Good Morning Humble Readers...
You would think, after all this time, I would know better than to waste my time googling medical terms, particularly how they pertain to me. You'd think that I would have learned my lesson by now, and that I wouldn't bother, and yet...
I had an appointment yesterday with Dr. B. My weight gain/loss is still considered a non-issue (I'm down 6 pounds from when I first got pregnant... thank you GD). Blood pressure was good. The Halfling cooperated nicely and Dr. B was able to find the heartbeat right away (144 bpm). I asked about the cough that is still lingering, and he didn't seem to be concerned about it... just suggested staying hydrated and it will pass. I asked about my new OB, at which point he realized that he hadn't sent through the referral yet... GAH!!!! And then we got to my ultrasound results.
What the u/s tech thought might be a fibroid is most likely some scar tissue from my c-section. But that wasn't the biggest revelation. Apparently I have a 'low-lying' placenta. Dr. B didn't go into detail, just said I'd need to have another ultrasound when I'm 28 weeks, and that we'd get that booked at my next appointment.
Enter Dr. Google.
Of course, I found links to placenta previa and all the scary things that can go along with that (words like... profuse bleeding, apbrution, birth defects, premature delivery, blood transfusions, hysterectomy). I read for about an hour last night, getting more and more freaked out. Of course, I'm at higher risk for previa because I am over 35, I've had uterine surgeries previously (2 D&Cs) and a previous c-section. While it was often mentioned that previa diagnosed prior to 20 weeks commonly corrects itself as the uterus stretches with the growing baby, it wasn't until the last article that I read that there is a difference between 'low-lying' placenta and actual placenta previa. It's basically a difference of millimeters, but it is that much more likely that a 'low-lying' placenta will correct itself before the third trimester.
So needless to say, I got myself worked up over something that is, in all likelihood, not going to be an issue. Ridiculous!
Friday, January 13, 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Fun and Not-So-Fun
Hey Humble Readers...
When I stopped by Mel's place this morning I was pleasantly surprised that I hadn't missed the Annual International Blog Delurking Week! I always end up missing it... but the stars aligned this year. Yay!
The point of Delurking Week is just what the name implies... all those people who are out there who stop by my little hobbit-hole, but don't comment (and I KNOW you're out there) are invited to delurk, even just once. So all of you out there, step up to the mic, say hi, and let me know that you're here. I'll return the favour! And if you are stuck for something to say, why don't you tell me what kinds of things you read (besides blogs, of course)?
*****
On a completely different topic, Humble Readers, I have a request... for prayers/good thoughts/healthy vibes for my mom.
I know I have mentioned this before, but my mom is a survivor. As in, a five time cancer survivor. Cervical cancer (removed and treated with radiation), uterine cancer (hysterectomy and radiation), lung cancer (removed 85% of her left lung, chemo and radiation), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (removed a long strand of lymph nodes from her neck along with a good chunk of muscle tissue, chemo and radiation), and lesions on her brain (surgery).
Her last go round, just before Beloved and I got married (about this time, five years ago), ended with a truly miraculous healing. The doctors told her to get her affairs in order, and that even if she survived the brain surgery, she couldn't expect to survive the year.
Two hours out of surgery, she was awake and talking and in no pain (minimal pain meds). Two weeks later she was, while not 100% her old self, very actively working on planning my wedding. One month after surgery, the doctors determined that chemo was unnecessary as there was no sign of any remaining cancerous cells (there had been some significant concern about her thyroid as well as a recurrence of the lymphoma). Three months later, she was given a completely clean bill of health, which has been renewed every year when she has gone for her annual check up with her oncologist.
Just before the holidays, my mom found a lump. (Good heavens, how I hate that word.) It's in the same general area as where the lymphoma started.
Thankfully, she always has her check up in January. She saw her oncologist today, and while the doc was generally positive (all of Mom's bloodwork came back clear, as did her annual chest xray and other tests), she was concerned enough about the lump to book Mom for an urgent CAT scan (no date yet). If the scan shows anything questionable, then there will be biopsies and surgery.
My mom is an incredibly strong lady. However, one lasting effect of all the cancers and treatments has been that she deals with a lot of anxiety. Beyond the physical ramifications of facing the "Big C" again, I'm concerned that this could do a number on her emotionally.
