It's been a long few days.
Those of you who follow my Parents blog already know about last Thursday's ER scare; those of you who don't? Well, you really should follow my Parents blog.
Just kidding. (Except not really.)
Here's the story: Almost two weeks ago, I showed signs of my third pregnancy-related yeast infection. I began treatment and took my last dose this past Wednesday; the following morning, I awoke to mild irritation in my vaginal area. Initially attributing it to an ill-timed poke with the Monistat applicator, I drove to Rensselaer as usual for class because my friend Jackie--fellow BlogHer attendee and seasoned PR executive--was scheduled to give a presentation about her experience with blogs in the marketing world. I didn't want to waste her time or cheat my students, and anyway, I figured the discomfort would fade away as the day wore on.
Only it didn't. Two hours before class, I was crying to Luke about the pain, my God, THE PAIN, in my special place and now my stomach, too, wondering how the hell I was going to make it from six to eight-thirty without running to the bathroom, pulling my pants down, and trying my damndest to relieve myself, as by that time, my symptoms were comparable to the worst urinary tract infection imaginable.
As it turns out, I didn't make it. Hell, if you ask my students, I barely made it the first thirty minutes. Five minutes before class began, I called Luke to tell him I needed to get to the hospital. I knew I couldn't drive back to Indy in my condition, so the plan was for him and his brother to meet me in Purdue country, enabling my husband to take my spot behind the wheel without leaving behind a second car. I figured Jackie could make her presentation and I could end class shortly after to get started on the forty-five-minute trip to Lafayette.
Educating young minds without sacrificing my need for immediate medical attention. Everybody wins!
Jackie eventually transported me to the local ER.*
I didn't know what to feel. On one hand, Freka's activity level hadn't changed at all, and I wasn't leaking any fluid, so a phone call to my doctor reassured me I probably wasn't in labor. On the other, I was also experiencing irregular contractions and a physical strain so intense I could barely walk. All I could think about was parking my ass on a toilet and willing it out of my body.
The ER nurses loved hearing that. "Don't push, don't push!" one of them barked when I explained my urge to pee. "We don't want to deliver a baby right now!"
Me, neither, lady.
Thankfully, I wasn't in labor. I was, however, badly dehydrated, and apparently lack of fluid was to blame for the contractions and that horrible pain. I received my very first IV feed, and it hurt like a sonofabitch. A non-stress test confirmed the baby's heart beat was strong, and three and a half hours later, Luke and I left the hospital with the results of my urinalysis and strict instructions for me to get more rest and drink lots of water.
The fun part? A follow-up appointment with my ob/gyn the next day showed that our little Freka is sitting way lower than normal for this stage in the game; also, my cervix has already begun to soften. Even though there's still seven weeks to go until my December 10th due date, it's not totally off-base to think my Christmas baby might be here by Thanksgiving.
At least she's head down.
Things are OK now; I had another "episode" on Saturday night, but I'm thinking the six hours Luke and I spent running through the aisles of Babies R Us and Super Target in a frantic attempt to stock up on the last of our baby essentials had something to do with it. Once again, copious amounts of water saved the day.
...And consider yourself officially caught up on all matters related to my uterus. Don't you feel special?
In other news, my sister's post-wedding wedding shower is set for November 18th, but in light of recent events, there's no way I can in good conscience commit to a trip to Chicago. Ryan was extremely understanding, and she promised to visit with Jason while he's on leave, but still, knowing I have to miss one of the few marital milestones I could've actually participated in for her doesn't have me jumping up and down for joy. (Their elopement, by the way, was rescheduled for this weekend due to outrageously priced air fare, so she still has another few days of living life as a single woman.)
Tune in again on Wednesday to see all the progress I've made on my prenatal to-do list. You'll be amazed, I promise.
* Words can't express how grateful I am for all Jackie did that night--taking over my class, driving me to the hospital, staying by my side until Luke arrived.... I couldn't have managed on my own, and she made it possible that I didn't have to. Jackie, thanks so much for being such a good friend. It means more than you know.
I'm so glad it worked out. And a bit envious that your baby may arrive on the early side of things, after hearing some recent horror stories of babies that were 15 days late (as long as she stays in for 1-2 more weeks she'll be fine). Don't stress too much about buying tons more stuff either, because Freka will be content just with your love and attention. For now: Stay healthy! Get rest! Drink fluids! And keep us all posted...
Posted by: eva | October 23, 2007 at 12:11 AM
Add my thanks to Jackie for taking such good care of our Frema and our little Freka.
Posted by: mjd | October 23, 2007 at 07:42 AM
Woohoo! The baby is on her way! So exciting! I guess I better get on that baby gift! :)
Posted by: Jessi | October 23, 2007 at 09:17 AM
You have done an awesome job of preparing yourselves for Freka's arrival. But this softening news? I'm going to have to start refreshing this page pretty soon, aren't I? That baby's coming faster than you thought.
Will you announce the birth here or at Parents first? I wondered about that.
Posted by: Emily | October 23, 2007 at 09:18 AM
Oh how terrifying! Horray for Jackie! And so glad to hear everything is okay.
And I'm sorry if I'm a little excited to hear that we could be reading about little Freka's arrival near Thanksgiving rather than Christmas. Just as long as she's healthy though!
