Hey Humble Readers...
It is a gloriously sunshiney day here on the flatland, and the wind has decided to give us a break! Summer is here! Hooray! And the best news of all, the forecast for the long weekend is showing only a teensy amount of rain. Super-Hooray! My Beloved and I have a great surprise for Ginny for Saturday, and I'm thankful that it's going to be nice out.
*****
This week has been all about doctors. Yesterday was Pippin's 6 (or 7) week check-up, and his first visit with our regular doc... the uninspired Dr. B. Everything was pretty routine. He got all frowny at me when I told him that I was letting the pumping thing taper off, but I stood my ground and refused to let him make me feel guilty. And it's not like Pip is hurting for food. The little stinker has already ganined more than 4 pounds!! It's no wonder he's outgrown his newborn wardrobe. The only really useful tidbit from the appointment was the suggestion to try saline drops for Pip's weird snarfly sinus thing (the kid has snored from birth, and always sounds mildly stuffed up).
*****
One thing that Dr. B pointed out (which I had already noticed) was that Pippin has a small flat spot forming on the back of his wee noggin. Sadly the wee little mister doesn't like sleeping on his side just yet. Settling him for sleep is a bit more challenging than it had been.
*****
Today I saw Dr. W for my 6 (or 7) week post partum check up. She was super excited about the weight I've lost, and she was much more understanding about the breastfeeding/pumping situation. She did remind me though that the weight won't drop off quite as easily (ha-ha) once I'm done with pumping. She also took a look at my incision, and was very happy with how it has healed. One thing that surprised me, both yesterday and today... no mention was made of me having an internal exam. Not that I'm complaining, but I know I had one at the 6 week appointment last time. We had a bit of a chat about PPD, and how my mood has been. She was concerned when I brought up the family drama, but was happy to hear that I'm being proactive about monitoring how I'm feeling and that I'm working hard to get outside and be active.
*****
No good nibbles yet on my Beloved's resumes. He was contacted by a non-profit organization, and while it would have been a great job, it just didn't offer enough for compensation. And another company called, but they wanted us to move to a town three and a half hours away. Not to mention that the town has a significantly higher cost of living so the increased salary wouldn't actually be much of an increase. We're still hopeful though.
*****
Any suggestions for how to get a super deep sliver out of your foot? It doesn't hurt, it's just kind of freaking me out.
Showing posts with label Dr W. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dr W. Show all posts
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Not Much Going On
Howdy Humble Readers...
I hope you've all had a good week. Things around the hobbit-hole have been pretty quiet. Honestly not much going on worth talking about, and my brain is mushy with tiredness and pregnancy-brain.
*****
I've been fixated on those really yummy Mil.ano cookies (the mint ones of course) and I've been trying not to think too much about them. I used to buy them for special occassions when I was in college, but I haven't had any in years and years. The kicker is, I can't get them around here. I don't know for sure if you can even get them at all above the 49th parallel. I know I shouldn't have them anyway (wretched GD), but dammit, I can't stop thinking about them. If you are in Canada, and know where I can get some, PLEASE tell me... I promise I'll be good. I won't get any until the middle of May. I promise!
*****
I haven't heard from Dell at all since the initial calls on Tuesday morning. I still haven't loaded anything on this computer since Monday night. It's really annoying. There is a little part of me that's hoping that they'll just let me keep this computer, but I doubt that will happen. I'm just frustrated that I still haven't heard a damn thing.
*****
I had an appointment this morning with Dr. W. It was exceptionally short. Pee in a cup, check the bp (was totally fine, no change in my meds... doc said not to worry about swelling unless it's accompanied by other pre-e symptoms), check the weight (got a finger wagging), quick glance at him/her on Dr. W's ultrasound... enough to find out that the Halfling is breech. That's right, what I've been thinking was the Halfling's hiney under my ribs is actually his/her little head. It doesn't really matter, as we are going c-section for sure anyway.
The one thing that she mentioned during the appointment, that I didn't really think much of at the time, but now I'm wondering... she mentioned that she's going to send me for a consult with the anesthesiologist. The last time I had to do that was when I went under general anesthetic for my hysteroscopy (polypecotomy and D&C). I'm wondering if this is just precautionary, or if she's planning on me being completely out for the c-section. I hope it's just the former. I WILL be asking at my next appointment.
*****
My Beloved lost an aunt this week. She was 85, I think. We've been so focussed on my Grandma (she appears to be doing better... and I'm very thankful for that, for so many reasons, not the least of which is that my parents are scheduled to leave for their 25th anniversary cruise in 5 days), that we totally didn't see this coming. He wasn't particularly close with her, but still, it's jarring to say the least. We're still debating if he will go to the funeral or not on Monday.
