Well, week 12 is just about over. That should mean the end of my 'morning sickness.' First of all, I have not been blessed with morning sickness, I have been blessed with 'all day sickness.' I have been told that means my hormone levels are wonderfully high and that the babies are anchored in tight. That is fine, of course, I am elated. I am also vomiting on a regular basis.
I have become a Zofran junkie. This is an anti-nausea medication that has been approved by the FDA for use in morning sickness. Now, while the FDA, my midwife and I think that this is a wonderful thing, my insurance company thinks otherwise. They want to keep me from becoming completely addicted and have limited my supply (for those of you wondering, no Zofran is not addicting this is just my eloquent use of sarcasm). For a week's supply, it is close to $100. No small potatoes, especially when you are taking it for several weeks at a time.
Now, I could get on my soap box and talk about stupidity of this. I could. Especially when the insurance company will freely give me drugs that are more harmful to the babies, which in the end could cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars instead of just hundreds of dollars... but I will refrain. I could talk about the conspiracy of the pharmaceutical companies and their manipulation of health care costs. But no, I can leave that for another time.
However, I am hoping that my 'all day sickness' is coming to an end in the next few weeks. It is eating into the kids' college fund. So today, it being the 'beginning of the end' I thought I would give it a try. No Zofran.
I made it an hour without taking the Zofran. And another 20 minutes before throwing up. The most frustrating thing is that that very expensive pill, ended up in the toilet.
Now you have heard my story- and yes I feel better.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
natural child birth
We went to the expectant parent fair this weekend at our local hospital. This was a time for 'daddy' to have his first exposure to the concept of what this whole "giving birth" thing will be like. We got to the see L&D rooms, nursery and postpartum area. Now, I am not saying that I am an expert on the matter, far from it, but fortunately I am a nurse, a real nurse.
There is a relatively strong possibility that I will have a C-section and I have been discussing this hubby. He jokingly says things like, "well I could make the incision, I am a doctor you know" and "I go out in the garden and see gross stuff all the time, I am a doctor, I can handle it." Well, I think that after getting a queasy stomach and a little flushed while touring the EMPTY L&D and baby areas, the doctor is coming to the realization that while his degree is very valued, he is not a real doctor. Sorry honey, but I think I will take the real thing. I love you anyways.
For those of you not on high speed, it is time to start considering getting it. Here is the first of many videos that will be coming your way in the future... Classic Bill Cosby. Take 10 mintues and have a great day!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFMVeZyhagI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_w-AG_yF1Uw
There is a relatively strong possibility that I will have a C-section and I have been discussing this hubby. He jokingly says things like, "well I could make the incision, I am a doctor you know" and "I go out in the garden and see gross stuff all the time, I am a doctor, I can handle it." Well, I think that after getting a queasy stomach and a little flushed while touring the EMPTY L&D and baby areas, the doctor is coming to the realization that while his degree is very valued, he is not a real doctor. Sorry honey, but I think I will take the real thing. I love you anyways.
For those of you not on high speed, it is time to start considering getting it. Here is the first of many videos that will be coming your way in the future... Classic Bill Cosby. Take 10 mintues and have a great day!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFMVeZyhagI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_w-AG_yF1Uw
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
who am I? who are you? Where am I? Where are my keys?
I am afraid I could do no better, especially in my current state of affairs. I have copied this from "view from the seat" a blog from one of my dear friends.
Recently, a friend was bemoaning her loss of memory. Recent, as in first noticed soon after she had an affirmative + sign on the home pregnancy test. Recent, as in even more intense since she was asked, “Do twins run in your family?” Many women believe that they become more forgetful during pregnancy: a new study by Australian researchers suggests that they are right - and that their memory can be significantly impaired for at least a year after giving birth.
Until recently, much of the evidence for pregnancy-related memory deficits was either anecdotal or based on subjective reports. The new study, published recently in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, is the first to assemble and analyze data from a wide range of scientific studies into the phenomenon.