Posted by: Marriage-101 | October 23, 2007 at 09:24 AM
Oh and could you please tell me how to subscribe to your parents blog? I've been slacking adding it to my google reader for fear my reader might explode thanks to all the blogs I have in there. (as of this morning, 320 unread items. Yikes!)
Posted by: Marriage-101 | October 23, 2007 at 09:25 AM
How scary! I'm so glad everything is alright. It's wild how small things like dehydration make your body do such wacky things when you are pregnant! I had nasal congestion that gave me such a terrible headache I could barely lift my head off my pillow for three days. And I kept going to work even though I could have worked from home! The prescription was to use Charlie's brand new humidifier at night and get more rest. Duh!
Posted by: Becca | October 23, 2007 at 09:47 AM
I'm just glad you everything worked out. Now drink that water!!
Those nurses at Jasper County? Wow! They could use some lessons in bedside manners. How about not starting the conversation with: "We don't like pregnant women in the ER...We don't want to deliver a baby."
Take care of yourself and Freka!
Posted by: Jackie | October 23, 2007 at 10:03 AM
Hi there! I am relatively new to your blog but wanted to say that I am now a dedicated follower. Oh and of course I'm glad to see that all is okay with you and the baby.
I guess I really just wanted to introduce myself because I live in the land of the Hoosiers - Bloomington! I love reading blogs of those nearby and wanted to let you know you have another reader just a mere hour (or so!) away. :-)
Posted by: Brandy | October 23, 2007 at 10:31 AM
I ended up in the hospital about 2 or 3 times while I was pregnant with Alyssa because I was in pre-term labor. A bag of fluids helped each time. You've gotten to the point in your pregnancy that you are going to have to take it easy. Hard as that may be.
I was due at the end of January with Alyssa and I just knew she wasn't gonna make it that long. She didn't. 4 weeks early and perfectly healthy.
Posted by: Rachel | October 23, 2007 at 12:29 PM
You can cross my name off your "good internet friends" list. I officially suck.
(I promise I have GOOD intentions of reading your Parenting posts. I promise to read them TODAY and get caught up.)
I'm glad things are looking up for you and the bebe. Please beg her to stay inside for a few more weeks. Just a little bit longer...
Thanks to Jackie. One more reason why we heart her!!
Posted by: Isabel | October 23, 2007 at 01:23 PM
i made a list last week of things i wasn't looking forward to about my second delivery and number one was the fricking IV it is worse then the epidural, c section, recovery and everything combined.
Posted by: wilddreemer | October 23, 2007 at 03:17 PM
I am glad everything is okay with the baby, I was wondering what was up in class. Don't ever put our class above that baby again! That is just crazy! But on the other hand, thanks for being such a dedicated teacher that you would be worried about your responsibilities to the class. See you on Thursday.
~Amber~
Posted by: Amber | October 23, 2007 at 03:21 PM
OMG, Frema! I'm just catching up on my blog action since we were in AZ.
OMG!
I think you'll have a Thanksgiving baby as well. All the signs are in place... but then again, I also walked around dilated 2cm for a month and Henry still didn't come out on his own. Has your OB recommended any sort of modified bed rest at this point?
Sending love and hugs and gallons of virtual liquid to keep you nice and hydrated and relaxed.
And thanks Jackie!
Posted by: Liz | October 23, 2007 at 05:56 PM
Also? I just noticed that you're receiving comments from YOUR STUDENTS!
GO FREMA!
Posted by: Liz | October 23, 2007 at 05:56 PM
Good friends are the best. I am glad last Thursday's adventure turned out just needing some water. Getting the water inside you was the hard part.
Posted by: daddy d | October 23, 2007 at 08:35 PM
Wow! Glad you and lil Freka are ok. Sounds like she is ready to meet her mommy and daddy. Those IV's are not very comfortable, but if they contain drugs, they are totally worth the pain. What a great friend.
Posted by: Erica | October 23, 2007 at 08:44 PM
Ooh, hang in there. I just visited a friend who this weekend went into labor 10 weeks early and has been put on bed rest for the next 2 1/2 months. She was pretty even-keeled about it; I cannot even fathom.
Anyway, make sure you're taping a lot of good TV, just in case...
Posted by: TasterSpoon | October 23, 2007 at 08:56 PM
How exciting! My sisters Thanksgiving baby was born last Sunday! Be prepared! My sister has a Mustang and was planning on getting a more family friendly car next weekend, she had to get my mom to take them home from the hospital because the baby seat would not even fit in her car - talk about suprises ;) Good Luck
Posted by: Ashley & Family | October 24, 2007 at 09:36 AM
I know first-hand how badly UTI's hurt. A few years ago, I had gotten SEVEN in 6 months. SEVEN. I was constantly medicated and constantly in pain. I've never had more pain in my life. So I totally know how you must have been feeling.
Hope Freka stays in there for just a little bit longer!
Posted by: Christar | October 24, 2007 at 02:55 PM
Oh, scary! Glad everything's okay. Seems Freka might've gotten wind of how sucky it is to be a Christmas baby.
Posted by: Fraulein N | October 25, 2007 at 03:02 PM