A post from Kelli–
If you’ve been reading my posts lately, you are well aware I’m pregnant! While I’m so fortunate to be carrying a lovely bundle of super active joy, it was a bit of a struggle getting to this point–you can read about that here– https://www.joscountryjunction.com/baby-update-and-a-little-backstory-actually-quite-a-backstory/. And while I’m fortunate to have been able to get pregnant, it has been hard. I hate admitting that and I don’t want to complain because I know that there are so many out there that would love to be in my shoes, but it has been hard!
If you went to our retreat back in August, we let the news slip. You might have remembered that I was kind of a Debbie Downer, didn’t really want to eat, was super tired, all those kinds of things. Unfortunately it hasn’t improved much. From almost the day I was exactly 6 weeks I’ve been sick. I’ve been taking Unisom nightly with a little bit of relief, but not a whole lot. I’ve also tried eating, not eating, timing when I eat, Seabands (Accupressure), ginger suckers, different drinks, altering my sleep/wake schedule, eating certain kinds of foods, eating anything I could keep down–pretty much anything and everything! I wasn’t able to make any sense of it or figure out any rhyme or reason as to why I was sick. The only thing I noticed was that if I worked an overnight and got off on my Unisom, I would end up sick for sure.
At a prenatal appointment, I was prescribed Phenergan which is an anti nausea med, but it made me super sleepy, so that wasn’t really the best idea when I needed to work or drive. I had also been taking B6 in addition to my Unisom, but when the pills were cut, they had a horrible taste which often ended in puking too. So I’ve just kept pushing through, eating lots of crackers, ice cream, and whatever else I could keep down….or thought I might be able to keep down.
I’m at the point right now where I end up having appointments every month. For the last two months, I’ve ended up needing to schedule additional appointments. TMI (Too Much Information) but I ended up with a horrible yeast infection one month that wouldn’t go away, and of course, I can’t take Diflucan which would have help immensely because it’s contraindicated in pregnancy. And then this past week happened.
I started feeling a little off on the 9th. I woke up with a sore throat, but didn’t really think too much of it. I had a lot of stuff going on and it’s soon going to be winter. It kind of goes with the territory in Iowa. By Sunday, I just figured that I’d be getting a cold soon. I tried drinking extra water because my throat was really dry too, but I had a day planned with Mom to go see the play that Kayla was the assistant director at and didn’t want to miss it.
By Monday the 12th, I knew something more was up. I was scheduled at the nursing home, but would be working in the office and doing the December schedule, so I didn’t have to be in at a specific time. Because I work at the hospital, I was able to call Occupational Health and get orders to have a throat culture done free of charge to see if I had strep throat. When I went in, I was pretty sure that was the case because really, it was just my throat…and it hurt really bad!
I got swabbed–Which is always a ton of fun–but it was negative. I was a little bummed because I knew that if it was positive, I could get some antibiotics and be on my way, out of commission for a day or two, but it was manageable. Since it was negative, that likely meant it was some kind of virus….with an unexpected timeline. But I was off to work at the nursing home. I stayed in my little office and stayed away from the residents and as many employees as I could.
Tuesday when I woke up, I definitely didn’t feel better, but I was scheduled to work at the hospital, so off I went. After a few hours and getting my first med pass done, I could tell that me being at the hospital was not a good idea–For me or my patients! I ended up having these horrible coughing fits and would cough up some blood tinged spit. Two of the girls looked at my throat and agreed that a raw bloody throat was less than ideal. Luckily I was able to find another nurse (Thanks Jenny!) to come in and cover the rest of my shift. I called over to the clinic and was able to get in relatively soon!
My new secondary OB provider (since I’ve been seeing her between all my OB appointments with my never ending issues) reviewed my strep results and ran some blood work. She could tell I was definitely not feeling good at all. Since I was continuing to have nausea issues and a hard time keeping up with fluids because of the puking and sore throat, she sent me over to get fluids and IV Zofran.