The results indicate that the impairment - dubbed "baby brain" - is still evident a year after childbirth. Since none of the studies has extended beyond that time, scientists claim not to know how long the deficit continues.
Nor do scientists understand why a woman's memory should be impaired at such an important time, although several theories have been put forward. Luckily, readers of this blog are about to be on the front row of a scientific breakthrough: Baby brain is the fault of Albert Einstein.
It all has to do with the Law of the Conservation of Matter. Those with a scientific interest are well aware of this fundamental principle of physics: that matter cannot be created or destroyed in an isolated system (with apologies to Dr. Einstein for my abbreviated definition).Is there any better example of an isolated system that a gestating woman?
It boils down to this. As the baby, or in this case babies, grow in the mother’s uterus we have a veritable explosion of new cells. We’re talking placenta, lots of amniotic fluid, extra breast tissue, some additional fat stores, and last-but-not-least the piece-de-resistance – BABY. If we follow the laws of physics, and really what other choice do we have, there must be a counterbalancing diminution of cells within the isolated system. Enter into the equation the mother’s brain. Yes, it is official, mothers lose brain cells with every pregnancy. And the really bad news? They don’t come back (brain cells that is).This is why after a first pregnancy, new mothers note that they have more difficulty assembling all the items needed to leave the house; car keys are misplaced; and there is no recollection of a good night’s sleep. The second pregnancy results in more irretrievable brain cell loss. For instance, mothers feel an increasing need to write things down so that task won’t be forgotten (eg. “Wash face, brush teeth.” “Eat”) It is no coincidence that more post-it notes are sold to households with two or more children than to all the Fortune 500 companies combined. The problem is as with all home/office supplies, mothers can never find them once purchased. Somewhere in most family homes lies an enormous pile of post-it notes, tape, pencils, pens, and notepads. Meanwhile, we take phone messages by using a frozen chocolate chip to write on the side of the refrigerator.
By the third pregnancy the issue is noticeable even to strangers. When asked the expected date of arrival for the new baby, mothers awaiting the birth of number three have been known to say “2009.” Mothers cannot recall their own child’s name, resulting in the “litany of the sinners” frequently heard in homes everywhere, “Tommy, Michael, Jason, Fred, Chad, Alex…you know who you are! GET DOWN FROM THERE!” (Child’s name is actually “Joe, Jr.”) When leaving for vacation Moms no longer ask, “Did I unplug the coffee pot?” That’s a post first pregnancy level question. No, after #3 we hear, “It’s YOUR turn to count. They are all back there aren’t they?” I’m sure that third pregnancy syndrome was the cause of my niece Jessica being left at the picnic area after a long ago family gathering. Don’t panic, she was twelve at the time, but still…
For my friend, the news is nearly tragic. From a competent educator, recently enrolled in a prestigious PhD program, she will soon be reduced to attempting to deposit grocery coupons at the bank drive through and wandering mall parking structures hoping to locate her car by pushing the remote and hoping to hear a friendly chirp of the horn. With twins, she jumps directly into Level 2 brain cell loss.
To her husband, good-old “What’s His Name,” be proactive! Stock up on Post-It notes. Investigate whether infants can be microchiped at the vet’s office. And start wearing a name tag – who you are will soon be the least of her worries.
Recently, a friend was bemoaning her loss of memory. Recent, as in first noticed soon after she had an affirmative + sign on the home pregnancy test. Recent, as in even more intense since she was asked, “Do twins run in your family?” Many women believe that they become more forgetful during pregnancy: a new study by Australian researchers suggests that they are right - and that their memory can be significantly impaired for at least a year after giving birth.
Until recently, much of the evidence for pregnancy-related memory deficits was either anecdotal or based on subjective reports. The new study, published recently in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, is the first to assemble and analyze data from a wide range of scientific studies into the phenomenon.
The results indicate that the impairment - dubbed "baby brain" - is still evident a year after childbirth. Since none of the studies has extended beyond that time, scientists claim not to know how long the deficit continues.
