Hey Humble Readers...
First up, I want to apologize for the tone of yesterday's post. I was frustrated and angry at myself for what really felt like a waste of a day (my Beloved took half a day off work, the long drive, dealing with crazy city traffic, bad weather, etc).
I was angry at myself because when we got to the hospital, before we found our way through the maze that is the Foothills Hospital, I had to go to the bathroom. I thought I was being smart and didn't drink the required water untl an hour before my appointment, but I just couldn't hold it any longer. I was in agony (hello kidneys!). Oh, and did I mention that I was having an IBS flare at the same time? My body was fighting me at every turn.
So, because I went pee when I did, my bladder wasn't full enough, and they couldn't get the measurement. The nurse made it pretty clear that I was an idiot for going to the bathroom before an u/s. She tried every way possible, including internally to get the angle she needed, but it just didn't happen.
The Halfling 2.0 looked great. It was very reassuring to see him/her move around, and to get a great heartbeat. And I know that this is just a diagnostic test... it doesn't change anything about how much I love this little one. I just felt so stupid and angry when we left the hospital, and unfortunately that came out in what I posted yesterday.
Anyway, onto the update...
How far along? 13w0d
Maternity clothes? Not yet
Body Oddities? dry skin, periods of extreme fatigue (getting better), alternating constipation and IBS flares, constant hunger, acne, bruises from insulin injections, back ache, cracking joints, back ache, super sore boobs, increased earwax (happened last time too), dry/itchy eyes, little bit of weight gain this week
Sleep? Better. The only real issue is that I tend to fall asleep between 7:30 and 8pm, and then at 11 I'm wide awake.
Best moment this week? Drama not withstanding, seeing our wee Halfling 2.0 waving around. It was such a relief (I know I shouldn't expect the worst, but I do) and he/she even made me laugh a couple of times as the nurse was trying to get him/her into a better position.
Worst moment? Yesterday morning, when the recently repaired hot water tap in our bathtub came off in my hand while trying to shut off the water. That was a blast!
Movement? Maybe, but I'm not convinced that it's not just my stupid insides grumbling around.
Food cravings/aversions? Spicy, lemony, tangy, flavours. I'm making lemony rice tonight and I'm practically drooling thinking about it right now. Cottage cheese is still a no go, but other than that, I think I might be past the worst of the aversions.
Rings? Still on, but they are feeling a bit tighter the couple of days
Gender? Not going to find out, but I'm leaning toward 'girl' this time around. (which, of course, means that it will be a boy)
Intense Dreams? Had a very strange dream where I was in some war torn desert country, running from building to building, trying to hide.
Medical Concerns? Gestational Diabetes (insulin 5 times a day... levels almost settled for now), High blood pressure (on 100mg of lobetalol 3x daily), continued heartburn (on 150mg of zan.tac 2x daily), kidney stones.
What I miss? Nothing too much... today I would give my right arm for a Krispee Kreme donut.
What I look forward to? Ginny's birthday party, getting things done on my pre-Christmas to do list.
Emotional State? Mostly improved, but yesterday was no fun.
Showing posts with label nuchal fold screen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nuchal fold screen. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Friday, May 28, 2010
A Day in the Life of an Anxious Hobbit: NT Scan Edition
Good Evening Humble Readers...
My day began at 4am, when I woke up to a growling stomach. I was starved! I ate some strawberries and eventually was able to fall back to sleep on the couch a couple of hours later, after watching a rerun of House and a rerun of NCIS.
Of course, due to my early morning I ended up being a bit of a slug when it was time to get moving, which is something I don't do well at the best of times. We left at around 9 this morning, and went out for a quick breakfast. I was only able to eat half my scrambled eggs and hashbrowns before I was stuffed. (This is getting to be a familiar routine... hungry enough to eat a horse, but after half of what I would normally eat, I'm feeling like I'm ready to pop.)
We hit the road in the rain, and were in Edmonton by 11:30. I was still feeling pretty anxious about the whole scan thing, and being tired and acting as navigator had me on edge. We found the hospital without too much angst, altho I think our GPS unit sent us on the most circuitous route possible.
The Royal Alexandra Hospital is a jumble of new an old buildings connected by a maze of courtyards and covered walkways. We found parking pretty easily (amazingly enough!), and we went in through the main entrance to the women's Pavillion, and proceded to get a little lost. We were really early, as my appointment wasn't until 1:15, but I was starving again and I had to pee, so thus began our first meanderings through the hospital.
