Let it be known that on this seventh day of illness, I finally feel better.
. . . 'Bout time, pahdna!
Thursday, April 4, 2013
EARLY MORNING THREE ALARM FIRES
I dreamed of contractions that were viscerally strong enough to wake me at 5am. Startled and out of breath, I stumbled to the bathroom for yet another pee break. I didn't even have to turn on the light to know that something was wrong. In just the faintest of early morning light, I could see there was darkness on the paper.
I didn't even notice the glaring, pupil tightening difference when I flipped on the light to discover a tissue full of blood. Not one to completely lose my shit at 5am, I decided to wait it out and see what the news was around 6am.
At 630am, I woke up the Hub and let him know I was bleeding. Do you know the silence that takes over an already quiet room when someone tells you that your baby is going to die? This was pretty fucking close.
In two hours, the blood went from pink to a darker red. Never RED BLOODY HELL RED. But, redder than what "old blood" looks like.
Let's talk about this. Colors and amounts. Do you see blood in your panties? Or, just when you wipe? Do you feel a gush of fluid? Or, are you just (oh LAWDY, don't say it!) moist? There are fine lines. Have you been laying down and then bleeding when you stand? Have you been sitting up-right and just having a nominal flow? Is the blood pink - like someone dribbled strawberry lemonade onto your white t-shirt? Does it have a little darkness to it? Is it BLOOD RED - like horror flick corn syrup? Or, is it red with a bunch of brown mixed it (old blood)? Is it rusty? Are there clots - small or large? How often are you changing your panty-liner? Or, your pad? Feel free to get descriptive, people! Your OB needs to know details so that s/he can give you a good next step.
I called the over-night exchange for my OB and told the responding doctor that while I knew there was no helping a miscarriage, I wanted to confirm it. He understood and had me come to the office.
I have a tilted uterus. At early stages of pregnancy, the uterus is still too small to flip forward. So, I got to endure the lovely stabs of a giant trans-vaginal ultra-sound. But, it was worth it. The doctors identified the yolk sac and the fetal pole. The heartbeat was visible - which is exactly what we wanted to see. We will wait until 10 weeks to confirm HEARING the heartbeat - at which point, I think everyone will relax a little.
However, we learned that the pregnancy isn't as far along as we thought. I calculated the expected due date by the start date of my last period. However, due to use of an Ovulation Prediction Kit, I know I didn't ovulate until over three weeks after the start of said period. Therefore, instead of 8w1d, I am currently estimated to be 6w3d.
I wish we were a little further along so that we could see the first trimester put to rest sooner, but, I'll knock over that hurdle when I see it.
I didn't even notice the glaring, pupil tightening difference when I flipped on the light to discover a tissue full of blood. Not one to completely lose my shit at 5am, I decided to wait it out and see what the news was around 6am.
At 630am, I woke up the Hub and let him know I was bleeding. Do you know the silence that takes over an already quiet room when someone tells you that your baby is going to die? This was pretty fucking close.
In two hours, the blood went from pink to a darker red. Never RED BLOODY HELL RED. But, redder than what "old blood" looks like.
Let's talk about this. Colors and amounts. Do you see blood in your panties? Or, just when you wipe? Do you feel a gush of fluid? Or, are you just (oh LAWDY, don't say it!) moist? There are fine lines. Have you been laying down and then bleeding when you stand? Have you been sitting up-right and just having a nominal flow? Is the blood pink - like someone dribbled strawberry lemonade onto your white t-shirt? Does it have a little darkness to it? Is it BLOOD RED - like horror flick corn syrup? Or, is it red with a bunch of brown mixed it (old blood)? Is it rusty? Are there clots - small or large? How often are you changing your panty-liner? Or, your pad? Feel free to get descriptive, people! Your OB needs to know details so that s/he can give you a good next step.
I called the over-night exchange for my OB and told the responding doctor that while I knew there was no helping a miscarriage, I wanted to confirm it. He understood and had me come to the office.
