I can’t believe Week 17 is now upon me!! And I STILL can’t really say I’ve felt this little one moving – how weird is that – for me?? I’ve decided that a very tilted uterus must be to blame for this, as well as the fact that I look nowhere as pregnant as other 17 week moms!

I was around 8 months before I finally looked pregnant to people with my last, and it seems I was 6 or 7 with my first. My weight is nothing impressive either. Due to nursing my last baby so long, I had dropped to 116.5 – not good when I need to be around 125 – 130 normal weight, looking even healthier at 135.

I just couldn’t gain while nursing him – he had all my fat, and it was a clear fact to SEE!

I’m now approaching 125 lbs. My max ever being 156 or 157 and a half. Maybe there can be a guessing game as the time approaches….

I have to share a true “yep, I’m a Mom” moment from today. We have gotten in the ritual of having cereal for our afternoon snack, and I had been crushing up the flakes in the Raisin Bran for the baby (almost 15 months) – these flakes were huge!

Next thing I know, I pouring my own bowl, and all of a sudden realize – I’m smashing up MY flakes too! Oh dear. Yep, that along with cutting up meat in a restaurant (what’s that??) in bite size portions before I begin to eat. Ha!

Monday, I’ll pick back up with the series on feeding your baby.

This has never been a thought in my mind – choosing between these two options. Breast milk is the best milk – as it’s said. But when you start REALLY comparing the two, I mean getting nitty gritty, believe me that you’ll be appalled at what is in formula!

I know there are some moms that truly are unable to nurse, and I feel their pain. By no means should they be made to feel guilty for something out of their control. There are herbal options to consider for some, that will increase their milk supply.

My first two babies nursing were a constant roller coaster – either I’d have too much or too little milk. The first go round I had been given some books, which suggested the best method of feeding was to enforce a schedule – every three hours. I didn’t derive from that – and my poor baby didn’t gain but 1 OUNCE the first month. I can hardly look at those first pictures – he was so tiny, and I couldn’t see it at the time.

I ended up having to feed him every 2 hours – and thankfully he quickly began to gain weight. With my second, I still tried to stay on a time frame, just not every 3 hours – closer together. She spit up a LOT though, seeming to lose more than she ate at times. After a few months, her weight gain slowed down greatly.

With my last – I did everything different, and ended up with a baby that was on the 95%+ for the first 8 to 12 months. He was the FATTEST baby you ever saw, and there were benefits to the feeding arrangement I had with him.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be discussing what worked, what didn’t, what caused weight loss, what kept a happier baby, and physical reactions related to breast milk/ food sensitivities. We’ll cover baby formula, discovering some things you might not have realized. Hope you join us – and share the word!

Oh, and no, still not feeling the baby move….

Little Mommy

Alright, I’m growing VERY impatient waiting for this little stinker to get big enough for me to feel it moving!! I’ve thought many times over the past few days that I ‘might’ve’ felt it moving, but still not sure…

It’s definitely exciting to see maternity clothes actually looking like I have a little belly. There are still some things that I can wear and not really show, but some fit just right around this rounding and look too cute.

I believe I’ve finally found the mystery to our health issues – just a week before allergy testing is scheduled for myself and our oldest. Candida. It’s that yeast overgrowth you can get in your body. I discussed this my last pregnancy with my OB, and they said there was no way to get yeast overgrowth in your body. Somehow I ended up dismissing it.

Until… I read a health alternative post (Yahoo group I just joined) on itching and Candida. That’s all I do now – scratch continually. Plus this weird rash I had last preg. and the numbness in my lips coming back.

Googling Candida brought up a multitude of symptoms, which I can testify that I have most of them 100%. My children have some I don’t have – but I can see evidence of this in them, especially mood swings and irritability, skin conditions, dark circles under the eyes, and mostly – chronic sinus conditions! That’s been our life for the past year!

