Somehow, I appear to have made it through 3/4 of pregnancy!
Suddenly the appointments are picking up steam - I have to go to the Diabetic clinic this week after my second GTT came back with basically the same result as last time. Ever so sliiiightly high blood sugar, 8.5 and 8.3. I haven't really let this bother me too much, as nothing is definitive yet and realistically the risk of actually having diabetes after my pregnancy appears minimal (5% of people with Gestional Diabetes).
Still, I don't really know what to expect. I'm probably going to have to moniter my blood sugar myself for a while to see if I can keep it in check, but since no one has advised me to change my diet yet (which I might add, was a pretty good diet) I did go a bit wild in waste this week and may have overinduldged in sugary things in preparation for going without. Hopefully this will not effect any of my results on thursday, and the only sugary items left now are apples which I doubt will have a dramatic effect.
Sugary sugar isn't really my poison, starchy sugar (mainly potatoes) is going to be what I'd find hardest to say no to. I only drink water at home, and to be honest I'd rather go completely without soft drinks than drink their diet alternatives (which are absolutely disgusting, I feel as though the aspartine burns off my taste buds) so that's not an issue at least.
Something else that's bothering me a little is my 'pending gallstones'. I know they're there, ready to pop up within the next 10 years or so and cause me a lot of distress. Grandma had hers at just 29, whereas Dad had his at 46 and Grandad has only had them recently in his 70s. It's a horrible family illness to have hanging over (though admittedly no where NEAR as bad as any form of cancer) simply because it's meant to be one of the most painful things you can exprience; worse than childbirth. My Gallstones are more than likely 'Pigment stones' because I have absolutely no issues with my blood pressure or cholesterol. I don't even eat enough red meat to fill my 'recommended amount' and never add salt to anything (other than chips, obviously). So, I'm pretty sure that in my upcoming years I'll get the joy that is having my galbladder operated on/removed :-(
I have another appointment with a consultant next week, as well as my 31 week Midwife check-up with Crazy Eyes (they always book my appointment at exactly the same time, on the same day - making sure I get her). I mostly forgave her last time since she had been remarkable nice to me when I was in hospital and didn't make any unfair/rash judgements.
Lastly, my spine feels like an inflexible broom handle and I have a strong desire to munch of some sponges.
Ixxy the Embryo
Monday, 18 October 2010
Friday, 8 October 2010
Antenatal Class and Blood Reviews
I'll start with my thursday night class.
It was absolutely fantastic, really interesting and well run and got me to think alot more about things like my back, my pelvic floor muscles and my posture. Everyone (except one lady due in November) had fairly similar sized bumps. I would describe them as 'cutely pregnant'. At the stage where it's pretty obvious you've got a baby, as well as a handy shelve for the tv remote and biscuits, but not ballooning out of proportion and looking like there's an airship bay where your stomach once was.
Most of us weren't suffering many aches at this stage (perhaps with me as an exception - who had severe burning liver pain for a couple of weeks) however I did not mention my virus due to not really being 100% sure they'd have let me be in a room full of pregnant women.
But the amount of aches and pains described and coping stageries didn't fill me with hope. I can currently sleep brilliantly with my 5 foot pillow and other pillows propping me up, I'm not doing this to relief pain - it's just the most comfortable position to lie in. I really don't want to get to the stage she described about having to sleep with your hands 'in a neutral position' to 'stop them aching and swelling', that doesn't sound like a restful slumber to me.
I think I was the youngest there. One other lady and her man were questionable but I appointed her the age of 23 in the end - everyone else was 'mummy-aged' between 27 and 35 I'd say, and all (with the exception of the two VBAC women) with their first baby.
I think my skin gives me away. It has never had any age. It's always been quite plump, pale and flawless - hell, I don't even have to wash my face and it looks great (though washing improves it). I feel grateful for my young, stretchy, flesh at this stage - trust me.
Ixxy didn't pay much attention, but rather shuffled about impatiently, kicked me in the bits and hiccuped repeatedly. Basically it's regular patterns of movement when I'm trying to focus on anything.
Next week promises to be more exciting - we've getting birthing balls and positions and looking at vag.
In other news I saw my (rather attractive) consultant today who was reviewing me blewds, (not all 15 or so vials taken this week, just my glucosey dodgy blood). My results are borderline but no one knows if this is because of of my crazy liver with it's crazy liver virus (which is no longer Hep A) and the lack of processing power - OR because I'm borderline for gestational diabetes. I don't think I should be, I've generally been eating rather well and I'm still 3lbs under my pre-pregnancy weight - but either way they are monitering it and hopfully when my results from the 2nd GTT come back it'll all be fine.
He also confirmed it was definately not Hepitisis I had but some unknown virus, that chances are they will never know what it was, because of this I am written out of work till next week at least and have yet MORE blood to be taken on wednesday to keep an eye on my liver function (it's useful when your liver works). This will bring me up to 17 needles penetrating my flesh in less than 2 weeks - a personal best.
I have a digital camera now. Possibly expect pictures in the next installment.