Nor do scientists understand why a woman's memory should be impaired at such an important time, although several theories have been put forward. Luckily, readers of this blog are about to be on the front row of a scientific breakthrough: Baby brain is the fault of Albert Einstein.
It all has to do with the Law of the Conservation of Matter. Those with a scientific interest are well aware of this fundamental principle of physics: that matter cannot be created or destroyed in an isolated system (with apologies to Dr. Einstein for my abbreviated definition).Is there any better example of an isolated system that a gestating woman?
It boils down to this. As the baby, or in this case babies, grow in the mother’s uterus we have a veritable explosion of new cells. We’re talking placenta, lots of amniotic fluid, extra breast tissue, some additional fat stores, and last-but-not-least the piece-de-resistance – BABY. If we follow the laws of physics, and really what other choice do we have, there must be a counterbalancing diminution of cells within the isolated system. Enter into the equation the mother’s brain. Yes, it is official, mothers lose brain cells with every pregnancy. And the really bad news? They don’t come back (brain cells that is).This is why after a first pregnancy, new mothers note that they have more difficulty assembling all the items needed to leave the house; car keys are misplaced; and there is no recollection of a good night’s sleep. The second pregnancy results in more irretrievable brain cell loss. For instance, mothers feel an increasing need to write things down so that task won’t be forgotten (eg. “Wash face, brush teeth.” “Eat”) It is no coincidence that more post-it notes are sold to households with two or more children than to all the Fortune 500 companies combined. The problem is as with all home/office supplies, mothers can never find them once purchased. Somewhere in most family homes lies an enormous pile of post-it notes, tape, pencils, pens, and notepads. Meanwhile, we take phone messages by using a frozen chocolate chip to write on the side of the refrigerator.
By the third pregnancy the issue is noticeable even to strangers. When asked the expected date of arrival for the new baby, mothers awaiting the birth of number three have been known to say “2009.” Mothers cannot recall their own child’s name, resulting in the “litany of the sinners” frequently heard in homes everywhere, “Tommy, Michael, Jason, Fred, Chad, Alex…you know who you are! GET DOWN FROM THERE!” (Child’s name is actually “Joe, Jr.”) When leaving for vacation Moms no longer ask, “Did I unplug the coffee pot?” That’s a post first pregnancy level question. No, after #3 we hear, “It’s YOUR turn to count. They are all back there aren’t they?” I’m sure that third pregnancy syndrome was the cause of my niece Jessica being left at the picnic area after a long ago family gathering. Don’t panic, she was twelve at the time, but still…
For my friend, the news is nearly tragic. From a competent educator, recently enrolled in a prestigious PhD program, she will soon be reduced to attempting to deposit grocery coupons at the bank drive through and wandering mall parking structures hoping to locate her car by pushing the remote and hoping to hear a friendly chirp of the horn. With twins, she jumps directly into Level 2 brain cell loss.
To her husband, good-old “What’s His Name,” be proactive! Stock up on Post-It notes. Investigate whether infants can be microchiped at the vet’s office. And start wearing a name tag – who you are will soon be the least of her worries.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Twins update!
Well, this is what you really read this blog for.
We had our second appointment today and all is well. Our dates have been adjusted a little bit. The 40 week date by ultrasound is November 8th- which is 5 days sooner than originally thought. Now this would be the "due date" if we were having a 'singleton' (single baby birth). The twins will probably be born closer to October 10th, but as the midwife said, we will see how I am feeling and how my blood pressure and such is going. We may be able to go longer, but for now this is the target date. Can you believe that this is 6 months away??
Other good news- we were fortunate enough to hear one 'buga-boos' heart beat. That is great for this stage in the game! It was clipping along at 154. That was exciting. I was excited to hear that my hemoglobin levels (blood) were good (13.9). That means that I am not anemic- and at the time that it was taken, I had not started iron yet, so hopefully this reading will stay strong. I had lost one pound, but that was not a huge concern, I am sure I will catch up.