Please send whatever prayers/good thoughts or vibes you can spare her way. Personally, I'm praying that she will get a quick date for the scan and that it will show something benign like a cyst or something. And that she can live without fear until those results come in.
Thanks Humble Readers... I appreciate it.
When I stopped by Mel's place this morning I was pleasantly surprised that I hadn't missed the Annual International Blog Delurking Week! I always end up missing it... but the stars aligned this year. Yay!
The point of Delurking Week is just what the name implies... all those people who are out there who stop by my little hobbit-hole, but don't comment (and I KNOW you're out there) are invited to delurk, even just once. So all of you out there, step up to the mic, say hi, and let me know that you're here. I'll return the favour! And if you are stuck for something to say, why don't you tell me what kinds of things you read (besides blogs, of course)?
*****
On a completely different topic, Humble Readers, I have a request... for prayers/good thoughts/healthy vibes for my mom.
I know I have mentioned this before, but my mom is a survivor. As in, a five time cancer survivor. Cervical cancer (removed and treated with radiation), uterine cancer (hysterectomy and radiation), lung cancer (removed 85% of her left lung, chemo and radiation), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (removed a long strand of lymph nodes from her neck along with a good chunk of muscle tissue, chemo and radiation), and lesions on her brain (surgery).
Her last go round, just before Beloved and I got married (about this time, five years ago), ended with a truly miraculous healing. The doctors told her to get her affairs in order, and that even if she survived the brain surgery, she couldn't expect to survive the year.
Two hours out of surgery, she was awake and talking and in no pain (minimal pain meds). Two weeks later she was, while not 100% her old self, very actively working on planning my wedding. One month after surgery, the doctors determined that chemo was unnecessary as there was no sign of any remaining cancerous cells (there had been some significant concern about her thyroid as well as a recurrence of the lymphoma). Three months later, she was given a completely clean bill of health, which has been renewed every year when she has gone for her annual check up with her oncologist.
Just before the holidays, my mom found a lump. (Good heavens, how I hate that word.) It's in the same general area as where the lymphoma started.
Thankfully, she always has her check up in January. She saw her oncologist today, and while the doc was generally positive (all of Mom's bloodwork came back clear, as did her annual chest xray and other tests), she was concerned enough about the lump to book Mom for an urgent CAT scan (no date yet). If the scan shows anything questionable, then there will be biopsies and surgery.
My mom is an incredibly strong lady. However, one lasting effect of all the cancers and treatments has been that she deals with a lot of anxiety. Beyond the physical ramifications of facing the "Big C" again, I'm concerned that this could do a number on her emotionally.
Please send whatever prayers/good thoughts or vibes you can spare her way. Personally, I'm praying that she will get a quick date for the scan and that it will show something benign like a cyst or something. And that she can live without fear until those results come in.
Thanks Humble Readers... I appreciate it.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Week 21: Randomness Abounds
Good Evening Humble Readers,
It appears that winter is making a reappearance here on the un-frozen flatland. It's been so warm lately that I was beginning to wonder if our winter was only that couple of cold weeks in November. It's supposed to get down to -20C tonight, and next week we might even get some snow! Shocking! As much as I hate it, it is necessary. I know that the farmers will be in a state in a few months if we don't start getting some significant precipitation.
On a completely different note, this week is the beginning of a bit of a new experiment for my menu planning. In an attempt to change things up a bit, I decided that each week we will have one soup night, one sandwich night, and one meat-free night. I want to do this partly because I get tired of the same meat/starch/veg combos, but mostly to cut back on some of our meat consumption. Tonight was soup night, and I made mushroom barley soup which turned out pretty well, and I attempted to make some dinner rolls that didn't turn out at all (don't know what happened... my bread maker didn't mix the ingredients properly. Odd). Tomorrow is sandwich night and I'm making bbq beef sliders. I'm going to have to work on my supply of meat-free recipes. Any suggestions?
On to the update...
How far along? 21w0d
Maternity clothes? Yes, but not that I've been wearing any of them the last few days. Pjs and sweats have been the name of the game since I came down with this crud.
