Attractive, yes?
Saturday, November 03, 2012
Today started out pretty well. Although I did not sleep
well, waking up 3-4 times in the night to pee or because of loud noise in the
hallway, it was wonderful having Elliot be able to spend the night. He’s on an uncomfortable foldout couch and me
nearby in the hospital bed; it felt normal to be together. Around 7:30 my breakfast was brought in and
Elliot and I watched the news while I ate. Not long after I finished eating, it
was time for my morning visit by my nurse to ask the same 30 questions and do
the checks. The boys cooperated this morning and let her find their heartbeats
quickly.
Elliot and I then made his daily to-do and to-get list from
me. I greatly dislike having to send him home every visit with stuff to do and
bring, but its turning out to be necessary. Today I wanted him to bring all the
mail so I could help sort it, buy me a new pillow and a couple of pillow cases,
bring another book for me to read, bring my large tube of toothpaste and more
shampoo since I’ll be imprisoned for awhile. He also had to find the payment
book for our HOA dues that are now past due with me being in here. I think I
left it on the vanity or in the top drawer of the vanity, but it is hard to
recall where you leave things when your house is a mess from converting rooms
from office to guest to baby and then having to sort and find the right place
for everything. I was in the middle of organizing everything when this all
happened. So I had to give him multiple places to look which is annoying for
him. He’s too good to complain, but I forget all the little details it takes
sometimes to keep your house and finances going.
Around 10 Dr. Simmons, the on call doctor for the OBGYN
group I am with, stopped in to check on me. She is the same doctor that I saw when
I was admitted on the 26th. I
like her; she is very straight forward, keeps things simple and nice. The
continued plan for me to be here ‘resting”, until my body starts contracting
and going into labor. I will not labor much since Baby A is breech. Pretty much
once it’s decided I’m in full labor, away to the operating room I go. The most
depressing part of her visit is that I am being denied day room or wheelchair
rides for right now. I am not stable enough right now to sit up for a length of
time enough to ride in the wheelchair. Elliot had asked the nurse last night
what was the possibility that I could leave the room for a bit and the nurse
said it was a possibility depending on what the doctor decided. I have not left
this room since Sunday. The four walls are closing in on me, the view of a
brick wall stinks and I feel like an experimental rat. People come in to ask how I am doing, give me
shots, monitor my belly, ask me questions about my bowel movements, look at all parts of my body daily and all this
and more happens multiple times a day. The nurse told me Thursday night that
sometimes women on hospitalized bed rest have to take anti-depressants. I am trying
to pull myself away from being depressed but when you feel like a prisoner, and
you didn't do anything “wrong” to be locked up, all you want to do is cry. I
try to cry into my pillow so I don’t bother others or if I ended up screaming
it won’t be so loud. All those stupid baby/pregnancy books gloss over bed rest
like it does not happen to a lot of people. For most it doesn't, but for like
5% of single pregnancies and a whopping 60% of multiple pregnancies, bed rest
happens! I never envisioned that one of the worst aspects of my pregnancy would
be mentally trying to hold it all together.
Elliot returned later that afternoon with dinner and the Puss in Boots movie. The movie was ok and it was nice to relax and spend time with Elliot. I think he took a nap partway thru the movie though. Can't really blame him. He also spent the night which was nice.
Overall, today was good because I reached another week of pregnancy. I hate being here and are ready to go home, but at least the boys have gotten another week in.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
After my morning check in and monitoring with the nurses, I was allowed to shower. While I shower, the CNA changes my bed linens. One of the things I look forward to most is my every other day shower; it helps me feel a bit normal. Elliot left around 8 to get home and feed the cats and get ready for church.
After church he went to Kohl's for me. Several times a year Kohl's sells specials merchandise in their Kohl's Cares for Kids program, all for $5 an item and the money goes directly to the charity to support kids. They usually have a couple adult items like cookbooks, note cards or a CD, but the best part of the program is the hardback book and accompanying stuffed animal! I had him get Wizard of Oz and stuffed Toto, Aesop's Fables and stuffed owl and The Night Before Christmas and stuffed reindeer for the boys. Earlier in the year they had several Eric Carle books and accompanying stuffed animal. You cannot find a good quality hardback book for $5 and a stuffed animal for another $5. It's been a great way to get books for teaching with, a wonderful kid's gift and now books and toys for the boys.