It was absolutely fantastic, really interesting and well run and got me to think alot more about things like my back, my pelvic floor muscles and my posture. Everyone (except one lady due in November) had fairly similar sized bumps. I would describe them as 'cutely pregnant'. At the stage where it's pretty obvious you've got a baby, as well as a handy shelve for the tv remote and biscuits, but not ballooning out of proportion and looking like there's an airship bay where your stomach once was.
Most of us weren't suffering many aches at this stage (perhaps with me as an exception - who had severe burning liver pain for a couple of weeks) however I did not mention my virus due to not really being 100% sure they'd have let me be in a room full of pregnant women.
But the amount of aches and pains described and coping stageries didn't fill me with hope. I can currently sleep brilliantly with my 5 foot pillow and other pillows propping me up, I'm not doing this to relief pain - it's just the most comfortable position to lie in. I really don't want to get to the stage she described about having to sleep with your hands 'in a neutral position' to 'stop them aching and swelling', that doesn't sound like a restful slumber to me.
I think I was the youngest there. One other lady and her man were questionable but I appointed her the age of 23 in the end - everyone else was 'mummy-aged' between 27 and 35 I'd say, and all (with the exception of the two VBAC women) with their first baby.
I think my skin gives me away. It has never had any age. It's always been quite plump, pale and flawless - hell, I don't even have to wash my face and it looks great (though washing improves it). I feel grateful for my young, stretchy, flesh at this stage - trust me.
Ixxy didn't pay much attention, but rather shuffled about impatiently, kicked me in the bits and hiccuped repeatedly. Basically it's regular patterns of movement when I'm trying to focus on anything.
Next week promises to be more exciting - we've getting birthing balls and positions and looking at vag.
In other news I saw my (rather attractive) consultant today who was reviewing me blewds, (not all 15 or so vials taken this week, just my glucosey dodgy blood). My results are borderline but no one knows if this is because of of my crazy liver with it's crazy liver virus (which is no longer Hep A) and the lack of processing power - OR because I'm borderline for gestational diabetes. I don't think I should be, I've generally been eating rather well and I'm still 3lbs under my pre-pregnancy weight - but either way they are monitering it and hopfully when my results from the 2nd GTT come back it'll all be fine.
He also confirmed it was definately not Hepitisis I had but some unknown virus, that chances are they will never know what it was, because of this I am written out of work till next week at least and have yet MORE blood to be taken on wednesday to keep an eye on my liver function (it's useful when your liver works). This will bring me up to 17 needles penetrating my flesh in less than 2 weeks - a personal best.
I have a digital camera now. Possibly expect pictures in the next installment.
Thursday, 7 October 2010
Hospital Admission
I've gone over this story so many times now that I've decided just to write up my 'hospital bullet points' that I scribbled down on the back of a 'get well soon' card. Here goes:
30/09/10
- I last ate a meal midday on the 29th of September, in the early hours of the morning I started to regutate liquids too.
- I suffered and tried to rest for the entire day, my last attempt to eat was breakfast but it became apparent that being starving hungry was much more comfortable.
- Rang the midwives at 18:00 and they suggested I come in. It was presumed I had a kidney infection or bad UTI but because I was in Ketosis and unable to eat they felt it best that they admit me.
- I was admitted by 19:00 and had an IV drip fitted after the 4th attempt due to my 'bad veins'.
- Was given paracetamol tablets (like that's going to help)
- Was started on IV Antibotics for my assumed infection. Was told that would relief the pain quickly but it had basically no affect.
- I managed to drink (with mild pain) 3 jugs of water by morning and got through 2 IVs.
01/10/10
- Urine showed I was still in Ketosis so was put onto my 3rd IV and had an attempt at eating breakfast (two slices of toast)
- Given 2nd dose of anti-botics
- Had dull throbbing pain for a couple of hours, finished my 3rd IV and because my fluids had improved I was taken off the drip.
- Severe pain started, started vomitting so recieved the rather brutal anti-sickness injection (painful, horrid injection in my thigh).
- Continued being violently sick anyway until all contents of my stomach (liquid and toast) were out.
- Ketosis got worse again since I could no longer drink. I went back on IV.
- Recieve liquid paracetamol into my veins for pain relief (much better than tablets)
- Ate a single slice of white bread of lunch.
- Pain starts up again
- Consultant comes to see me. I get moved to my own room but am desperate for pain relief.
- Receieve a second anti-sickness injection, which is painful and doesn't stop me being violently sick. They also have the effect of making you feel a bit drugged and woozy.
- Doctor comes down and authorises that I get pethedine for the pain.
- Eventually (after 4 hours) the pain subsides and the drugs knock me out for a bit.
- I'm given a steriod injection in my bum for babies lung development since they aren't sure if whatever is wrong with me will cause premature labour or they will have to get the baby out.
- 7 or 8 vials of blood taken for testing.
- Results at midnight show abnormal liver functions
- They stop the anti-botics after my 4th dose
- 5 more vials of blood taken.
02/10/10
- Next set of bloods show my liver abnormalities appear worse.
- Am able to drink again. I come off the IV...again.
- Liver specialist in belfast contacted.
- I wisely turn down breakfast and lunch.
