My lucky # isn't 28

August 28th isn't my favorite day.  Ever.

If you are tired of hearing about my medical "stuff" then this isn't the blog for you.  However, I need to get this out.  I need to do it for ME.

Last August 28th (2011) I woke up in the early morning hours and couldn't walk.  I couldn't just not walk, I couldn't stand up.  I couldn't get out of the house had there been a fire.  I would have been in big trouble.
That morning is, and always will be, etched so vividly in my mind.  Kevin thought I was making a big deal out of a sore back.  He was supposed to go to work and thought I just wanted him to stay home.  I mean, four hours earlier, Emileigh woke up and I jumped out of bed to tend to her.  When the alarm went off at 07:00 - My life was different.  Maybe forever.

The past year has been so stressful.  To my marriage, to our finances, to relationships within my family.  My mental state has been good and really poor.  It's really hard to depend on people for every aspect in your life.  Two major back surgeries, five steroid injections, many doctor appointments, and more money than I care to admit later... and I could proudly say, we survived such a crazy year.  Barely at times, but we did.

This August promised a turn of events. Although I take more neuronton in one day than most do in 23 days and live on pain medication, the beginning of school and soccer for Blayne and dance class for Emileigh was on the horizon.  We jumped head first into church, I jumped back into friendships that have been idle for over a decade, and finally, Kevin went back to school to get some classes finished for that elusive Nursing degree.

We always take one step forward and land five steps back it seems.

Broken Foot Day 3

Exactly one year later... I broke my foot.

Broken.

Snapped.

Ruined.


To say I'm in a bad place mentally is an understatement.

I have to keep telling myself that bones heal.  I will not need surgery, and this will get better!!
The doctors have said that in 3 to 6 weeks, I'll be walking again.  I'll have to wear a really cute boot for a while when I start to bear weight on it again... but I'll be able to walk.

Until then, I am back to depending on my husband who is stretched so thin he'll be lucky if he isn't at a mental hospital soon.  I'm also blessed to have my grandparents who step in and do way more than needed.  I pretty much get pushed to the side of the road and my kids walk the straight and narrow :)

My neighbor, Gina has been so great with helping us feed, water, and exercise (SPOIL) Bobo... he probably thinks he belongs to her.  She has cooked dinner for us and will again, she "called it" already.

I'm lucky my kiddos are so resilient.  I'm lucky I have family members willing to help more than my needs allow.  I'm lucky that I have a husband who loves me, through sickness and health.  I'm really working on that sickness part lately. ")

Speaking of resilient kiddos and an amazing husband, they had plans to spend Saturday together from before my broken foot episode.  They ending up picnicking and hanging out at the splash pad.

Seriously Bristow, we really, really, really, need a splash pad.

Here are some pictures of their day.  Kevin snapped a few in between bathroom breaks, but that's another story.  Gotta love EmJ.

Today, while Daddy is at work saving lives, Emileigh was able to convince memaw she needed Fwinger Nail Polwish on her toe nwails.  Lucky for her, she is the favorite great-granddaughter and her demands are greatly received :)

Edema of the Uvula: Case of the swollen hangy down thingy.

Life can change in the blink of an eye.  Everyone knows that phrase, many have lived that phrase.  Eye blinks can be good, more often, they are spoken of the bad.  This week, we lived it... or almost lived it.

I am back to being a stay at home mom (for another post) so this weekend, I went to my grandparent's to help out (also for another post).  I needed to run to Tulsa for some errands Monday morning, and since Kevin worked Sunday, we thought it would be a good idea for him to stay at home Monday and get some much needed rest.  My full day ended up being shorter than we all expected, so when errands were finished, I grabbed the kids and we came home.

I did my best to keep the TaylorTots awake on the drive, because I had big plans to catch a nap with them once we made it home.  My plan worked beautifully, we sang songs, played "I spy", and even endured the occasional emileigh fit :) 

I pulled in the driveway at 1:45 and gave explicit instructions to, "get your heiney's up those stairs, to your beds, and DO NOT WAKE DADDY!!!"  My spawn perfect angels managed to mind those instructions perfectly, and ten minutes later, I was entering our dark bedroom with my pillow in hand.  I tossed the pillow on the bed, and Kevin roused.  He said, "hey, what time is it?" and cleared his throat.  I mentioned something about the kids going down for a nap, and the house felt wonderfully cool and my head hit the pillow.  Kevin said something about his throat feeling sore, and got up to get a drink.  The next 30 minutes were C.R.A.Z.Y.

Kevin went to the kitchen and said, "it feels like I have something hanging in my throat..."  He went to the bathroom to look at his throat, and immediately came into the bedroom looking for his phone.  He needed a light (I was ticked ...again, another blog) his voice had considerably changed and he sort of said, "Jennifer! My hangy down thing is really swoolen!!" 

