Some Surgery Dates

I have four of dates to pick from for surgery.
1.)3/18 or 4/11 at Children's Boston Hospital
OR
2.)3/23 or 4/20 at Beth Isreal Hospital
With the way I feel right now I say the first date. But to just stop and really think about it all and what needs to be done I don't know when I want to do the surgery. It is just really a lot to think about because I don't know what I feel like.
Of course since I am no longer expecting, the pregnancy hormone is gone which means achy, stiff, painful hips again. It puts me in tears because I hate feeling this way. I knew this would happen and I would feel this way and it would be bad just since I haven't had really any problems while I was pregnant. I am finding hard to sit comfortably, move around, or stand around. The left one just is really bothering me. We did go out to look at after Christmas sales and to get some groceries and towards the end I was really hurting. And the rest of the I just haven't been able to get comfortable. It is the left one that is getting to me now.
The kids had a really wonderful Christmas. I enjoyed watching them open their presents. They just get so excited. Santa even brought Baby Edgar a glow-worm. My most cherished Christmas gift was my precious Baby Edgar. He is my little bundle of joy.

Busy and Tired

It is official Dusty has returned to work. Now it is up to me, well at least until he gets home, to manage the house and kids. I will admit that I am trying but finding it a bit hard to keep up. I do get tired and by evening I am ready for bed but Baby Edgar sometimes has other plans. He is a noisy baby. He sounds like an old man with his grunting. And the laundry never seems to end. I have been keeping up with that though. It is more the dishes. I feel like I live in the kitchen. It is nice because the older three are out for Christmas break.
Other then adjusting to a new little one, I have had to take him back to the hospital twice to have his newborn lab (PKU) drawn again. The first one in the hospital didn't work so we took him to the hospital to have it done again. That one did turn out. Everything was normal except he did have slightly elevated amino acid levels. The doctors office wanted it to be redone again to just double check. So here is hoping that 1. it works and 2. that it comes back with in normal limits.
I did get a new set of xrays and sent them off to Dr. Millis. He emailed me and told me that from the xrays he doesn't think much has changed over the past 9 months. He would like to have us go out there 3-4 weeks before surgery to have a new MRI and to donate one unit of blood at that time and to go over preop stuff. That was good news to me that at least the hips didn't change much. He did ask which one is bothering me more. During the pregnancy they were calm and didn't bother me. The left was the weaker one. So I said let's do the left first. And the left is worse. I am going to have to really talk myself into this again. I do worry about the recovery period. I also worry about not keeping the pain under control. I think the worries are there because I am tired and not really thinking straight so anything big or small is alot to think about and comprehend. But otherwise I am going to do this. Especially after the past couple of days. They just aren't stable. I forgot how unstable they are and how they can hurt. The pain is gradually coming back with the giving out. Not fun. But not much longer. We thought maybe an early March date.
My mom is already home from her colon surgery. She did get the results back. And it showed that that cancer was in the muscle but not out. They did find cancer cells in 6 out of the 18 lymph nodes that were removed. So the surgeon said it was very likely that she will need chemo. But she won't get the definite yes until next week (12/29) when she sees the oncologist.

Big Girl Emma

After many attempts to get our 3 year old potty trained. I can officially say she has accomplished it.
It wasn't an easy journey though. She caught onto to going pee pretty easily but would refuse to go number 2. She would go in her underwear and after ruining many pairs of underwear I took a break from training. So after we had the baby, I told Emma that we were going to try again. We asked her what she wanted and she told us a Belle doll. So we made a deal with her that if she went poo in her potty chair she could have a Belle doll. She liked the idea. But it didn't work immediately.
Well she would wake up in the morning and do her business in her diaper before I had time to put her in her undies. So the other day we were out shopping and we picked her up a Belle doll and displayed it on top of the fridge where she could see and we told her once she made a deposit in the potty she could have her toy. She was agreeable to that.
So on Sunday she made her deposit and told her sister Hannah to come and see what she did. I heard Hannah say something about poop so I told Dusty that I thought Emma may have did it. We went back to check and sure enough she did. The things we get excited about but we clapped and yeahed for her. She was so proud of herself too. And she got to open her new Belle doll.
Now she is a Big Girl.

It's a Boy---Edgar Nicholas

Edgar Nicholas is the newest addition to our family! He made his appearance on Sunday December 5, 2010 at 841pm. The following is his birth story...
I woke up Sunday morning at 115 am to use the bathroom and afterwards I started to cramp and get some contractions. I decided to go ahead and finish packing my bag and take a shower. I did try to lay down but found I was uncomfortable and tired so I got up and sat on my birth ball for awhile. At about 4am I asked the Lord to spread them apart so I could get some rest. He listened and I went to lay down. I still was contracting but they did spread apartand I managed to get some sleep . When I did wake up, again, I got dressed and looked at the ads. I saw many things in the Target ad by the way. Any way I was still having contractions but they weren't long enough or in a regular pattern so I didn't worry much about them to want to go into the hospital. I did do some laundry and cleaned up a bit. I also took a nap in the early afternoon. I did soak in the tub a couple of times. And after the 2nd soak I noticed that the contractions were a bit closer but still weren't long enough plus I was still happy. Finally I decided that I wanted to try some different labor positions since they seemed to be picking up. One I tried was knealing and leaning over the birth ball. At first I didn't like it but I didn't want to just give up after one contraction so when the 2nd contraction came I tried again and as I was leaning over the ball, GUSH went my water. It took me by such surprise but Dusty was calm and brought me a towel. And what a time to break, dinner time, 518pm. The kids were all sitting at the kitchen table eating pizza and I was in the living room. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do at this point. I finally decided that maybe we should get ready and go in. Dusty phoned my mom to come over, it was time. And like I say it was dinner time and my parents were just ordering their food. They said they would be over shortly. I had hesitated about going in but I am glad we decided to go in because the contractions really picked up and were lasting longer.
We arrived at the hospital at 6pm. The front desk started to ask me questions but then ended up asking Dusty and having him sign the papers. A good sign to me because just maybe I was farther along then 4cm (what I have always been in with all the other kids)since I was having trouble focusing. They also didn't mess around on getting us to our room either. Once we were there the nurse asked me and Dusty all sorts of questions and then finally examed me and I was 6 cm!!! And then as the other nurse was starting my IV I started to shake and she called the doctor to do an exam and I was 7cm!!! Wow it went quick. But then I started to feel it in my back so I got out of bed and layed against my ball again, rocked back and forth. I started to feel more pressure so the nurse had the doctor check but I was still just at 7cm. But after that the contractions started to really be effective and causing more pressure. I decided that I needed to go to the bathroom and sat on the toilet through 2 or 3 contractions and then the pressure really started to grow. The nurse asked what I wanted to do I said I wanted to stand by the bed and when I did that the pressure was really there. I didn't want to get back in the bed but the doctor wanted to check. So somehow I managed to get back and the doctor checked. She said I was 8 cm. After that exam I just stayed in the bed. And with every contraction I would notice that the pressure just grew and grew and finally I felt like I had to push. The doctor checked once more but I pulled her hands away and said no more. She said I had a little bit more cervix left but that I could push through that. So when the next contraction started I pushed and it all became so intense. Then after a couple of contractions baby was born! At that point I couldn't believe that I did it all natural---no pitocin, no IV drugs, no epidural. It was all me!!! And I had just given birth to a baby boy! It was so amazing that words just can't describe. It was truly amazing.
He weighed 7 lbs. 1 oz. He was 18.5 inches long. And his head was 14 inches. He was just so perfect to me. And Dusty was a wonderful coach! I couldn't have done it without him.

Early Labor

This is my first time to be overdue. But I don't think much longer. Starting to feel the contractions. They aren't regular or lasting long enough at this point. But hopefully when they get there that it won't be long. Now all I can do is wait. This will be my first time to attempt to do a natural childbirth without any pitocin. Here's hoping it will happen. Right now just trying to rest because I don't know how long it will take.

