Doctor Visit

So I went to the doctor Wednesday so I could score the pills for another year. The exam part was not at all traumatic this year. However, the rest of the visit was not so great.

First, while waiting for the doctor in my open-in-the-front gown, I had to cry over the 20 pound weight gain from last year. I knew this before I went, but the nurse commented (very nicely) and it made me sad.

Then the doctor informed me that if I ever intend to have kids, I should start right now and not wait until I'm 40. This was a shocker, because last year's conversation was all about the risks and feasibility of waiting until 40. This year, she was quite insistent that I try right now or not at all.

I took this news fairly well at first, but as the day went on, I started to freak out a little more by the hour. She told me to have a conversation with my husband about it, which I did, which led to tears on my part and some serious life-choice questioning for both of us.

Being analytical types, we did some math. We decided that I am old. Actually, that we are both old. If I got pregnant right now, I'd be 39 when the baby came. So waiting until 40 to try really means 41 or so when the baby comes. No wonder the doctor spoke so urgently.

A lot of this depends on jobs and income. So right now, we're waiting until April to revisit the conversation with more information about Bruce's job.

As if this weren't enough, I got a call today with my test results. This made my heart race because when everything is fine, you call a recording 2 weeks after the appointment. This year's call was in person 2 days after the appointment.

It turns out that my cholesterol is now 208. Up from 170 last year and 165 the last time I remember knowing it. They want me to diet and exercise for 3 months and then do a fasting test. So now I'm motivated. I'm planning to hook up with Mary on the Abs diet she's been doing.

I'm also liking Amy's plan of salad for lunch and lots of exercise. That seems reasonable to me.

A lot of life changes are coming apparently. Please pray over our decision. We're trying very hard to listen to God's leading on this one.