**Side note- I love my husband, he knows that that piece of tissue at the back of the throat between the tonsils is called an uvula, but he also knew that I would have looked at him like he had a third head if he used that term.. so in his time of need, he used the more technical term: hangy-down-thingy.**

I jumped out of bed, because, if you know kevin, he doesn't panic about anything, and there was complete panic in his changed voice.  I swear to god, it looked like a thumb was sticking straight out of his mouth from the back of the throat.  His uvula was literally laying on his tongue.  He was gagging and gasping.  I said, "we are going to the hospital, get dressed!!"  He said something about already doing that.  I got on the phone and called my brother who came to watch the kids (who were sleeping soundly) and off to the hospital we went.

Kevin insisted that he didn't have any trouble breathing, but the next day, retracted that statement.  It was so scary.  We got to the ER by 2:20 and he was given benadryl and prednisone to counteract the allergic reaction going on.  Kevin drank a quarter of a bottle (well, maybe not that much but a lot) of children's benadryl before we left, so he was pretty drunk.  His uvula went down, his tongue turned black and blue, and about six hours later, we came home.  Apparently, he is allergic to ACE inhibitors.  Who knew blood pressure medication could KILL YOU!??  Especially, after taking it for 18 months before Monday.

The nurses, doctors, and medics all got their jabs in, once they found out Kev was going to be okay.  However, it was so refreshing, as a wife, to see just how much my husband is loved.  Everyone came by to see how he was, and to volunteer to be the one to do the next embaressing procedure, if needed.

He slept the entire rest of the night and the next day woke up a little groggy.  We talked about how scary that was and then talked about the what if's  You know.. What If I didn't come home?  What if it would have cut off his oxygen.... godforbid anything happen to my family.  I'm so thankful he is okay... What a scary experience for us. 

Thankfully- our blink of an eye story, just ended up being a good blog post.  It served to get my blogging juices running again.  I'm not sure what I would have done if it had worked out differently.
So- to celebrate kevin living another day... we did what any good guy does: We went to McNellies and had a few brews :) 

Whew... a long one. Updated.

So much going on... and I haven't blogged. Sorry!!

Let's pick up where I left. We went to the doctor two weeks ago (almost) and were given the news baby Emileigh has too much water floating around with her. I came this close to having a full out panic attack (thanks to google) but after a couple of days, decided what will be will be. I chilled.

That was Thursday, on Friday Dr Parks called and said that EmJ's bladder and kidneys looked good and stay off of google. She reminded me that she would be on Vaca the next week and if I were to go into labor it would be okay with her. Plth.

Saturday my girlfriend Leigh came up and we had pedicures. AWESOME- and then watched the OU BYU game. Ewww. Funny thing: I was petrified that my water would break while getting my toes done, so I refused to go to Walmart. Leigh and I went to this little place right by the house (right off of Riverside next to Camilles) and settled in to pampering bliss. I was doing just fine until the massage chair started thumping my lower back. I am sure that we were the topic of some funny conversations while we tried to figure out how to turn that thing OFF.
It was trying to beat the kid out of me... sheesh. Oh well, way worth it and my toes are painted to boot.

Sunday came, Kevin went to work and Grandma came to stay. She, for the last six weeks, has been coming on Wednesday's and Sunday's to stay with Blayne and me while Kevo went to work. Such a nice blessing. She does laundry and cooks and does all that stuff... LOVE IT, WILL MISS IT.

Monday was Labor day, we hung out and did absolutely nothing.... I became a little nervous knowing that my Doctor was officially off for the week.

Thursday came and with it brought my stupid birthday. I was really looking forward to getting to see the doctor and getting the non-stress test done that was ordered the week before. I woke up bright and early 7am and called the hospital. I was shut down before I could get half of my request out. NO ROOM AT THE INN! At 1130, I called back (as requested by the super hateful inn keeper from earlier) and was told NO. Ms. Nice (or heiney) was kind enough to tell me "they can do that procedure in the doctor's office!"
I hung up, and cried. My hormones are way out of wack and I really just want some assurance this little girl is okay.

I had to wait until 2pm to see the doctor and time went sllllooooooooooow. I got to the office and after the long walk was contracting. I sat down in front of "new nurse" and she proceeded to ask me if I wanted a Flu shot... Ugh- NO. I want nothing but to know my baby is okay. She then asked me if I wanted to be Checked. I am sure I looked at her like she was Shrek because her reaction was priceless. I simply said "Sure, I have no idea what I want... I have never been this far before... aren't YOU the one in charge?"

She laughed (I think she wanted to punch me) and I watched her proceed into an exam room. I went to the bathroom to leave a little urine in the cup (TOTALLY DIFFERENT POST TO COME) and moseyed my way to the room.

