Up to 18 Weeks

I have been meaning to start a blog since the day I found out I was pregnant. But, 18 weeks, 3 ER visits, 5 OBGYN appointments, 2 Cardiologist appointments, 1 high risk doctor appointment, and 6 ultrasounds later.... I haven't really found the energy to do so.

I will try to keep this short and sweet since I missed 18 weeks worth of blogging...

Darrell and I found out I was pregnant just one day after I missed my period! I got sick from my favorite food (Sushi) and I knew something was wrong! (other than the fact that you should NEVER eat Winn Dixie sushi!). 

It didn't take long before my POTs symptoms kicked into high gear. POTs is short for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. It is a very rare and un-researched disease where upon sudden position changes, such as standing up, causes an extreme increase in heart rate and a drastic drop in blood pressure. This usually leads to dizziness, blacking out, and sometimes passing out. I was diagnosed with POTs in 2005, but it was always pretty manageable. I had to stop taking my medication when I became pregnant and my symptoms worsened tremendously. The first 14 weeks were the worst because I was constantly throwing up, which became a vicious cycle causing dehydration and more and more passing out. After a few very scary emergency room visits in just one weekend, I was forced to give up my driving privileges and work. 

Staying home has allowed me to focus on staying hydrated, and eating enough. I am happy to announce that the pregnancy nausea is almost completely gone now and my dizzy spells are much less frequent. 

My cardiologist has prescribed me a new medication, called Florinef, and I can't wait to see if it works!  

As for the pregnancy itself:

Week: 18 

Symptoms this far: Probably every symptom in the book...

Total Weight Gain: 7 lbs 

Sleep: Crazy vivid dreams every single night!

Miss Anything?: Independence, and surfing!

Movement?: YES! :-) I felt HER move one week ago and usually feel her the most when I am in the car 

Best moment this week: Finding out it's a girl and feeling her move for the first time!

Mood?: Haven't been able to stop smiling since we found out it's a girl!