I have a tilted uterus. At early stages of pregnancy, the uterus is still too small to flip forward. So, I got to endure the lovely stabs of a giant trans-vaginal ultra-sound. But, it was worth it. The doctors identified the yolk sac and the fetal pole. The heartbeat was visible - which is exactly what we wanted to see. We will wait until 10 weeks to confirm HEARING the heartbeat - at which point, I think everyone will relax a little.
However, we learned that the pregnancy isn't as far along as we thought. I calculated the expected due date by the start date of my last period. However, due to use of an Ovulation Prediction Kit, I know I didn't ovulate until over three weeks after the start of said period. Therefore, instead of 8w1d, I am currently estimated to be 6w3d.
I wish we were a little further along so that we could see the first trimester put to rest sooner, but, I'll knock over that hurdle when I see it.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
SO VERY DIFFICULT.
Today is Day 6 of the worse sinus infection I have ever had in my life. My visit to Urgent Care on Monday yielded a lovely prescription of Amoxicillin. 48 hours later, it feels like maybe. . just maybe, it is kicking in.
I'm not getting my hopes up. My OB's office indicated that the common cold could last 14 days during pregnancy. This must mean that a big bad sinus infection will last until Christmas. I've already gone through two large boxes of Puffs with Lotion. My upper lip / lower nose wouldn't have fared better with a Brillo pad and a bottle of alcohol. Seriously Raw. Meat.
Meanwhile, while I was stumbling around the house today, I managed to stub the "ring" toe on my right foot in such a way that I tore the nail to the quick (because I'm a dog?) Seeing the copious amount of blood seeping from my appendage, I made my way to the bathroom and clumsily attempted to prop my foot on the sink. I say clumsily because I totally dragged that toe up the front of the vanity and across the sink. I'm thankful that I even procured a flippin' nail clipper, in my state.
Yes. I left a trail of toe blood from the kitchen through the dining room and hallway and into the bathroom. I think I got it all.
Additional blood to help circulate life in my pregnant body?
Check.
I'm not getting my hopes up. My OB's office indicated that the common cold could last 14 days during pregnancy. This must mean that a big bad sinus infection will last until Christmas. I've already gone through two large boxes of Puffs with Lotion. My upper lip / lower nose wouldn't have fared better with a Brillo pad and a bottle of alcohol. Seriously Raw. Meat.
Meanwhile, while I was stumbling around the house today, I managed to stub the "ring" toe on my right foot in such a way that I tore the nail to the quick (because I'm a dog?) Seeing the copious amount of blood seeping from my appendage, I made my way to the bathroom and clumsily attempted to prop my foot on the sink. I say clumsily because I totally dragged that toe up the front of the vanity and across the sink. I'm thankful that I even procured a flippin' nail clipper, in my state.
Yes. I left a trail of toe blood from the kitchen through the dining room and hallway and into the bathroom. I think I got it all.
Additional blood to help circulate life in my pregnant body?
Check.
Friday, March 29, 2013
ICK.
I woke up this morning, the first of a four day weekend, with a throat on fire (this ain't no Alicia Keys song) and a head full of pressure. Suddenly, plans for my mini-vacation went soaring through the window and into the sunlight - to melt away like Icarus' wings. Melodramatic, you say? Yes. I am. In fact, some of you will be privy to me using this injustice to get my Hub to bring a Coke Slurpee home. I'm dying. A little every day. More, today.
Either way. . . there is a very short list of medications that are approved for use while pregnant. The best for me right now is to take some Sudafed to un-stuff me and hope that I don't drain tonight. I'm not really big on taking medications for run-of-the-mill illness. . . but right now, compounded by the morning sickness that has set in, I am looking for the magic bullet of all pills. It doesn't exist.
So, I wait. And hope that those horse pills that we call Pre Natal Vitamins give me the strength to get well sooner. . .