When I arrived, I didn't notice an ultrasound machine. Nurse walked in and I asked, "am I not getting an ultrasound?" She replied "ugh, no" to which I came this close again to a meltdown. I explained that is the only reason I was there and something about too much fluid and well...she quickly left the room to chat with the doctor.

3 seconds later she returned and took me to Dr. Razdon's ultrasound room. Whew.

During the ultrasound, I was lost. I am used to Dr. Parks' machine and can usually read the estimates. This machine was ancient and didn't give them. I asked if she could tell me how much she weighed and was told NO. "Dr parks didn't ask me to do that" WHAT??? Are you effing kidding me? I started to melt again, on the inside... but got over it pretty quickly. I decided Dr. Razdon was pretty cool. I explained my fear of a C-section and she put my mind at semi-ease.

I did get an induction date of September 15th and asked to arrive at 05:00! Due to the whole earlier episode with the inn keeper at St. Francis, Dr. Razdon advised not to call ahead, just show up. I laughed. She did a bio-physical profile of the baby and decided we looked pretty darn good.

I came home, and got ready for Blayne to go stay with my Dad and Rita (papa and doodah) and get ready for a long awaited dinner out. It was my birthday after all :)

Blayne stayed in Muskogee until Saturday. Yesterday was a typical Sunday with Gram, and today has been spent doing any last minute things. Like Blogging. HA.

Blayne went to Slick with Meemaw and will stay there until we come home... I am FREAKING OUT.

I think that waiting 6 weeks then getting an induction is way worse than having your water spontaneously bust...

I'll update more later!

Polyhydramnios: Too Much Amniotic Fluid

Okay- so we made it to 37 weeks 1 day. We are full term and can deliver at anytime. I can breathe a little easier at that statement, however after today's doctor appointment, I have some new worries.

Here is the scoop:

Everyone knows that I have been on lock down for the last 5 weeks. I have literally moved from my bed, to my recliner, to my couch. The times I have tried to escape and take a journey, I have either landed in the hospital or on my bed with riveting contractions, both suck.

Today Kevin and I went to the doctor at 11:30. We are on weekly visits now, and I was really looking forward to seeing the doc. Last week, week 36, I had the Strep B test so I was not able to have my normal ultrasound. I was having some "ahem" complications in the bathroom department (sorry, but I have to explain) and melted down in Dr. Park's office. She suggested a couple of OTC medications and asked if I needed a small dose of anti-depressant. Kevin assured her that I was just really tired from not getting any sleep, so I left with a prescription of Ambien.

Although we got to hear the heartbeat, the visit was less than incredible. I did not get the chance to talk about my fear of having a C-section due to this baby being so much bigger than Blayne. (Blayne had to be suctioned out) Oh- forgot to add, last week I gained 8 pounds. I chalked it up to being in my "condition" and didn't think anything else about it. I knew it wasn't from eating, because.. I just can't eat.

This week, I felt much better and was really looking forward to the visit. I knew that we would be having our ultrasound, and I would be able to bring up the baby's weight then. I got to the doctor, and went right in. My blood pressure rocks and proceeded to the scale. I gasped when I gained another 8 pounds!! Guys, I have lost weight every appointment.... gaining 16 pounds in 3 weeks, 8 pounds in one week... a little weird. I got off the scale, prepared for a lecture, trying to figure out where the weight was coming from and sat for my turn in the ultrasound room.

Once inside, Dr. Parks came in smiling and greeting us. She asked me to lay back and measured my tummy. This is where the visit went down hill. She immediately lost her smile and mentioned to me that I was huge. "Really?? Because I thought I was looking good doc!" She started pushing around and asked if I could breathe okay and if I was in much pain. Ugh, yes... more pain than I can describe at times. It feels like my insides are going to fall out!

She began the ultrasound and immediately became concerned. "you have too much water!" As in there is way too much water around the baby.

Apparently the 15 pounds I am gaining... all going to the uterus and surrounding the baby. She measured the baby's belly, then took a different angle she preferred. She mentioned that Emileigh is stretched head to toe, (no kidding!) and began looking for her kidney's. She did state that her kidneys looked okay.

I asked if we could induce Friday, she said they (i am assuming insurance) won't let her. She did state that I really needed to go into labor this weekend though, and began giving me pointers in how to start the process.

Dr. Parks is going to be on Vacation next Tuesday through Friday, so if anything happens then, I will see one of her associates. I'm okay with that, but a little nervous. She did state that she was going to do some research and we might induce this Sunday- I am way for that. Please say a little prayer....

Last bit of advice she gave me, when my water breaks- it's going to gush. That made me chuckle a little. I guess public outings are off limits right now!

Anyway... I still had some questions, so Kevin and I googled when I got home. BIG MISTAKE!

