AUGUST 2008 ~ BUMP BUDDIES

[sharishu]

Tina and Marybeth-
I just saw your pics on photobucket. You both look AMAZING. Tina, I LOVE the curtains, really. When you said 'over the top' I was expecting loud kiddy designs, but what you have is beautiful. The crib also looks great.

Karen-
How did your second glucose load test go? Good luck, and keep us posted. Maybe you won't have to go to your 'sweeter's choice' class after all!

Boy, I have LOTS of time to write on the forum now . That's like 3 posts or so in the past 24 hours, and this is just the beginning of my bed rest! I looked on line and found some exercises to do while seated. Believe it or not, I was able to work up a bit of sweat with just arm exercises, ankle rolls, and pelvic tilts. And let's not forget the all-important kegels. At least I feel like I don't have to become a TOTAL beached whale. Once I meet with the docs at the high-risk clinic, I will know what type of walking exercises are safe for me. Till then, I'm playing it really safe. My husband has been really good, taking care of almost EVERYTHING, and doing the chores the way he thinks I'd do them. It's cute! He even lined up a LOT of toilet paper rolls across from the toilet so I wouldn't bend down to replace them myself. I laughed when I saw it, cuz he lined up about 10 of them!

Be well, all. Have a great day.
Shari

[2ndtimer]

Hi Everyone,
Shari, that's so sweet that your DH is taking such good care of you. Sometimes it is the little things that mean the most. My DH is has really improved in that area & I can tell he is really trying, too, but God bless him, he is just not a natural caregiver. I know it doesn't mean he doesn't care, but it just doesn't come naturally to him. Years ago when we were first married I got a bad case of strep throat & I can remember him waking me up from a high fever to tell me I would probably feel better if I went out for a walk at the park. Then a few years after that I got into a bad car wreck where I was out of work for about 2-3 months getting physical therapy -the first time I was able to go out for a short walk around the neighborhood I was taking babysteps & breaking into a sweat, feeling like I was going to pass out when he suggested that we go backpacking up in the mountains! So compared to all that, he's really come a long way with the empathy & caregiving but I know if I go on bedrest I can expect to be lying in bed hungry & bored with a filthy house. Thank goodness my sister is close by & my mother is retired.

Selter -On Friday night I babysat for my 4yo & 2yo nieces. They are very,very active girls who love to run & play & wrestle -you name it. I had a great time with them but I am still tired! I can only imagine how it is to run after a toddler fulltime. Just keep reminding yourself that this pregnancy is only a temporary state. My sister who also had rough pregnancies assures me that once the baby is born you almost immediately start to feel better &more like your old self.

Tina -I have to weigh in & agree with the group that you should really start resting more. You don't want to completely exhaust yourself. I also agree that the flight attendent was probably also having a bad day,but since when is that an excuse. When I'm having a bad day I can't take it out on clients. I'm starting to think that for several years now, rude service at the airport has just become standard.

Well, I better get back to things now. Hope everyone had a good weekend.
Take care,
Rebecca

[tryw8]

Hi everyone:

Shari - Thanks for the info that you Googled for me. When I had to return for the 2nd 3-hour glucose test, yes, I'm hoping that that I pass it rather than borderline it again. I don't want to repeat it one more time or to even take the class.

Tina - My DH is still trying to figure out what is wrong with my car. But it's always the case, when the auto mechanic is around operating the vehicle, it never acts up!

As for me, I had it really bad this second time around for the 3-hour glucose test. That glucola drink tasted worse than the first time. I had such difficulty trying to burp. That after taste was really yucky and I couldn't get rid of it even sipping water didn't do the trick. I think I went to pee every hour I waited for the blood draws too. I had my DH drop me off so that he could go window shopping. I didn't want him to wait with me. But I think since I hadn't eaten, I had these severe "stomach pains"/cramping. It lasted for about 4 hours. I couldn't figure it out if it was contractions, indigestion, constipations or just plain gas that just wouldn't release. It was so painful.

I'm finally okay now. Don't want to go there again. I'm glad that my DH came with me this time. I wouldn't be able to have driven in the condition I was in. Even when I finally got to eat, nothing would quiet my stomach down.

Take care everyone. I'll check in again later. DH and I are finally going to start shopping for the little one. I'm in my 7th month! Hooray!!!

-Karen

[dancinnancy]

Wow...have I missed a lot! I just spent the better part of an hour trying to catch up on our forum....I feel like I've been skipping class or something! So much going on with everyone, you're ALL in my prayers everynight & here's hoping for a smooth final trimester!