It sure is hard cutting out fruits and sugars though – wheat included – it’s just not going to happen 100% anytime soon. I’m starving! Of course, they say that’s part of the thing – the ‘yeast’ is craving more to feed of off, you’re really not needing it, the yeast is. I’ve been told it gets easier.

I have a hard time believing that since the options to eat are raw veggies, and my oldest and myself can’t stand veggies. At least not the ones that are good for this.

Then I think about this baby. My other three children are already suffering my this modern day food I’ve ‘trashed’ their systems with – I hate for this child to suffer through life too! We’re just having to pray for God to give us a desire to eat these foods that are good for us.

In the meantime, I’ve found that spirulina/ Ester – C (vitamin C)/ garlic pills/ and probiotics are working great on my congestion. I was DYING on Monday, but after taking these Monday night – I felt a zillion times better on Tuesday, and the worst thought sinus infection ever (my diagnosis) was gone OVERNIGHT!! I have pinpointed that the garlic pills are what open my head up and help me breathe.

So, if you ever have a cold, try taking one of these. Within 30 minutes I can feel a tremendous difference! This is the only one I take just at night, so that’s how I know it’s the one that helps this way. Now if I could just figure out a way to get these pills in my little ones.

Back to family stuff, I had to take one of our children to a genetics counsellor on Monday. Our oldest had testing done years ago for a rare heart condition, but no conclusions were made. Two new children since then have added pieces to the puzzle – new symptoms/ problems.

We’ll have to wait 4 weeks for one set of tests to come back, and 6 weeks for the other. The dr. seemed more confident that all 3 together made up all but one or two symptoms of this condition. I’m just now sure if the fact he ordered so many tests means he really thinks they have it, or what.

As much as we’d love answers, I hestiate to want this to be the syndrome/ gene mutation they have. It’s hard enough to have children with birth defects, feeling you are to blame. I know we’re not – God created these children JUST the way He wanted them to be. Still, you wonder if they’ll blame you one day….

The ‘biggee’ symptom that many children have, which my children don’t – is mental retardation. It’s scary to think you might bring a child into the world this way. AGAIN, God is in control, and we can’t ‘do’ anything to hurt a child. When we pray in His will, His will is what will be done.

In the meantime, I’m trying not to dwell on what could happen with this little one. I’ll love him/ her no matter what. They do need to find out though if this is something they have, in order to perform special tests on this baby before birth.

Not that we would do anything to end it’s life, but in case it might need immediate care after birth. Heart conditions are a large part of this syndrome – only our oldest has these issues, and thankfully they are not near as severe as they once thought. (Answered prayer!!)

Getting bedtime – so come on ‘lil stinker – let’s start moving! (At least that’s what I say until he/ she keeps me up at night rolling around – ha!!)

Little Mommy

I keep thinking any day now I’ll experience the wonderful moment when I feel this baby move for the first time…. I can hardly wait now!!

There’s been times I would think I felt it, but then realize that it couldn’t be – the baby isn’t above my belly button yet – ha!! We’re still unsure about finding out the gender… We’re just so busy with everything else that at times, I don’t even think about being pregnant. Hey , that means I’m feeling better!

My middle child, daughter is almost 3, and it was so sweet last night…. she came up to me, looked at my belly, and you could tell she wanted to touch it. I had to smile and convince her it was alright to touch the baby. She gently cupped both hands around my ‘baby belly’, smiled, and said “it’s so cute!”. (Laughing out loud – couldn’t help myself)

She was 20 months I believe when her baby brother was born, so she really wasn’t too into feeling him move, or having the mothering instinct. But she’s all into it this time! I know she’ll be a great help – hoping not too much.

Baby brother, well, I’m worried about him. It’s not comforting to watch him with baby dolls. He’s poking their eyes, and cuddles so cute until he decides to throw them down rather hard…. He will have to be closely supervised! He’ll be around 20 months when this one comes.

Oldest brother is already such a help with the younger two. I’m lost if his Daddy ever takes him out and leaves me with the younger one(s). He is a little bossy at times, but has their best interest at heart most of the time.

