In detailed interviewing and physical examination, Dr Jack found that Lisa has irregular menstrual period. She also had sleeplessness and was diagnosed with a generalized anxiety disorder. It was treated by antidepressants for about 2 years. Her husband, Andrew, had hepatitis C being treated by antiviral drugs for over 5 years. There were no major findings on Lisa’s physical examination. Her old lab test results showed no concern, but the lab test of Andrew showed increased liver function enzymes and low viral load of hepatitis C. His semen analysis showed the poor quality.
So the answer for the question of the previous chapter would be: Because of their preexisting medical disease, even at the ideal age for getting pregnant the couple could not get pregnant as they expected.
Lisa had recurrent pregnancy loss as defined by two or more failed clinical pregnancies (1). It is estimated that fewer than 5% of women have that condition. There were many factors that could cause this condition such as: genetics, age, antiphospholipid syndrome, uterine anomalies, thrombophilias, hormonal or metabolic disorders, infection, autoimmunity, psychological factors, sperm quality, and lifestyle issues etc. In this case psychological and sperm poor quality were the most notable risk factors. The old test of Lisa showed no evidence of antiphospholipid syndrome.
Accompanied by the fear of invasive IVF technique, the couple also had a tight budget for a long time treatment at the different hospitals and clinics. So Dr Jack had guided both of them to practice Falun Gong (also known as Falun Dafa), a mindful practice that was first published in China in 1992, and it has been popular in over 100 countries. Evidence from medical research has also proved that mindful practice had a positive effect on mental and physical health in patients suffering from a mixed variety of disease (2,3).
After a thorough discussion with Andrew and Lisa, Dr Jack gave to them a copy of Zhuan Falun (the main book of Falun Gong practice) and said:
You should try this practice by reading this book and practicing the five exercises. This practice is very helpful to me, and I hope that it is also helpful to you. There were many stories about amazing recovery from the severe disease by practicing this practice accompanied by modern medical treatment. The more you put your heart set on, the more effect you will get. However it is not absolute, and the expected result also depends on each person.
Then Dr Jack also showed them how to access the practice on its official website at: https://en.falundafa.org/falun-dafa-video-audio.html?v=bks04, and guide them to practice a healthy lifestyle (see the previous chapter). He also asked Andrew to follow strictly with his HCV treatment.
After listening to the guidance of Dr. Jack, Andrew and Lisa looked at Dr Jack with hopeful eyesight and replied: Thank you Doctor! we will follow your guidance.
__________________
Seventeen months later,
It was a light sunny Thursday morning in the middle spring. After Dr Jack had finished his examination for a pregnant woman, there was a knocking door. The knocking person was Ms Jane.
Dr Jack: come in please!
Ms Jane opened the door and said: Doctor, I bet it is a special news for you. Here are Andrew and Lisa, do you remember? They come to check pregnancy.
Dr Jack: woah! Of course, I do. It is amazing! Come in and sit down please!
Lisa sat down and said with a big smile: Doctor, I strictly followed your guidance, and I found it really helpful. I often read the Zhuan Falun for about 30 minutes and practice the 5 exercises for 1 hour each day. One month after doing that I did not feel anxious anymore and had a good sleep. This month my period is missed. I did the urine test yesterday, and the result showed positive. So I cannot wait to see you.
Andrew: I also practice, but not as diligent as her. However, I also felt better.
Dr Jack: It is amazing. Let me do the ultrasound first.
Dr Jack did the transvaginal ultrasound. The result showed one fetus in Lisa’s uterus at about 6 weeks with a beating heart. While observing the fetal heart activity on ultrasound image, Dr Jack said with a happy voice: Congratulations! You got it. You have one fetus in your uterus, and no abnormality detected today.
So the answer for the question of the previous chapter would be: Dr Jack helps the couple by introducing Falun Gong, A mindful practice, and guiding them to practicing a healthy lifestyle. After that the woman got pregnant naturally.
Lisa had two consecutive miscarriage already, how was her current pregnancy’s progress? Please move on to the next chapter.
https://www.ganjingworld.com/s/06bKeq2gb8
Reference
2. Khoury B, Lecomte T, Fortin G, Masse M, Therien P, Bouchard V, Chapleau MA, Paquin K, Hofmann SG. Mindfulness-based therapy: a comprehensive meta-analysis. Clin Psychol Rev. 2013 Aug;33(6):763-71. doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2013.05.005. Epub 2013 Jun 7. PMID: 23796855.
3. Creswell, J. David PhD; Lindsay, Emily K. PhD; Villalba, Daniella K. PhD; Chin, Brian MA. Mindfulness Training and Physical Health: Mechanisms and Outcomes. Psychosomatic Medicine 81(3):p 224-232, April 2019. | DOI: 10.1097/PSY.0000000000000675
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