Gabe: Well Karen's been keeping up on the evolving (and new) conditions, and I had to be reminded that it's been forever since I chimed in here... I fell off from posting as Karen was coming out of the worst of the HG, but of course the Zofran has been a steady part of everyday life even this many weeks beyond the really bad days. Even with an HG pregnancy, after the HG has eased up a bit, there's still the regular challenges of cooking up a baby in the baby oven, and of course Karen doesn't have it easy on any front.
But focusing on HG for a minute, it's amazing to realize how bad it really can be. Everything that's ailing her now seems almost trivial by comparison... and they're not at all trivial of course. Looking back and remembering the misery she dealt with on a daily basis is kind of shocking. It was so normal for so long, but only after it's behind you do you realize the severity of it all. Even with the better medication/control and better planning, it still wrecked her. Anyway, in a twisted sort of way, I welcome the current problems because they're at least a little bit more 'normal'. Not that she's on easy street.
Eh, I wish there was more positive stuff to be posting about. There are some really cool things going on; early interactions with Karen's living belly, kicks and headbutts... talking to Siena, and knowing that she can hear me... just laying my hands across Karen's stomach, skin on skin, makes me so happy. OK, so there are positive things to post about, but it almost feels contrary to the theme of this blog. Maybe that's the point though; something really really wonderful is coming, all misery aside, and I hope Karen will feel as rewarded for her troubles with pregnancy #2 as she has been with Miya. I know she will be.
Our Progress
Friday, April 16, 2010
27 weeks, hormones and SPD
Karen: So I'm right on the cusp of the third trimester...Hallelujah! It's all downhill from here, but hopefully it's a quick ride. Lil' Miss Siena (have I mentioned her name yet?) is hanging in there, getting in her daily aerobics and responding to the voices of Mommy, Daddy and Miya. She startles when a loud and unfamiliar noise happens, so we know the girl can hear! At my last OB visit, my doctor told me she's head down...good girl. No c-sections this time, baby!
Ok, so you've seen me through the HG, which was mild this time and for the most part has passed. Then there was the tachycardia, which seems to be settling down a bit these days, though there are still triggers, namely showers and stress. And now there's...get ready for it...SPD. Short for Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction, SPD is a condition where the hormone Relaxin, which is responsible for increasing flexibility and preparing the birth canal to stretch and give, goes a little overboard and allows your pelvis to misalign and even sometimes start to separate at the pubic bone. This is my new gripe, and it SUCKS! I've been waddling for a few weeks now, but its starting to get ridiculous. I can't lift a leg to get a sock on, shave or even climb out of bed. The wrong move sees me writhing in pain with hip or round ligament cramps, and my pubic bone feels like its been in a car wreck. Apparently, if I don't start some PT or Chiro treatments soon, I could find myself on crutches for the last few weeks of this...adventure. JOY! Luckily, my PT bro-inlaw is coming up this weekend to visit and I'm gonna put him to work!
And then there are the hormones. Oh lord, the emotions!! I'm not typically an emotional gal. I prefer to do my crying in private. When I watch a tear jerker, I usually pretend I've got dust in my eye...even in front of Gabe! I dunno why, I just don't like feeling vulnerable. But these darn hormones are making it so hard to keep the emotions in check! Anything can set me off, even something as simple and mundane as Miya calling me "Mommy"! Doesn't matter if I'm happy, sad or sentimental...the water works are bubbling up, just waiting to find a crack in my emotional wall. I wonder what will finally send me over the edge?
So there's where I am right now. Will post a new belly pic next week, and I'll even try to get some "Alien" moments on video - those are always a kick to watch (get it? Kick?)! Until then, go out and enjoy a nice long walk for me, 'cause I sure as heck 'aint gonna!
Ok, so you've seen me through the HG, which was mild this time and for the most part has passed. Then there was the tachycardia, which seems to be settling down a bit these days, though there are still triggers, namely showers and stress. And now there's...get ready for it...SPD. Short for Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction, SPD is a condition where the hormone Relaxin, which is responsible for increasing flexibility and preparing the birth canal to stretch and give, goes a little overboard and allows your pelvis to misalign and even sometimes start to separate at the pubic bone. This is my new gripe, and it SUCKS! I've been waddling for a few weeks now, but its starting to get ridiculous. I can't lift a leg to get a sock on, shave or even climb out of bed. The wrong move sees me writhing in pain with hip or round ligament cramps, and my pubic bone feels like its been in a car wreck. Apparently, if I don't start some PT or Chiro treatments soon, I could find myself on crutches for the last few weeks of this...adventure. JOY! Luckily, my PT bro-inlaw is coming up this weekend to visit and I'm gonna put him to work!