*****
I'm trying to come up with some really groovy, unifying theme for my posts for the A to Z challenge. Food? Fictional characters I relate to? Pet peeves? Books I want to read? Places I want to travel? Any thoughts or suggestions?
I hope you've all had a good week. Things around the hobbit-hole have been pretty quiet. Honestly not much going on worth talking about, and my brain is mushy with tiredness and pregnancy-brain.
*****
I've been fixated on those really yummy Mil.ano cookies (the mint ones of course) and I've been trying not to think too much about them. I used to buy them for special occassions when I was in college, but I haven't had any in years and years. The kicker is, I can't get them around here. I don't know for sure if you can even get them at all above the 49th parallel. I know I shouldn't have them anyway (wretched GD), but dammit, I can't stop thinking about them. If you are in Canada, and know where I can get some, PLEASE tell me... I promise I'll be good. I won't get any until the middle of May. I promise!
*****
I haven't heard from Dell at all since the initial calls on Tuesday morning. I still haven't loaded anything on this computer since Monday night. It's really annoying. There is a little part of me that's hoping that they'll just let me keep this computer, but I doubt that will happen. I'm just frustrated that I still haven't heard a damn thing.
*****
I had an appointment this morning with Dr. W. It was exceptionally short. Pee in a cup, check the bp (was totally fine, no change in my meds... doc said not to worry about swelling unless it's accompanied by other pre-e symptoms), check the weight (got a finger wagging), quick glance at him/her on Dr. W's ultrasound... enough to find out that the Halfling is breech. That's right, what I've been thinking was the Halfling's hiney under my ribs is actually his/her little head. It doesn't really matter, as we are going c-section for sure anyway.
The one thing that she mentioned during the appointment, that I didn't really think much of at the time, but now I'm wondering... she mentioned that she's going to send me for a consult with the anesthesiologist. The last time I had to do that was when I went under general anesthetic for my hysteroscopy (polypecotomy and D&C). I'm wondering if this is just precautionary, or if she's planning on me being completely out for the c-section. I hope it's just the former. I WILL be asking at my next appointment.
*****
My Beloved lost an aunt this week. She was 85, I think. We've been so focussed on my Grandma (she appears to be doing better... and I'm very thankful for that, for so many reasons, not the least of which is that my parents are scheduled to leave for their 25th anniversary cruise in 5 days), that we totally didn't see this coming. He wasn't particularly close with her, but still, it's jarring to say the least. We're still debating if he will go to the funeral or not on Monday.
*****
I'm trying to come up with some really groovy, unifying theme for my posts for the A to Z challenge. Food? Fictional characters I relate to? Pet peeves? Books I want to read? Places I want to travel? Any thoughts or suggestions?
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Week 31: First NST
Greetings Humble Readers...
I had my first NST this time around yesterday morning. It's early to start them, but Dr. W scheduled it for when she was the on-duty OB at the hospital so we could get an appointment in this month (her schedule is incredibly busy, as she's the only female OB in town).
As I suspected, Dr. W didn't know what the results were from my last u/s, so the placenta previa issue is still a mystery. She was significantly annoyed when I told her that the u/s tech didn't do an internal scan. I strongly suspect there will be an appointment with "Wanda" in my near future.
The test went well. The Halfling's heartrate was around 142 bpm, and he/she was moving around significantly so all looked good there. My blood pressure was a little bit high (not scary high, but higher than it has been for the last couple of months), but I really think it was because there was another woman in the maternity triage room who was seriously in labour. They were getting a room prepped for her, but she was very vocal throughout her contractions, and no matter how much you understand why, when you're lying on a hospital bed next to someone who's moaning and crying in pain... it has an affect.
Ginny was with me at the NST, and she did amazingly well. She sat in her stroller, eating her goldfish crackers and smiling at the nurses. She didn't fuss a bit. She seemed to like listening to the Halfling's heartbeat.
On to this week's update...
How far along? 31w0d
Maternity clothes? Yup. They're getting tired.
Body Oddities? VERY dry skin, alternating constipation and IBS flares, back ache, cracking joints, super sore & slightly leaky boobs, dry/itchy eyes, leg cramps, round ligament pain, tingly fingertips, tired, gassy, Braxton Hicks, tendonitis in my thumbs, NEW THIS WEEK: pubic bone pain, hot flashes
Sleep? Not bad actually. I'm now freezing my Beloved out of the bedroom because of the aforementioned hot flashes. I have to have the fan on every night and no blankets, and if I could, I would have the window open. My Beloved buries himself up to his eyebrows with the duvet in order to prevent frostbite.