The more I grow, I think I look like I’m all belly – which would be a boy. I try to talk about ‘what if God gives us a boy’, and older brother still needs a little prompting to accept that. I don’t think it’s so much that he doesn’t want a brother, but in his mind we have to follow the ‘patter-in’. He’s a lot like me, things have to be in order, in a certain way, and done a certain way.

Hopefully, within the next week I’ll be posting the news of movement…. I kinda feel bad that I’ll get to feel it first and it’ll be a couple more weeks before the kiddos will feel it. They are so excited about it going to move….

Little Mommy

It’s finally hit me, I’m pregnant, really pregnant, and I’m loving it! God was so wonderful to bestow such a blessing on women – to hold such a precious creation of God’s in our beings, to give it birth, then to love and raise it!!

Sure, pregnancy has it’s ups and downs, but what can compare to knowing there’s a living soul that God created, that He blessed you and your husband with inside of you! Yes, it’s my most wonderful time…. so why all the negativity, scornful looks, and rude comments from others? Can’t they see I’m happy, don’t they know it’s not their business (no more than it is mine to ask why they AREN’T having children – is something wrong with one of them?? No, that’s rude and inconsiderate!)

I’ve heard some mothers lay it out plainly – “Well, which child should I refuse, which one should I send back, which one should I not love?” In essence, these people commenting are telling me that I have a mistake inside of me, it was a wrong decision, I shouldn’t have it – is this not true?

I am amused hearing people say “We’re not in the same time as then, we don’t need children to help on the farm….” or “But God gives us common sense”.

It’s true we’re not in the same time, and not needing lots of children to help on the farm in order to survive, BUT that’s not why we have children in the first place – did people forget about that? We have them because we’re being submissive to the Lord and His will, and His command. He commanded in Genesis to multiply and replenish the Earth – not only to Adam and Eve, but to Noah’s family as they exited the ark.

Sure it was thousands of years ago when He gave that command, but isn’t His Word true and the same yesterday, today, and forever!?!

Our first child received lots of attention, people pleased we had a baby – and so cute at that too! Our second again received hearty congratulations – along with the notion we were done since we had a boy and a girl (perfect, huh?)

Our third began to raise a few eyebrows – especially since he made 3 children, 3 years and under. Not quite as many congratulations…..

So now, number 4 – well, there’s a few congratulations – real, honest ones that is. These mainly from large families that see children as a blessing, not a hinderance or curse.

There’s those that think we’ll for sure be done now – especially if it’s a girl. As they say “Two boys and two girls – that’ll be perfect!” Three might not be THEIR first choice for OUR family size, but if it evens out – it’ll be fine and done with.

And then to be honest, there’s just certain people I dread seeing. You know, the ones that HAVE to put in their two cents, and it’s never congratulations – rather it’s rude, distasteful, nosy comments or questions. They aren’t even shy about it, coming right out with whatever hits their minds! The sad part being is that most of these are ‘Christians’.

I feel I’ve been asked a million times – “Don’t you know what causes that?”, or receive the hanging head shake and “oh-no’s, what are we going to do with you” comments.

I’ve had to turn to the Lord, and He’s shown me to respond with Scripture! Proverbs 3:5-6 says to trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In ALL your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path.

Hmm…. Let’s look at that verse – Trust in the Lord. So how are people trusting Him when they use birth ‘CONTROL’?? Sounds like they’re not too trusting if they must control it themselves. Yes, trust with ALL your heart.

Okay, next – Lean not unto your own understanding. This is my response to people saying that God gives us wisdom and common sense. Well, He gives us a mind to think, but does that mean that our minds are filled with His wisdom and knowledge? No, our minds and hearts are sinful. On their own, they aren’t going to automatically obey God’s will and callings.

He gives us a mind, just as he gives us a will – we have to choose whether we’ll obey Him with those, or choose to sin. Just as He isn’t going to make us love Him and be saved, He isn’t going to make us obey Him. It’s when we love and trust Him that we obey.