Polyhydramnios- Here is the link.... Say a little prayer this is just a freak thing, that my water will break this weekend, and baby Em will have absolutely no heart or swallowing issues.

Thanks for taking the time to read this- it really means a lot to me.

P.S.
Blayne got kicked out of daycare today for having pink eye- that is an entirely different post! ahhhh kids!

Sunday

I really just want to cuss. You know, the kind of cussing that makes you look and sound like a complete idiot... You want to take out all of the frustration and that seems to be the way to do it.

Instead- I am going to blog what I am thankful for:

1. I am thankful that my little girl is 4 days from being 36 weeks in utero. Once we get that far, we avoid the nasty NICU (baring any irregular complications) and once contractions start, the nice nurses at the hospital will help them along.

2. I am thankful that I have got to spend so much time watching Blayne. 18 months has got to be the best time so far. I know, I have talked about how much I love all of the phases, but to date, I am loving this stage. He is trying to communicate, can say most things he puts his mind go, loves to laugh, play and smile. He is such a good baby. He minds so well and takes the BEST naps ever.

3. I am thankful that my Grandma cares enough to come twice a week so I am not by myself. It is so nice to just have her here. Most of you (well some of you) know that I was raised my my paternal grandmother. Although she was not who I lived with during my childhood and teen years (until 171/2) she was a consistent, stable, person in my life. She made sure I had the values that were not considered important by my parents.

4. I am thankful for my friends. Their facebook comments, text messages, and just support is awesome. It is such a weird feeling to count on the computer/internet to connect to the outside world. Thanks guys- truly, I appreciate it so much.

5. My stinkin husband. He listens to me whine and gripe and complain. He let's me yell at him for no reason, get frustrated when he doesn't read my mind, or say exactly what I wanted him to. He doesn't get frustrated with me. He tries to just listen and let me vent. He gets quiet at times, but that is to be expected- I whould have shot me by this point.


Here is to another day. We did spend about 5.5 hours at the hospital again last night. Emileigh's heartrate was high, mine was high, and I have either chilled or sweated for the last 3 days straight. Due to the sweating my potassium was low... oh well. I can deal!!

I do not want my positive post to go negative, so I will stop there. Besides, I have lost my cell phone and need to find that dude.

Love- Jen

Scared to death

Thursdays have always been my day. My day to come home straight from work (school years ago) grab the closest thing near me to eat for dinner (Junk Food required) and settle on the couch to watch 3 hours of T.V.
It started in high school. Before TiVo was invented, I would set the VCR to record Survivor, then CSI. I would watch Friends at 7pm. Shower at 7:30 watch something, gasp I forget which show!!, at 8pm, then finally ER at 9.
Now, it is Watch Survivor, Greys, then ER. You see, for the past 15 years of my life... I have done the exact same thing every Thursday night.


Last Thursday, I was really looking forward to my night. I had just finished with day 2 of the two worst days of work, I was ready for a break! I came home, played with Blayne and began our night time ritual of play, eat, bath, bedtime.

Pursuant to rule #1 for Thursday night, Kevin and I were discussing exactly what junk food I was to feast on this night. For some reason, we could not decide what sounded good for supper. While we stared blankly at one another, I decided that I would feed Blayne. He has graduated to stage 2 baby food and with it comes Macaroni and Cheese (my fave)! I tore open the bottle to feed my little guy. He ate the 4 ounce bottle and began to get fussy. At first, I thought he was getting sleepy. He sometimes does that when he finished eating. He took two bites of his desert, mangos, and began to throw a fit.

I picked him up and he began to throw everything he ate up. Blayne has allergies and has had a lot of phlegm. We thought that he was just feeling bad...haha. Kevin headed off to Reasor's and I stayed comforting our baby. 2.5 minutes after Kevin left, I thought it would be a good idea to call the doctor. I called, held...and held....and held. Finally, the answering service answered and sated that they would page the nurse. What the heck?!!!

About 10 minutes after the puking began-Blayne started to develop hives all over his body. I immediatly called Kevin and asked that he return home asap! He walked in the door, took one look at Blayne and said, "Get him dressed. We are taking him to the hospital." Kevin took two steps, literally, turned around and said. I am calling an Ambulance.

Now- People... My husband is a Paramedic. He DOESNT call an ambulance. This is about the time my body started to shake.

The ambulance arrived with two very polite medics who kept their head on straight. They didn't scare Blayne at all infact, he liked them. Kevin had already began an Albuterol treatment before they made it to the house. Turns out, that was a really good thing.

We went to the hospital where Blayne was admitted due to being given 3 shots of epinephrine in route.

Blayne was released the next day with perscriptions for two epi-pens. Mom and Dad have the job now to train everyone how to use them in case of an emergency.

Tuesday we will visit with the pediatricion who will begin allergy testing with my 7month old. Poor baby.

At this time, it is either Milk or Cheese....