Intense Dreams? Nothing memorable this week.
Best moment this week? My NST yesterday. Ginny was incredibly well-behaved, and the Halfling co-operated nicely throughout the test.
Worst moment? I've had a couple of instances of some really intense round ligament pain. Usually happens at very inopportune moments.
Movement? Following each meal (Halfling really reacted strongly to the chicken curry last night), and all evening.
Food cravings/aversions? Chocolate-mint anything (a combo I normally don't like at all), chocolate anything, sweet anything..
Rings? Had to take them off this morning. Weight is holding steady, but I have been dealing with some water retention.
Gender? Still think it's a girl, and Dr. W referred to the Halfling as 'she' at my NST. She-hobbit is also leading in the poll on the right. But I was sooooo sure that Ginny was going to be a boy, and well... we know how that turned out. :)
Medical Concerns? Gestational Diabetes (insulin 5 times a day), High blood pressure (on 50mg of lobetalol 3x daily), continued heartburn (on 60mg of Pan.taloc daily), kidney stones, low lying placenta, low iron.
What I miss? Iced chai lattes, being able to shave my legs while in the shower, being able to go from sitting to standing without having to pee right away.
What I look forward to? Going to see the Hunger Games this weekend, an end to winter (it just won't die!), possibly doing some Ikea shopping in a few weeks.
Emotional State? Pretty good for the most part. I do get easily frustrated tho (like when I got a bill from the government today for a mess up on my taxes from last year... grrr!).
I had my first NST this time around yesterday morning. It's early to start them, but Dr. W scheduled it for when she was the on-duty OB at the hospital so we could get an appointment in this month (her schedule is incredibly busy, as she's the only female OB in town).
As I suspected, Dr. W didn't know what the results were from my last u/s, so the placenta previa issue is still a mystery. She was significantly annoyed when I told her that the u/s tech didn't do an internal scan. I strongly suspect there will be an appointment with "Wanda" in my near future.
The test went well. The Halfling's heartrate was around 142 bpm, and he/she was moving around significantly so all looked good there. My blood pressure was a little bit high (not scary high, but higher than it has been for the last couple of months), but I really think it was because there was another woman in the maternity triage room who was seriously in labour. They were getting a room prepped for her, but she was very vocal throughout her contractions, and no matter how much you understand why, when you're lying on a hospital bed next to someone who's moaning and crying in pain... it has an affect.
Ginny was with me at the NST, and she did amazingly well. She sat in her stroller, eating her goldfish crackers and smiling at the nurses. She didn't fuss a bit. She seemed to like listening to the Halfling's heartbeat.
On to this week's update...
How far along? 31w0d
Maternity clothes? Yup. They're getting tired.
Body Oddities? VERY dry skin, alternating constipation and IBS flares, back ache, cracking joints, super sore & slightly leaky boobs, dry/itchy eyes, leg cramps, round ligament pain, tingly fingertips, tired, gassy, Braxton Hicks, tendonitis in my thumbs, NEW THIS WEEK: pubic bone pain, hot flashes
Sleep? Not bad actually. I'm now freezing my Beloved out of the bedroom because of the aforementioned hot flashes. I have to have the fan on every night and no blankets, and if I could, I would have the window open. My Beloved buries himself up to his eyebrows with the duvet in order to prevent frostbite.
Intense Dreams? Nothing memorable this week.
Best moment this week? My NST yesterday. Ginny was incredibly well-behaved, and the Halfling co-operated nicely throughout the test.
Worst moment? I've had a couple of instances of some really intense round ligament pain. Usually happens at very inopportune moments.
Movement? Following each meal (Halfling really reacted strongly to the chicken curry last night), and all evening.
Food cravings/aversions? Chocolate-mint anything (a combo I normally don't like at all), chocolate anything, sweet anything..
Rings? Had to take them off this morning. Weight is holding steady, but I have been dealing with some water retention.
Gender? Still think it's a girl, and Dr. W referred to the Halfling as 'she' at my NST. She-hobbit is also leading in the poll on the right. But I was sooooo sure that Ginny was going to be a boy, and well... we know how that turned out. :)
Medical Concerns? Gestational Diabetes (insulin 5 times a day), High blood pressure (on 50mg of lobetalol 3x daily), continued heartburn (on 60mg of Pan.taloc daily), kidney stones, low lying placenta, low iron.