It took a while but we found the main building and eventually found the food court. I ordered my lunch, and of course was only able to eat half of it. Nerves? Pregnancy? Little bit of both I'm sure.
After another meandering trip through the hospital, we finally found the admitting desk for the women's hospital. I checked in, and filled out the requisite paperwork. We were then given one of those flashing vibrating coaster things they give you at Red Lobster to let you know when your table's ready.
We only waited ten minutes before our coaster thing went off, and we went in. The u/s tech went right to work, but unfortunately I couldn't see anything because her screen was facing her and my Beloved, and the big screen on the wall wasn't in working order.
She set my mind at ease fairly early on... fetal heartrate was 144 per minute. I guess I must have let out a big sigh of relief because she asked if I was okay...
After that, tho, the Halfling decided to play shy. He/she didn't want to have their picture taken. It also turns out that the Halfling is hiding out close to my right hip (who knew that was possible) which explains why I wasn't able to find the heartbeat on my own. The tech had to really really dig and press to get the pictures she needed. After aabout twenty minutes or so of staring at the ceiling, she finally turned the screen toward me, and for a minute or so, I got to watch the heart beat and see Halfling stretching his/her legs and then sort of rolling up into a ball... such a cute little hiney! Sadly, there are no pictures to share as they don't print any at that clinic and we weren't allowed to use our camera.
So, the point of the whole thing... the results of the scan. When she was done, the tech said she was going to show the images to the doctor and then he might come in and take a peak himself. That had me a little bit concerned, but hey, there was a heartbeat... we could handle anything else right? About ten minutes later the tech returned with the doc and he did indeed want to take 'a little peak'. He was digging and pressing and then he started jiggling my stomach around trying to get the Halfling to cooperate. After a minute or so, he agreed with the tech's assessment... 1.5mm. (Yay!!!!) He said it wasn't a beautiful picture and they wouldn't be submitting it for publication, but it was good. I think I started breathing again at that point.
After the scan, we had to meander the halls of the hospital again to find the lab for the bloodwork I had to have done in conjunction, but then after that we were able to head for home. I slept part of the way (after we hit a Tim Ho.rtons so I could get something to eat... I was starved again) and my Beloved was singing along with the radio. All in all, it was a good day.
So, this long and rambling post? Well it just goes to show that I am a worrywart, that I stress about things I have no control over, and that it's usually for no good reason.
Thank you for putting up with this ridiculously long post, and for all your good thoughts and prayers. I really felt you all with me today.
My day began at 4am, when I woke up to a growling stomach. I was starved! I ate some strawberries and eventually was able to fall back to sleep on the couch a couple of hours later, after watching a rerun of House and a rerun of NCIS.
Of course, due to my early morning I ended up being a bit of a slug when it was time to get moving, which is something I don't do well at the best of times. We left at around 9 this morning, and went out for a quick breakfast. I was only able to eat half my scrambled eggs and hashbrowns before I was stuffed. (This is getting to be a familiar routine... hungry enough to eat a horse, but after half of what I would normally eat, I'm feeling like I'm ready to pop.)
We hit the road in the rain, and were in Edmonton by 11:30. I was still feeling pretty anxious about the whole scan thing, and being tired and acting as navigator had me on edge. We found the hospital without too much angst, altho I think our GPS unit sent us on the most circuitous route possible.
The Royal Alexandra Hospital is a jumble of new an old buildings connected by a maze of courtyards and covered walkways. We found parking pretty easily (amazingly enough!), and we went in through the main entrance to the women's Pavillion, and proceded to get a little lost. We were really early, as my appointment wasn't until 1:15, but I was starving again and I had to pee, so thus began our first meanderings through the hospital.
It took a while but we found the main building and eventually found the food court. I ordered my lunch, and of course was only able to eat half of it. Nerves? Pregnancy? Little bit of both I'm sure.
After another meandering trip through the hospital, we finally found the admitting desk for the women's hospital. I checked in, and filled out the requisite paperwork. We were then given one of those flashing vibrating coaster things they give you at Red Lobster to let you know when your table's ready.