How Time Flies

It seems just like yesterday I had my PAO surgery scheduled and then was canceling the date because we were expecting. And now we are 2-3 weeks away from having our precious little blessing. Time really does fly by.
Overall, my hips have held up through the pregnancy. If this is just a taste of what I will feel after recovering from surgery then yes it will be well worth it to go through with it. I must admit that the pregnancy hormones have been in overdrive with the emotions I have been having about surgery. It is scary to think about what will actually be done. Of course surgery alone is scary. The fear of the unknown is what it is. Once you do it you then go on to recover. It is just getting to the BIG day. But that is true with anything in life.
I thought before we have this baby that I need to get into touch with the doctor again to see if I will need new xrays/MRI and if I can schedule about 4 months out. I can officially check this off my list now. Hubby and I accomplished it this week. And Dr. Millis was very quick in responding back. He did mention that there are closer doctors but that him and Dr. Kim do have the most experience. He does want to have another consultation and at that time get new xrays and MRI since back in March I was already showing signs of having arthitis. He just wants to make sure that a PAO is still an option. And at the every end he wanted to "when" I was looking at for the consultation and that surgery could be scheduled out about 5 weeks out from that. I told him a consultation in Jan./Feb. would be good and surgery in March/April. I did talk with my OB about when he thought would be good after having a baby to have surgery. He thought March if everything is going well.
Having a baby and planning surgery-wow what a lot to think about. But in the end I do get the best of both worlds, a baby first and then surgery. It wasn't planned this way but I do believe that things happen for a reason and they aren't always understood. We just need to be accepting.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

After attending just a few Bradley Birth Classes, it really has got me thinking about the current doctor I am seeing and the choices I have and what has happened with past births. I feel already more informed about labor and how our bodies are meant to work and have babies. And so that got me thinking....
Before starting the classes I just already had my mind set on needing pitocin to get keep labor going. I just assumed it was normal and my body doesn't know how to labor on its own. Well after attending class and talking to the teacher a bit about my concerns, I have found out that it isn't me, doctors really like to use pitocin. It is hard for them to just around and wait for nature to do its thing. Now in some cases pitocin is necessary and I am open to it but if I am ok, baby is ok, and my water hasn't broke just send me back home to try to get contractions going again or just wait patiently. But trying to go without taking any type of drug during labor or even getting the epidural really makes it hard when you have pitocin running through the IV line. They are much harder which then makes it very difficult (for me anyway) to relax and breath through the contractions.
On Monday I had another doctor appt. with my current OB and I decided to ask him about pitocin and how I just really wanted to avoid it and be given a chance. Well he explained to me that they use it for inductions and augmenting labor. For instance if a woman's water breaks she will be immediately started on pitocin upon admittance. The idea is to get baby delivered asap due to risk of infection. No more waiting to see if contractions will start. He also said that if a woman's labor stalls he will break the water and that usually gets labor started but if that doesn't work then using pitocin is the next step. In the past I have had my water broken to attempt to get contractions going again but it doesn't work soon enough so pitocin is always started. This time I don't want my water broke. Plus the doctor told me that if a woman has only had pitocin for labor then she has nothing to compare too only from what she hears from others. Obviously he is a man and never had a baby but your own contractions are much easier to get through in my opinion. Then he throw in how his wife has had pitocin with all their kids. So to him it isn't a big deal and a drug that works. But to me I want to do this for the baby and myself.
Later that evening I had scheduled a tour at a birthcenter that is run by two midwives. Our teacher had told us about this place at our first class, and I thought it interesting so I looked more into and asked her more about it. She recommended that we take a tour of the place. That is what we did. We met just one of the midwives and she showed us around, explaining everything very throroughly. They have two birthrooms. They use just a doppler and listen to the baby every 30 minutes at first and then as mom gets closer to delivering it is every 15 minutes. They do transfer mom if there is a complication to the nearest hospital by ambulance. They view birth as a natural process. She did talk about pitocin and if my water were to break that they do have a 24 hour time frame to get baby delivered. So if I wasn't contracting by some point they would try other methods such as castrol oil to help get labor started. But if all else fells I would be transferred to the hospital where they go and then start pitocin.
I am keeping an open mind about the whole thing but at the same time I am going to look into all my options and find what I believe will fit my needs the best. I do feel pressure from a few family members about using a birthcenter to give birth and not the hospital. They think it unsafe if something goes wrong and there won't be time. Where in the hospital they have it all right there. It would make it easier if they were more supportive and really listen to me and why I am looking into to this. They have told me to just tell the doctor "no." or "can't that wait." A doctor is going to do what they want. They have their way of practice so to me it is more important to find the one that shares the same views as me instead of trying to convince them of news ones.
The birth center is considered out of network so insurance won't cover the entire the birth just a very little portion. I don't know what that portion would be. It is less expensive than going to the hospital. Whatever I decide I want to feel satisfied by my decision. I think the biggest thing holding me back is that I don't know what our out of pocket cost could be. And with two hip surgeries in the future, uncertain of what we will be spending there, I don't want a lot of medical bills.
Decisions, decisions, decisions. At least the hips are cooperating and not giving me problems.

More News

We took our oldest daughter, Arianna, in to see a pediatric ortho. specialists. We just really wanted to know if she has hip dysplasia like myself. All the doctors I have seen have all recommended we get all the kids xrayed. Our pediatrician for the kids did make the referral to a Dr. Klaumann.
We say her today. They took some xrays of her hips and then wanted one of her hips on down. The doctor came in and asked if the doctors I have seen gave more then just hip dysplasia as the diagnosis. Dusty said that the one at Mayo Clinic said that I have spondyloeipyseal dysplasia (SED). And the doctor today said that is what Arianna also has. She said it is a genetic disorder that I gave to her. She doesn't want to do anything yet. She would like to see her back in 6 months and see what is going on. But that in the future, Arianna, will be looking at reconstructive surgery too.
I am relieved to know and suspected that she had what I had and thought they would try less invasive treatments to correct the problem but I guess there is more too it then just hip issues. I just don't want to see her hurt like I have hurt with mine. It also saddens me when I read about the diagnosis on the internet. The doctor did suggest we go to a genetic counselor to find out exactly what type it is. And also to get copies of all my office notes from the doctors I have seen to have on hand so then we can see what they have had to say and plus it helps to pass on info. like that to our kids. So then they have an idea of what is going on.

Sonogram

Today was the sonogram. Did we find out? No. It is currently sealed in an envelope. So I guess if the urge just gets to be too much then perhaps the seal will be broken. But at this point, I like not knowing. I know many were disappointed in us not finding out but the joy of "It's a girl." or "It's a boy." at delivery is a thrill to look forward too. I know it doesn't make shopping or preparing ahead of time easy but to me that is ok at this point.
This ultrasound was a bit interesting. The baby first of all was, could we say limber to say the least. At one point the baby had its knees up to its mouth. It liked being in a bunched up ball. The baby had its chin to its chest and the legs drawn up to itself. The tech had some trouble getting pictures of the heart and cord. But some how she must have managed to get what she needed for the radiolist doctor to look at. It wasn't easy. They baby is also currently breech. Thank goodness the baby still has more time to flip around and get in position- head down. All the others have always been head down so that was different to have the head up. From all the measurements that the tech took of the head, tummy, and femur, it showed the baby to weigh about 10 ounces and be about a week ahead of schedule. Some doctors I know change the due date, I hope my new one doesn't and leaves it at 12/3. Otherwise it would be 11/28. I go on Monday July 12th to the doctor and we will go over the sono. results. So I have to wait to see what he has to say.
Then on July 13th, Dusty and I go for our first Bradley Childbirth Class. I really want to go natural and have wanted to do these classes since our first. But with our first I was too far along. They like you to be in your 5th month. So with our first and second I just took Lamaze. I did go natural with out first. But with the rest epidurals for various reasons. But Dusty has alot of love for me to do these classes with me which are 12 weeks long and the first class falls when the All Star Game is. That is some love there. And I truly am thankful.