What I miss? Iced chai lattes, being able to shave my legs while in the shower, being able to go from sitting to standing without having to pee right away.
What I look forward to? Going to see the Hunger Games this weekend, an end to winter (it just won't die!), possibly doing some Ikea shopping in a few weeks.
Emotional State? Pretty good for the most part. I do get easily frustrated tho (like when I got a bill from the government today for a mess up on my taxes from last year... grrr!).
Friday, February 24, 2012
So THAT Explains It: OB Appointment Update
Hey Humble Readers...
Thank you all for putting up with my freak out yesterday. The fears and worries are still there, but they seem to be at a dull roar today.
So, I had an appointment with Dr. W this morning. I found her much more personable today, which was reassuring. Several outcomes from today's appointment...
I'm so glad to know that there is a reason why I have been so tired, but not feeling like I'm getting any rest. Seriously, I've been back to falling asleep at 8pm, and then sleeping through the night, and waking up in a fog. I guess I'm not such a lazy slug after all.
The only thing that she didn't ask about was my blood sugars, but they have been pretty well controlled over the last couple of weeks. I think I may need an insulin increase in the next few days, but I'm going to wait and see the outcome of this whole possible kidney infection situation.
Thank you all for putting up with my freak out yesterday. The fears and worries are still there, but they seem to be at a dull roar today.
So, I had an appointment with Dr. W this morning. I found her much more personable today, which was reassuring. Several outcomes from today's appointment...
- Halfling 2.0 is still sitting transverse. Not a big deal, but should be turning soon.
- 24 hr urine collection showed a slight elevation in protiens, but nothing to be concerned about
- Had blood in my urine today. Need to go for a test to see if I have another kidney infection (I think I do have one)
- C-section is planned for May 10th. I signed the paperwork and everything. With delivering at 38 weeks, there is a possibility that the baby may need to be in the Special Care Nursery for a couple of days, particularly if the baby is a boy (slower lung development).
- Bloodwork from last week showed that I have low iron. This is likely why I have been so blasted tired for the past few weeks. Rx'd iron pills and stool softeners.
- Next appointment will be on the L&D floor at the hospital, for an NST
I'm so glad to know that there is a reason why I have been so tired, but not feeling like I'm getting any rest. Seriously, I've been back to falling asleep at 8pm, and then sleeping through the night, and waking up in a fog. I guess I'm not such a lazy slug after all.
The only thing that she didn't ask about was my blood sugars, but they have been pretty well controlled over the last couple of weeks. I think I may need an insulin increase in the next few days, but I'm going to wait and see the outcome of this whole possible kidney infection situation.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Week 25: The Mysterious Dr. W
Hey Humble Readers!
(Fair warning: this is a long post.)
Well, I've just gotten back from my first appointment with my new OB. I confess, I was nervous. Would she be one of those doctors who doesn't like questions? Would she take issue with my weight, as other doctors have? Would I feel confident in her abilities?
While she isn't my wonderful Dr. U, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. She took a full half hour with me (unheard of!), asking questions about this pregnancy, and my previous pregnancies. She asked about how I understood my IF/RPL issues, and how they have been resolved. She asked about my family history and my Beloved's, and about Ginny's development.
Then she let me ask all my questions, and she actually answered them!
I think it will take me a little while to feel completely comfortable with her, and she made several mentions of my weight being a big issue (duh! Talk to any fat person. They KNOW that their weight is a big issue.). But overall, I'm happy with how today's appointment went, and I think I will be okay with her. She's younger than any doctor I've ever had before, and I've never had a female doc either.
On to the update...
How far along? 25w0d
Maternity clothes? Yup..
Body Oddities? VERY dry skin, alternating constipation and IBS flares, acne, bruises from insulin injections, back ache, cracking joints, super sore & slightly leaky boobs, increased earwax, dry/itchy eyes, leg cramps, round ligament pain, heartburn is much worse, tingly fingertips, NEW THIS WEEK: heavy fatigue
Sleep? I've been very tired this week. Almost like first trimester tired. I've been sleeping well, and heavy. I haven't even been waking up to pee.
Best moment this week? I had the most glorious nap on Sunday afternoon. My Beloved looked after Ginny and I woke up feeling great.
Worst moment? When we were grocery shopping on Saturday, I had a lot of lower back and hip pain.
Movement? All the time. I'm pretty sure that the baby is transverse, as I feel movement on either side and down low. Only occasional movement higher than my belly button.
