Gabe: Well, Karen's almost coming out on the other side. There doesn't seem to be any actual or predictable end to the HG, but it has felt more and more under control over the last few weeks. It's almost like she's beaten it, except of course that any pull-back at all of the nausea meds will instantly throw her back into misery. Or it'll fire up a migraine. We all agree at this point that the preemptive medication made all the difference in the world this time around. We started ahead of the HG, and have mostly stayed ahead of it.
And having a (you could call it) tame encounter with HG this time really puts the first pregnancy in perspective. Karen's caregivers in San Diego 7 years ago did all they could, but they didn't really know what they were dealing with. All OBs, Midwives etc. should be trained specifically and thoroughly in HG, if the standard isn't already in place.
So the back-to-work conversation is now hanging in the air, but hasn't been tackled just yet. It will be hard to make the switch back because Karen's not really going to feel good until after the delivery. She's feeling better, but it's all so relative. All this excitement and relief is great, but she's still only able to do basic stuff for short periods of time, and one missed dose of meds means a guaranteed setback. I see it as the pendulum swinging back towards something close to normal; after a shorter but still trying HG journey. We've all gotten really comfortable with the work-from-home arrangement though, so even once the HG is sufficiently under control, we'll have a major readjustment to contend with.
Our Progress
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Graduated to once a month visits
Karen: Nearly 15 weeks now, trucking along...SLOWLY. Still having green moments here and there, but mostly just exhausted, having lost all stamina to the 10 weeks of sedentary life.
Saw my OB today. The nurse called me "sparkly" - so maybe I'm starting to glow a little bit? She says I only need to come every four weeks now, which officially takes me out of the high risk category! Well, that is until the end of the pregnancy when my VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) attempt puts me back into the high risk category. We discussed attempting the VBAC and the risks. I was surprised to learn that I would be on a sort of time limit for labor (14 hours) and that she'd use pitocin to speed things up if needed. Not really thrilled about that as I wanted things to go as naturally as possible. Pitocin pretty much guarantees the use of an epidural. Ah well, whatever it takes to avoid the dreaded c-section again!
Not much else to report. Gender prediction happens in less than a month!! Until then, just counting down the days...
Saw my OB today. The nurse called me "sparkly" - so maybe I'm starting to glow a little bit? She says I only need to come every four weeks now, which officially takes me out of the high risk category! Well, that is until the end of the pregnancy when my VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) attempt puts me back into the high risk category. We discussed attempting the VBAC and the risks. I was surprised to learn that I would be on a sort of time limit for labor (14 hours) and that she'd use pitocin to speed things up if needed. Not really thrilled about that as I wanted things to go as naturally as possible. Pitocin pretty much guarantees the use of an epidural. Ah well, whatever it takes to avoid the dreaded c-section again!
Not much else to report. Gender prediction happens in less than a month!! Until then, just counting down the days...
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Test Results - Looking Good!
Karen: We got a call from our genetic counselor today with the results of my bloodwork last week. We already felt pretty good about things considering how well our ultrasound went, but hearing the actual numbers put things in such a comforting perspective! Our chances of having a child with Down's Syndrome are 1 in 12,000 (average for a 31 year old is 1 in 909) and our risk for Trisomy 18 is 1 in 57,000 (normally, 1 in 2385). Those numbers are about as good as it gets!
On the HG front, all is pretty much the same. Eating is a struggle, but I manage to find enough foods to get down and even some variety. Drinking has become much easier as my thirst has really increased the last couple of weeks. Meds are keeping my nausea in check and I'm slowly starting to feel stronger and more energetic. We've been trying small outings to lunch, or the store the last week or so in order for me to build up some stamina before Gabe returns to work in the city.
On one of those said outings today, to Miya's ballet class, I got to experience the first "I didn't know you were pregnant!". Apprently, I've moved beyond the "Is she fat or pregnant?" look and into the clearly preggo look! Woo hoo! Either that, or this lady had some cajones!! Regardless, it was nice to get to share it with the world a bit. Now, if only I'd start to glow!
On the HG front, all is pretty much the same. Eating is a struggle, but I manage to find enough foods to get down and even some variety. Drinking has become much easier as my thirst has really increased the last couple of weeks. Meds are keeping my nausea in check and I'm slowly starting to feel stronger and more energetic. We've been trying small outings to lunch, or the store the last week or so in order for me to build up some stamina before Gabe returns to work in the city.
On one of those said outings today, to Miya's ballet class, I got to experience the first "I didn't know you were pregnant!". Apprently, I've moved beyond the "Is she fat or pregnant?" look and into the clearly preggo look! Woo hoo! Either that, or this lady had some cajones!! Regardless, it was nice to get to share it with the world a bit. Now, if only I'd start to glow!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
"Almost" 13 weeks!
Karen: Second Trimester starts tomorrow!! Even though this means nothing in terms of how I feel (pukey, thanks for asking), its a major milestone for me. I can relax a bit about losing this very much wanted pregnancy. I can look forward to less green days in the (hopefully) near future. And I will finally start to look pregnant!
