The Saga STILL Continues
So, after getting out of the hospital, I stayed home less than 48 hours before going back. That was exciting, in a thoroughly uncomfortable sort of way.
Turns out that in addition to (or perhaps because of) Mothra and Moraxella the Infections of Doom, I now have asthma. It might be temporary; that's pretty common in pregnancy. But it's probably been complicating things, and hit hard a few days ago. When I went back in, I couldn't really talk or walk much (one woman kept asking why I hadn't gone to A&E instead; erk?). They gave me lots of steroid antihistamines to clear out my lungs and a shiny new inhaler to use twice a day (the old inhaler--heh, all of three weeks old--is now the relief one) to help keep things under control in the future. Stayed in for another three nights and just got released today.
For those of you who'd been concerned/interested...it was prednisone they put me on. It wasn't a decision made lightly, I did some research and talked to several doctors (including Mom, who I woke up at 3am, yikes, poor Mom) first. It was a short oral dose though (finishes tomorrow), and brief enough that it shouldn't hurt the baby, especially at this stage. So hopefully no harm done. And there's no denying its effect on me was dramatically good. The difference between morning-me and evening-post-prednisone-me was astonishing. Breathing! It's a great habit! Anyway, I think spare me the horror/worry stories, please, because unfortunately it's a done deal now. Ultimately, there wasn't much choice; my other options were few, and it wasn't going to do anyone any good if I couldn't breathe decently. Or even half-decently. Edit: Actually, I was wrong! It's Prednisolone they put me on, which is similar but not quite the same thing. Huh.
Speaking of the baby, I got a super-quick ultrasound while I was in just so they could check on it. Not only is the baby's heartbeat entirely healthy, it's, and I quote, "Dancing around like Michael Flatley." If Riverdance is still around when it's old enough to join, career sorted.
So I'm back home again. I have a new normal to get adjusted to. Theoretically I was supposed to go back to work today; appointment with my GP tomorrow to talk about when that's actually likely to happen, and to get All The Letters to send to work, the gym, and United Airlines. That's a nifty detail; Mom is coming to see us! She was heading out to Germany to visit my bro anyway, and Chris' parents are going out of town for two weeks, which is tiring at the best of times, which these manifestly aren't. In addition to everything that's been going on with me, Chris was left largely alone to single-parent Robin, who of course decided it was the perfect time to get several ear infections and have two nights where she threw up. Gyaaaaah poor Chris. So we're really relieved Mom is coming to lend a hand. Plus, grandmother time for Robin. Yay! And if my GP sends United a letter explaining what's up with me, they won't charge her for the ticket change. Yay again.
I say this a lot, but it deserves repeating: DEAR GOD I am so lucky to live here. In the States I would now be very broke and very fired. Instead I've been well taken care of in the hospital, and my job is super-supportive and determined that I be completely healthy before coming back. It's fricking amazing. Thank you, taxes; I will happily pay you forever.
Turns out that in addition to (or perhaps because of) Mothra and Moraxella the Infections of Doom, I now have asthma. It might be temporary; that's pretty common in pregnancy. But it's probably been complicating things, and hit hard a few days ago. When I went back in, I couldn't really talk or walk much (one woman kept asking why I hadn't gone to A&E instead; erk?). They gave me lots of steroid antihistamines to clear out my lungs and a shiny new inhaler to use twice a day (the old inhaler--heh, all of three weeks old--is now the relief one) to help keep things under control in the future. Stayed in for another three nights and just got released today.
For those of you who'd been concerned/interested...it was prednisone they put me on. It wasn't a decision made lightly, I did some research and talked to several doctors (including Mom, who I woke up at 3am, yikes, poor Mom) first. It was a short oral dose though (finishes tomorrow), and brief enough that it shouldn't hurt the baby, especially at this stage. So hopefully no harm done. And there's no denying its effect on me was dramatically good. The difference between morning-me and evening-post-prednisone-me was astonishing. Breathing! It's a great habit! Anyway, I think spare me the horror/worry stories, please, because unfortunately it's a done deal now. Ultimately, there wasn't much choice; my other options were few, and it wasn't going to do anyone any good if I couldn't breathe decently. Or even half-decently. Edit: Actually, I was wrong! It's Prednisolone they put me on, which is similar but not quite the same thing. Huh.
Speaking of the baby, I got a super-quick ultrasound while I was in just so they could check on it. Not only is the baby's heartbeat entirely healthy, it's, and I quote, "Dancing around like Michael Flatley." If Riverdance is still around when it's old enough to join, career sorted.
So I'm back home again. I have a new normal to get adjusted to. Theoretically I was supposed to go back to work today; appointment with my GP tomorrow to talk about when that's actually likely to happen, and to get All The Letters to send to work, the gym, and United Airlines. That's a nifty detail; Mom is coming to see us! She was heading out to Germany to visit my bro anyway, and Chris' parents are going out of town for two weeks, which is tiring at the best of times, which these manifestly aren't. In addition to everything that's been going on with me, Chris was left largely alone to single-parent Robin, who of course decided it was the perfect time to get several ear infections and have two nights where she threw up. Gyaaaaah poor Chris. So we're really relieved Mom is coming to lend a hand. Plus, grandmother time for Robin. Yay! And if my GP sends United a letter explaining what's up with me, they won't charge her for the ticket change. Yay again.
I say this a lot, but it deserves repeating: DEAR GOD I am so lucky to live here. In the States I would now be very broke and very fired. Instead I've been well taken care of in the hospital, and my job is super-supportive and determined that I be completely healthy before coming back. It's fricking amazing. Thank you, taxes; I will happily pay you forever.