What's New

No more tball or baseball games now until next year. It is sad. Some days were hot to sit and face the sun but overall they were enjoyable to try and watch. And yes I say try. The little ones didn't like to play where we could always see them. But a big open field to them is freedom to run like the wind, literally. Emma liked to head for a big red shed and play behind it on a dirt pile just her size. She had the time of her life but not being able to see her didn't thrill mommy. Thank goodness she didn't go behind there much. Overall it was good to get out and get some fresh air.
Dusty bought me a retractable clothes line. I am so excited about this. I get to be outside and save money. I like hanging the clothes outside. The cloth diaper liners were so white. The sun does such a wonderful job at whitening and it doesn't cost anything. I always enjoyed helping mom at home hang out her clothes. It was relaxing. It sounds crazy and I may be but hey I am also the one who likes to knit, sew, and embroidery/cross-stitch. But there is one stimpulation, not to hang out any undiebundies because that is embarassing. Otherwise I am enjoying not to have to heat up the house or wait for the dryer to get done plus it will save money on the elctric bill, which is to go up by $25.
I am now getting sick in the mornings upon first opening my eyes. It usually didn't hit until mid morning early afternoon with this baby. I could about guess what time of day it was by the way I felt. Hopefully I am nearing the end f this morning sickness but if not it is only temporarily. I am feeling the baby move. I thought I felt the baby about 4 weeks ago but was unsure. The movements were so light and spread out. By spread out I mean by days, I might not have felt anything so I wasn't sure. But as the days went by I became more certain it was the baby and not the bowels(ha feel the bowels move they aren't moving but in slomo) or a muscle twinge. They have gotten a lot stronger to where I can feel some of the moves with my hand now. I just can never get enough of feeling the baby. It is just so fascinating.
The hips on the other hand are not being so well behaved. The left one has really been deep aching/throbbing. The other day it was aching so bad that it was sending pains down to my knee. The funny thing is that moving helped. I did take a tylenol but it didn't help just the moving around. But the moving grumped up the right one. It just typically feels unstable but moving really added to it. But just this past week it has been giving out a little more each day. The other day when the left was aching at the worst the right was giving out more than usual.
I have been trying to handle everything but had a good cry over everything last night. All I needed to pick me back up was a simple hug, which I did get from Dusty, Paylynn, and Hannah. A triple hug that dryed up the well. I don't know what today will bring but I am ready to face it.

No News is Good News

I called the OB office yesterday to find out about my results. And good news, I am immune. So sometime in my life, probably as a child I have had Fifth Disease. That is all I needed to hear. Like the saying goes, No news is good news, was true.
My second OB appt. went great. I didn't gain any weight, even though I am showing. My blood pressure was good 100/64. The doctor explained how in his 13 years of practice that he has had only 1 case of a mother getting Fifth Disease while pregnant and that complications did occur with the baby. But what usually happens is that we have had this sometime in our childhood years. He said my blood work looked good. I did ask him about him not being able to go the bathroom. My bowels just really don't want to work properly and are giving me trouble. He told me this is a common problem and that some cases are more severe than others. He has even had to put some women in the hospital because it gets so bad. He told me to take a colace twice a day everyday and I can use a Fleet laxative only if I really can't go. I also need to drink plenty of fluids. And see if this helps. I sure hope it does. As gross and embarassing as is it is to talk about bowel problems I am glad I did and now just hope all this helps.
The hips have been pretty quiet but this week they have really felt more unstable and my right has been slightly wanting to give out more. It isn't eye popping but it makes me feel unsure about it. The right one also was bothering me a bit painwise. It didn't last long or wasn't severe so I was thankful for that. I have been feeling lefty grind. It doesn't hurt. Otherwise they aren't bad. It is all tolerable.

I Can't Believe It

Last week was a very busy week, with dance recital practices on Tuesday and Thursday and ball games. And I happy to say that the hips held up. They did get the usual stiffiness but otherwise pain level was way down. And I was happy for that, I didn't need them getting excited too.
I was thankful that I didn't have to bring all the other kids with me to run Arianna around to her recital practices. His grandma watched the kids on that Tuesday and my mom and his mom on Thursday. It made it that much easier. After the practices, we would head back across town to Hannah's t-ball/softball games. I felt a little rushed around but it was survivable. Arianna's dance recital was Under the Sea- based on the Little Mermaid. Very good. I thought Arianna did wonderful for her age group and level. I was very proud. And to make it even better she came out on the stage with a big smile. She didn't look a bit nervous but that was probably because I had all the nerves for her. Crazy that I would feel that way but I did.
Well on that Thursday evening when we got to Hannah's game I noticed that Emma had this funny looking rash on her arms and legs. I thought maybe heat rash but different that I am used to seeing but it made sense to me since it was hot outside and sunny. So I didn't think twice of it and by Friday morning it had disappeared.
It wasn't until this week that I became concerned. His grandma was talking about how her granddaughter had a rash and was diagnosed with having Fifth disease and how they thought it was a heat rash also. So I paid a little more attention to Emma's rash and by Wednesday I was making an appt with the pediatrician to get her rash looked at. It was going away and looking worse especially in the sun and heat.
The doctor looked Emma over and said at the end of the exam, that he would go get some info. on what this rash was. He stepped out and came back in with a piece of paper, handed it to me, and across the top read the words FIFTH DISEASE. I chuckled a bit to myself. The doctor explained to me that kids may or may not have symptoms prior to getting the rash ( which Emma didn't). But that once they have the rash it is no longer contagious. And the last bit of info. he pointed out to me was to avoid exposure to pregnant women.
I called that OB once I got home and left a message with the nurse. The nurse called me back shortly after asking the name of the disease again that Emma had, and that she would call me back because she had to ask another doctor in the group since mine was out of town for the week and wouldn't be back until Monday. Well she called me back about 45 minutes later and told that they wanted to do a blood draw to check for immunity or if I currently have it now. She told me that if I had it has a child, you only get it once and then are immune to it. She wasn't sure either if the results would be back before the weekend but hopefully by Monday when I go for my appt.
I went in for my blood draw Thursday morning and it looks like I will be waiting through the weekend. So now we all get to wait in suspense for the news. DUNDUNDUN.

Don't Want That Again

On Thursday May 13th, I was getting Emma our from the bathtub. I steeped back with my left leg to give me more stability but instead it gave out on me. It hurt so bad at the time and was more then just eye popping pain, I let out an "OWWWW." I also put Emma back into the tub because...
1.) It hurt really bad
and
2.) I felt like I might actually fall if I held on to her.
This is the worst I have ever experienced this. I have always been able to stabilize myself no big deal but this time I didn't think I was going to be able to. It scared me. And I am not the vocal one when I am pain. I hold it in so for me that also was a first. But when it does this it just catches me off guard and BAM just like that your eyes pop open wider and then most times it is gone or rapidly decreases. Now sometimes the pain will linger but there is no gradual onset or warning, it just hits suddenly.
This happened since. Well I mean to this severity it hasn't. I have been able to cope with it. Somedays they feel very unstable and like they aren't going to support me. I feel like the wrong move or step will set it off. I feel like I walk with caution those days but those days so far have been tolerable besides feeling like I am walking on ice. But the days when it is unexpected is what gets me and that tends to be the eye popping BAM! What bothers me is that I can't control or know when it is going to happen or how bad it will be until the moment it is happening.
I have also noticed that on the unstable days, it is hard to hold the younger two while standing. I feel like I am going to collapse. I know that this could be from the pregnancy hormone that relaxes all the joints.
Dusty has been great and very understanding. He helps me as much as he can when he gets home from work. I understand that he is tired but what he does for me is very much taken to heart and dearly appreciated.

Happy Birthday Hannah.

