So I never really said how my glucose screening went at last month's appointment. As suspected, my glucose levels were fine, but I was surprised to hear that I was slightly anemic. "Nothing to worry about," I'm told, "just try to eat a little more beef and dark, leafy greens." Okay, I'll see what I can do...neither of those are big staples in my routine diet.
Within a week of that news, I almost blacked out twice. This is not new for me; I'm well-versed in the art of fainting. I didn't think much of it the first time, but the second time I almost passed out in my sleep. How bizarre is that?! Since I've fainted so often before, I feel like my brain is pretty clued-in to the sequence that leads to total unconsciousness and I can usually short-circuit it before I'm out cold on the floor. So I woke myself up when I started feeling the little black fuzzies coming on, and it really weirded me out because there isn't a lot you can do to relax when you're already asleep! And it felt like it would happen again if I went back to sleep. Of course, middle of the night wreaks havoc on your rational thought, so I eventually got up and cuddled with Google to try to talk some sense into myself. Because Google always speaks truth and wisdom, right?
That's when I learned that fainting and dizziness are common symptoms of anemia. Guess what else? Irritability. Haven't had any of that around here lately. Ha! I knew about the fatigue and weakness, but I didn't realize the other symptoms I had been experiencing were all tied to anemia--shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, numbness/tingling in toes or fingers, and headaches. Boy, if these symptoms could all be cleared up with a supplement, it would certainly make the next 12 weeks more bearable!
So I started on an iron supplement. I've been taking it for just over a week now. J asked if I could tell any difference, and I can't say that I feel any more rested. But that may be because a certain someone has really hijacked naps lately. But I've definitely cut back on the tylenol for headaches; I can say that for sure. I don't think my family would be able to answer nicely about the irritability. The great google says it can take 2-3 months to replenish depleted iron stores, so at least I should be back up to normal in time for delivery. And hopefully, I will continue to see some of the other symptoms improve as it builds back up in my system.
I hit 29 weeks today. If all goes well, then 11 more weeks to go. If all the water consumption doesn't translate to better amniotic fluid levels, then it may be only 8 weeks. Father God, I know I've been really whiny lately about this pregnancy, but could You please protect me from any new symptoms for the duration of this trimester? By Your grace, I'll endure what I've already got; but I don't like to think about who I'll be if another new thing crops up. Please keep baby and me healthy and strong till we can meet each other. Thank you for the miracle that keeps kicking me in the gut. Amen.
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