetha from Tanzania

Tuyisingize from Rwanda

Monday, September 3, 2012

My First RE Appointment is Tomorrow!

Tomorrow is a big day. Tomorrow, I get to go see the Reproductive Endocrinologist for the first time. We will be having a consultation {no exam} to meet the doctor and discuss what types of tests he would like for us to do to get a diagnosis.

This RE came highly recommended from my regular doctor who has been seeing me. I feel very blessed that he is associated with a fantastic hospital and fertility clinic.

I've been doing my research on what to expect during the appointment and I am really excited for this opportunity. It may be a long journey, but we are on our way to find out what we need to do to be able to have a baby and that makes me happy.