Yes 6 years ago I gave birth to our sweet and sensitive Hannah Rose. Yesterday she and her daddy made chocolate cookies so she could bring birthday treats to school. She came home so proud and told me that her teacher loved them. It was really cute to watch them interact like that. Usually this is a mommy and daughter thing but mommy just doesn't feel good right now. Emma even helped. She would spoon out some cookie dough and ask daddy if she lick her finger. He would say no but drop it on the pan like this. So she would. Then she would get more dough and ask again. Yes the repeat question. Isn't it fun! But it was great for him to do this with the Hannah.
I made her a chocolate sheet cake today and added some pink and purple sprinles on top. We sang her Happy Birthday and she blew her candles out. Big sister Arianna wanted to be playful and add some trick candles. So we did. Hannah kept blowing them out. Emma even tried blowing the candle out. Brady wanted to blow but then it went out on its own so he was a bit upset but he will get his day in July.
Our sweet, sensitive Hannah Rose. We love you! Happy 6th Birthday!!!

My Hips and My Kids....Hmmmmm

The past few days have been really hard on me, ok probably the whole week. First my right hip and leg has really been putting up a fight. It was really bad at the start of the week but has calmed since. Even the left was acting up. I have also been feeling the giving out more and with it comes this new feeling of them being unstable, even if I am just standing. It feels as if they aren't going to hold me that they are really loose and wobbly in there. I don't really know how to describe thise feeling. I know that sounds like giving out but it isn't that. They feel like they aren't going to hold me. I think it might be due to the relaxin that is released during pregnancy. And maybe what could be happening is that the joints are loosening up and giving me this new feeling of being unstable and wobbliness.
I have also been battling the morning sickness but it isn't anything new except that right now it is winning. Yesterday I was unable to keep down breakfast and lunch. So I finally gave in called the doctor and left a message with his murse. Who called back within 15 minutes. She said she would call out dissolvable zofran 8mg. She told me that it works better than the pill form, which is what I was currently taking. She then asked if the zofran was even working. I told that it ssems to work when I take it in the morning and afternoon but by evening I am really fighting to keep down whatever I eat and find myself lying on the couch. And she said that she would call at some phenergan also. So I was instructed to take a zofran in the morning and a phenergan at night. The phenergan wiped me out last night. And I felt the effect into today. I like the dissolvable form because if I get sick no pill comes back up, it is already gone. But they are pricey little things. For 30 it runs over $200 so thank goodness for insurance to help pick up most of that cost.
Yesterday as I was getting sick in come Emma and Paylynn. They came right up to the toilet and were watching mommy get sick. They kept trying to reach their hands in what was coming up and out. I kept batting their hands away. I couldn't say much because that part was a little tied up. They never got the point and I had to keep shooing their curious hands away. Then Emma had to look up into mouth and see how I was getting sick. I guess it really fascinated her because later that night, while I was laying in the recliner I heard her back in the bathroom spitting and gag and then flush the toilet. I told Dusty that Emma was back there trying to get sick like mommy.
My hips and my kids...hmmmm never a dull moment.

Almost Forgot...

Yes I almost forgot how bad the pain can be. But I have been reminded ever so much by the right hip and a little from the left. The right hip really started to bother me yesterday afternoon. I didn't do anything that should have irritated it or made it hurt that bad. But that is the thing, you don't have to do anything just open your eyes and the hurt, pain, stiffiness, and feeling is all there. And yesterday it was there in full force causing my right foot to turn in. So yes it was a bad day. I didn't do much moving. I did go outside and get some sun. That was really nice. Dusty worked in the garden to prepare it for planting. He also dug up a fence post that was used for our temp. fence. But now that we have up our permanent fence we don't need these extra posts. Plus they are just in the yard, a hurt waiting to happen from one of the kids running into them. But he did get it out after much hard determination. Now just a few more to go but I think the one did him in for a while. Oh well.
Today both hips are really bothering me. I almost forgot how bad they did hurt until yesterday and today. If I could take something stronger then tylenol I would today. They hurt that bad. My right is turning in really bad. ARGH. But I honestly can't complain they really have been good. A day like to day makes me appreciate the other days. I will get through this, whether the tylenol works or not. I know there will be more days like this. They aren't fun but I know that one day I will feel better. I can do this.

It's Just a Day

Today was to be my surgery day. In a way it is a relief to have it here and to let it go now. It saddens me a bit to know that I have to wait for another surgery day. But I will get that day and that day will be meant for me. This day just wasn't it. Last night was kind of a hard night for me, just knowing that today I could be in surgery and on my way to recovery. But when I finally woke for the day, I just had to let the day go and move on. I will get my day. I will get to feeling better. My hips won't give out on me. I won't stand up and feel like an 80 year old arthritic woman. One day I will be able to do things that I want to do. The simple things that everybody else around me can do- walk without PAIN, walk without FEAR.
I think the Lord is letting the morning sickness ease up today and yesterday. He knew I would have a hard time and that I didn't need to be so sick. It just is hard to know that I have to wait. I know there is a reason for this happening. But I just want to feel better. I just want to be able to go for a walk without feeling sore or hurting afterwards. I really am ok. I just need to let this day go. I will get mine. I will. Just not yet but soon. I just don't know when that day will be. It would make me feel better to have a day but I will get it in time. I just have to wait and be patient.
Today is my mother's birthday. So I get to be here for that. I am going to make her dinner- manicotti. My sister gets her ultrasound today and will find out boy or girl. How exciting. And what a day.

Not Much Here

For the past couple of days, the morning sickness has really gotten to me. I have been struggling to keep down even a simple cracker. I have found myself on the couch or recliner. And that means the house and laundry have all been put on the back burner. I tried pepperment tea and that hit rock bottom to come and it the toilet bottom. It has been rough and I really debated on going into the ER for an IV but I just didn't know. ER visits can be very pricey and all they tell you is to drink your fluids. Ok they would have hydrated by IV and given me medications through the IV also. But I decided not to and to wait it out.
Dusty had off today, so he cleaned the house and did laundry. He even cleaned our room, which has been neglected and not even put on the list to do. Well just not now. He ran the sweeper and loaded the dishwasher for me. I tried to help but ended up back on the couch for a little snooze. Ok more like because I was going to pass out if I didn't lay down. I felt really weak and dizzy. I just didn't feel good. After I rested for a bit, I sat up and wanted. And I stress WANTED some crunchy veggies to eat. So I ate some which tasted good but then started to upset my tummy so I hurriedly took my zofran and laid back down. I wasn't going to let it come back up. It was successful nothing came back up.
I have also managed to keep down fruit. My mom also had fixed a big dinner for my sister's birthday. And I was able to eat a little bit and keep it down. I also kept sucking on mints, one after another. Maybe that helped too. But whatever it was, I am thankful that it stayed down.
On the way home, I started thinking, because this week we were to be in Boston having surgery. But I started to think how I might not be able to schedule the surgery. I will probably need new xrays, which I hope I can get done here and sent to him. Or if I can schedule surgery then maybe during preop we can get xrays then. But questions about scheduling started to come up. I know it is a ways off but hey with 5 kids and another on the way I like to have an idea of what to plan for. I do hope that I can go ahead and schedule the surgery without having to have xrays done first. I will have to call Renee, his surgery coordinator or at least email in the fall to ask her.
My hips have been much better then I ever expected. They do give out on occassions but just on occassions. Of course it hurts but doesn't leave me in pain. It has crossed my mind that since they aren't bothering me am I doing more harm to them. I mean when they hurt before I would take it easy. But now that they aren't bothering me, I guess I just worry that I might be damaging them more. Of course, since I have been battling the morning sickness and laying around that I am not moving around much. So perhaps I am not doing harm to them.
By the way, the kids helped their daddy out by cleaning up the living room and their rooms. Now they are being rewarded by watching Toy Story 2. They are such cute movies. Even the the one year old loves to watch and it keeps her attention. I can't wait for the 3rd movie. It will make for a great family treat.