I got checked in, IV started, blood drawn, and was able to catch a little nap before it was time to head home with encouragement to rest and push fluids. While pushing fluids while feeling like you are swallowing razor blades every time you swallow is less than ideal, so is getting admitted to the hospital, so I was determined to tough it out! My blood work came back within reason, so there was no need for any further medications because my infection was not bacterial.
When I woke up Wednesday… I was well aware that things were getting worse. Being a nurse, I know that a virus can’t really be treated with anythign but rest and fluids, I had just planned on hanging on the couch. I knew going to work that night wasn’t going to be happening, so after calling in, I went back to sleep. Mom messaged me and told me that I should go back in if I wan’t feeling better. I hemmed and hawed and went back to sleep. Kalissa then messaged me and asked how I was feeling. I gave her the lousy report. I told her of my resting and fluid drinking plans and she was less than happy. She asked me if my kid was feeling that crappy, would I take them in to get them checked out? I told her that I surely would. She told me to pack my crap and get to the doctor. Guess I couldn’t argue that one?!?!
Our hospital’s urgent care opens at 4 pm. I got there right at that time and was number 4 in line to register. Ugh! I grabbed my mask and found the chair farthest away from everyone. I also tried to contain my coughing and constant nose blowing, which pretty much had me standing in the hallway away from everyone else.
Apparently if you try to be seen in Urgent Care and tell them that you get out of breath with activity and when you start coughing, you feel dizzy like you are going to pass out, you get a pass straight to the ER instead.
I got switched over and was seen right away. They kid a quick check on the baby and after getting the bedside ultrasound, confirmed that everything was okay with the baby. After that, my blood pressure defintely dropped a bit. I suppose 110/63 is a bit better than 148/90-something! Kalissa stopped by on her break from clinicals and Mom and Dad stopped by on their way back from Rochester. They drew some blood to check for Mono and swabbed me for Influenza. Then it was back to fluids and Zofran!
All my tests came back negative, which again is good, but hard because there aren’t any real answers. The Dr came to the conclusion that it was pretty much the adult version of Croup. Because it was a virus and I am preggo, there really isn’t much that can be done except for Tylenol, Ibuprofen for a few days, fluids, a vaporizer and rest. I am lucky enough to have some awesome co-workers that pulled together to cover my shifts and some awesome ER nurses that even took my Dr. note up to my department for me so I didn’t have to walk it over.
Thursday I could tell that I was on the upside. By Friday, I was able to sit upright for the majority of the day. Saturday, I realized that sitting up and being functional at home (staying awake for more than 1 or 2 hours at a time) was quite different that going out and doing things in public. I hit up a local craft show and found some awesome things! Then I headed up to Mom’s because KARL CAME HOME! Sunday I was still a bit tired.
Monday I was lots better. I still had a cough and sore throat. I also get a bit winded if I try to talk and walk at the same time. For the most part though, I feel so much better!
Throughout all of this, I have continued to remind Jason it’s a good thing that he doesn’t want 10 kids, because after this pregnancy, 10 surely isn’t going to happen. Mom also reminds me that each pregnancy can be different. I just keep telling myself that as sick as I am, and as much as I complain, I’m so thankful that I was blessed with this lovely little active nugget. I’ll take being sick any day–although my PTO bank is less accommodating, I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world!
Oh you poor girl. I do feel for you. Keep positive though (which I know you will). Fingers crossed that your suffering will soon end and your pregnancy can proceed more smoothly.
Yes, listen to your Mama. Every pregnancy IS different, just as every child is different!
Keeping you in my prayers.
I fell for ya, Kelli!! March will be here soon!! Take care.
Oh Kelli! So sorry you are so sick! I am glad you seem to be getting better, but please don’t push it. Rest and sleep. The more you can sleep, the less time you can “feel” the sickness part, right? (Plus, you are healing…) I will keep you in my prayers. I hope too, that your nausea subsides and you can find things to eat/drink that are enjoyable.
So sorry you’re having such a hard time! Some pregnancies are so easy and others are just the opposite! Hope you’re feeling better by now and March will come .