We only waited ten minutes before our coaster thing went off, and we went in. The u/s tech went right to work, but unfortunately I couldn't see anything because her screen was facing her and my Beloved, and the big screen on the wall wasn't in working order.
She set my mind at ease fairly early on... fetal heartrate was 144 per minute. I guess I must have let out a big sigh of relief because she asked if I was okay...
After that, tho, the Halfling decided to play shy. He/she didn't want to have their picture taken. It also turns out that the Halfling is hiding out close to my right hip (who knew that was possible) which explains why I wasn't able to find the heartbeat on my own. The tech had to really really dig and press to get the pictures she needed. After aabout twenty minutes or so of staring at the ceiling, she finally turned the screen toward me, and for a minute or so, I got to watch the heart beat and see Halfling stretching his/her legs and then sort of rolling up into a ball... such a cute little hiney! Sadly, there are no pictures to share as they don't print any at that clinic and we weren't allowed to use our camera.
So, the point of the whole thing... the results of the scan. When she was done, the tech said she was going to show the images to the doctor and then he might come in and take a peak himself. That had me a little bit concerned, but hey, there was a heartbeat... we could handle anything else right? About ten minutes later the tech returned with the doc and he did indeed want to take 'a little peak'. He was digging and pressing and then he started jiggling my stomach around trying to get the Halfling to cooperate. After a minute or so, he agreed with the tech's assessment... 1.5mm. (Yay!!!!) He said it wasn't a beautiful picture and they wouldn't be submitting it for publication, but it was good. I think I started breathing again at that point.
After the scan, we had to meander the halls of the hospital again to find the lab for the bloodwork I had to have done in conjunction, but then after that we were able to head for home. I slept part of the way (after we hit a Tim Ho.rtons so I could get something to eat... I was starved again) and my Beloved was singing along with the radio. All in all, it was a good day.
So, this long and rambling post? Well it just goes to show that I am a worrywart, that I stress about things I have no control over, and that it's usually for no good reason.
Thank you for putting up with this ridiculously long post, and for all your good thoughts and prayers. I really felt you all with me today.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Randomness Galore
Good Evening Humble Readers...
As I have been meandering around the blogosphere this week, I have come across a new-to-me meme on a few blogs. Being ever the follower, I can't help myself but join in. So, here's some more randomness about your friendly neighbourhood hobbit...
*****
Apple juice or orange juice? Orange (apple juice makes my teeth ache)
Are you a morning or night person? Currently I'm a night person, but I have in the past been a morning person out of necessity
Which do you prefer, sweet or salty foods? Generally, I prefer salty, altho from time to time I do like the combination of the two (m&m's and buttered popcorn anyone?)
What was your favorite childhood television program? I watched a lot of tv as a kid, so there were many that held my attention from time to time, but Mr. Dressup and the Friendly Giant were the best. Both are iconic Canadian children's programming, and I can still tell you what time they were on each day.
Are you a collector of anything? Hmmmm... not much. Books, I guess, and journals/notebooks. Right now I'm collecting elephants for the nursery.
If you could be any animal, what would you be? I'd like to think I would be an elephant. Slow, ponderous, mellow, but powerful and strong.
What do you usually think about right before falling asleep? Whatever book I'm reading. I have to read to fall asleep.
What’s your favorite color? Red
Do you believe in extraterrestrials or life on other planets? I think so. It's probably not in the form that we imagine it (Star Trek, Star Wars) but I think there's something out there.
Do you believe in ghosts? Is it possible to differentiate between ghosts and spirits? I don't think I believe in ghosts per say, but I do believe that there are spirit-based entities (both good and evil) out there.
Ever been addicted to a video/computer game? You bet! It changes from time to time, but I generally get hooked on one until I complete it or get beaten by it.
You’re given 1 million dollars, what do you spend it on? Okay... tithe, pay off our mortgage, buy a bigger place, and rent this place out. Pay off our debt, and set aside a good chunk for our future. Then play a little with whatever was left over.
Have any bad habits? Leaving my socks laying around. I'm terrible for it.
List 3 of your worst personality traits: I procrastinate, I have a tendency to start things and then lose interest, and I can be a bit of a nag.
Have any celebrity crushes? Donnie Wahlberg, Mark Wahlberg, the guy who plays Derek on Criminal Minds
List 1 thing you wish you could change about yourself: The easy answer would be my weight, but I will say my eyesight. I have horrible vision. I can't remember my prescription, but I know the last optometrist I saw was a little astounded.