Search and Find

Saturday I went out garage saling. The little town we live in had their annual city wide garage sale. So that meant a very busy neighborhood. I was included in that crowd. I was on a mission but I didn't get out as early as planned. Some dilemnas occurred that set me back. One was Hannah got into the rice krispy cereal in her room. There was krispies on her bed, floor, and hallway. ARGH. Then Hannah wouldn't get dressed. But finally we did make it out the door and about that time, my mom showed up and she walked with us. We headed down one of the circle streets first and immediately found this hardly used green radio flyer inchworm. Adorable and for a great deal. Then I found a shelf for another great deal. Exciting. As we were heading back home to drop it off, my sister called and asked where we were. I told her almost at the corner and heading home. About that time she spotted us.
Mom decided to stay behind and watch the little ones. So then we headed back out in search of a used crib. Mine is coming apart on the bottom. I also was looking for an updated pack n play, shelves to put all my canned goods on in the basement, outdoor play stuff, and a dresser. I was unsuccessful in finding any of these. I found a beautiful bassinet but I didn't need that, I needed a crib. There was a lot of clothes but I already have an abundance of that too. It was fun. We walked from one end to the next end, down the circle streets. We did have to make another pit stop to use the bathroom. His dad showed up at that time to get Brady. Emma and Hannah went to. Thank goodness Hannah went. She was whiny when she didn't get a small trampoline or a stuffed animal. I told her that she had a big trampoline out back but that didn't satify her. She was just in her mood. Once returning home I noticed that my back was really stiff and I could hardly sit down. And then when I stood up to go for round three, my hips were stiff and locking up. But it wasn't going to stop me. I was on a mission.
So round three didn't lead me to find any of the items I was in search to find. But I did find some beautiful old hankies. They had such beautiful embroidery work on them. They reminded me of my grandmas' that she had. I have only one that I carried when I got married. But I bought 3 sets of 5 a piece. I also bought a freezer bag size of hem tape, and bias tape- all of multicolors. Very useful to me since I sew and bias tape alone can cost $2.00 for one package. So yes very worth it. Ok that stuff may have not been on the list but hey why pass on something for yourself and at a bargain price. It made me feel good. Well we returned back home. Sarah and her little boy left and she took Arianna with her and headed off to the zoo. I asked mom if she would take me to the older neighborhood across the stoplight. She did. And I didn't even look at the time to see how much time I had before the kids would be returning from Brady's soccer game. I didn't check my email to see if the dance teacher had written me back about the days Arianna dances in the recital. I was focused on two things. Looking for my items and now not getting sick. But nothing was going to stop me. Well his dad called me and I told my mom we have to hurry home, I forgot about the kids and time. So we hurried through the mess of cars. Dusty was mad because I wasn't home. His dad asked me the days to get tickets for Arianna's recital and how many to get. I didn't have any answers. I was to wrapped up in my search and find quest. So I asked him to call Dusty and ask him. So me and mom headed back out because there was this one house that had a lot of furniture and I wanted to go back there. But then Dusty called and told me to go home and check my email NOW. So I did but nothing. So I called the studio. And the lady on the phone told me the days she was to perform. So I headed back out to the car to go look but as my mom started off I changed my mind. I felt so sick. She asked if I wanted lunch for the kids and I told her that was fine. But I fought the sickness the whole time. I was mad and frustrated. I never did get to that house. So who knows. But there will be more garage sales. So I haven't given up yet.
My hip held up but later that day I couldn't hardly move. I was stiff and sore. I really just wanted to cry. This what I didn't want to feel like. I just want to be able to go walking without wondering, am I going to hurt. Will I be able to move. I can't sleep either. I am feeling sick, frustrated, and I hurt. I don't want to take tylenol for it only to come back up. And tylenol burns coming back. I am feeling overwhelmed, emotional, and disappointed

Success!

I was successful this morning. I can officially give the thumbs up. I know it is gross but when you can't go it causes so many other problems and discomforts. And ahhhh, a much better feeling but still sick. It didn't help me to feel a bit better. Oh well.
Ok so whatever sickness/bug is going around I FOR SURE don't want- as my Brady boy would put it. My mom, brother, his dad, and Paylynn have the stomach flu and diarrhea. I have my own issues I don't need this one.
I started to think that maybe my hips don't hurt as bad because I am focused on always not getting sick and constantly fighting it. I don't know but it is just crazy. I know that i have bad days in store for me. But I just pray that it isn't anything like I had been feeling like. I just want to enjoy being pregnant. I know as I get bigger that they will give out more.
What a short post but I had to tell all about my success. Dusty didn't pick up or my mom. I just wanted to share the good news!

Just Another Week

Ok so last week was more like pre-activity warmup. I am really battling to keep down whatever I eat. My mom is always shocked how I can talk and laugh when I am around others. I don't know it is just me. But give the wrong smell or I feel something gross you better move because upcoming spew will be flying everywhere. Sorry for the description. But that is what is feels like. I haven't taken my zofran for a couple days now because it is really backing me up. I would eat more high fiber foods, or drink more fluids but I have to eat what sounds good otherwise I will be sorry. I don't really want to bring up past food. I am taking colace stool softners and not taking prenatals right now. At least not until I can have success. I have never looked forward to seeing a result in the toilet but I want to see something. This backup could be adding to my yucky feelings. Maybe nexts posts I can post a thumbs up.
Right now my hips are giving out on me. The pain isn't bad. I haven't had to take tylenol. Except for Saturday I almost gave in. Brady had his First Communion. And I wore high heels with my dress. He wore his suit and looked so handsome and grownup.
But I missed him walkin. I had been up early doing last minute things to the house. The day before I had the kids clean their rooms and they were back there for such a long time and so when they came out to tell us their rooms were cleaned. I just believed them and never checked. I woke up Sat. and about freaked. They spent a whole lot of time shoving everything along their walls and under their beds. They didn't even pick up their trash. So I went back to their rooms and quickly went around the room and picked up to my standard of what would just have to do. I ran the sweeper and mopped the floors. I finally got into the shower and my sister came over and got the two younger girls dressed. Dusty had gotten up to church to save pews. But it was already full and could only save one. So not everyone could sit together. But I hurriedly rushed around to get ready.
My sister and I left the house but we hit every red light including the stop walk light going there. She dropped me off at the door and I tried to run in but I couldn't with the heels. So when I got into church they were playing the music and they were walking in. But I thought that I still had a chance and snuck into the back to sneak a peek. But I just missed him. So I turned around and waited in the back of church. I took off my darn heels but had to put them back on because the panty hose I wore and the type of floor just meant an accident waiting to happen-falling on my butt. I was frustrated, upset and not feeling good but trying to fake it. My sister came in with Paylynn and her little boy. And she was shocked to see me in the back. I told her we were late. She felt bad but I told her if she hadn't come over to help that I would have missed everything. So we both just waited and let the toddlers play in the back of church. But I did get to see him recieve. He was adorable and had the biggest smile.
I should never have worn the darn heels. I haven't worn heels for almost two years. I just hurt after wearing them. And towards the end I started feeling really sick. I just wanted to get out of my dress and heels. Which I did once I got home. It was probably not a good thing but I had too. I needed comfortable clothes and shoes. I was hurting and sore. And I had to what had to do.
Paylynn has also been sick with the stomach flu and diarrhea. She isn't getting sick anymore but still having the runs. Poor baby. Dusty was also sick on Thurs. and stayed home. so once I got those two better to where they were more like themselves. i had my day on Friday. I just felt so sick. I am not ready for this.
On a happier note, I saw Taylor Swift on April 1. I loved the concert. The vibrations were going up my already aching left hip and causing pulsations in it but I didn't let it get me down. Ok there was a brief moment when I felt like crying but I fought through it because I wanted to enjoy her. I love all her songs. And when she came out I just wanted to scream but I didn't I was just so very excited. And when she started singing so did I. It was what I have been needing. That uplifting moment to take me away to a night of enjoyment for me. It was just so fun. And then when she sang her last song I felt sad because the fun was going to end. But I did have such a fun time. It was wonderful for me and him to just get out. And I loved seeing her and listening to her. It was a good night and what we both needed.
So here is the end to anothe week on to new adventures with the new upcoming week. I wonder what this week has in store for me. That is what is new with me during this waiting period. I could hold off on posting but I still have hips and now pregnant. So maybe someone out there with hip problems will find these posts helpful and just fun to read. But whatever the reason for reading, it helps me to air out so I can get through whatever life has in store for me.