Last – In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. What did that say? In ALL your ways, not every way but family size! He will direct that according to His will. You can’t allow Him to direct and then be a backseat driver.

Then there’s also the Scripture verse – For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a hope and a future?

God knows His plans! Who I am to question if He’s right or not? His Word is a promise, and here He says His plans will prosper us, not harm us – and will give us a hope and a future.

Imagine how wonderfully different our nation would be today if Christians had been heeding the Lord in this area – Christians would be our hope, our future – not our minority. I believe we wouldn’t see the despair we see today if Christians filled our land.

But instead, Christians have taken control of their family size, while other religions still flourish – and are now overtaking us.

All through the Old Testament, you read of stories where God closed wombs or He opened them. Do people not believe He does the same thing today? If He doesn’t will for you to have more children, He is more than able to close your womb! That just goes back to lack of trust in Him – sorry to be blunt, but it’s true.

One particular fella, feels he has to comment each time he sees me. Most of the above mentioned points came up, and I confronted them with God’s Word. Finally, what ended it was my telling him that if He could show me in God’s Word where God changed His mind and told husbands and wives NOT to reproduce – then I might consider it.

He was shocked, but in the end knew there was nothing else he could say – because God is faithful, true, and unchanging! It’s not that I’m not scared at times about having many more children – it is a big task – but I trust more in my God.

I fear more my defiant attitude and taking ‘control’ of my body – what HIS consequences and judgement will be. I know this is what He has said, and I choose to submit my life, my body, and my service to His plans for my children and family size – how could I choose otherwise and be faithful to Him?

Yes, I’m glorying in my role of motherhood, and can’t wait to meet and hold this newest life that the Lord has created FOR A PURPOSE! I’m grateful that God has given me a husband that is also willing to submit to the Lord in this area.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. So yes, God does give us a mind and a choice – but fearing/ reverencing/ acknowledging Him and His will is the beginning of this wisdom.

Be ye not wise in your own eyes!

To end, to my dearest precious baby – I love you with all of my heart and am very grateful that you are a part of me, of your father, of our family – created by God especially for us. He has a plan and a purpose for you, else He would not have created you. I pray that you will know, love, and serve Him – your Creator – all the days of your life.

Little Mommy

I can’t believe how fast this pregnancy is flying! I guess with 3 little ones running around, I don’t have as many hours in a day to think about it. In the back of my mind, as I went to the dr. Thursday, I was worried about ‘what if they don’t hear a heartbeat?’.

It’s weird, I’ve felt sick – but don’t always feel pregnant. I’ve been able to establish that the times I feel sick are after I eat (or when I’m hungry) – weird I know. But it seems that I’m just having food reactions, as I did in my last pregnancy. For instance, after eating grape jelly on a biscuit the other morning, my throat started burning.

I told the OB I felt like an alien, I can’t seem to handle anything I eat. Then I read Dr. Mercola’s website (all healthy stuff), and am reminded that God didn’t create our bodies to eat what we eat today. We aren’t to eat all this processed food – but made from scratch, all natural foods - even raw fruits and veggies.

That’s my problem, I don’t (#1) feel like making food from scratch while tired and pregnant and (#2), don’t like veggies hardly at all.

I am thankful for my visit to an allergist last pregnancy. The test came back negative, but I learned from his thoughts and my searching, that while I might not have allergies to the foods, I am extrememly sensitive. Anything in the tartrazine/ salicylate family causes problems for me – itching, tingling, burning in my mouth and skin. Basically, anything with artificial colors or flavors, along with some foods in their natural state.

After investigating a little, I found my newest prenatal – that although there are no articial colors in it (since those triggered severe itching) – it has vanillan – or vanilla flavoring. Now why in the world should they add that to something you swallow?! Vanilla is in the same family as the above listed ingredients – I believe all provoked by my use of aspirin for three pregnancies.