Body Oddities? dry skin, periods of extreme fatigue, alternating constipation and IBS flares, acne, bruises from insulin injections, back ache (I'm going to see my chiropractor next week), cracking joints, super sore & slightly leaky boobs, increased earwax (happened last time too), dry/itchy eyes. NEW THIS WEEK: nighttime leg cramps and the 'girls' have gotten significantly bigger (didn't happen last time)
Sleep? Much better. I'm still tired during the day, but I think I can attribute most of that to the crud. I don't feel the need to nap in the evenings any more and I'm able to sleep pretty much all night. Hopefully this trend will continue.
Best moment this week? Having a small burst of energy the other day and using it to go through our coat closet and sending a bunch of stuff to the thrift store.
Worst moment? Any moment that involves a coughing fit.
Movement? Lots. The Halfling has been doing a lot of flip-flopping. There doesn't seem to be a significant pattern yet, with movement coming at almost any time of day.
Food cravings/aversions? Nothing specific this week. I haven't been really hungry.
Rings? Still on, still loose
Gender? Not going to find out, although I am thoroughly planted in the she-hobbit camp. My Beloved has no inkling either way.
Intense Dreams? Lots. Many of them involve some sort of action (searching, hiding, running from someone, etc) or other intense situations. Then there are the odd ones that involve fictional characters (like Sheldon from Big Bang Theory... again). And the one that I told you all about a few days ago... where I saw the Halfling, kind of, and called her by name. I really liked that one.
Medical Concerns? Gestational Diabetes (insulin 5 times a day), High blood pressure (on 100mg of lobetalol 3x daily), continued heartburn (on 150mg of zan.tac 2x daily), kidney stones, continuing string of lousy colds
What I miss? Sushi, my favourite wine, and bladder control
What I look forward to? Feeling healthy, making progress on my organizational projects
Emotional State? Generally, I think I'm doing better. I get frustrated easily, but a lot of that is based on my physical state.
It appears that winter is making a reappearance here on the un-frozen flatland. It's been so warm lately that I was beginning to wonder if our winter was only that couple of cold weeks in November. It's supposed to get down to -20C tonight, and next week we might even get some snow! Shocking! As much as I hate it, it is necessary. I know that the farmers will be in a state in a few months if we don't start getting some significant precipitation.
On a completely different note, this week is the beginning of a bit of a new experiment for my menu planning. In an attempt to change things up a bit, I decided that each week we will have one soup night, one sandwich night, and one meat-free night. I want to do this partly because I get tired of the same meat/starch/veg combos, but mostly to cut back on some of our meat consumption. Tonight was soup night, and I made mushroom barley soup which turned out pretty well, and I attempted to make some dinner rolls that didn't turn out at all (don't know what happened... my bread maker didn't mix the ingredients properly. Odd). Tomorrow is sandwich night and I'm making bbq beef sliders. I'm going to have to work on my supply of meat-free recipes. Any suggestions?
On to the update...
How far along? 21w0d
Maternity clothes? Yes, but not that I've been wearing any of them the last few days. Pjs and sweats have been the name of the game since I came down with this crud.
Body Oddities? dry skin, periods of extreme fatigue, alternating constipation and IBS flares, acne, bruises from insulin injections, back ache (I'm going to see my chiropractor next week), cracking joints, super sore & slightly leaky boobs, increased earwax (happened last time too), dry/itchy eyes. NEW THIS WEEK: nighttime leg cramps and the 'girls' have gotten significantly bigger (didn't happen last time)
Sleep? Much better. I'm still tired during the day, but I think I can attribute most of that to the crud. I don't feel the need to nap in the evenings any more and I'm able to sleep pretty much all night. Hopefully this trend will continue.
Best moment this week? Having a small burst of energy the other day and using it to go through our coat closet and sending a bunch of stuff to the thrift store.
Worst moment? Any moment that involves a coughing fit.
Movement? Lots. The Halfling has been doing a lot of flip-flopping. There doesn't seem to be a significant pattern yet, with movement coming at almost any time of day.
Food cravings/aversions? Nothing specific this week. I haven't been really hungry.
Rings? Still on, still loose
Gender? Not going to find out, although I am thoroughly planted in the she-hobbit camp. My Beloved has no inkling either way.
Intense Dreams? Lots. Many of them involve some sort of action (searching, hiding, running from someone, etc) or other intense situations. Then there are the odd ones that involve fictional characters (like Sheldon from Big Bang Theory... again). And the one that I told you all about a few days ago... where I saw the Halfling, kind of, and called her by name. I really liked that one.