I want you all to know that we greatly appreciate all the prayers and good wishes that we have been receiving. I can feel that positive energy working and know that it is helping making our babies strong. We love all of you and are so excited to be sharing this stage of our lives with you.
Our next visit is May 12th, right after Mother's day. Tell your mom how much you love her, she worked hard to get you here!
We had our second appointment today and all is well. Our dates have been adjusted a little bit. The 40 week date by ultrasound is November 8th- which is 5 days sooner than originally thought. Now this would be the "due date" if we were having a 'singleton' (single baby birth). The twins will probably be born closer to October 10th, but as the midwife said, we will see how I am feeling and how my blood pressure and such is going. We may be able to go longer, but for now this is the target date. Can you believe that this is 6 months away??
Other good news- we were fortunate enough to hear one 'buga-boos' heart beat. That is great for this stage in the game! It was clipping along at 154. That was exciting. I was excited to hear that my hemoglobin levels (blood) were good (13.9). That means that I am not anemic- and at the time that it was taken, I had not started iron yet, so hopefully this reading will stay strong. I had lost one pound, but that was not a huge concern, I am sure I will catch up.
I want you all to know that we greatly appreciate all the prayers and good wishes that we have been receiving. I can feel that positive energy working and know that it is helping making our babies strong. We love all of you and are so excited to be sharing this stage of our lives with you.
Our next visit is May 12th, right after Mother's day. Tell your mom how much you love her, she worked hard to get you here!
Monday, April 13, 2009
my "new job"
I don't know if you know this about me, but I'm sensitive. I have sensitive skin, a sensitive stomach, a sensitive bladder- and I have always had a sensitive nose. Well, needless to say for those of you who have been pregnant, and here's a clue to those of you who have not, your sense of smell is very sensitive during pregnancy.
I have yet to find anything that truthfully eases this "malady." Air fresheners practically make it worse and most likely the "freshener" will not outlast the stink. It has been cumbersome to work closely with people, if you know what I mean. If you know any pregnant women, be nice to them and brush your teeth at every possible convenience and DO NOT wear cologne. Both of these things will help prevent the embarrassment of vomit showing up in the near future.
Well, Greg has decided that it is time to put this new trick to work. What better way to save up for the kids' college than for mom to get another job? Greg has decided to loan me out to the police station and airport to sniff out drugs. So watch out criminals! I will sniff out your cocaine, meth and any bomb making materials! Oh and by the way, tell you to go brush your teeth.
I have yet to find anything that truthfully eases this "malady." Air fresheners practically make it worse and most likely the "freshener" will not outlast the stink. It has been cumbersome to work closely with people, if you know what I mean. If you know any pregnant women, be nice to them and brush your teeth at every possible convenience and DO NOT wear cologne. Both of these things will help prevent the embarrassment of vomit showing up in the near future.
Well, Greg has decided that it is time to put this new trick to work. What better way to save up for the kids' college than for mom to get another job? Greg has decided to loan me out to the police station and airport to sniff out drugs. So watch out criminals! I will sniff out your cocaine, meth and any bomb making materials! Oh and by the way, tell you to go brush your teeth.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
My first pregnancy "injury"
Stretch marks, I hear they are coming (have some already). Flattened feet? Already have those. A body dysmorphed into something quite foreign to me- I can handle that.
I strained neck- I wasn't expecting that. It started out as a "crick" over a week ago. Then the vomiting started- that is what did it. My neck was hurting so badly I couldn't sleep or get comfortable at all. Ice, a little Tylenol, I knew it was going to need more than that.
Now, there are a few things in life that you want to avoid when seeing a healthcare professional. Phrases like, "I want the students to see this." "Let me go get my book." "We're going to name this (fill in your last name here)." Are definitely things that are better left unsaid. I just rendered my Chiropractor silent. Then during the examination a "well. no wonder that hurts."