Now on the search for a new vitamin…. Can you believe all the OTC have colors?? Even the children’s vitamins! I’m amazed, sickened, and almost scared when I start to think of all the extra fillers put in our foods and everyday products that are harmful to us – and we don’t even know it!

We trust that they are good – but don’t be fooled! I even once had an OB tell me that I could easily get all the nutrition I needed from drinking milkshakes – like from a fast food restaurant. How absurd! First of all, some of these places aren’t even real milk, and for those that use milk – the milk is homogenized and pasturized – so it’s not all the healthy anyway. Not even thinking about the hormones in it, as well as antibiotics….

We had gotten much healthier here in the past year, but I was weak and gave into pregnancy cravings – now I’ve been paying dearly. So, I’m back on track, more determined than ever to find some land to raise some chickens and goats, and have a garden.

The latest email I received from Dr. Mercola talked about chemicals added to things we don’t even know about – such as BPA’s in our canned goods (drinks, fruits, veggies, and formula for those that use that – not good by the way…) It shared how it affects our immune systems, causing them to overreact to certain things such as toxins and chemicals in our foods, and underreact to sickness and such (I think I have that right).

Anyway, it pretty much spelled out everything I have endured in my last two pregnancies – this one and my last one. It even referenced this in pregnancy. Wow – God’s really answered my prayers for wisdom – showing me in black and white exactly what I’m going through and what’s causing it.

I rarely drink soft drinks, but we do buy and eat canned green beans. Then there’s the plastic that breads, cereals, jugs and bottles of water, (all those bad snack foods I’ve been eating lately) come in – BPA’s invading my body. It’s unavoidable if you buy food at the store – you HAVE to go natural if you want to be healthier. The risks of cancer and birth defects is unreal – all from these foods and drinks that companies lead us to believe are healthy for us.

It’s funny that it’s taken all this for me to become ‘one of those people’ that I used to make fun of – taking things too far. But I’m grateful the Lord has shown me – for my children’s future health and quality of life.

To end on a happy note – I’m excited to be nearing 15/ 16 weeks – that’s when I usually feel my babies move for the first time!! This week I’ve been able to finally know it’s in there – seeing my tummy growing rounder, and having the discomfort when my big babies crawl all over my stomach. Yep, it’s in there!!

Then not to mention going to the bathroom more – has it always started this early?? At least I’m only up once during the night still, then up when the baby has ‘his only nursing’ now – which is 6 or 6:30 AM. That will probably end this week, since I really have nothing much to give him anymore, and it’s getting more painful (since he doesn’t want to stop on empty).

I’ve been surprised that it’s taken until almost 14 weeks to really have any contractions while nursing. Usually that happens around 7 or 8 weeks with me – but I guess the Lord knew he needed to wean slowly. It’s been hard on him, and kinda sad – mainly since it’s been such a comfort to him. But now at 14 months, it’s time he can be a big boy – and he’ll still get lots of Mommy time with hugs, cuddles, and kisses.

November 21st is my next visit – time to really start thinking if we want to find out the gender on that visit. I’ll be 20 weeks then!

Little Mommy

Just a quick update – I’m going today for my 2nd checkup – a week early due to some questions over recent health issues. All 3 kiddos are going with me, so it should be an interesting visit for sure! I’m excited they’ll be able to hear the baby’s heartbeat!!

And what about the ticker up top – isn’t it cute!! I came across this yesterday, and love being able to know what’s going on with the baby as it develops! It’s a day early according to the OB calculations – but maybe they’re wrong??

I’ll give a report when I get a chance – we’ve just been running around like chickens with our heads cut off this week. All 3 kiddos are feeling much better, and they’re running circles around DH and myself.

Little Mommy

I must begin by sharing that although I’ve been going through a pretty trying time – there is a bright side! The Lord doesn’t give us something we can’t handle, and everything is for a purpose.