Medical Concerns? Gestational Diabetes (insulin 5 times a day), High blood pressure (on 100mg of lobetalol 3x daily), continued heartburn (on 150mg of zan.tac 2x daily), kidney stones, continuing string of lousy colds
What I miss? Sushi, my favourite wine, and bladder control
What I look forward to? Feeling healthy, making progress on my organizational projects
Emotional State? Generally, I think I'm doing better. I get frustrated easily, but a lot of that is based on my physical state.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Inspiration Needed!
Hey Humble Readers...
First, let me get something out of the way... Beloved, if you are reading this, STOP! COME BACK TOMORROW! THIS POST IS NOT FOR YOUR EYES! GO AWAY! NOW!!!!
Okay, back to my Humble Readers...
I am in need of some suggestions. I know it's early to be thinking about Valentine's Day, but it's an important day for my Beloved and I (the 6th anniversary of when we were matched on eHarm.ony) and while we can't afford to do something big and splashy, I do like to make a fancy meal for us each year. Because of our budgetary restrictions, I need to plan ahead for any out of the ordinary ingredients I might need.
I have chosen one part of the meal, but I seem to be working backward. Normally, I choose the main course, and then choose sides to go with it. This time around, I found what I think will be a great special occasion side dish, but I'm at a bit of a loss as to what to serve with it.
This is what I have found. It's simple yet elegant, in my opinion. And totally outside of our normal menu choices. And veggies to go along with it will be easy enough... oven roasted asparagus or broccoli, maybe with some sauteed mushrooms.
The thing is, I can't come up with a main dish to go along with it. The cooking program the recipe was featured on had it in a menu with penne with a lobster cream sauce but potatoes and pasta? That's too much starch for me, even if I wasn't diabetic. Not to mention, I have never cooked lobster, and I'm not quite ready to attempt that yet.
I'm not sure if I should go with more seafood (and if so, what? My experience cooking seafood is still rather limited), or if I should go with red meat (steaks, maybe?). I know I don't want chicken, because we eat that all too often... same goes for pork.
Ok readers, please put on your thinking caps. I want to plan this so that I can build it into the budget over the next few weeks.
First, let me get something out of the way... Beloved, if you are reading this, STOP! COME BACK TOMORROW! THIS POST IS NOT FOR YOUR EYES! GO AWAY! NOW!!!!
Okay, back to my Humble Readers...
I am in need of some suggestions. I know it's early to be thinking about Valentine's Day, but it's an important day for my Beloved and I (the 6th anniversary of when we were matched on eHarm.ony) and while we can't afford to do something big and splashy, I do like to make a fancy meal for us each year. Because of our budgetary restrictions, I need to plan ahead for any out of the ordinary ingredients I might need.
I have chosen one part of the meal, but I seem to be working backward. Normally, I choose the main course, and then choose sides to go with it. This time around, I found what I think will be a great special occasion side dish, but I'm at a bit of a loss as to what to serve with it.
 |
| Warm Potato Salad w/ Smoked Salmon & Dill Image courtesy of http://www.foodnetwork.ca/ |
The thing is, I can't come up with a main dish to go along with it. The cooking program the recipe was featured on had it in a menu with penne with a lobster cream sauce but potatoes and pasta? That's too much starch for me, even if I wasn't diabetic. Not to mention, I have never cooked lobster, and I'm not quite ready to attempt that yet.
I'm not sure if I should go with more seafood (and if so, what? My experience cooking seafood is still rather limited), or if I should go with red meat (steaks, maybe?). I know I don't want chicken, because we eat that all too often... same goes for pork.
Ok readers, please put on your thinking caps. I want to plan this so that I can build it into the budget over the next few weeks.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: The Road Goes Ever On and On
Howdy Humble Readers...
I'm sorry to say that your friendly neighbourhood hobbit is still under the weather. It's still primarily a cough (a gross sounding, smokers-like cough), although I have had brief stretches of a low grade fever which has caused me a little angst (didn't get to 101F, so I think I'm okay) and the cough has made it apparent that I don't have the bladder control that I used to. Ginny has also picked up a bit of the crud, a nasty cough and a runny nose, but that might just be teething.