And then there are the hormones. Oh lord, the emotions!! I'm not typically an emotional gal. I prefer to do my crying in private. When I watch a tear jerker, I usually pretend I've got dust in my eye...even in front of Gabe! I dunno why, I just don't like feeling vulnerable. But these darn hormones are making it so hard to keep the emotions in check! Anything can set me off, even something as simple and mundane as Miya calling me "Mommy"! Doesn't matter if I'm happy, sad or sentimental...the water works are bubbling up, just waiting to find a crack in my emotional wall. I wonder what will finally send me over the edge?
So there's where I am right now. Will post a new belly pic next week, and I'll even try to get some "Alien" moments on video - those are always a kick to watch (get it? Kick?)! Until then, go out and enjoy a nice long walk for me, 'cause I sure as heck 'aint gonna!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
24 weeks, feeling kicks up by the ribs!
Oh happy day, I've hit viability! I have a complete, albeit tiny, little person squirming around in my belly. She's just about 1 pound and about 12 inches long. Tiny and perfect.
The heart stuff is still bugging me. But all the tests are done and I will learn the results next week. We are hoping this is just a "normal" condition of pregnancy and that it will pass as I near the third trimester.
We've been wrapped up in a cross town move all week, which will finally be complete tomorrow when the furniture arrives. The new place is bigger, brighter and has a fabulous backyard which sits at the base of a grassy hill covered in eucalyptus trees. Located in a small culdesac, we've already met many of our neighbors and everyone has been welcoming and warm. What a great place to grow into a family of four!!
If you can't tell by my tone, I am on cloud nine these days. Cheerful in a way that I hardly recognize! My good mood has gotten me though this period of physical ailments and is keeping me hopeful that my body will just give in to this pregnancy and make room for baby without any more added pressure on my organs, bones and joints.
Pics to come...
The heart stuff is still bugging me. But all the tests are done and I will learn the results next week. We are hoping this is just a "normal" condition of pregnancy and that it will pass as I near the third trimester.
We've been wrapped up in a cross town move all week, which will finally be complete tomorrow when the furniture arrives. The new place is bigger, brighter and has a fabulous backyard which sits at the base of a grassy hill covered in eucalyptus trees. Located in a small culdesac, we've already met many of our neighbors and everyone has been welcoming and warm. What a great place to grow into a family of four!!
If you can't tell by my tone, I am on cloud nine these days. Cheerful in a way that I hardly recognize! My good mood has gotten me though this period of physical ailments and is keeping me hopeful that my body will just give in to this pregnancy and make room for baby without any more added pressure on my organs, bones and joints.
Pics to come...
Friday, March 12, 2010
Another byproduct of HG? Or am I lucky enough to have another miserable issue?!
Karen: So I've hit 22 weeks now and am thrilled to be more than halfway through, but I gotta say - this pregnancy thing is for the birds!!
If I'm not feeling pukey, then I'm throwing out my hip, or struggling to breath, or experiencing tachycardia! I've had a couple of near fainting episodes that I had chalked up to anemia or low blood pressure. Well, it turns out neither are my issue - it's my heart! My resting heart rate at today's OB appointment was 104. Normally it's 68. During pregnancy, it was expected to get up to about 80 or so. So 104 is pretty fast, and I FEEL it! And this is at rest, if I try to say - make the bed - I feel as if I've just finished a kick boxing class.
So next week, I'll be seeing a cardiologist for an ekg and possible home monitoring of my heart activity. My OB says there's not much they do to treat it, and I'll most likely have to learn to live with it while preggo and avoid anything that triggers it. UGH. I'm not sure what more I can avoid! I'm practically on bed rest as it is.
C'mon July! C'mon July!!
If I'm not feeling pukey, then I'm throwing out my hip, or struggling to breath, or experiencing tachycardia! I've had a couple of near fainting episodes that I had chalked up to anemia or low blood pressure. Well, it turns out neither are my issue - it's my heart! My resting heart rate at today's OB appointment was 104. Normally it's 68. During pregnancy, it was expected to get up to about 80 or so. So 104 is pretty fast, and I FEEL it! And this is at rest, if I try to say - make the bed - I feel as if I've just finished a kick boxing class.
So next week, I'll be seeing a cardiologist for an ekg and possible home monitoring of my heart activity. My OB says there's not much they do to treat it, and I'll most likely have to learn to live with it while preggo and avoid anything that triggers it. UGH. I'm not sure what more I can avoid! I'm practically on bed rest as it is.
C'mon July! C'mon July!!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
20 weeks: halfway there!
Karen: Boy, I've neglected this blog a bit, haven't I? I guess its because I'm doing much better and am out and about more! 16 weeks proved to be my magic number once again and since then I've been having more good days, more often. I am still medicated however, and may need to be for the duration of the pregnancy, but I'm on such low doses that I really don't mind.