He’s given me a couple of reasons to be thankful in the midst of this ‘health crisis’ of sorts. One – I haven’t had near the morning sickness lately. My mind has been too occupied elsewhere – plus, I can’t smell or taste the triggers of morning sickness!! I haven’t even been able to smell those horribly dirty diapers!!

I can be thankful that although the polyps are still there, and seem larger, the swelling has gone down from the infection – so I can actually smell and taste a few things now – even if just a little.

I can be grateful that He’s given me His wisdom to know not just to trust the doctors, but to listen to His voice and know something isn’t right about these drugs. I’ve been doing a lot of research, and after being fed up with the medical community anyway – now am even more so.

Here’s a couple of doctors wanting to stick me on drugs to take away a ‘symptom’ – without ever addressing the problem. I’m grateful for the internet, where I’ve come across a great deal of information of how to prevent these in the future.

Of course, nothing about solving my current situation while pregnant, but He’s given me my taste and smell back a little – so if He doesn’t want to heal me right now, at least He’s making me a little more comfortable.

I’m grateful for a pharmacist that decided to ‘stick her nose in the middle’ (as the upset ENT put it) – alerting me to the dangers of the steroids and possible birth defects. It turns out, Prednisone is a Category C drug, meaning it hasn’t – nor ever will be – tested on pregnant women, it’s just too risky. Wow! And 2 out of 3 OB’s in my group haven’t got a problem with it!

From a mother of children with birth defects, no matter how large or small, I can’t willingly allow them to put me on something that is that risky to my baby. How in the world would I feel at birth if this child had cleft palate – knowing that this drug can cause that??!!

Today in church, we sang the song “I Surrender All”. I’ve never really thought about it in terms of health, but today I did. God has allowed this to be a part of my life right now, and I must surrender to His plan in whatever He’s teaching me, or using this for.

I’m not a mother for my own pleasure, but my children are HIS children – I’m simply an instrument to raise them for Him! My body isn’t mine, but His! He is in control of my pregnancy and my health, and the baby’s health. There’s nothing I can do about it – so I’m grateful that at least I know I can trust Him!

I’m grateful I’ve reached 13 weeks – almost 1/3 of the way through! I’m grateful my children are so excited about a new baby in our family. Too many families look at children as a burden, not a blessing – and I’m grateful that new life is a wonderful addition in all of our eyes!

I’m grateful that God has equipped our bodies to tell us when something is wrong. These polyps are tumors (thankfully non- cancerous), that result from toxic build up in our bodies. These toxins have to go somewhere, and form tumors.

I’m grateful they formed non-cancerous tumors, rather than cancerous! I’m grateful the Lord has given me dysautonomia (a disorder that affects the nervous and immune systems). Because of this, I’m extra sensitive to smells, tastes, stresses – and all these attack my nervous and immune system.

Yes, I’m more likely to get sicker than most, have small triggers affect me greatly – such a cigarette smoke, perfumes, even artificial colors and preservatives in foods, and get stressed much more easily than others.

For almost my whole life, I’m been made to feel ‘something is wrong with me’, but now I see that it puts me at a higher alertness to pay attention to what goes on inside and outside of my body.

I wouldn’t have a clue of the dangers of most foods available at the grocery store today if not for this disorder. Artificial colors, hydrogenated oils, artificial flavors, etc… – these severely attack my body. Research is now showing how these products are linked to many diseases, some more dangerous than others.

Hopefully, by being aware of these, my future health will be better, and my children will be spared many health complications that many aren’t even aware are going to hit them sooner or later – then it’ll be too late.

Yes, this pregnancy and it’s complications have put my mind back on the healthy track – now avoiding all those cravings that I knew weren’t good for me or the baby to start with!

It’s shown me that even as much as I try to be healthy, it’s God that is in ultimate control of my health. I have to learn to lean on Him and trust Him more during this time.

Not that I’m still not praying for complete healing, but in the mean time, it’s a little easier knowing that as long as I’m surrendering this baby and myself to Him, He’ll take the best care possible of us!