Elliot and I spent the afternoon reading the newspaper and watching football. It felt like a normal Sunday afternoon, except that I was in a hospital bed and Elliot was in the chair next to me. Elliot left after dinner to spend the night at home and around 8pm I had a surprise visit from Elliot's uncle David and aunt Linda. Her sister lives in Asheville and they were up to celebrate the sister's birthday. They stopped in to check in on me and we had a nice little visit.
After church he went to Kohl's for me. Several times a year Kohl's sells specials merchandise in their Kohl's Cares for Kids program, all for $5 an item and the money goes directly to the charity to support kids. They usually have a couple adult items like cookbooks, note cards or a CD, but the best part of the program is the hardback book and accompanying stuffed animal! I had him get Wizard of Oz and stuffed Toto, Aesop's Fables and stuffed owl and The Night Before Christmas and stuffed reindeer for the boys. Earlier in the year they had several Eric Carle books and accompanying stuffed animal. You cannot find a good quality hardback book for $5 and a stuffed animal for another $5. It's been a great way to get books for teaching with, a wonderful kid's gift and now books and toys for the boys.
Elliot and I spent the afternoon reading the newspaper and watching football. It felt like a normal Sunday afternoon, except that I was in a hospital bed and Elliot was in the chair next to me. Elliot left after dinner to spend the night at home and around 8pm I had a surprise visit from Elliot's uncle David and aunt Linda. Her sister lives in Asheville and they were up to celebrate the sister's birthday. They stopped in to check in on me and we had a nice little visit.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Monday turned out to be a bit of an upsetting day. On the 26th, they drew my blood to check to see if I had gestational diabetes. Since it was late on a Friday afternoon when the blood was drawn, they had to wait several days for the results. The results showed that I was slightly above the range the doctors like to see, so they had me do the longer glucose test, where they draw your blood several times. So Sunday evening, beginning at midnight leading to Monday morning, I had to fast. No big deal I thought since I would be sleeping most of that and just have my breakfast a bit later. Around 5:45 the nurse checks in on me and sees that I am awake. I made sure that I was awake and ready since they were supposed to be draw at 6 am. Around 6:30, the lab has not arrived so I buzz the nurses to remind them. I wait . I wait some more. I am not a patient person. At 7:15, mad, hungry and knowing that as more time passes it pushes back when I can eat, I buzz the nurse again. They call the lab again. I wait some more. The boys know the eating schedule and are kicking up a storm so I am hungry and uncomfortable. I wait even longer. Around 8:15 I buzz the nurses yet again to ask if this glucose test is happening. They come to my room to assure me that it is going to happen, but the lab is backed up because someone called in sick. I tell them it needs to be soon because I am starving and we might have to do this another day. At 8:45, the lab person finally makes it in to draw my blood! Almost 3 hours late, I was steamed! After the initial blood draw, I have to drink the sugary drink. I get it down quickly, by 8:50. The tech said she had never seen anyone drink it that fast and hopes I don't puke. I didn't say anything, but I was thinking, "the faster I get this down, the sooner I can eat". Thankfully, the tech was good about getting back at 9:50, 10:50, and 11:50 to get the other 3 blood samples. As soon as she left the room after the drawing the last sample, I buzzed the nurses to help me order lunch. I was SO hungry. I did not get any breakfast that day, but I was going to make sure the boys and I got lunch.
The highlight of the day was the visit from the holistic nurses, who see long term patients. Basically, they offer different types of therapy's (guided imagery, music, massage, pet, aromatherapy, healing touch, etc.) to help with pain and relieve stress. They try to see the long term patients every day. For my first session, I chose guided imagery and healing touch. I turned the TV to a particular station, punched a special code into the phone to let the TV know to start a guided imagery video and watched and listened to the TV. The session had scenes of nature; the one I chose was about water. So you can watch and a voice leads you thru some relaxation exercises while you watch or you can close your eyes. I closed my eyes and tried to listen to the voice, imaging I was on a raft on a peaceful river, blah blah blah. While I had my eyes closed, the nurse did the healing touch portion where they gently touch and hold the touch for 30 seconds or so. They mainly focus on your lower legs, feet, arms and hands and your head. It is actually pretty calming and I enjoyed it.