Had my glucose test last week (still don't know the results...assuming they're okay...at this point ignorance is bliss). I had a ton of b/w that day...thyroid, cbc, rhogam, and others. Ten minutes to go in the hour wait I started feeling fainty & VERY sick to my stomach...I pulled through okay, but it was touch and go there for a while. I think the orange sugary soda drink was way too much for me at 9 in the morning.

Having more round ligament pains these days, specifically since I hit 28 weeks. Feeling more and more tired as well. I guess that's why they call the 2nd trimester the 'honeymoon' period!

DH & I are thrilled to be in the month of JUNE! We're both teachers, and we can see the light at the end of the tunnel - we're done with work on the 26th. The timing couldn't be better, I'm sure a that point I'll truly need to sit myself down & rest rest rest! Not to mention the fact that my school does not have air conditioning & my room is on the 2nd floor & the sun bakes through my wall of windows the entire day every day. Thankfully the weather has cooperated so far, not much in terms of humidity & it's been in the high 60s to mid 70s which is perfect! The comments about my belly from my students have been hysterical! I have all of the grades K-5 (Art) & the majority of the funny comments are from the younger kids..."When do you get the baby?" "Who's going to take care of it?" "There must be one BIG baby in there!" You have to love their honesty!

I have two showers coming up this month...they're actually in the same week! I have a work shower on the 18th and my family shower on the 21st. We've also got a wedding this coming Saturday, and the following weekend is my niece Lea's 3rd b-day party. Busy bees! Anyone else find great joy in checking their registry (on a daily basis) to see what's been purchased so far?? I know I shouldn't do it, it's such a guilty pleasure ... but it's so much fun! I never checked in on my wedding registry this much!

[MBG]

Wow...I have been gone for a few days and look at all that has happened!!!

Shari: I am so sorry to hear about your scare and very happy to hear you are doing better now!! Are you on strict bedrest or modified bedrest?
I keep waiting for my doc to do something....it is getting harder and harder to make it through a complete work day!!

Thank goodness for comuters! You can at least stay in touch with the rest of the world and keep yourself preoccupied! I might be dangerous on bedrest.....shopping would be too easy!!!! Glad to hear your DH is such a wonderful caregiver! I know that has to take a huge amount of stress off of you!! Take it easy!!!

Tina: LOVE LOVE LOVE the curtains!! They are adorable! Also, you look fabulous!! I will send more pics of the nursery soon. I just ordered our matching crib today, and the artist came over to discuss the canvas's I want to hang over the changing table......it is looking like everything should be in place by the end of this month....keeping my fingers crossed!!
I do not have many walls to fill. Two walls are windows, one is a built in book case (via my nifty DH) and the 4th houses the changing table (which will have the 3 canvas's hanging above). Do you have a theme?

Seltzer: Sorry to hear about the issues you are having with your DP. I read somewhere that women become mothers when they get pregnant but men do not become fathers until their children are born....however, I would think your DP would be more sensitive seeing as how she gave birth to your first child! I know it can be lonely and depressing when your significant other does not meet your emotional expectations!! Hang in there! You have us to vent to anytime you want!!!

Karen and Rebecca: I unfortunately got the phone call from my doc on Friday. They said I was slightly elevated so, I am scheduled for the marathon testing tomorrow morning. I do not know what my level was for the first test, I will ask during my appointment tomorrow. I am not looking forward to spending 3 hours at the doctors!!! I am hopeing for positive results, as I really do not want to fail the marathon test only to have to take it again!!! Oh well...it is what it is..just going to have to play the wait and see game. How long did it take your doc to back to you with your 2nd tests?

I had my 2nd shower this past Saturday! Again it was so much fun!! I can't wait for you all to have your showers! I have enjoyed these showers much more than my wedding showers...it is just so sweet getting little goodies for my little ones!!! We are just about set on everything we need to start out with! I have a few things left on my registry, but nothing that is that expensive! Everyone was sooooo generous!!! It really is heart warming to know how many people out there care about us and our little ones!!!

DH and I are taking a relaxtion during birth class tommorrow night...will keep you posted as to how it goes!!

Take care everyone!!!

Marybeth

[sharishu]

Hello All,
I had a LOOONG and emotionally trying day yesterday. I was at the medical center for 4 hours. I saw the nurse, high risk doctor, Gest. D. nurse and Gest. D. dietician. I am being treated for GD. Even though technically I don't fit the criterion, I was informed that my one high glucose number (199 ) is high enough to be cause for treatment. I started with my finger pricks and GD diet. So far, my numbers have been good (TG). The high risk doc found my cervix to be a bit longer than what they found in the hospital, but he still said that it's shorter than they'd like, and concurred with the bed rest recommendation. Overall, the news wasn't awful, just a lot to take in in one day (esp. the GD stuff).