Food cravings/aversions? Chocolate. I made some no-bake chocolate cookies with Splenda, but they didn't quite fill the need.
Rings? Still on.
Gender? Still think it's a girl.
Intense Dreams? Nothing baby related, but very strange combinations of people, places and situations.
Medical Concerns? Gestational Diabetes (insulin 5 times a day), High blood pressure (on 50mg of lobetalol 3x daily), continued heartburn (on 60mg of Pan.taloc daily), kidney stones, low lying placenta.
What I miss? walking without waddlng, being able to lift Ginny without grunting like a mule
What I look forward to? Sushi, ice cream, chocolate milk, my next ultrasound
Emtional State? Okay most of the time, but my blood sugars have been a tad wonky and that frustrates me
(Fair warning: this is a long post.)
Well, I've just gotten back from my first appointment with my new OB. I confess, I was nervous. Would she be one of those doctors who doesn't like questions? Would she take issue with my weight, as other doctors have? Would I feel confident in her abilities?
While she isn't my wonderful Dr. U, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. She took a full half hour with me (unheard of!), asking questions about this pregnancy, and my previous pregnancies. She asked about how I understood my IF/RPL issues, and how they have been resolved. She asked about my family history and my Beloved's, and about Ginny's development.
Then she let me ask all my questions, and she actually answered them!
- Rapid/sudden weight gain? Not worried at this point, but we will monitor it. My target should be no more than 10 pounds over my pre-pregnancy weight (which I'm still below). If I see any big jumps that concern me, I should call her office.
- Heartburn? Zan.tac is no longer working, so it's time to switch it up. Will now be taking 60mg of Pan.ta.loc (also known as Pro.tonix) once a day.
- Low-Lying Placenta? This is actually an unknown at this point, as the tech at my last u/s was unable to get a clear look at the whole placenta. It appears to be a partial previa, but it's still uncertain.
- Next Ultrasound? At 28 weeks. Requisition in hand, just waiting to hear back from the medical imaging clinic with my appointment date and time.
- Scheduled c-section or induction? We briefly discussed VBAC, and the unlikely possibility that an induction would work. I am not bent on delivering vaginally, and after my induction experience last time, I would rather just get straight to the point. So, scheduled c-section at 38 weeks it is. The Halfling will be making his/her introduction to the world sometime between May 10-15, most likely the 10th or 11th. Woohoo!
- Tubal Ligation? Absolutely!
- Do I keep seeing Dr. B? Nope!!! Yay! She will be managing my care until the baby is born. Then it's back to the unremarkable Dr. B, but at least I will feel more secure in my obstetrical care.
I think it will take me a little while to feel completely comfortable with her, and she made several mentions of my weight being a big issue (duh! Talk to any fat person. They KNOW that their weight is a big issue.). But overall, I'm happy with how today's appointment went, and I think I will be okay with her. She's younger than any doctor I've ever had before, and I've never had a female doc either.
On to the update...
How far along? 25w0d
Maternity clothes? Yup..
Body Oddities? VERY dry skin, alternating constipation and IBS flares, acne, bruises from insulin injections, back ache, cracking joints, super sore & slightly leaky boobs, increased earwax, dry/itchy eyes, leg cramps, round ligament pain, heartburn is much worse, tingly fingertips, NEW THIS WEEK: heavy fatigue
Sleep? I've been very tired this week. Almost like first trimester tired. I've been sleeping well, and heavy. I haven't even been waking up to pee.
Best moment this week? I had the most glorious nap on Sunday afternoon. My Beloved looked after Ginny and I woke up feeling great.
Worst moment? When we were grocery shopping on Saturday, I had a lot of lower back and hip pain.
Movement? All the time. I'm pretty sure that the baby is transverse, as I feel movement on either side and down low. Only occasional movement higher than my belly button.
Food cravings/aversions? Chocolate. I made some no-bake chocolate cookies with Splenda, but they didn't quite fill the need.
Rings? Still on.
Gender? Still think it's a girl.
Intense Dreams? Nothing baby related, but very strange combinations of people, places and situations.
Medical Concerns? Gestational Diabetes (insulin 5 times a day), High blood pressure (on 50mg of lobetalol 3x daily), continued heartburn (on 60mg of Pan.taloc daily), kidney stones, low lying placenta.
What I miss? walking without waddlng, being able to lift Ginny without grunting like a mule
What I look forward to? Sushi, ice cream, chocolate milk, my next ultrasound
Emtional State? Okay most of the time, but my blood sugars have been a tad wonky and that frustrates me
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