Monday turned out to be a bit of an upsetting day. On the 26th, they drew my blood to check to see if I had gestational diabetes. Since it was late on a Friday afternoon when the blood was drawn, they had to wait several days for the results. The results showed that I was slightly above the range the doctors like to see, so they had me do the longer glucose test, where they draw your blood several times. So Sunday evening, beginning at midnight leading to Monday morning, I had to fast. No big deal I thought since I would be sleeping most of that and just have my breakfast a bit later. Around 5:45 the nurse checks in on me and sees that I am awake. I made sure that I was awake and ready since they were supposed to be draw at 6 am. Around 6:30, the lab has not arrived so I buzz the nurses to remind them. I wait . I wait some more. I am not a patient person. At 7:15, mad, hungry and knowing that as more time passes it pushes back when I can eat, I buzz the nurse again. They call the lab again. I wait some more. The boys know the eating schedule and are kicking up a storm so I am hungry and uncomfortable. I wait even longer. Around 8:15 I buzz the nurses yet again to ask if this glucose test is happening. They come to my room to assure me that it is going to happen, but the lab is backed up because someone called in sick. I tell them it needs to be soon because I am starving and we might have to do this another day. At 8:45, the lab person finally makes it in to draw my blood! Almost 3 hours late, I was steamed! After the initial blood draw, I have to drink the sugary drink. I get it down quickly, by 8:50. The tech said she had never seen anyone drink it that fast and hopes I don't puke. I didn't say anything, but I was thinking, "the faster I get this down, the sooner I can eat". Thankfully, the tech was good about getting back at 9:50, 10:50, and 11:50 to get the other 3 blood samples. As soon as she left the room after the drawing the last sample, I buzzed the nurses to help me order lunch. I was SO hungry. I did not get any breakfast that day, but I was going to make sure the boys and I got lunch.
The highlight of the day was the visit from the holistic nurses, who see long term patients. Basically, they offer different types of therapy's (guided imagery, music, massage, pet, aromatherapy, healing touch, etc.) to help with pain and relieve stress. They try to see the long term patients every day. For my first session, I chose guided imagery and healing touch. I turned the TV to a particular station, punched a special code into the phone to let the TV know to start a guided imagery video and watched and listened to the TV. The session had scenes of nature; the one I chose was about water. So you can watch and a voice leads you thru some relaxation exercises while you watch or you can close your eyes. I closed my eyes and tried to listen to the voice, imaging I was on a raft on a peaceful river, blah blah blah. While I had my eyes closed, the nurse did the healing touch portion where they gently touch and hold the touch for 30 seconds or so. They mainly focus on your lower legs, feet, arms and hands and your head. It is actually pretty calming and I enjoyed it.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Tuesday brought the news I had passed my glucose test; I do not have gestational diabetes!!! I was so thankful; if I had to deal with that on top of all this bed rest, I might have really lost it. The doctors were happy too, but mentioned if I have had it, at least I would be here where the food is provided and I would not have to worry about making my meals. I just gave them a look when they said that. That is not really that reassuring. The food at the hospital is not bad, but it is repetitive and bland. If I had to eat that the rest of my pregnancy, with no food brought in from Elliot or snacks of my choosing, that may have been the final straw. Sometimes the doctors make comments that I am sure are supposed to be comforting, but unless you have gone through hospitalized bed rest you really don't get it. Just like many other bad or stressful times in life, you can sympathize and be empathetic, but unless YOU personally have had the experience, you'll never truly understand it.One doctor keeps suggesting that I try knitting the boys some hats. Ummm no. I am not that crafty and when I do choose to be crafty, I doubt knitting will be my go to project
Since it was election day, Elliot had the day off from school. We were able to spend the day together. Thankfully, I had early voted so I got to have my say.