Any tattoos or piercings? Just my ears, one in each. No tattoos.
What’s the first thing you notice in the opposite sex? shoulders
Are you mostly a clean or messy person? Messy
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? Ideally... somewhere cool in the summer, but not too hot in the summer, green through the spring and summer, pretty colours in the fall, but most importantly near my family. And preferably in Canada. Think such a place exists?
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? UK, Ireland, Germany (again), South Africa, Tanzania, Egypt, New Zealand, all 10 provinces & 3 territories, all 50 states
List 5 goals on your life’s to-do list: 1) have a novel published 2) lose a significant amount of weight 3)build my family 4) track down my family history to the maker of my violin 5) make the perfect bolognese
Name 1 regret you have: not being more responsible about my debt when I was younger
Name 1 thing you miss about being a kid: the potential for magic around every corner
Name 1 thing you love about being an adult: married life
What’s your favorite song of the moment? Lovers In A Dangerous Time (BNL)
What’s your favorite thing to do on a Saturday night? Dinner and a movie with my Beloved
What’s your favorite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon? Nap, read, watch old movies... anything but be at work
******
Tomorrow is the big day. NT scan. I will confess I'm a bit anxious. I haven't seen the Halfling in more than a month. I got the doppler, but I haven't been able to find the heartbeat yet. I'm not freaked out about thatmuch, but I know I would feel better if I could hear it. (I know that it is still early to hear the hb on someone my size, and I am just kind of assuming I know where the Halfling is floating around in there) There is just that little part of me that is worried that we will get to the mfm clinic tomorrow and something will be wrong.
As I have been meandering around the blogosphere this week, I have come across a new-to-me meme on a few blogs. Being ever the follower, I can't help myself but join in. So, here's some more randomness about your friendly neighbourhood hobbit...
*****
Apple juice or orange juice? Orange (apple juice makes my teeth ache)
Are you a morning or night person? Currently I'm a night person, but I have in the past been a morning person out of necessity
Which do you prefer, sweet or salty foods? Generally, I prefer salty, altho from time to time I do like the combination of the two (m&m's and buttered popcorn anyone?)
What was your favorite childhood television program? I watched a lot of tv as a kid, so there were many that held my attention from time to time, but Mr. Dressup and the Friendly Giant were the best. Both are iconic Canadian children's programming, and I can still tell you what time they were on each day.
Are you a collector of anything? Hmmmm... not much. Books, I guess, and journals/notebooks. Right now I'm collecting elephants for the nursery.
If you could be any animal, what would you be? I'd like to think I would be an elephant. Slow, ponderous, mellow, but powerful and strong.
What do you usually think about right before falling asleep? Whatever book I'm reading. I have to read to fall asleep.
What’s your favorite color? Red
Do you believe in extraterrestrials or life on other planets? I think so. It's probably not in the form that we imagine it (Star Trek, Star Wars) but I think there's something out there.
Do you believe in ghosts? Is it possible to differentiate between ghosts and spirits? I don't think I believe in ghosts per say, but I do believe that there are spirit-based entities (both good and evil) out there.
Ever been addicted to a video/computer game? You bet! It changes from time to time, but I generally get hooked on one until I complete it or get beaten by it.
You’re given 1 million dollars, what do you spend it on? Okay... tithe, pay off our mortgage, buy a bigger place, and rent this place out. Pay off our debt, and set aside a good chunk for our future. Then play a little with whatever was left over.
Have any bad habits? Leaving my socks laying around. I'm terrible for it.
List 3 of your worst personality traits: I procrastinate, I have a tendency to start things and then lose interest, and I can be a bit of a nag.
Have any celebrity crushes? Donnie Wahlberg, Mark Wahlberg, the guy who plays Derek on Criminal Minds
List 1 thing you wish you could change about yourself: The easy answer would be my weight, but I will say my eyesight. I have horrible vision. I can't remember my prescription, but I know the last optometrist I saw was a little astounded.
Any tattoos or piercings? Just my ears, one in each. No tattoos.
What’s the first thing you notice in the opposite sex? shoulders
Are you mostly a clean or messy person? Messy
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? Ideally... somewhere cool in the summer, but not too hot in the summer, green through the spring and summer, pretty colours in the fall, but most importantly near my family. And preferably in Canada. Think such a place exists?
