Praying for Jana and Baby

After writing our latest letter, a medical concern came to light that we were not able to ‘squeeze’ into the prayer requests. Without going into minute medical details, basically Jana’s hemoglobin levels dropped to an alarming low (due to her blood disorder, Thalassemia Minor, they tend to be naturally low). A praise that surrounds this concern is that she now has three doctors (including a blood specialist) keeping an eye on her.

What this means for the baby. . . We honestly don’t know. Jana’s levels could be low because everything is going to the baby, or both Jana and the baby’s could be low. By all testing so far, the little guy looks healthy, active, and is on target for his size. It is possible for him to have the same blood disorder as Jana, but we won’t know that until he is born—and all doctors have said not to worry.

What this means for Jana. . . Basically, if your hemoglobin is low, you also have low oxygen in your blood, causing you to be tired and have very little stamina. While tiredness can be a regular occurrence with Thalassemia Minor (and normal pregnancies), throughout the past couple of months Jana’s levels of stamina have regularly declined beyond ‘normal’ tiredness . . . giving her only a couple of hours of energy on some days, and even some days having no energy at all.

What is happening now. . . As mentioned above, Jana’s hemoglobin levels are naturally low. In someone with normal blood, this usually indicates that Iron is also low, and both can be elevated through taking an Iron Supplement. For someone with Thalassemia Minor, hemoglobin can be low while Iron can be perfectly normal, causing most to be falsely diagnosed with anemia. Jana’s doctors ran a specific blood test (Ferritin) to check on her actual iron levels, and the results came back with her iron also being too low. So, they are having her try Iron supplements and will run further blood tests on August 14th to check on all of the levels.

Specific prayer requests for this: that the Iron supplements will raise both her Iron and Hemoglobin levels, that the baby is not effected, that the Lord will give Jana strength and stamina, and for continued good communication amongst all of Jana’s doctors.

Thank you for praying with us. While this can be an overwhelming and worrying issue, we praise God for providing three qualified doctors, good communication and understanding on all sides, peace amongst the storm, and the regular kicks that Jana receives. Praise be to God, Maker and Healer of all.

In His Name,
Thad