Don't Rock the Boat

Today has officially marked the day of the start of morning sickness,ok Sunday. I knew it was coming because since Friday I have felt nauseated. Ok maybe even before then. I do know that Friday I called the OB and asked for something because I was afraid it might hit over the weekend. Well it did on Easter Sunday but I only got sick twice in the early morning. Not bad. So it was good to have the zofran. By the way, the price on this medication has really come down. Because I had it with our fourth baby and I paid $99.00 and that was with insurance. This time for 30 pills was only $11.00. Much better and affordable. Of course I can't really put a price on a pill that is going to get me through the day. It is odd too because I feel sick and am just starting to get sick but I crave food almost like I haven't eaten in days. Not a good thing because I am going to get fat. My pants are already too tight. And I already have a tummy. But this could be due to baby number 6 and all the muscle being so relaxed. Well, hey, it makes me feel better then to think I might actually just be fat at this point.
About my hips I must say that they have been doing well. I haven't taken Tylenol hardly this week like I was last week. I am wearing flip flops today. I will hardly ever do that because I will hurt afterwards. I did notice that when I took them off and sat down for a bit while the babies were napping that my right hip started to bother me. But I honestly can't complain. The pain is no where near what I was feeling just two weeks ago. I am amazed at this. I have even forgotten at times that I have something wrong but then it will give out and I will remember. Maybe I forget because I am pregnant- pregnancy amnesia. Why not blame it all being pregnant. It might help me sleep at night.
Paylynn is sick today with the stomach flu and horrible diarrhea. I think this is what made me run to the porcelean goddess. The smell and texture, well everything, was too much for my already queasy stomach. I have also been really super tired. Dusty has been wonderful the last two days and I have been able to take a nap. And it was much needed. I just feel like I am not functioning like my usual self. I know the house is suffering. And I have a First Communion party this Saturday so I better get on it. Ok the house isn't bad but isn't anywhere near perfect either. Just somewhere in the middle. So my feelings of cleaning the house are in neutral. I will get on it.
I will post more later, right now I have a "duty" to change. And then I have to pick up the kids. But when I get a chance again, I will update some more.

End of the Week

I called the Wichita Clinic and switched my OB to Dr. Whiddon. He isn't an older doctor who could retire in the near future. He also seems really upbeat and really good. I think he will be like my first OB before he moved to Texas to practice. But I still have the same day, May 10th. That just seems to far away. The receptionist did say to me that I could his nurse and leave a message for her. But I don't know how that will work since I will be a new patient to him. I just don't think I can take much more.
Taking the 2.5 mg yesterday really worked to settle my brain down. And I had a good day and felt like Katie. I didn't take it today. So I am starting to feel crazy again. I have taken the Tylenol for the hips but it doesn't work for that deep aching pain. I am trying to take it easy but I can't sit in one position to long. I have taken a benadryl for the rest of the symptoms to help relax the muscles. But it isn't working except that I am tired with the crazy messed up brain thing/feeling. I don't want to live like this. I just want this to go away.
My oh my a week can be so long. I don't like waiting because time can move so slowly.
On a more cheerful note, I did take another pregnancy test. I thought that what if the first two were wrong. So I went to Walmart and bought a third one. A different brand. I bet the companies love me! When I got home I unloaded the sacks and then tested again. And the vertical line showed up so BOLD and THICK. It showed up even before the horizonital line appeared. And by the time the urine made it to the test line, that line that makes it positive was so BOLD. There was no mistaken. So God was telling me that YES we ARE pregnant.
i just laughed.
I did go shopping and bought me a new blanket to snuggle up with. It was going to be for the surgery but I can use it now and break it in for next years use. My mom also bought me a new dress to wear. I really wanted it because it looked so comfortable. And she bought it today. I have good day for the most part. Just this evening I am feeling the brain zaps but I took benadryl.
Saturday Brady has his first soccer game. Sunday we have a birhtday to attend. The days have been so busy this week with the kids activities. It has been a week where the activities all fall together. And then with my symptoms and news, it has been a hard week. Hoping next week will start to look up. I think it will. It is a short school week due to Easter. So that is already good news.

What a Start

Once I found out that we were going to have baby number 6, it throw for me for such a loop and meant things were going to change. But I didn't realize what was in store for me. So I stopped taking the tramadol for the hip pain and the lexapro for anxiety/depression from how overwhelming everything seemed to be when I found out I had congenital hip dysplasia. I decided that stopping all the medication would be the best thing for the baby. I don't want to harm the baby in any way possible.
So Monday was the first day to stop everything. And WOW did I ever hurt. I felt the difference. Because if the pain became untolerable then I could take the pain medicine. But not this time. And why they honestly had to hurt that bad is beyond me. But I took Tylenol for it. And made it through Monday but was feeling a little strange. Not sure how to describe the feeling but that I just didn't feel right.
Tuesday came and my hips still were bothering me but that wasn't the problem. I didn't feel good. I thought that I was getting sick because I was feeling achy, and breaking into hot sweats and then chilling really bad. So I took Tylenol and that seemed to work. But then I kept getting this strange sensation in my head and it was there every waking moment. I thought that maybe I was just dizzy. But not really because I have been dizzy before and that is not how I felt. And I kept trying to explain it to mom. We both thought that maybe I just needed to eat protein and drink more water. So I cut up 5 celery stalks and stuffed them full of peanut butter and drank 3 big glasses of water. YUM! But no relief. I just didn't feel right. I told my mom that as crazy as this sounds it just feels like my head is sending shocks. I felt crazy! I also was getting very irritable and short tempered. Every little thing was disturbing me to the point of causing me to freak out over bumps in the road (what was that I hit) or to get mad over a little mess on the floor. But I did manage to mop my kitchen and entry way floors. I also ran the sweeper. I went to bed that night still having the same sensations and tossed and turned. I was restless.
Upon waking on Wednesday I just felt miserable and awful. I was too the point to everything just set me off in a mad angry rage. I thought no wonder I don't need any more kids. I am too impatient. I was aching, having hot sweats like none other, breaking then into chills beyond disbelief. I would have the urge to have a bowel movement and would get to the bathroom just to strain and end up having hemorroid trouble. I couldn't blame this on a prenatal vitamin, I just took one in the morning. I have been eating fiber and haven't trouble like this for a long time. I thought I had this under control. Now what is going on here. I thought I was falling apart. And that being disappointed to having to change my plans was really taking a toll on me. I didn't know why I was feeling this way. And yes my brain and body were doing this wierd shock like thing constantly and it came to the point to where just moving my eyes I felt like my brain and head were going nuts. It was making me go nuts. Because by the evening I had lost it and was yelling at Dusty for something really off the wall. I was losing it and all because I felt like my head or brain was sending constant shock waves. I wasn't able to do anything without it doing this. I felt like I needed to be locked up in the nuthouse. I called my mom and was in tears but then I accidently hung up on her. And before calling her back I decided to go to the bathroom. And my sweet little baby Paylynn took the phone and somehow got lucky and managed to turn the ringer off. So when I went to page the phone I couldn't find it. But since I was having these strange sensations I didn't even think to get my cell phone. While I was yelling the way I was feeling to Dusty, I went to put my shoes on and go into the ER. I was so miserable at this point that I needed to find out what was wrong. But instead I decided to just lay down. Dusty then came and turned on the light and asked if I googled lexapro withdrawal. I just ignored him. And he said that what I explained to him were withdrawal symptoms of lexapro. I got up and asked to read it to me. And he did. Wow! That is something. I wasn't imagining this. So I went to lay in bed. And then the doorbell rang and it was mom and dad. They were worried that I had fainted and that Dusty hadn't made it home yet from Brady's boy scout meeting. So I was such mess at this point. Now crying and sobbing in my mom's arms and her consoling me we all sat down in the living room and just talked. Then they left and i went to bed but had to move to the couch because my left hip was just deep aching. And that is were i slept all night.
Thursday came and I got up feeling even worse. I took the kids to school feeling miserable. But once I got home I really debated on taking the lexapro until talking to my PCP about it. But it didn't take long before deciding to take a fourth of the pill (2.5 mg). I felt guilty but I needed a little relief. I think I would have jumped off the balcony. I called the PCP once office hours began and left a detailed message with the receptionist to give to the doctor. The nurse called me back and told me to NOT take the tramadol or lexapro. But to take tylenol for the pain and a prenatal vitamin daily. And that the withdrawals are going to last at a least week. A week! Oh boy put me in that nuthouse now I am becoming a harm to myself from the inside. So i called the ob office at this time too. I would like to see her before May 10th and maybe she can help get me through. I left another detailed message and waited for the return phone call. I did receive an email from Dr. Millis and he recommended Tylenol for pain, taking it easy whenever I hurt, and that he wasn't sure how my hips would hold up during pregnancy but that we will reevaluate them again after delivery. Oh was I feeling better ok more like comforted but I was feeling better. My brain wasn't zapping me as bad. But that was probably due to the fourth I took earlier. Even my moods were calm. I felt more like myself. Finally the ob nurse called me back in the afternoon and told me to take Tylenol for the pain and a benadryl to help relax my mind and body. Ok. But it didn't end there. My ob is leaving in June. So I will now need to find a new OB. Seriously why and why now.
So that is where I am at now. Finding a new OB and dealing with awful withdrawals from the lexapro. And trying to manage my hip pain. This may be a rough start for this new journey but maybe the road in the end will be smooth and easy going. All I do know is that for now I will need to take it easy and take it day by day, moment by moment.