On the HG front, I have slid back a bit. Was pretty much the most nauseated I've ever been this morning, but managed to keep it all in. I'm having to up my constipating med dosage again, which is a bummer. But hey, I never really liked pooping anyway. :) I've realized that it was just wishful thinking that I was coming out of it at 11-12 weeks. It was too soon, and I should have known better than to get all excited.
On a much happier note; we had our Nuchal Translucency ultrasound today. Everything looks perfect!! Baby has all limbs, heart rate was a strong 160 beats, got some great pics of Pumpkin's profile, and even a VERY early estimate at gender (which we are not disclosing yet, because the doctor said she was not even close to sure)! Had a brief fibroid scare again, and again it turned out to be unfounded. I was contracting pretty strongly when they started the scan, so it appeared that I had a mass on my uterus. But after some rest on my side and allowing my bladder to fill a bit more, the contraction lifted and showed everything to be normal again. Whew!
Here are a couple of pics. One of cutie pie's face, which we swear already looks like Miya's profile. The other is a 6 day late 12 week belly pic. As you can see, I'm plumping up!
On the HG front, I have slid back a bit. Was pretty much the most nauseated I've ever been this morning, but managed to keep it all in. I'm having to up my constipating med dosage again, which is a bummer. But hey, I never really liked pooping anyway. :) I've realized that it was just wishful thinking that I was coming out of it at 11-12 weeks. It was too soon, and I should have known better than to get all excited.
On a much happier note; we had our Nuchal Translucency ultrasound today. Everything looks perfect!! Baby has all limbs, heart rate was a strong 160 beats, got some great pics of Pumpkin's profile, and even a VERY early estimate at gender (which we are not disclosing yet, because the doctor said she was not even close to sure)! Had a brief fibroid scare again, and again it turned out to be unfounded. I was contracting pretty strongly when they started the scan, so it appeared that I had a mass on my uterus. But after some rest on my side and allowing my bladder to fill a bit more, the contraction lifted and showed everything to be normal again. Whew!
Here are a couple of pics. One of cutie pie's face, which we swear already looks like Miya's profile. The other is a 6 day late 12 week belly pic. As you can see, I'm plumping up!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
(almost) 12 weeks
Karen: Saw the midwife at my OB's practice today. She is also wonderful and her son is in Miya's first grade class! Miya came along and was able to play helper midwife, holding the doppler to find Pumpkin's heart beat. We asked very nicely and also got a peek at the little one, who was sitting straight up and only gave us a view of his/her head. Still, Miya is proudly parading around with a picture of "her baby". So sweet.
I am feeling very medically good! My nausea is well under control and I'm able to eat at very frequent intervals, resulting in a weight gain (finally) of 1 pound from the pre-pregnancy weight! All in all, I really can't complain as this Pumpkin is taking it really easy on me.
The belly is growing!! I look about a full month ahead of where I really am. I guess this is typical the second time around. I'll try to post some pics tomorrow. Happy New Year!!!
I am feeling very medically good! My nausea is well under control and I'm able to eat at very frequent intervals, resulting in a weight gain (finally) of 1 pound from the pre-pregnancy weight! All in all, I really can't complain as this Pumpkin is taking it really easy on me.
The belly is growing!! I look about a full month ahead of where I really am. I guess this is typical the second time around. I'll try to post some pics tomorrow. Happy New Year!!!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Missing the little things!
Karen: Today my brother and sister in-law are coming in for a visit for Christmas. They have a 2.5 year old little boy who is just adorable and Miya cannot wait to get her 6 year old paws on him! Said sister in-law is also expecting, about five weeks ahead of me (a great source of envy!). I am beyond excited ot have some company and someone to commiserate with.
But in preparation for our visitors I have managed to work myself into a nauseated ball of exhaustion just by doing a few little things like showering and blow drying my hair!
I miss showering daily (or almost daily). It's such a simple pleasure that we ordinarily take totally for granted. Usually 20 minutes in a nice hot shower is bliss, but lately, it's a total nightmare. The temperature fluctuations leave me disoriented, faint and incredibly queasy. So I've had to reduce my showering to about twice a week, and hair washing even less frequently!
I miss drying my hair without using every spare unit of energy left in my body. I literally have to go lay down after a shower, and then again, after drying my hair. It's pathetic!
I miss make-up. My skin has not seen any more than lip balm in the last 5 weeks. And to add to the sense of deprivation, I have developed several skin disorders as a result of hormones and dehydration. I have some lovely exzema along my hairline and eyebrows, which is red and flaky. I also have teenage-like acne on my chin and nose!! If ever I really needed make-up...!
I miss food! I miss craving and enjoying food. I miss the enticing smell of good food cooking on the stove or baking in the oven. I miss savory flavors like garlic and onion and herbs (all horrible nausea triggers right now). These days, I eat what I know will stay down and I don't enjoy a moment of it. The only things I do actually enjoy, I have to avoid in large quantities; sugary baked goods. Last pregnancy I was on the borderline of having gestational diabetes. I don't want to even flirt with the condition this time around. I also developed gall bladder disease, which has miraculously resolved itself after following a fairly low fat diet. To add butter laden baked (or fried) foods back into my diet could mean a relapse, which would be disastrous.
