Monday, March 23, 2009

1 lb lighter?

Quite a week here in Brooklyn.

Thursday was not feeling so well. Called Jon to come home early. By 9 pm was on the phone with the midwife, at her recommendation we headed to the hospital.

Went to Labor and Delivery. Was put in Triage and for the next ten hours, suffered the most excruciating stomach pain I could have ever imagined. Was not allowed any medication for fear of masking symptoms and endangering baby. Couldn't have x-ray because of baby. Had to wait til 4 am for a high level sonogram, which was inconclusive. All the while I was lying on a medical exam table, on a sheet of paper, since all beds were full.

At 10 am we were finally taken down to get an MRI. Thankfully my midwife Janet arrived and was able to prescribe some painkillers so I could try and stay still for the MRI. They diagnosed appendicitis immediately and I was put in line for the OR.

By 5:00 pm I was back in Labor and Delivery but started having contractions as a result of the surgery. The thought of pre-term labor at 25 weeks is terrifying. Baby is a little over one pound and just not ready to be born yet. Thankfully the medication to stop contractions worked. I was released from the hospital on Sunday afternoon.

Jon was with me every minute of this ordeal. His patience, concern and caring reminded me anew how lucky I am to have such a wonderful husband. He held my hand through the worst of it, rubbed my shoulders, and told me how strong I was. I could not have survived without him.

Now I'm home resting and Mimi is here, driving down Thursday morning at 5 am to relieve John Jurgensen who'd come the night before to stay with Jackson. It's times like these when people come to help that make you appreciate the importance of family and friends on whom you can rely.

Mimi has been cooking, caring and cleaning since she got here. Jackson is thrilled that his Mimi is here. When they showed up at LICH on Saturday morning I was so happy to see them both it brought me to tears.

Thank you for all the well wishes, prayers, flowers, magazines, ice cream (mmm, mint chocolate chip!) and candy (Amanda, did you know Jennifer Anniston's haircut cost $50,000?). Your support and love makes this whole surreal experience bearable.

Now I am just taking it easy - - & making sure this little July baby stays in til July.

6 comments:

abigail said...

I'm so glad you're home safe and resting! love you!!

Susy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Susy said...

Oops...I tried to edit my comment earlier, and I accidentally deleted it.
Let's try again...
My sister-in-law who is also due to have a boy in July had appendicitis too! They diagnosed with an MRI and did surgery immediately. Both mom and baby are well, and I will pray for the same for you and Baby Boy M. Take care!

nikki said...

thinking of you and sending lots of hugs and rest. we love you and let me know what i can do. xo

Suzanne said...

We're so happy everything went well. Claire and my mom were at my house today making a surprise for you. They'll mail it to you ASAP.

Love to you all.

Zenmomma said...

Hi, I just clicked over from BlogHer. What a story! And I thought I was having a tough month. I'm glad your surgery went well. Keep healing and happy gestating.