MBG,
I have to say, your posts always make me smile. You are the most cheerful momma going, which can't be easy with 2 little cuties on board! Seems like you're doing something right! To answer your question, I guess I am on modified bedrest, though not sure the difference between strict and modified. I am not allowed to do any standing exercises, but I am allowed to go out of the house for brief periods, as long as no major activity is involved (read: medical appts., mainly! ). I don't have to lie flat the whole day, but no lifting or bending down for me. A good friend from work is getting married at the end of June, and I'd love to get permission from my doctor to go even if it's just for the ceremony, to sit there and see her get married. I guess I'll have to convince him that I'll be a good girl. Well, we'll see.

Be well, ladies. Have a great day.
Shari

[MBG]

Shari: you are sweet. It sounds like you are on modified bedrest. I am sure if you do as you are told, your doc will allow you to go to your friends wedding! Enjoy your time off from work and try to get as much rest as possible.

I am currently undergoing my glucose marathon test. i have made it one hour.....only 2 more to go! At least they have free wi-fi so I have something to do to pass the time!!

Marybeth

[2ndtimer]

Hi Everyone,
Marybeth -that's good that you can bring your computer to the MD office. I brought a book & my lunch so I could start eating the second I was done. I've read that the majority of women who fail the 1 hour test pass the 3 hr test, so you probably don't have much to worry about. I'm also looking forward to my showers -family/friends on 6/20/08 & work shower on 7/18/08.
Shari -in case no one told you, be sure to stick the side of your fingertip, not the middle. You have way less nerve cells on the side. I still haven't ordered my glucometer, I need to do that today. I get a free one through my insurance. I just had to sign up for the diabetes program first, which was not a big deal since I work for the insurance company -I just called up my co-worker who is the diabetes nurse educator and she got the whole thing arranged. I go to nutrition class next Monday. I also have my first baby class this Sunday afternoon & a meet/greet with the pediatrician office next week.
On top of all that, I think I've mentioned that I'm changing jobs in the company. I had a pregnancy-induced hormonal moment where I decided that I hated my job and demanded that they let me change to something else about a month ago. Maybe not the best time to make a major change. Right now I call people after they are discharged from the hospital to see how they are doing & if they have any ?'s. I end up doing a lot of counseling about diet/medications/smoking cessation/signs of infection, etc. Some days I call 20 people & have 20 people hang up on me as soon as they hear I'm calling from the insurance company, and other days I spend time talking to everyone I call. A five minute conversation can lead to 45 minutes of charting -it's very tedious at times and management changes up my workflow sometimes on a weekly basis. I'm going to a job where I just review to approve hospital admissions. Well, since I've had time to reflect I still think it will be a good change for me -I'll be able to start work at 7:00 and be finished by 3:30 to 4:00 which will work out much better with the baby. Plus, it's a far more cut & dry(easier) so that will be better for me when I'm sleep deprived from night time feedings. So for the next 2 weeks I'll be doing both jobs & going into the office everyother day for training. It's going to be a long 2 weeks but I think it will all be for the best.
So speaking about work -I guess I better get back to it.
Talk to you all later,
Rebecca

[sharishu]

Rebecca,
Thanks for the tip on pricking the side of my finger! At the GD center they did NOT tell me about that, but it's much better. Yesterday was my first full day of diet + finger pricks, and so far so good. Numbers within normal limits. I guess the most challenging part is making sure to keep track of exactly when I started the meal and remembering to do the prick exactly one hour later. By dinner, I figured out that setting an alarm clock/timer was the best way. Lots of luck with your GD tracking, and also on the start of your new job duties. Hope it all goes smoothly for you!

Marybeth,
Good luck on your 3-hour test! Hope it's negative, keep us posted!

Have a great day everyone!

Shari

[seltzer]

Hi everyone- I am totally exhausted but wanted to pop in and say "hi."

To all of you who responded to my issues with DP - thank you for your kind words and support. It's amazing how a little support goes a long way. It was nice to have you guys understand how I feel & even defend me. DP and I are working on these issues that have been occurring recently...I need to work on my patience/tolerance I guess. Who knows! Now that I'm majorly preggo I cannot (and don't want to) deal with any crap.

Shari - sorry to hear about the GD, but good thing you are on the regimen for it. Better safe than sorry, & you're almost done w/the pregnancy anyway. Gotta love the curveballs, huh (not)?!

Rebecca - your post about your unempathic DH cracked me up...sounds just like DP. Ugh. Yes, one would think a woman might be more caring and empathic (esp. one who's had a baby), but not this particular woman, LOL. Most men I have known are more sensitive, no joke. You got that right about kids exhausting you (RE your nieces). They are fun but exhausting...esp. when you're carrying one around inside you at the same time! Good luck with your new job when the time finally comes. It sounds like less of a pain with not having to chart stuff.

