Saturday, January 15, 2011

Irritability

Last night was quite interesting.  After a full day of back pain that just wouldn't go away, no matter what I tried, Dr. S told me to go into Labor and Delivery to be monitored again.  Last time I went in my uterus was too small for the monitors to pick anything up so I was worried that it would be the same thing this time around.  Luckily after some adjusting, they were able to pick up some activity.  First of all, Sawyer is doing great.  Incredibly active and has a very strong heartbeat.  My uterus however, has been diagnosed as irritable.  They noticed activity on the monitor but they weren't contractions.  The line on the monitor was supposed to be straight but it was very spiky.  So they gave me three very unpleasant shots, 20 minutes apart, that were supposed to quiet things down.  The shots also made my head throb, my heart race and my whole body shake uncontrollably.  But eventually, the shots did their job.
They also repeated the FFN (fetal fibronectin) test  and this time it was positive ( it came back negative last time).  Of course I panicked!!  Especially because the nurse began talking about me going to St. George and also getting steroid injections to prepare the baby for early arrival.  When I told Skeet I was already a mess because of the shaking and headache and then I added the stress from what I had just been told, so of course he freaked out too.  The nurse came back in a while later and told me that Dr. S was not worried about the positive test and that they would be sending me home.  That made me panic even more.  My history with the FFN is that I got a positive when pregnant with Avery and 3 days later she was born.  Also, I figured that a positive was a reason to worry.  I was very confused as to why it was no big deal to Dr. S.  Luckily he came by a short while later and tried to explain it to me (although I still don't entirely understand).  He said that the tests are often false positives and they use it mostly for the negative tests.  He even said that most of the time when they get a positive they just throw it away and that it was just a coincidence that Avery was born 3 days after the positive test.  He said that the test is only right about 30% of the time unless it's negative, which I guess is more reliable.  I know he was trying to make me feel better but I still don't understand why they make you do the test at all.  Or why they wouldn't take precautions just in case.  I do trust him though and I know he is keeping a close eye on me but still... why the test at all? I just don't get it!
I had to ask about the back pain too.  We know that I have been having contractions because of the funneling in my cervix so now that we have the irritable uterus too, how am I supposed to know the difference when it pretty much feels the same?  He said that there is really no way to tell and that we should just treat every backache like it could be contractions.  I will continue to take the nifedipine (to stop contractions) and if they continue I am supposed to go to Labor and Delivery.  Even if it means going in 8 or 10 more times.  I don't really like that idea but I also don't want to take any chances when it comes to this little boy.  I asked him if the irritability could turn into contractions if I just ignore it and he said that it's not worth the chance.  So now I guess I'll be more paranoid than ever.  The irritability doesn't cause funneling but the contractions do so I guess we just can't mess with it.  I am supposed to stay down for the most part the rest of the weekend and just use my best judgement.  I can return to work on Tuesday but have to be aware of my body and make sure to call them if the pain comes back and doesn't stop with rest and the nifedipine.  I am on a whole bunch of other restrictions as well.  My nurse yesterday was amazing.  She was so nice and understanding... I wish they were all that way! 
This weekend I get to sit around and watch Skeet clean out Sawyer's room all by himself.  I really wanted to be able to help but I guess I am helping more by keeping Sawyer where he needs to be for now.  I can't wait to see it start coming together!! 

6 comments:

The Schexnayders said...

Wow Candi... that was a terrible night for you. You are so brave and strong to go through all of that. Your persistance and strength is the best thing for Sawyer and I am sure you will be able to keep him where he needs to be. Love you sis... I hope things get easier on you.

Lindsay Logic said...

I have faith that you will have a healthy baby this time around. I pray for you every day. I will pray that you will continue to have a healthy pregnancy. I'm sorry you are going through so much to get to the prize at the end! Take it easy this weekend, and realize that more people pray for you than you probably even know!

Leslie said...

You cute girl! You just sit on the couch and don't move. Take it easy and know that you are doing the very best thing you can for Sawyer by just relaxing! You are already the best momma ever to that little boy. I sure love you

Mari Burgess said...

Ew...I remember those shots! I thought no way you can make me get hot and how much can it really speed up my heart then within seconds it was like....oh I'm going to die of heat and a heart attack! You poor poor thing! Maybe Sawyer is meant to be the President of the United States and you have to earn him! Geeze he better appreciate all that you're going through!

Juli said...

Candi-
I'm so sorry you had to get all those shots and shakes but you are being a good mom and playing it safe. You are such a champ for all you have gone through. I keep you in my prayers always. I had to take that same test last week cause I was having contractions with super bad back pain and later found out I had a uti- :(

Liz said...

I'm so sorry you had a hospital run. I've had those shots before and they're no fun. :( The made me feel like I was having a panic attack or a heart attack. I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

I'm glad the baby is fine and you're in my thoughts and prayers!!