Cankles and Pre-eclampsia

Kelley requested the cankles photo, so we can all thank her for this lovely display of the beauty of pregnancy.

I went in for my routine appointment on Thursday and my blood pressure had shot through the roof. It was a little high last week as well. My doctor sent me home with a 24-hour urine test (why am I writing this down for everyone to see? Cuz I don't care about modesty anymore I suppose). I returned on Friday to have my BP checked again, and it was even higher than the previous day so my doctor said "congratulations, you just earned yourself a trip to the hospital. I am calling them right now". I asked how long and what to expect, and she said I'd be monitored and they would run several tests, and I'd be there as little as a couple hours, or up until the baby's arrival! I started to worry about my upcoming obligations...the big Niemann-Pick fundraiser and the Mt View yearbook that I help with. Anyway I went across the street and was admitted into the hospital and they hooked me up to the fetal monitor and blood pressure cuff. I told Chris to go ahead and go to work since my mom said she could sit with me. They drew blood (rather poorly as it took a few attempts) and ran several tests. My BP steadily went down over the next few hours and the on-call doctor came in and said I could go home. The deal: I was to be on total, 100 percent bedrest. Something I did not want to hear but I'd rather rest at home than in the hospital. He said I had trace protein in my urine, and that coupled with the spike in BP caused him to diagnose pre-eclampsia (pregnancy-induced hypertention). The baby will likely come early, but he'd like the baby to stay put at least another week so his lungs can continue to develop. So I agreed to the bedrest and mentioned that we have a BP cuff at home so I could monitor myself.

In the meantime, Chris ended up leaving early for work and picked up a stroller and carseat. We only have a few things left to buy (read about my amazing shower below) but if the baby is early, we obviously need the carseat now. He stopped on his way home and picked up some groceries as well and made a late dinner for us. As the night went on, my BP continued to lower.

Yesterday (Saturday) I woke up with a BP reading of 120/80. I laid low for the most part, but there were a couple times I got up and did some things around the house. It did cause my BP to rise but if I lay down it falls.

The doctor wanted me to go back into the hospital today for more checks and tests. After only 45 minutes, they sent me home. Chris accidentally ratted me out by telling the nurse I went to Walmart yesterday, which prompted a couple of evil looks! But everyone was happy with the BP readings and test results so I think I am forgiven. The nurses who took care of me over the last couple days (Glenda, Diane, Karen, Michelle, and a few others whose names I can't recall) were fantastic. Dr. Mitchell was great as well. I am so happy that I'll be having my baby at Good Sam.

I've continued to lay low today even though I hate doing it. When Chris isn't looking I'll empty the dishwasher real fast or I'll take the dogs outside for a few minutes. Oh and it doesn't look like I'll be returning to work. I was hoping to work another 10 days but was advised to start my maternity leave. I need to call HR tomorrow and get that straightened out. I was also ordered to miss the Niemann-Pick fundraiser! (We'll see...)

Chris has been doing the best job taking care of me! He even finished up some of the painting in the baby's room! And he cooks good Mexican food...found that out last night :)