Tuesday brought the news I had passed my glucose test; I do not have gestational diabetes!!! I was so thankful; if I had to deal with that on top of all this bed rest, I might have really lost it. The doctors were happy too, but mentioned if I have had it, at least I would be here where the food is provided and I would not have to worry about making my meals. I just gave them a look when they said that. That is not really that reassuring. The food at the hospital is not bad, but it is repetitive and bland. If I had to eat that the rest of my pregnancy, with no food brought in from Elliot or snacks of my choosing, that may have been the final straw. Sometimes the doctors make comments that I am sure are supposed to be comforting, but unless you have gone through hospitalized bed rest you really don't get it. Just like many other bad or stressful times in life, you can sympathize and be empathetic, but unless YOU personally have had the experience, you'll never truly understand it.One doctor keeps suggesting that I try knitting the boys some hats. Ummm no. I am not that crafty and when I do choose to be crafty, I doubt knitting will be my go to project
Since it was election day, Elliot had the day off from school. We were able to spend the day together. Thankfully, I had early voted so I got to have my say.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
I tried to stay up for the election results, but was not successful. So I awoke in the morning, scanning the news to see who had won the presidential and other local elections. President Obama will serve another four years and hopefully both of the two main political parties can try to work together and solve problems and compromise instead of bicker.
Wednesday also brought another IV removal and new site injection. GRRRR! They inserted an IV the night I was admitted and it is changed every 4-5 days, sometimes less, depending on how the IV is looking. The idea is that I have one in and ready to go just in case they need to administer some medication in a hurry. I abhor having an IV because the multiple injections hurt and are uncomfortable. I also bang the IV on things which makes it hurt even more. It also presses into my hand; leaving marks and creating pressure.The IV also has to be covered with a glove or plastic baggie, depending on location, and secured with tape when I need to take my shower. Removing all that junk is giving me a spotty "waxing" job.
Elliot's mom stopped by in the afternoon for a quick visit. She and Mark had spent several days on vacation in Las Vegas and visiting the Red Rock area. She was nervous about going with me in the hospital, but I am glad they had a break from me and this situation and had a chance to enjoy themselves. She bought several outfits and toys for the boys and just had to show them to me. Apparently there was a Disney store not far from thier hotel and she did some damage there!
Wednesday evening brought a visit from my church friend Sandi. She and I had a wonderful visit and Bible study. She has a side business making Christmas stockings and brought her design book so I could choose some for the boys. My fear was they would not have a stocking if they arrived by Christmas. Sandi suggested making each of the boys, similar but different colors, a "My 1st Christmas" stocking as a keepsake and then later Elliot and I choose what will be the boys permanent stockings once we are under less pressure and stress. Sounds like a good plan to me!
I tried to stay up for the election results, but was not successful. So I awoke in the morning, scanning the news to see who had won the presidential and other local elections. President Obama will serve another four years and hopefully both of the two main political parties can try to work together and solve problems and compromise instead of bicker.
Wednesday also brought another IV removal and new site injection. GRRRR! They inserted an IV the night I was admitted and it is changed every 4-5 days, sometimes less, depending on how the IV is looking. The idea is that I have one in and ready to go just in case they need to administer some medication in a hurry. I abhor having an IV because the multiple injections hurt and are uncomfortable. I also bang the IV on things which makes it hurt even more. It also presses into my hand; leaving marks and creating pressure.The IV also has to be covered with a glove or plastic baggie, depending on location, and secured with tape when I need to take my shower. Removing all that junk is giving me a spotty "waxing" job.
Elliot's mom stopped by in the afternoon for a quick visit. She and Mark had spent several days on vacation in Las Vegas and visiting the Red Rock area. She was nervous about going with me in the hospital, but I am glad they had a break from me and this situation and had a chance to enjoy themselves. She bought several outfits and toys for the boys and just had to show them to me. Apparently there was a Disney store not far from thier hotel and she did some damage there!