Oh Kelli! So sorry you’ve been through so much! Hang in there and keep doing your best to take care of yourself and the ‘little guy’!
Oh Kelli I feel so sorry for you. I’ll keep you in my prayers for smooth sailing going forward but please rest!!!!
I’m sorry you’re struggling with not feeling well in so many forms! By way of semi-encouragement, a gal at church had hyper-emesis from month two until the end (she had twins) and was on bed rest. She ate almost exclusively waffles because it was what she could keep down. Her husband made a batch almost every day and left them in a cooler next to her bed! She worried about that diet and being sick a lot. Outcome? She hates waffles now, but has two healthy, active daughters who are in high school. Hang in there.
Sorry to hear that you are having a tough time with this pregnancy, but happy to hear that the baby is doing fine. You have probably already seen this, but there might be some good ideas in this article.
http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/morning-sickness-relief/
Wow- I don’t know how you do it being so sick. Can I just say it sounds like you need an inhaler for the coughing and out of breath so you can breath and get more energy. I’m assuming it would be ok while pregnant. I know it’s made a big difference in my life at various times of being”sick”. Best wishes to get well soon. mary
I’m sorry you have been so sick. Now that your throat is finally on the mend, try some corn chips (Fritos) for the nausea. The salt and texture helped me maybe it will hep you. Wishing you the best.
I felt like crap my entire pregnancy! It SUCKED! Then, I had a terrible delivery—I have one child and that is more than enough!
Poor Kelli, I’m so sorry you’re having such a hard time!! I was fortunate and not had “morning” sickness—more like all the time sickness—in the first trimester. At the time my late husband was being treated for cancer. He had a Zofran prescription but it didn’t do much for him. I remember asking my OB about taking it, I was having a hard time taking care of him with all the nausea going on. She was so great and understanding that we couldn’t really afford two prescriptions for the same thing. So she said “I’m not telling you to take them… but if you did, do half a tablet” lol. It didn’t completely take away the nausea but it helped me get out of bed at least! We were a pretty pathetic pair there for a couple of weeks, both sick in bed next to each other but at least we had each other for company!
On another note, my sister in law also suffered from horrible morning sickness throughout her first pregnancy. She ended up learning she has a gluten sensitivity and her second pregnancy was much easier once she cut gluten. She even ended up cutting dairy from her diet as well and has improved even more.
Good luck Kelli!! I hope you feel better soon. And don’t worry about complaining, you have every right to not want to be sick during pregnancy!!
I had RSV a couple of years ago. Thought I was going to die during the coughing fits. But I wasn’t pregnant! Glad you are feeling better.
Sounds like all of us are hoping for an end to the challenges and a healthy beautiful baby at the end of it all. With love and good healthcare, you will get through it. Best of everything to you!
Been there and know how you’re feeling. Will pray for you and the baby. My daughter is the joy if my life. Thanks for sharing
Wow, sure can empathize. My 2nd go round had 8 months of throwing up anything I tried to eat and then dry heaves. Running around after a very active under 2 yr old kept me on the very low weight side normally a size 6/8 I went down to a 4 (I haven’t been that small since). But happy news is baby was born healthy and I returned to normal eating. Keep on keeping on. Dry Cheerio’s worked best for me.
Prayers and happiness for you and your family.
I hope you are feeling better! I only had morning sickness with my first pregnancy (I have 3 girls), so all pregnancies aren’t the same. Getting sick while pregnant and dealing with morning-sickness-that-lasts-all-day just makes everything harder! Take care of yourself and listen to your sister!!! Praying for you.
My first pregnancy was rough with pregnancy induced high blood pressure and fainting. The next 3 pregnancies were so much better! No BP issues. No fainting. Just mild nausea. Obviously my body adapted to pregnancy after throwing a 9 month temper tantrum the first time, LOL. I will praying for you and your little bundle of joy <3
Oh Kelli – I am so sorry you’ve been sick – I will be praying for you for a complete recovery and an easier pregnancy for the rest of the time.