Well I must run. Like I said, I am so wiped out lately. Totally exhausted. I have my shower on June 29. Childbirth classes are Thursday nights for 6 weeks...it's hard sitting in a regular, uncomfortable chair for 2 hours. Random thoughts...anyway, take good care, everyone.

[tinaO]

Hi - I wanted to pop in and say "hello" to all of you. Things have been crazy and not in a good way. I had to fly home early from my trip this week because my mother fell and broke her ankle. Long story, but she has Multiple Sclerosis and has had it for about 22 years so she is not in good shape to begin with and this has always been our fear that she would break something. She broke both her tibia and her fibula, so it is quite the mess. She is in a temp cast for now, but we are meeting today with the ortho surgeon to determine what needs to be done. Thank God for my husband. He has literally saved the day for me. He has just stepped up and taken control and helped me with everything - doing most of it himself. My mom has to be picked up and put into her wheelchair as clearly I can't do that and he just does it. He is helping me coordinate the home health workers and yesterday when I broke down and was bawling over it all at work, he quickly went over to my mom's place (she lives in a retirement home) and then proceeded to call me 30 min later after picking my mom up and putting her in her wheelchair and said he and my mom were in the dining room enjoying shrimp scampi, so I needed to chill out. It was so sweet. He spoke with the nurse and therapist from the home health care agency and is just stepping up and doing so much for me. I am just so grateful to have him right now. My dad passed away about 10 years ago and I have one brother (who typically leaves all of this to my husband and I to handle), so having my husband take care of so much right now is just amazing. We cancelled our trip to Denver this weekend for his friend's wedding and my husband said I just need to take it easy and let's deal with my mom's situation right now. I am just so exhausted from the travel last week and this week and then all of this happening. I am relieved to be staying at home now and can chill out and get my mom all set up. Anyway, I will try to pop back in soon, but know I am thinking of all of you and wishing you the best.

Love to all of you....

Tina

[sharishu]

Tina,
So sorry to hear about your mom! I will pray that she has a speedy recovery from her fall and that she is feeling better soon. It sounds like you have had a trying week to say the least. I am soooo happy your husband is the type that can take charge and handle the situation. It is a trait that I'm sure you appreciate EVEN more now that you are pregnant, when you must rely on him physically and emotionally to a greater extent than before. That is a true blessing. How are you feeling today? I hope things are calming down in your family and that you are getting your much needed rest.

I had the tiniest amount of yellowish brownish spotting when I wiped this morning, so I am trying not to lift anything heavier than tissues right now. DH is whipping the house into shape for the Sabbath, plus we have another holiday coming up on Sunday night (Shavuot). That holiday is usually laden with dairy treats such as cheese cake, souffle, lasagna etc., but with my GD diet, I am doing none of that this year. The dietician told me that until I see her again, absolutely no sweets/major fats for me for (at least) two weeks. My blood sugar values have been great. It's amazing to see how the diet really keeps lowering the numbers by a few points each day, and I want to keep it that way.

Karen and Rebecca,
Hope your GD tracking and diets are going smoothly. All the best!

Have a great weekend everyone!
Shari

[2ndtimer]

Hi Everyone,
Tina, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. Thank goodness your husband is such a good guy & stepped up to manage the situation. I hope she has a speedy recovery. Don't forget to take care of yourself too!
Shari, it sounds like you've been a good girl with the diet & bedrest! I haven't had any concentrated sweets since the diagnosis & I think I've been pretty good with avoiding the fats, too. FYI for you & Karen -I've found all kinds of sugar free/diet/diabetic treats at the grocery store. My favorite is the sugar free dark chocolate raspberry Jello pudding. SouthBeach & Snackwells also have some good cookies.

Hope everyone else is doing well. It's hot as you know what here, the temp is supposed to reach 100 for the next 3 days and we also have high humidity.
Take Care,
Rebecca

[tryw8]

Shari & Rebecca:

I go in to see my OB/GYN early this afternoon for my weekly heartbeat checks, BP and weigh-in. I'll get the results of the repeat 3-hour glucose test then.

I'll write back to keep you posted.

Karen

[MBG]

Tina: I am so sorry to hear about your mother. You are VERY lucky to have such a loving helpful dh! Let him continue to help you emotionally and physically. He obviously loves you VERY much!! I hope your mom has a speedy recovery.


I heard back from the doctor today...bad news...I do indeed have gestational diabetes! I have an appointment to meet with a dietician on Monday. I am a littel depressed, but trying not to stress over it. I will keep you all posted as to how the appointment goes.

Marybeth