I miss fresh air. I've been out only a handful of times since week 6. The few times I've ventured to do more than see my OB, I've ended up paying for it with the next day in bed. I remember this exhaustion lasting well into the second half of my pregnancy 7 years ago, even though I was no longer as sick, the weeks of sedentary life had robbed me of all my strength and stamina. Even though I'm not quite as sick this time, I've still weakened in much the same way and anticipate a long and slow recovery after the baby is born.
Alright, enough feeling sorry for myself. It's Christmas, my favorite time of year. I am going to enjoy it no matter what! And I must remember to be thankful. At the end of this horrible condition (and there IS an end!) I will be rewarded with something absolutely priceless. I don't know of any other medical condition that can leave someone saying "It was worth it!". I am very lucky to be able to count down the days until this is gone for good! That would be 205 days or less. :)
But in preparation for our visitors I have managed to work myself into a nauseated ball of exhaustion just by doing a few little things like showering and blow drying my hair!
I miss showering daily (or almost daily). It's such a simple pleasure that we ordinarily take totally for granted. Usually 20 minutes in a nice hot shower is bliss, but lately, it's a total nightmare. The temperature fluctuations leave me disoriented, faint and incredibly queasy. So I've had to reduce my showering to about twice a week, and hair washing even less frequently!
I miss drying my hair without using every spare unit of energy left in my body. I literally have to go lay down after a shower, and then again, after drying my hair. It's pathetic!
I miss make-up. My skin has not seen any more than lip balm in the last 5 weeks. And to add to the sense of deprivation, I have developed several skin disorders as a result of hormones and dehydration. I have some lovely exzema along my hairline and eyebrows, which is red and flaky. I also have teenage-like acne on my chin and nose!! If ever I really needed make-up...!
I miss food! I miss craving and enjoying food. I miss the enticing smell of good food cooking on the stove or baking in the oven. I miss savory flavors like garlic and onion and herbs (all horrible nausea triggers right now). These days, I eat what I know will stay down and I don't enjoy a moment of it. The only things I do actually enjoy, I have to avoid in large quantities; sugary baked goods. Last pregnancy I was on the borderline of having gestational diabetes. I don't want to even flirt with the condition this time around. I also developed gall bladder disease, which has miraculously resolved itself after following a fairly low fat diet. To add butter laden baked (or fried) foods back into my diet could mean a relapse, which would be disastrous.
I miss fresh air. I've been out only a handful of times since week 6. The few times I've ventured to do more than see my OB, I've ended up paying for it with the next day in bed. I remember this exhaustion lasting well into the second half of my pregnancy 7 years ago, even though I was no longer as sick, the weeks of sedentary life had robbed me of all my strength and stamina. Even though I'm not quite as sick this time, I've still weakened in much the same way and anticipate a long and slow recovery after the baby is born.
Alright, enough feeling sorry for myself. It's Christmas, my favorite time of year. I am going to enjoy it no matter what! And I must remember to be thankful. At the end of this horrible condition (and there IS an end!) I will be rewarded with something absolutely priceless. I don't know of any other medical condition that can leave someone saying "It was worth it!". I am very lucky to be able to count down the days until this is gone for good! That would be 205 days or less. :)
Friday, December 18, 2009
10 Weeks!!!
Karen: Double digits! Saw the OB and the first thing she said was "I see some freckles returning!". My weight is the same as it was two weeks ago, still 2 pounds down, but holding steady! Tried to find the heartbeat on doppler, but its a bit too early, so she checked things out by ultrasound. Pumpkin is starting to look human! We saw a big head, fluttering heart and arms and legs flailing all over the place. I asked if it was ridiculous to think I'm feeling flutters already and she said that given the weight loss and how much the baby was moving she wasn't surprised. How cool!
I'm having a really good day today. After getting out for my appointment, I told Gabe to keep driving so we could shop a little (my first outing in 4 weeks!). I made it through Toys R Us and Borders and just as I was getting wiped out, I smelled the coffee from the cafe and decided I could risk trying a decaf Eggnog Latte and some pumpkin bread. Both went down smoothly, surprisingly, and I feel even better! Is this a sign of things getting better? Or a brief respite before another wave? Doesn't matter, I'm thankful for today.
I'm having a really good day today. After getting out for my appointment, I told Gabe to keep driving so we could shop a little (my first outing in 4 weeks!). I made it through Toys R Us and Borders and just as I was getting wiped out, I smelled the coffee from the cafe and decided I could risk trying a decaf Eggnog Latte and some pumpkin bread. Both went down smoothly, surprisingly, and I feel even better! Is this a sign of things getting better? Or a brief respite before another wave? Doesn't matter, I'm thankful for today.
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