***EDIT***
Note that I did not take the Sudafed. I felt guilty and so waited to hear back from my OB. Sudafed is safe (here in Missouri) but my OB prefers that use be limited and only after the first trimester. It is worthy to also be stated that decongestants, in particular, should only be used after the first trimester.
It has been a while since I stated this. . and it bears repeating:
THIS BLOG IS MY EXPERIENCE WITH MY OB AND MY PREGNANCY. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR OB AND YOUR GUY.
Either way. . . there is a very short list of medications that are approved for use while pregnant. The best for me right now is to take some Sudafed to un-stuff me and hope that I don't drain tonight. I'm not really big on taking medications for run-of-the-mill illness. . . but right now, compounded by the morning sickness that has set in, I am looking for the magic bullet of all pills. It doesn't exist.
So, I wait. And hope that those horse pills that we call Pre Natal Vitamins give me the strength to get well sooner. . .
***EDIT***
Note that I did not take the Sudafed. I felt guilty and so waited to hear back from my OB. Sudafed is safe (here in Missouri) but my OB prefers that use be limited and only after the first trimester. It is worthy to also be stated that decongestants, in particular, should only be used after the first trimester.
It has been a while since I stated this. . and it bears repeating:
THIS BLOG IS MY EXPERIENCE WITH MY OB AND MY PREGNANCY. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR OB AND YOUR GUY.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
MIRROR, MIRROR. . .
With every day that passes, I am growing a baby. I am reminded of this every time I feel like I haven't eaten in weeks (this is not a waxing feeling), every time I feel like I could sleep for days (what? Did I fall asleep at 7?) It's hard. You know what else is hard? My poop. Seriously. I have to work at that shit. This is classic pregnancy shit right here. Shit.
Meanwhile, the words I am about to type have been hustling through my head since Monday. . .
I feel like if I were to hold a mirror to investigate my Girlie Junk, I would need something a little more potent than a hand mirror. I know that the increased blood flow to that "area" make things feel a bit more, ummm, interesting. But, let's be honest. . . I feel like my goods must look like elephantitis took hold - can I wear this thing like a hat? Mammoth Mons. Leviathan Lips. Colossal Cootchie. Jumbo Junk.
Despite what the books say, I personally have not taken on a purplish hue. I think that might freak me out more than feeling like I have a Planetary Pubis. Yeah. I'm done.
Meanwhile, the words I am about to type have been hustling through my head since Monday. . .
I feel like if I were to hold a mirror to investigate my Girlie Junk, I would need something a little more potent than a hand mirror. I know that the increased blood flow to that "area" make things feel a bit more, ummm, interesting. But, let's be honest. . . I feel like my goods must look like elephantitis took hold - can I wear this thing like a hat? Mammoth Mons. Leviathan Lips. Colossal Cootchie. Jumbo Junk.
Despite what the books say, I personally have not taken on a purplish hue. I think that might freak me out more than feeling like I have a Planetary Pubis. Yeah. I'm done.
I COVET.
Cravings are a normal part of pregnancy. More often than not, they are sudden and they are always horribly strong. In my world, you must give in to the urge or it will devour you. Really. If I don't get a proper sample, the craving persists. The pizza I had the other day? Didn't do it. Yuck.
In honor of the new beast that resides within, I give you my "List of Cravings"
* A Crunchy Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jelly Sandwich. (OMG! Editted to include!)
* Sriracha Covered Sausage, Spinach, Onion, Green Pepper and Cheese Omlette
* Fried Huevo Sandwich con Jamon y Mantequilla (o Mayonesa) on Pan de Agua (Specifically the ones found on Vieques outside the Pescaderia)
* A Half Pepperoni and Pepperoncini and Half MEAT Pizza from Happy Joes
* Coke Slurpee
* Reese's Topped White Cake Cupcake from Jilly's Cupcakes
* Chipotle Cheddar Chex Mix
* Spicy Chicken Sandwich from Wendy's
* Cool Ranch Doritos
* Salad Bar at Sweet Tomatoes
. . . The list goes on. However, these are the cravings that persist. I try to eat healthy in between these jaunts into excess. Apples and veggies provide a balance for every horribly salty item I inhale.