A Huge Bump in the Road

Ok only for the next nine months. We are expecting a baby, number 6. I wanted another baby and wanted them close and got my wish fulfilled. It definitely left me speechless more like in tears.
On Sunday or Monday we were going to buy our plane tickets for my upcoming surgery for April 27th. And to be on the safe side, since we had fun once this month, I decided I would take a pregnancy test. Taking the test was really to make sure since I wasn't to get my period until March 29th. And I didn't want to wait until then to buy the tickets and since tickets are nonrefundable I didn't want to spend the money and we would be pregnant.
So I took the test. And as I was waiting for the test line to appear a plus sign started to showup I couldn't believe my eyes. I was still sitting on the toilet and sat back and almost fell in. So I got my husband and brought him back to our room. I told him that we don't need to order tickets. And he was like why. I said because we can't afford them. And he asked what my mom had said to me (I was on the phone with her and when I hung up I tested). I told him nothing. And then he got impatient and told me to tell him what was going on that my mom must have said something. Then he went off to the living room and continued playing his video game. I then broke out in tears and continued folding my laundry and putting it away. Finally I went out to the living room with a red nose and eyes. Dusty asked again what was going on. So I asked what he thought. Why we couldn't order plane tickets. And he said he didn't know. So I showed him the test. And he asked what that was and where it came from. I told him that he knew very well what it was and that I took it because I knew we were going to order tickets and I just wanted to play it safe by checking. And he told me to retest to make sure.
So I went to Target and bought another one. This time a Clear Blue Easy to Read Digital test. The first was an EPT. I took that one and waited for what seemed like forever for the hour glass to disappear. And then the word PREGNANT showed up. That was also the time Dusty showed up to see what it read. He couldn't believe it. He didn't know how we both could be so far off in what we thought was safe time. And believe he wasn't taking chances because "Fun time" only was happened once or twice a month. I then broke into tears. He tried his best to console me but I was really upset. I knew I wanted a baby but once I had my surgery date I felt better. I would feel sad and want a baby at times but nothing like before when I didn't have a date set.
I had even wrote out all the kids activities on the calendar that day. I made a list of who I needed to call so I could start to donate my blood. But it just goes to show how life can change in a heartbeat. And sometimes we don't understand why. But this has happened for a reason. It may not or never be clear but what is done is done. I can't change it. I just have to accept it.
Right now I am dwelling in a cloud of confusion and shock. And then add a topping of severe tiredness along with an upset stomach. I am not sure if the stomach problems are from the pregnancy or moods. But whatever is the cause, will bound to be with me now for the next 5 months. I have my first ob appt. on May 10th. We have also discussed doing surgery next March. I guess that means I will have a new group of ladies to meet and go through surgery with. I still can't figure out how we were that far off. And I am surprised that a pregnancy would even work this early. I mean it will be two weeks tomorrow since "the fun day" .
And the tests all recommend that if testing before a missed period then you should use morning urine since it would be the most concentrated. And to make it even better, I had drank a big glass of sweet tea from McDonald's so my urine was diluted. So I am most definitely pregnant. Probably better plan for twins at this point. I mean why not, it would just mean attaching a trailer to the back of the car since our expedition seats only 8 and this baby will make us a family of 8.
But what has been done can't be changed. I just have to adjust my plans. My blogs will still be about my hips but I will post also about the effect that the pregnancy has on them. I am hoping the pregnancy hormones will relax the joints to get me through. I have stopped taking the tramadol for the pain since I don't know how safe it is for the baby. And let me say that I am in pain and can a BIG difference. My left hip keeps me tossing and turning all night because it just has a deep ache that I can't get out or comfortable with.
I just now hope for a boy for Brady. Brady did say that if this baby wasn't a boy that he was going to move our FOR SURE. I just laughed. He says there are too many girls. But I can't control this one.
Things are going to look up or more like start looking into the toilet. But what is really getting me through this shock and confusion is the thought of holding the precious little bundle of joy. The words are indescribable of that moment when the baby is born
and you get to hold that tiny little miracle of life.

Cloudy with a Chance of Sunshine

This post is really more to vent my frustrations. I am the person who tries to put the smile on my face and hide what I feel on the inside. But sometimes we just need to let go because then can others truly understand our true feelings and begin to understand the truth. I am trying to be positive and so many of the women on my groups have such bad days. I just want them to feel better so I offer encouraging words but it seems the past couple of encouraging words I have offered have been overrided by negativity. Surgery isn't fun and it isn't EVER easy. But we all need to take a step back and remind our self of that but to also tell ourself that we are strong and will get through this. I mean spending a year recovery versus spending the rest of our life in chronic pain. You be the one to choose. Well like I have said previously maybe I should wait in offering advice or encouragement until I get to the other side. I just don't like to see people feeling down. And I will try to make them feel better. For instance I have my mother blaming herself for causing my hip problems. But what I really need is for her to be here for me. I need her to be the strong one so if I lose it she can be here to encourage me to get through the rough patch. And sometimes I could use the help on the really bad days. That is what I need.
On a more sunny note, I have received the packet of info regarding all the times for April 13th pre-op appt. So now I need to get everything in order. It all just seems so overwhelming but I have to remind myself that I can do this and it will all be over soon and that I will be on the road to feeling better. And to make the day a bit better the sun has come out.

Consultation Appt.

