Monday, October 15, 2007

Public Service Announcement:


"Sterilization Not 100% Effective"


Believe it or not, it's true. Due to what seemed to be stressful and difficult pregnancies, and the continual concern of my diabetes, when I was still awaiting Mercy's arrival, hubby and I decided that I should get my "tubes tied" (quotes because no Dr actually ties the tubes anymore, they are either cut, clipped with rings or bands, or burned) during her (scheduled c-section) birth. More specifically, my OB/GYN used cauterization, which is supposed to be one of the most reliable forms of female surgical sterilization. Statistics tell that one woman in every 250-300 will have a 'tubal failure.' It is more likely to happen when the surgery was performed during a Caesarean delivery, as I had.


Well, 3 years and 7 months later, here I sit, almost one week after finding out that I am indeed expecting another baby. I won't bore you or gross you out with symptoms and dating and all, but just suffice it to say that I have taken enough pregnancy tests AFTER having my tubes tied to keep Wal-Mart itself running. Crazy, I know, but if you wanted it like I have, you just might understand. I joked with a friend that I take pregnancy tests so my cycle would start, since it always seemed to within a day or two after I gave in to the desire to "poas" (pee on a stick, as is often quoted in mommy-type websites).


So last Tuesday afternoon, I paid my $1.06 at the Dollar Tree and stuck the test in my purse. I tested that night, since I never have been able to wait for the first void of the morning. I never expected what I saw....(the pic above)
The past week has been a flurry of seeing the doctor, having my blood drawn (3 times now, and will yet again on Wednesday), and an ultrasound to see if the baby could be located yet. Because of circumstances under which this pregnancy has occurred, I have a high risk for having an ectopic pregnancy (or tubal, though the term means any pregnancy that does not implant within the uterus, which is the only place a baby can survive and grow). Good news is that it is still very early on, so we can watch carefully. All the blood draws have determined that my beta hCG (human growth hormone, only shows up when a woman is pregnant, and doubles every 48-72 hours) is multiplying as it should, but this does not rule out an ectopic.
What would clue us in to it being ectopic is a leveling or dropping hormone level, or if the hormone level continues to incline, but we still cannot locate the baby in the uterus-- for which I'm having another ultrasound done Friday. I hope Lane will get to come with me for that one.
I know and am confident that the Lord will not give me any circumstance that I cannot withstand through his Holy Spirit. If this pregnancy is doomed to fail, then I must find something within it that will help me draw closer to the Lord. If it is successful in terms of a live birth, then the benefit may not be so difficult to see. I am praying the our Righteous God gives me the clear eyes to see what I am to learn from the whole experience. Certainly trust, and patience, are two things which come to mind.
I covet your prayers as well, please join our family in praying for the safety of this child, but above all that the Almighty Lord's will is done in our lives.
I've heard the saying, but never thought it more true until now: "If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans!"

3 comments:

Dawn said...

Oh. My. Gosh. Yep, I'll take the sore tooth. ;)
Things happen for a reason. Just make this your mantra - it's a blessing, not a punishment! It's a blessing, not a punishment! It's a blessing, not a punishment!
I'll keep you in my prayers.

chililime said...

Wow. Just happened to find your site, first time reader. Uh, God does miracles, and I hope you view it this way. God doesn't make mistakes, and will walk with you and your husband through this. You may not have planned a pregnancy--tied your tubes--but God must have planned this little one, no accident. I was encouraged to read your story--I'm still praying and waiting for my miracle of pregnancy to occur for the first time, after 10 years. Blessings.

Jenileigh said...

Iana, your story truly touches my heart. I will be praying for you and the little one.