P.E. (a whole new meaning)

I deliberated over blogging about this, but for posterity sake I'm going for it. Choose your course.(the long, long or short of it)
THE LONG VERSION--
(background) We are expecting our third babe in February, this is earlier then we would normally share but it's already made it's way through the rumor mill, so we want the excitement that goes along with it.

I've been in the beginning dredges of pregnancy fatigue, nausea, vomiting etc. so a few weeks ago when the back aches began I'm thinking what a wimp I am, I'm giving myself pep talks "come on, laura, I thought you were hand cart material!" After almost two days and one MISERABLE night, a phone call to mom, and finally listening to my body I called Josh at work to have him look up instacare's in our insurance network. I had this hankering that I should call first (I didn't want to wait forever only to hear because I'm preg. they wouldn't see me) it was good I called because they did tell me I should go to the E.R. Josh watched the kids and I drove to the E.R.(around 3:30p.m.), Becky was in town and came to the hospital to keep me company shortly after I arrived.

I described my pain. Left side under shoulder blade that wrapped around to my chest, felt like broken ribs, unable to take deep breaths, and severe pain if I tried to recline at all. Doc says, "sounds mechanical" but goes ahead and orders a chest x-ray. Get warned and sign that I'm knowingly pregnant and getting an x-ray. (I'm the girl that takes every precaution while pregnant, they comfort me by saying it's okay just having one it's when you have multiple that there is cause for concern.) X-ray comes back clear, blood test comes back high level which could signify blood clots. Doc orders chest CT. After wheeling me in to radiology the tech completely terrifies me "wow, your in your first trimester...this is radiation...it's like having 300 x-rays", I'm asked to sign again that I am knowingly doing this procedure being pregnant. I timidly ask, "Isn't it necessary?" he goes on to explain my patients rights and responsibility. I'm totally confused and asked to be wheeled back to talk to the e.r. doc...again. He was a bit frustrated, patronizing but clearly gave his informed opinion. So back to radiology to go forward with the CT.

This ranks #1 in my pain to date experience. I know it sounds simple: Lay on my back flat and my arms overhead, completely still, follow breathing instructions. That was the longest most painful, traumatic five minutes even with oxygen on I could not catch a breath in that position and my back/chest pain off the charts. I think when result finally came back and the doctor explained I had two pulmonary embollisms(P.E.'s) in my chest I felt a weird sense of relief (a feeling of validation that I really did feel that pain, and the danger of the CT to the fetus was not for nothing).

I'm now a solid 5 hours into my E.R. visit. I've had no food, about 8oz. of water. Josh comes and switches out with Becky. He has the nurse get me some saltines. My new nurse zealously tries to manage my pain by giving me two doses of morphine, a lortab, and something else through my I.V. Meanwhile they are trying to get me admitted to another hospital because Altaview doesn't take Bluecross and we would be completely responsible if admitted there. Things are arranged to take me via ambulance to Jordan Valley. By this time the pain meds are all in and a complete shock to my system (In normal life, I have to be dying to take two ibuprofen). The poor paramedics have to move me convulsing, throwing up, and then dry heaving the ENTIRE 15 min. ambulance ride, wheeling me through a maze of a hospital, and switching me to my bed. It was my first ambulance ride. My only sweet relief was seeing Josh's headlights following right behind. The paramedics started fluids in my IV and a big dose of fenegren? which finally let's me sleep. It's after midnight.

Josh goes home to the kids, I sleep. I woke up and 4 a.m. sitting completely upright my legs in "Indian" position. I asked the nurse if I would get to go home that day and she said, "Sweetie, the doctor just said that of her 46 patients she's over you are of greatest concern. No, I don't think you will be going home today." How odd, I know it was serious but I don't think it had hit me. The next two days in the hospital were pretty uneventful...painful, lots of waiting. I learned how to give myself shots which I continue to do morning and night. I had leg ultrasounds, baby ultrasound, blood tests, more blood tests, dealt with weaning Clara cold turkey, etc.

The recovery has taken longer than I expected but am starting to have some pretty good days. I've been so grateful for the love and support of my family, friends, and even strangers in our new ward. I really prefer to be on the other side of service and found it very humbling. This promises to be a long, and memorable pregnancy. My dad said that sometimes these special spirits come at a cost. I think of that every morning and night when I give myself my $20 (after insurance cost) shot that will need to be taken the whole pregnancy. It's all worth it. We really are so excited to be a family of five and pray that all will continue to go well.


THE SHORT VERSION--were expecting!!! (not due till Feb. 21st), went to E.R. with bad back and chest pain, diagnosed with two P.E.'s (pulmonary embolisms/blood clots) in my lung, spent a few days in hospital, adjusting to giving twice daily shots to keep me anti coagulated, hoping for the least eventful pregnancy possible under these circumstances.

Service Awards---
"Steppin it up" goes to Josh for working hard at work to pay for all the meds. and boundless energy helping when he gets home.
"Unconditional love" to Clara Jane and Noah who still love me despite being a complete bump on a log. (PBS should get a shout out as well for their entertainment).