After a few good 'pops,' some occipital massage and breathing followed by ice, ice and more ice, I am feeling much better. Long live alternative modalitites!
I strained neck- I wasn't expecting that. It started out as a "crick" over a week ago. Then the vomiting started- that is what did it. My neck was hurting so badly I couldn't sleep or get comfortable at all. Ice, a little Tylenol, I knew it was going to need more than that.
Now, there are a few things in life that you want to avoid when seeing a healthcare professional. Phrases like, "I want the students to see this." "Let me go get my book." "We're going to name this (fill in your last name here)." Are definitely things that are better left unsaid. I just rendered my Chiropractor silent. Then during the examination a "well. no wonder that hurts."
After a few good 'pops,' some occipital massage and breathing followed by ice, ice and more ice, I am feeling much better. Long live alternative modalitites!
Eating for two, er I mean three.
Ok. Somebody needed to warn me about this whole appetite thing.
Unfortunately, I have been quite nauseated and even had some vomiting, but thanks to the miracles of modern science, Zofran, the wonder drug of pregnancy is helping keep that in check (category B for those of you who would want to know). So much so, that a new side of Demara is coming out. The twin are a bad influence on me. I have not crossed a threshold into McDonald's Cracker Barrel or Zaxby's (it's a chicken place here in BG)- in many, many years. Now I am thinking of buying stock I eat there so much.
A plate 2/3's full of vegetables? Only if you count french fries. Lean protein? well, chicken fingers are cut leaner than bone in chicken right?
I have been pretty good at McD's- yogurt parfait, yummy. Oh, and a couple of apple pies.
Now before you start lighting up the comment board, this is not the only thing that I have been eating. It's just unusual that I would eat it at all. And telling me I need to eat healthier? Excuse me while I vomit on your shoes.
Unfortunately, I have been quite nauseated and even had some vomiting, but thanks to the miracles of modern science, Zofran, the wonder drug of pregnancy is helping keep that in check (category B for those of you who would want to know). So much so, that a new side of Demara is coming out. The twin are a bad influence on me. I have not crossed a threshold into McDonald's Cracker Barrel or Zaxby's (it's a chicken place here in BG)- in many, many years. Now I am thinking of buying stock I eat there so much.
A plate 2/3's full of vegetables? Only if you count french fries. Lean protein? well, chicken fingers are cut leaner than bone in chicken right?
I have been pretty good at McD's- yogurt parfait, yummy. Oh, and a couple of apple pies.
Now before you start lighting up the comment board, this is not the only thing that I have been eating. It's just unusual that I would eat it at all. And telling me I need to eat healthier? Excuse me while I vomit on your shoes.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
The journey begins
Is it an April fool's? Could twins really be in our future?
"Do twins run in your family?" the technician asks....
The ultrasound confirms it. Four little arm buds, four little leg buds, two little heads and two wonderful little beating hearts, in two separate sacs (fraternal twins, not identical).
No wonder I cannot eat anything, but have to eat all night to keep from getting sicker. All those hormones! Poor Greg. I am always asking, "honey can you get me this?" "Honey can you get me that?" "I think that I'm going to throw up!" There is actually no statement, just mad dashing to the bathroom.
So, for all of you that love us- this blog is for you.
We ask for your prayers. We have a long way to go. November is a long way off. I have a lot of baby(ies) left to build. All we want are healthy babies!
"Do twins run in your family?" the technician asks....
The ultrasound confirms it. Four little arm buds, four little leg buds, two little heads and two wonderful little beating hearts, in two separate sacs (fraternal twins, not identical).
No wonder I cannot eat anything, but have to eat all night to keep from getting sicker. All those hormones! Poor Greg. I am always asking, "honey can you get me this?" "Honey can you get me that?" "I think that I'm going to throw up!" There is actually no statement, just mad dashing to the bathroom.
So, for all of you that love us- this blog is for you.
We ask for your prayers. We have a long way to go. November is a long way off. I have a lot of baby(ies) left to build. All we want are healthy babies!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)