*****
Despite the crud keeping me homebound this weekend, we did manage to get a few things done. We are officially unpacked from our trip (finally!). We were able to get all the Christmas decorations down (FINALLY!! I normally like to have them down by New Year's Day). Laundry is done, and we are in the process of figuring out a better storage system for Ginny's growing collection of toys. My to do list for this month has many organization projects on it, and I'm hoping that once I'm over this round of crud I'll be able to be more productive.
*****
The Halfling has been jumping around like crazy, particularly whenever I drink something cold. He/she seems to be awake more in the afternoons and evening. Oh, and he/she really doesn't like it when Ginny decides to use me as a climbing wall. Her little heels dig deep, and I guess the Halfling got a little pissed off because I got a pretty swift kick in return. Is this the beginning of sibling rivalry?
*****
I would normally hold this back for my weekly update, but I want to get this down now, before I forget more than I already have. I had a dream last night about the Halfling. It was more than a birth dream, although that was part of it. I saw her (and yes, it was a her), and yet I didn't. I have no clear picture of what she looked like, except that she was small, smaller than Ginny was at birth. I called her by name. She was sucking her thumb right after delivery. I'm pretty certain that she was delivered via c-section, although I'm not 100% sure. I just know that I was so very happy. And relieved. I woke from the dream shortly after seeing her in the hospital bassinett in my room, but I woke with a peaceful heart. It was a nice change from my other recent intense dreams.
*****
Today is one of my 'memory-dates'. One of those dates that is engraved on my brain. It's not a loss, or an EDD that never came. Instead, it's the date that this journey started. Today marks the 4th anniversary of us beginning down the road to building our family, the day that I took my last birth control pill. Our journey to get to this point hasn't been as long as some, but I'm thankful that this phase of our lives is slowly coming to a close, transitioning from a goal of getting/staying pregnant to something a little more future focussed. This road doesn't end, only changes direction, with new challenges and opportunities. As one of my kinfolk said...
I'm sorry to say that your friendly neighbourhood hobbit is still under the weather. It's still primarily a cough (a gross sounding, smokers-like cough), although I have had brief stretches of a low grade fever which has caused me a little angst (didn't get to 101F, so I think I'm okay) and the cough has made it apparent that I don't have the bladder control that I used to. Ginny has also picked up a bit of the crud, a nasty cough and a runny nose, but that might just be teething.
*****
Despite the crud keeping me homebound this weekend, we did manage to get a few things done. We are officially unpacked from our trip (finally!). We were able to get all the Christmas decorations down (FINALLY!! I normally like to have them down by New Year's Day). Laundry is done, and we are in the process of figuring out a better storage system for Ginny's growing collection of toys. My to do list for this month has many organization projects on it, and I'm hoping that once I'm over this round of crud I'll be able to be more productive.
*****
The Halfling has been jumping around like crazy, particularly whenever I drink something cold. He/she seems to be awake more in the afternoons and evening. Oh, and he/she really doesn't like it when Ginny decides to use me as a climbing wall. Her little heels dig deep, and I guess the Halfling got a little pissed off because I got a pretty swift kick in return. Is this the beginning of sibling rivalry?
*****
I would normally hold this back for my weekly update, but I want to get this down now, before I forget more than I already have. I had a dream last night about the Halfling. It was more than a birth dream, although that was part of it. I saw her (and yes, it was a her), and yet I didn't. I have no clear picture of what she looked like, except that she was small, smaller than Ginny was at birth. I called her by name. She was sucking her thumb right after delivery. I'm pretty certain that she was delivered via c-section, although I'm not 100% sure. I just know that I was so very happy. And relieved. I woke from the dream shortly after seeing her in the hospital bassinett in my room, but I woke with a peaceful heart. It was a nice change from my other recent intense dreams.
*****
Today is one of my 'memory-dates'. One of those dates that is engraved on my brain. It's not a loss, or an EDD that never came. Instead, it's the date that this journey started. Today marks the 4th anniversary of us beginning down the road to building our family, the day that I took my last birth control pill. Our journey to get to this point hasn't been as long as some, but I'm thankful that this phase of our lives is slowly coming to a close, transitioning from a goal of getting/staying pregnant to something a little more future focussed. This road doesn't end, only changes direction, with new challenges and opportunities. As one of my kinfolk said...
The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say. - Bilbo Baggins
(as quoted by J.R.R. Tolkien in LOTR: Fellowship of the Ring, CH. 1)
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)