Little Mommy

I don’t have all the answers yet, but I’m on the road to medical discoveries – natural routes while pregnant.

I don’t like the thought of taking medicine while pregnant, nor herbs – so I’m in a tight bind right now. As I’ve been talking about, I’ve really been having a terrible time with a virus or something. Symptoms started with headache, tight jaw, fatigue, fever and chills.

Then I ended up with sore throat, stuffy head, ear pain, head pressure. Yep – a full blown mess. Of course, being pregnant, I didn’t do anything except take honey and lemon juice. Monday, it was too… bad, so I called the dr. to see that IF I went to an ENT, if I would even be able to do anything they suggested.

I then decided to call the pharmacy to see what meds on the list from the OB I could take with Mitral Valve Prolapse. The pharmacist was extra nice, feeling so bad – saying first it was bad since I was pregnant with a cold – but then to add Mitral Valve on top of it….

She had to be honest with me and told me I really couldn’t take anything to help with congestion. BUT she did share an option she uses…. A Neti Pot. Ever here on those?

You pour a saline rinse into one side of your nose, tilt your head to the side, and it flushes out the other. Hmm… I didn’t think I was up to it!

Well, let’s just say I’ve been desparate, and being unable to taste or smell ANYTHING for days, became open to at least ‘thinking’ about it. So I sat down and googled how it worked, and watched the videos. Then, I tried an alternative method – using 1 cup of warm water to 1/4 tsp. non-iodized salt and a baby ear syringe.

Much to my surprise – this felt WONDERFUL!! It really clears your head out – like you wouldn’t imagine – and then your nose feels so clean! I was actually able to breathe out of both sides of my nose for the first time in days. I ended up doing it twice the first day, then again the next morning – wow, I’m keeping up with this for life – really!

It’s a great way to keep your nose clear – and keep from getting sick in the first place. So, back to my story – the next morning my nose had settled down enough to see I had more of a problem that I orginally thought. I could see a very large nasal polyp – which was my problem!! I still couldn’t taste or smell, but I could breathe!

So, back to calling the ENT – they told me to come in to check it out. Sure enough, I had them in both sides (he could see them with a scope down my nose), and one HUGE one blocking the entire nasal passage on one side – that’s the one I could see.

The bad news, which is where I am stuck, is the dr. said it was so large that nothing would even touch it except taking an oral steroid for 15 days. That is pretty powerful stuff, but he said I’d be wasting my money on the nasal spray ones, since it’s just too big to even touch it. (Not to mention the 14 days of antibiotic he wants me on for a sinus infection – which probably won’t clear up due to the blockage from the polyp)

The pharmacist wouldn’t even let me get it – saying that’s just not done with pregnant women…. Great… now what do I do? I called the OB, and today’s on call dr. said no way – not this early in the pregnancy….

Called the ENT back, and he was pretty mad that I was questioning him. But shouldn’t my baby’s health be first and foremost on my mind?? Yesterday’s on call dr. told him it was fine, and he’s given it to plenty of women at 12 weeks. PLUS, I came to him asking for help – he told me what would make me better. He kinda had an attitude to say the least. But it was my body, do what I want – he said.

I’m now considering alternatives – such as herbs (which I said I wouldn’t take this time around) – but they have to be better than steroids. I’ll continue to do the nasal irrigation morning and night – as it does help cleaning out everything else.

The polyp was actually larger today, swelling up to fill the entire passage, so the rinse wouldn’t even drip through. If you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them!

I apologize for such a health posting, but part of the purpose of the blog is to share on things that affect pregnant women and their health – in case something I’m going through might be relevant to them.

At least now I know what’s wrong – and the dr. said I would regain my sense of smell or taste until on the steriods at least 2 weeks. He said nothing but this oral steroid would touch it. Well, those were fighting words to me as a Christian – God can touch it – and we’re praying He will (if only to show His power to the dr!!).

“Little Mommy”