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? UK, Ireland, Germany (again), South Africa, Tanzania, Egypt, New Zealand, all 10 provinces & 3 territories, all 50 states
List 5 goals on your life’s to-do list: 1) have a novel published 2) lose a significant amount of weight 3)build my family 4) track down my family history to the maker of my violin 5) make the perfect bolognese
Name 1 regret you have: not being more responsible about my debt when I was younger
Name 1 thing you miss about being a kid: the potential for magic around every corner
Name 1 thing you love about being an adult: married life
What’s your favorite song of the moment? Lovers In A Dangerous Time (BNL)
What’s your favorite thing to do on a Saturday night? Dinner and a movie with my Beloved
What’s your favorite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon? Nap, read, watch old movies... anything but be at work
******
Tomorrow is the big day. NT scan. I will confess I'm a bit anxious. I haven't seen the Halfling in more than a month. I got the doppler, but I haven't been able to find the heartbeat yet. I'm not freaked out about that
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
The Wonderful Dr. U
Good morning, Humble Readers!
Well, I just got back from my OB appointment.
Have I mentioned how much I love my OB? He never makes me feel like I'm taking up too much of his time, he knows I'm a nervous pregnant woman and he does everything he can to put me at ease. The fact that he's got a really cool South African accent doesn't hurt either.
Again, it wasn't a typical prenatal appointment. No blood pressure, no weigh-in, no peeing in a cup. Dr. U wants me to get my regular prenatal care with my PCP, Dr.B, at least for now. Dr. U will oversee the extra stuff.
So, the extras... I'm going to have the nuchal translucency screening. To get it done, though, I have to go to Edmonton, to the big fancy-schmancy hospital with the women's care center. Dr. U has also recommended some form of genetic screening. I expressed my concern about amnio and cvi, and the potential for m/c, so he's fine with starting with a blood chemistry work up. If there are any concerns raised from that testing or the nuchal fold screen, then we will discuss futher tests. I am to be expecting a phone call from the hospital in Edmonton in the next couple of days to set up the screening. And I am continue taking the prometrium and to go back to see Dr. U in a month.
We also talked about the big GD. Because of my pre-pregnancy weight issuses, I know I am at much higher risk for gestational diabetes, and potentially type 2 diabetes. I am to go for two GD tests, one at 20 weeks and another at 28 weeks. I am to closely monitor my weight gain (like I'm not obsessed about it already) and I am going to work hard on increasing my fiber intake, while trying to cut back on fats and sugars.
But the best part of the appointment today... we got to see another quick peak of the Halfling. S/he was floating and waving his/her arms and legs around! Woohoo!
Well, I just got back from my OB appointment.
Have I mentioned how much I love my OB? He never makes me feel like I'm taking up too much of his time, he knows I'm a nervous pregnant woman and he does everything he can to put me at ease. The fact that he's got a really cool South African accent doesn't hurt either.
Again, it wasn't a typical prenatal appointment. No blood pressure, no weigh-in, no peeing in a cup. Dr. U wants me to get my regular prenatal care with my PCP, Dr.B, at least for now. Dr. U will oversee the extra stuff.
So, the extras... I'm going to have the nuchal translucency screening. To get it done, though, I have to go to Edmonton, to the big fancy-schmancy hospital with the women's care center. Dr. U has also recommended some form of genetic screening. I expressed my concern about amnio and cvi, and the potential for m/c, so he's fine with starting with a blood chemistry work up. If there are any concerns raised from that testing or the nuchal fold screen, then we will discuss futher tests. I am to be expecting a phone call from the hospital in Edmonton in the next couple of days to set up the screening. And I am continue taking the prometrium and to go back to see Dr. U in a month.
We also talked about the big GD. Because of my pre-pregnancy weight issuses, I know I am at much higher risk for gestational diabetes, and potentially type 2 diabetes. I am to go for two GD tests, one at 20 weeks and another at 28 weeks. I am to closely monitor my weight gain (like I'm not obsessed about it already) and I am going to work hard on increasing my fiber intake, while trying to cut back on fats and sugars.
But the best part of the appointment today... we got to see another quick peak of the Halfling. S/he was floating and waving his/her arms and legs around! Woohoo!
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