I've learned quickly though, that although I don't feel as green these days, I'm not totally out of the woods. I've had several near-fainting episodes and have developed some pretty annoying heart and breathing issues. Waiting on blood work results to see what may be the cause. Speaking of blood work, I had my lovely 1 hour glucose tolerance test today! They had me drink this awful super sweet orange flavored, room temperature, non-carbonated syrup (10oz. of it!) and then I had to sit still for an hour with 50 grams of glucose wreaking havoc on my stomach and nerves before getting blood drawn. Normally, this test is done between 24-27 weeks, but since I'm having these funky fainting issues, my dr. decided to test me early. Glad to have it over with and crossing my fingers I won't need to go in for the dreaded 3 hour test (100 grams of glucose and FOUR blood draws in three hours!!)!
We've got a lot in store for us over the next month or so. First, a trip to New Orleans for a wedding. Then, the following weekend, a move to the next town over. And after that some greatly anticipated house guests! Hopefully, this means that time will pick up the pace a bit as we trudge closer and closer towards baby time!
So here's my 20 week belly. Feeling pretty big already, but know I have a LONG way to go!!
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I've learned quickly though, that although I don't feel as green these days, I'm not totally out of the woods. I've had several near-fainting episodes and have developed some pretty annoying heart and breathing issues. Waiting on blood work results to see what may be the cause. Speaking of blood work, I had my lovely 1 hour glucose tolerance test today! They had me drink this awful super sweet orange flavored, room temperature, non-carbonated syrup (10oz. of it!) and then I had to sit still for an hour with 50 grams of glucose wreaking havoc on my stomach and nerves before getting blood drawn. Normally, this test is done between 24-27 weeks, but since I'm having these funky fainting issues, my dr. decided to test me early. Glad to have it over with and crossing my fingers I won't need to go in for the dreaded 3 hour test (100 grams of glucose and FOUR blood draws in three hours!!)!
We've got a lot in store for us over the next month or so. First, a trip to New Orleans for a wedding. Then, the following weekend, a move to the next town over. And after that some greatly anticipated house guests! Hopefully, this means that time will pick up the pace a bit as we trudge closer and closer towards baby time!
So here's my 20 week belly. Feeling pretty big already, but know I have a LONG way to go!!
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Saturday, February 6, 2010
Hitting 16 weeks, a scare and great news!
Karen: So I've finally reached the point where things turned around in my last pregnancy. Of course, last time my relief was due to a course of hard core steroids. This time, I seem to have naturally come out of the worst of it! Although I still require medication and still have an odd green day, things are certainly looking up and my energy is beginning to return. Gabe is officially back at work full time and the adjustment has been tough, but not impossible.
Last week we had a bit of a scare. I went to the bathroom in the middle of the day and found that I was bleeding and passing small clots. I was terrified, but had to keep it somewhat together since I was home alone with Miya. A phone call to my OB's office didn't ease my mind. I happened to speak with the only person in the office who doesn't know me and she was less than reassuring, saying to this terrified mama, "Geez, at 16 weeks its tough, there's really nothing that could be done..." and "We can't get you in today, you'll have to call the perinatologists in the morning to schedule an ultrasound". OMG! So I had to manage my heart palpitations alone until Gabe got home. The next morning we were lucky enough to get a fairly early appointment for a scan. They managed to rule out anything scary and concluded that it was most likely an isolated incident and was not a dangerous bleed. PHEW!
The silver lining of the whole experience? We got to take a peek at Pumpkin's "junk"! I was able to discern immediately that we are expecting a baby GIRL!! Of course, I had the ultrasound tech confirm it and we fell instantly in love. We surprised Miya with the news that evening over some fro-yo and she is beyond thrilled.
Here are some slightly overdue shots of my 16 week belly and the little girl scan. I guess I'm running on the slightly large side, because two people have told me in the last couple of days that I look a bit further along than I am. Thank you for that, total stranger and my doctor!
Last week we had a bit of a scare. I went to the bathroom in the middle of the day and found that I was bleeding and passing small clots. I was terrified, but had to keep it somewhat together since I was home alone with Miya. A phone call to my OB's office didn't ease my mind. I happened to speak with the only person in the office who doesn't know me and she was less than reassuring, saying to this terrified mama, "Geez, at 16 weeks its tough, there's really nothing that could be done..." and "We can't get you in today, you'll have to call the perinatologists in the morning to schedule an ultrasound". OMG! So I had to manage my heart palpitations alone until Gabe got home. The next morning we were lucky enough to get a fairly early appointment for a scan. They managed to rule out anything scary and concluded that it was most likely an isolated incident and was not a dangerous bleed. PHEW!
The silver lining of the whole experience? We got to take a peek at Pumpkin's "junk"! I was able to discern immediately that we are expecting a baby GIRL!! Of course, I had the ultrasound tech confirm it and we fell instantly in love. We surprised Miya with the news that evening over some fro-yo and she is beyond thrilled.
Here are some slightly overdue shots of my 16 week belly and the little girl scan. I guess I'm running on the slightly large side, because two people have told me in the last couple of days that I look a bit further along than I am. Thank you for that, total stranger and my doctor!
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