. . . If I put off sating my cravings, I'll have to start calling them "crazings" Great. I'm coining Preggo-Lingo now.
In honor of the new beast that resides within, I give you my "List of Cravings"
* A Crunchy Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jelly Sandwich. (OMG! Editted to include!)
* Sriracha Covered Sausage, Spinach, Onion, Green Pepper and Cheese Omlette
* Fried Huevo Sandwich con Jamon y Mantequilla (o Mayonesa) on Pan de Agua (Specifically the ones found on Vieques outside the Pescaderia)
* A Half Pepperoni and Pepperoncini and Half MEAT Pizza from Happy Joes
* Coke Slurpee
* Reese's Topped White Cake Cupcake from Jilly's Cupcakes
* Chipotle Cheddar Chex Mix
* Spicy Chicken Sandwich from Wendy's
* Cool Ranch Doritos
* Salad Bar at Sweet Tomatoes
. . . The list goes on. However, these are the cravings that persist. I try to eat healthy in between these jaunts into excess. Apples and veggies provide a balance for every horribly salty item I inhale.
. . . If I put off sating my cravings, I'll have to start calling them "crazings" Great. I'm coining Preggo-Lingo now.
Friday, March 22, 2013
HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF?
Those obnoxious folks we refer to as "they" often say that the second pregnancy is nothing like the first. I disagree. A lot.
The week before my positive test, my chest felt particularly prickly. It wasn't nearly to the extreme as last time - with the Jacks, remember? But, I definitely felt a change. Something was letting me know that the fun-bags (yeah, I just said that) were about to explode with joy. Right.
Just like last time, if I don't eat often enough, I get sick. How is this possible, you ask, with nothing in my tummy? Yeah. I'm not sure either. And don't even get me near the bottle of pre-natal vitamins if I haven't been stuffing my face for a while and plan to after. The things makes me wretch. It's awesome.
Last night, while I was brushing my teeth, I had the first of the foamy gags. It was like that annoying snot-nosed boy on the school bus when you are young . . . really awful to have around but when he's gone, you actually kind of miss him. Sort of.
The fatigue is here - Again. I don't want to over-exert myself; this may be part of the fear of losing my pregnancy. But, I don't want to do anything but nap after work, before work, on the weekends. . . all of the time. That definitely did not change.
For now, we are only telling those people who will catch on pretty quickly if otherwise not informed. These are the folks on whom I lean for support. . my team, if you will. The people who will pat me on the back as I go along OR hold my hand when things fall apart. They did hold my hand when things fell apart. Their smiles at getting the news are giant rewards of my faith in them. This is history repeating itself.
The week before my positive test, my chest felt particularly prickly. It wasn't nearly to the extreme as last time - with the Jacks, remember? But, I definitely felt a change. Something was letting me know that the fun-bags (yeah, I just said that) were about to explode with joy. Right.
Just like last time, if I don't eat often enough, I get sick. How is this possible, you ask, with nothing in my tummy? Yeah. I'm not sure either. And don't even get me near the bottle of pre-natal vitamins if I haven't been stuffing my face for a while and plan to after. The things makes me wretch. It's awesome.
Last night, while I was brushing my teeth, I had the first of the foamy gags. It was like that annoying snot-nosed boy on the school bus when you are young . . . really awful to have around but when he's gone, you actually kind of miss him. Sort of.
The fatigue is here - Again. I don't want to over-exert myself; this may be part of the fear of losing my pregnancy. But, I don't want to do anything but nap after work, before work, on the weekends. . . all of the time. That definitely did not change.
For now, we are only telling those people who will catch on pretty quickly if otherwise not informed. These are the folks on whom I lean for support. . my team, if you will. The people who will pat me on the back as I go along OR hold my hand when things fall apart. They did hold my hand when things fell apart. Their smiles at getting the news are giant rewards of my faith in them. This is history repeating itself.
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