- Doctor scans baby and finds it weights approximately 2lbs
- Even with drinking I'm still in Ketosis
- I go down to ultrasound and have a detailed scan of my liver, kidneys and galbladder
- I am told the most likely cause of my symptoms is Hepatitis A or a viral Hepatitis. I also have small galstones but they aren't causing a problem.
- I start drinking milk and slowly introduce rich teas.
- Keytones finally start improving.
- I ate my first proper meal of mash, beans and stuffed bacon roll.
- Before midnight I am completely out of ketosis and only have a very mild pain which subsides with a bath.
- I'm given a 2nd Steriod injection just to finish the course.
- Move rooms again and am informed that i'll be kept in till monday.
03/10/10
- 4 more vials of blood taken to check my liver function.
- Am able to eat and drink normally and continue to be completely out of ketosis
- High levels of glucose now found in my urine, but it's probably caused by the steriod injection.
- Liver function has improved
- Drink 7ltrs of water and am told to stop. Feel tired and a bit out-of-it all day probably due to the steriod.
- It's worth mentioning also, that this was a very, very, boring day.
04/10/10
- I get to go home about midday. I have to call in on wednesday for a blood sugar series (which on wednesday turned into another GTT...yuck) and a meeting with a consultant on friday. I also have a 28 week midwive appointment on tuesday and anti-natal classes on thursday...so um...busy week!
30/09/10
- I last ate a meal midday on the 29th of September, in the early hours of the morning I started to regutate liquids too.
- I suffered and tried to rest for the entire day, my last attempt to eat was breakfast but it became apparent that being starving hungry was much more comfortable.
- Rang the midwives at 18:00 and they suggested I come in. It was presumed I had a kidney infection or bad UTI but because I was in Ketosis and unable to eat they felt it best that they admit me.
- I was admitted by 19:00 and had an IV drip fitted after the 4th attempt due to my 'bad veins'.
- Was given paracetamol tablets (like that's going to help)
- Was started on IV Antibotics for my assumed infection. Was told that would relief the pain quickly but it had basically no affect.
- I managed to drink (with mild pain) 3 jugs of water by morning and got through 2 IVs.
01/10/10
- Urine showed I was still in Ketosis so was put onto my 3rd IV and had an attempt at eating breakfast (two slices of toast)
- Given 2nd dose of anti-botics
- Had dull throbbing pain for a couple of hours, finished my 3rd IV and because my fluids had improved I was taken off the drip.
- Severe pain started, started vomitting so recieved the rather brutal anti-sickness injection (painful, horrid injection in my thigh).
- Continued being violently sick anyway until all contents of my stomach (liquid and toast) were out.
- Ketosis got worse again since I could no longer drink. I went back on IV.
- Recieve liquid paracetamol into my veins for pain relief (much better than tablets)
- Ate a single slice of white bread of lunch.
- Pain starts up again
- Consultant comes to see me. I get moved to my own room but am desperate for pain relief.
- Receieve a second anti-sickness injection, which is painful and doesn't stop me being violently sick. They also have the effect of making you feel a bit drugged and woozy.
- Doctor comes down and authorises that I get pethedine for the pain.
- Eventually (after 4 hours) the pain subsides and the drugs knock me out for a bit.
- I'm given a steriod injection in my bum for babies lung development since they aren't sure if whatever is wrong with me will cause premature labour or they will have to get the baby out.
- 7 or 8 vials of blood taken for testing.
- Results at midnight show abnormal liver functions
- They stop the anti-botics after my 4th dose
- 5 more vials of blood taken.
02/10/10
- Next set of bloods show my liver abnormalities appear worse.
- Am able to drink again. I come off the IV...again.
- Liver specialist in belfast contacted.
- I wisely turn down breakfast and lunch.
- Doctor scans baby and finds it weights approximately 2lbs
- Even with drinking I'm still in Ketosis
- I go down to ultrasound and have a detailed scan of my liver, kidneys and galbladder
- I am told the most likely cause of my symptoms is Hepatitis A or a viral Hepatitis. I also have small galstones but they aren't causing a problem.
- I start drinking milk and slowly introduce rich teas.
- Keytones finally start improving.
- I ate my first proper meal of mash, beans and stuffed bacon roll.
- Before midnight I am completely out of ketosis and only have a very mild pain which subsides with a bath.
- I'm given a 2nd Steriod injection just to finish the course.
- Move rooms again and am informed that i'll be kept in till monday.
03/10/10
- 4 more vials of blood taken to check my liver function.
- Am able to eat and drink normally and continue to be completely out of ketosis
- High levels of glucose now found in my urine, but it's probably caused by the steriod injection.
- Liver function has improved
- Drink 7ltrs of water and am told to stop. Feel tired and a bit out-of-it all day probably due to the steriod.
- It's worth mentioning also, that this was a very, very, boring day.
04/10/10
- I get to go home about midday. I have to call in on wednesday for a blood sugar series (which on wednesday turned into another GTT...yuck) and a meeting with a consultant on friday. I also have a 28 week midwive appointment on tuesday and anti-natal classes on thursday...so um...busy week!
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