Yes, I'm pregnant and it's a good thing

Many have been concerned about the fact that I'm pregnant, so let me set you all at ease.

Once upon a time, doctors were not sure what my health issues were and serious consequences arose to the possibility of me getting pregnant (such as permanent paralysis). Then, I got a new GP who referred me to many specialists who ruled those possibilities out. 

My GP then reached the conclusion that I most likely have something called Porphyria. A very rare, hereditary blood disease that literally explains all of my symptoms (consequently, many can carry the disease without any symptoms). Thus far, they have not been able to definitively prove or diagnose me with Porphyria, but living like I have it has proven to help me manage my symptoms. 

Once my doctor deduced this possible diagnosis, he told me I should get pregnant. 

Studies have shown that menopause, for instance, can lessen symptoms or completely cure symptoms of this disease due to its sensitivity to hormone changes in the female body. Likewise, pregnancy can sometimes minimize these symptoms. Not a guarantee, of course, because everyone is different. Nevertheless, I was very strongly encouraged to get pregnant and see what happens.

Prior to getting pregnant I was having seizures every menstrual cycle. No joke. Every single month for one week: seizures. Not seizures from a brain malfunction like epilepsy, but a muscular response to toxins. These "episodes" can aggravate the disease's muscle weakness, mental confusion and disorientation, and even cause muscle spasms as a response to toxins leeching where they should not go. Assuming my GP is correct, this is what has been happening to me since I was a teenager. 

With this new, theoretical knowledge that we tested by lifestyle changes specific to the disease (which proved to have positive results) we looked for any other dangers to my getting pregnant. There was only one. 

Otosclerosis. The genetic disease I have that is making me go deaf. We both agreed pretty quickly that the timeline did not matter to us on when I go deaf, so the fact that pregnancy will most likely (and has already) progress this disease was not a worthy deterrent. Surgery is an option when it gets really bad, and I've always wanted to learn sign language anyway. 

As a result of two years of planning and researching and experimenting with managing my diseases we made the decision to have biological children. I am now 27 weeks pregnant with my firstborn (and very healthy) son, Samuel Raymond Hunter. Also, I am happy to report that I have not had a single seizure since getting pregnant. 

So far, my GP was spot on. 

In conclusion, this is a very, very, GOOD thing. 

A good thing that I never even dared to dream possible because of my health.

So, celebrate with us and send all the prayers and positive energy our way! 

KELLY ANN