Wednesday evening brought a visit from my church friend Sandi. She and I had a wonderful visit and Bible study. She has a side business making Christmas stockings and brought her design book so I could choose some for the boys. My fear was they would not have a stocking if they arrived by Christmas. Sandi suggested making each of the boys, similar but different colors, a "My 1st Christmas" stocking as a keepsake and then later Elliot and I choose what will be the boys permanent stockings once we are under less pressure and stress. Sounds like a good plan to me!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Today brought several visitors. Angel and Bryon, the new preacher and his wife, stopped by to see me. They literally rolled into town on Tuesday, but are awaiting their furniture to arrive from Pennsylvania. Bryon reminds me a bit of Elliot in that, when you get him on a particular subject, he can talk at length and passionately about it. Makes me smile. I like Angel too; she's very easy to talk to and down to earth. I miss Sandi and Curtis working at East Chestnut, but I believe Bryon and Angel will be a good fit to work with the congregation. Not long after they left, Jan stopped by. She tries to stop by every day or every other day to say hi and tell me what is going on. I appreciate her checking in on me.
I also had a wonderful visit from my college friend Pam. Pam lives in Sylva, NC, but was in town for a teacher workshop and swung by to see me after it was done for the day. She greeted me with a balloon and basket of pretty daisies. We had a wonderful visit and she brought the presents from her and her mom that I would have received at my baby shower. They gave a nice mix of really cute outfits and some useful bath and breastfeeding items for a baby. Pam is also pregnant with her second child and due in April! I can't wait to meet her baby!!
Although I appreciated all my visitors, the best thing that happened today was that Elliot finally felt the babies move! Before I would yell and have him come quick if I felt them moving, but by the time he ran over, the boys had stopped moving. Other times we had tried having him put his hand on my stomach and leaving it there awhile and seeing if they would move-didn't work. Tonight, while watching the evening news they were moving up a storm, and Elliot reached over and felt them. Jonathan would kick and I would say "did you feel that?" and Elliot said "I think so, but are you sure it's not you just breathing?" "Yes, that's a kick, not just me breathing!" I think Elliot still thinks he is feeling me breathe, but hopefully the boys will show him the difference in the coming week.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Today brought several visitors. Angel and Bryon, the new preacher and his wife, stopped by to see me. They literally rolled into town on Tuesday, but are awaiting their furniture to arrive from Pennsylvania. Bryon reminds me a bit of Elliot in that, when you get him on a particular subject, he can talk at length and passionately about it. Makes me smile. I like Angel too; she's very easy to talk to and down to earth. I miss Sandi and Curtis working at East Chestnut, but I believe Bryon and Angel will be a good fit to work with the congregation. Not long after they left, Jan stopped by. She tries to stop by every day or every other day to say hi and tell me what is going on. I appreciate her checking in on me.
I also had a wonderful visit from my college friend Pam. Pam lives in Sylva, NC, but was in town for a teacher workshop and swung by to see me after it was done for the day. She greeted me with a balloon and basket of pretty daisies. We had a wonderful visit and she brought the presents from her and her mom that I would have received at my baby shower. They gave a nice mix of really cute outfits and some useful bath and breastfeeding items for a baby. Pam is also pregnant with her second child and due in April! I can't wait to meet her baby!!
Nothing like flowers to brighten a room!
Baby bathtub and breast milk storage supplies.
Letters and numbers for the tub and cute outfits. I know Elliot is excited about the football themed clothes.
All the supplies to keep these boys clean!
Friday, November 9, 2012
Friday was pretty uneventful, but I did have several visitors. Jan visited with me for awhile and while she was here, Debbie (Granny Joan's sister) and her daughter Dawn stopped in. We all go to church together. They brought a yummy Edible Arrangement fruit basket, a mixture of various fresh fruits cut into flower shapes with some pieces dipped in chocolate. I had never tried one of these before and it was delicious,but there was no way I could eat it all by myself. We were able to put it in the fridge to save for tomorrow when my family would be visiting.
Momma Amy at 28 weeks. That lovely apparatus on my upper arm is another IV, wrapped for my "comfort". I just think it makes my arm look fatter. I am sporting an adorable white, plastic ID bracelet on my right wrist. It has a barcode that must be scanned every time I have medicine administered or an IV flushed. I feel like the produce at the grocery store. Let's hope I don't start beeping. I've discovered I can wiggle it off with a bit of effort. Yes, I've considered making a break for it, but knowing my luck, I'll give birth on the sidewalk outside the hospital. Don't want to ruin my good sneakers...
Still thinking about you and Elliot! We are keeping you guys in our prayers. Can't wait to see you later this week! Please let me know if you need me to bring anything! Love ya!
ReplyDelete