One thing I appreciate about the blogs I take time to read is the honesty with which they are written. No rose-colored glasses or watered down truths about parenting or pregnancy or life. In the same vein, I've tried to make this blog a place that readers can know the nitty gritty about us (whats appropriate of course) while also celebrate our joys and successes. In that mindset, let me tell you about bed rest...
So for the past 3 weeks or so, I've been having daily, sometimes constant headaches that range from mildly annoying to pretty intense. As someone with a chronic pain disorder, I think I have a pretty high tolerance for pain overall and can usually get by without people noticing. I've also gotten fairly frequent headaches for years so this was not something new. However, headaches during pregnancy, especially the end of pregnancy, can be a symptom that something is wrong so I felt that I had to mention it to my OB. Headaches and high blood pressure often signal preeclampsia, so while my blood pressure has been good she ordered some tests as a precaution. Some blood work came back elevated so she had me do a 24-hour urine collection over the weekend to test for elevated protein. These urine collection contraptions were clearly designed by men and while I've gotten pretty skilled at peeing in a cup over the past 9 months, it was a difficult undertaking to say the least. Too much information? Sorry.
I was told to "rest" while we waited for results. I kept up with things around the house but tried to not be overly active, though I did have some last minute Christmas shopping to finish up. Its a good thing I got that done, too, because Monday when I called to find out my results, I was put on bed rest. My blood work was still slightly elevated though not concerning but the protein levels in my urine where high. Thankfully, they were not high enough to indicate preeclampsia and my blood pressure was still good so that was ruled out, but as a precaution and to take any unnecessary pressure off my body, I've been put on bed rest until this baby arrives. Meaning, I'm supposed to sit/lie at a 45degree angle and only get up to use the bathroom. Let me tell you -- its not as glamorous as it sounds. Not only is it *slightly* boring (how much reading and tv watching can someone do day after day?) but I feel completely useless and guilty for making my wonderful husband take care of himself, me, and the house. It only took me 2 days to have a breakdown about this and while I've come to accept it now, it hasn't been easy. Geoff has served me lovingly and been such an encouragement, and helps remind me that my job right now is to take care of this little one- the dusting and floor scrubbing can wait. This experience has also pointed out some of the pride in my heart as I've struggled to accept help from others... wanting to maintain my independence... and feeling inadequate as I lay around all day. However, God has reminded me to find the joy in every circumstance, to be thankful for this time of rest, this quiet and calm time with my husband, and especially for a job that allows Geoff to mostly work from home right now so he can keep me in line :)
I know that many have been on bed rest for a lot longer than 3-4 weeks and I don't want to minimize that, or make myself out to be some kind of martyr, as if I'm looking for pity or anything. I simply wanted to share whats been going on with us as we approach the end of this pregnancy journey, and to also remind myself in writing of the goodness of God so that I don't forget later on. And well, I've got lots of time on my hands right now so what else is there to do?!
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