I didn't even realize that I didn't mention anything about what I experienced on Thursday March 4, 2010. I had to be in Waltham, MA at 845 am for my MRI. I had only had one once before but I didn't really remember much. I wasn't really nervous. I just get the fear of the unknown. But somehow I always get through it all. So the day before we drove around finding where we needed to go. So on Thursday, we had an idea of where we were going.
Thursday morning came fast. We got to the Children's Hospital Boston in Waltham on time. We walked through the front doors but weren't sure where to go. We asked at the front desk and they instructed us to go right and then left at the Radiology sign. Easy. And we found it. I checked in and had to fill out a paper and answer a few questions of medication that I was currently taking. Then I waited to be called. While I was waiting I noticed that the walls were colorful. I also saw a small fish tank. I was then called back. We went back to a room and the nurse asked which arm I preferred. I just showed her both. And she picked that right arm. She disinfected the area where she was going to stick the needle. And she was using a butterfly needle. I was excited because that is a tiny needle compared to what I usually get stuck with. I didn't even feel the needle or the dye being injected. Once it was done I had to walk around for 20 minutes in the waiting room. I noticed that there was another fish tank. It must have been based on Finding Nemo. The fish were really pretty and the water was so clear. It was a great distraction. And I thought it wouldn't be a bad idea if more hospitals made it more welcoming. It would make it more cheerful. I mean what can go wrong with colorful walls, fish tanks, and butterflies on the wall. I was also to get x rays done while we waited for the dye to work its way into the hip. But 20 minutes came and I was never called for x rays so I had to wait until after the MRI.
I went back to the room. And I was to take off my glasses. I couldn't see anything but big blurs. I laid down. And she taped my feet so they wouldn't move during the MRI. They want you to lay very still. She then placed this gray thing over my right hip. It was a little heavy but tolerable. Then she placed headphones on. Then I was slid into the tube with a little bit of my head sticking out. She then asked how the volume was and it was good. I could hear the music. Then she said we would get started and that it would last approximately 40 minutes. Ok I can do this. I can lay flat on my back. Well I hope. And then it all began.
The sound was loud. And my music kept fading in and out. And then probably about five minutes into it I felt my back hurting. But I couldn't move. So I just laid there. As it went on I just kept feeling my back hurting more and more. And it eventually moved down my left butt side to my left hip. It was hurting so bad. And I finally had to move without moving. So I was trying to focus on something else. Then the nurse came over and told me that for the last picture I was going to be slid out part way. I knew then that I could do it but that I was already in trouble and just hoping that I would be able to sit up and get off the table. After the last picture, she came in and I told her that I would probably look like a goof because my back hurt so bad and how I wasn't a back layer. Well I got off the table allright but I must have looked like wierdo gimp. Because I was limping and hobbling out to the waiting room. She asked if I was ok and I said yes. Then she told them at the front desk that I needed to get my x rays done asap because we needed to be on our way for our appt.
They put the message in and then someone else was called back before us. And the front desk said that we were to be first. And then another lady came out and called us. I was put into some interesting "dance poses". The first two were the hardest. My hips didn't want to cooperated. But the last 3 were easier. But I did have to lay on another table. Thank goodness that a lot faster. I didn't want to take anything for the pain because I wanted to feel any discomfort with the ROMs that the doctor would do. Once we got the "all clear" with the x ray pictures. We aheaded back to Boston for the Children's Boston Hospital for my actual consultation appt., which I have mentioned the conversation.
At the appt. I had to fill out a very lengthy hip questionnaire. Some of things asked were hard to answer but I did to the best of my knowledge. I am not good at describing what I feel or how bad it feels. We called back. And I had my weight and height taken. I weighed even less from when I saw my PCP that previous Monday. I met with another doctor at first. I can't recall his name. But he was real nice. He did some ROMs with my legs. And then he looked at my MRI and xrays. Then he stepped out. We didn't wait to long and then him and Dr. Millis came in. I just had assumed that Dr. Millis would be tall but he isn't. He had me walk and then stand on my tiptoes and heels. And then he had me bend over to touch my toes. I then I hopped up on the exam table. And he did a lot of different ROMs. He also took leg measurements. He did a very thorough exam. But I have mentioned the conversation we had. So that was my experience for my consultation. I just now realized that I didn't blod about it. I guess i was a bit overwhelmed. A little late and out of order but it is all here now.

Surgery Date

We emailed Renee the surgery coordinator. For one thing I wasn't sure if I was to call her and schedule or if her or the doctor were going to email back with a date. But like I say we emailed her. And she wrote back saying surgery is scheduled for APRIL 27th. Finally! I feel so much better, even though today the hips are griping a lot. They can now settle down. Little do they know what is coming to them. Well at least one for now. For that matter I don't either. But I do know that I am going to be strong through it all. I am hoping for the best, preparing for the worst, and hopefully be somewhere in between. We do have a preop day scheduled for April 13th as well. I am not really sure what to expect from there. I will have to read some of the other blogs again to see what they did. I am just so excited. Not nervous yet. I just really want to get it done. But as the time gets closer that may change. I do know that it will be here before I know it. But there is an end, well at least for one side. Hip Hip Hooray. Or should I say WHOOP! WHOOP!

Practicing Patience...Again

My husband keeps telling me to be patient and wait. He keeps telling me that I will hear back about surgery dates, I just need to be patient. Obviously this is something I am not doing so well. I don't want to be annoying and be a bother to the doctor or surgery coordinator. All I want is to know when I can do the surgery. But this is good for me to practice patience. Ok no it isn't. It just makes me grumpy. And it doesn't help that Emma and Paylynn (the youngest two) are sick with a really bad cold, fever, and cough. And then when I take them into the doctor, all I get is there is no medicine to give for the cough because they are too young. But to use warm water with lemon or honey in it, use a humidifier, and tylenol/advil for the fever. And wait for it to pass. But otherwise just wait until it is gone. Those words are sooooo much easier coming out of the mouth than to actually do, wait for it to pass. So all this waiting is really testing my patience. It is just isn't getting to me because my husband came home yesterday and was a grizzly bear. So I couldn't be grouchy too. But I rubbed his back last night which now today he can come home in a much better mood. Oh yes and it probably didn't help that while we were at Walmart yesterday checking out, a lady came up to me and said it was wonderful all my children and that she had 8 or came from a family of 8. But she also mentioned how her husband was a letter carrier and works at the same station my husbands dad works out. She also said that we should have at least two more. So that probably didn't help his mood. He said she didn't need to encourage me. Hopefully today he will be better. Well once I hear something everyone will know. But until then I will just have to wait and practice patience.

After Much Debating

Leaving the appt on Thursday, I just felt so disappointed and discouraged. I was really looking forward to coming home with a surgery date. Especially if I felt like I wanted Millis to do the surgery. Just meeting with him, he immediately made me feel at ease. He asked if my back hurt and showed me on my back where. I told him yes but that I just blamed it from having kids. He said that it goes with dysplasia. And then he said I was fat and needed to lose some weight. Of course he was just joking because then when I was on the exam table and laying flat, I told him I don't like to lay flat it makes my back hurt. And he said it was because I had no meat on my butt. So he is a very laid back doctor. He did speak highly of Dr. Sierra. And gave me some names of doctors that were a lot closer. So since we had gotten to the airport early, I looked the doctors up and none were covered. So then I called Dr. Sierra to see how far he was booked out too. And he was the middle of May- right when the kids get of school. We looked at flying prices to MN but they were double what we paid to fly to Boston. So we would drive to MN. But after much debating I knew I wanted Dr. Millis to do the surgery. So we emailed him that day and asked when he had surgery dates and explained how my sister would be in town for 7 months while her hubby served overseas and how she offered to watch the kiddies. He then emailed me to see what would work. I told him anytime before the kids get out of school. He then emailed his surgery coordinator Renee to see what set a date for me. So I am hoping to have a date in the very near future. I know once a date is set that there will be an end to this hurting and pain and giving out.

Oh...Disappointed

I just feel like crying at this point. Still no surgery date. No end to the pain yet. Dr. Millis was such a wonderful friendly doctor. He answered my questions without me having to ask them. That is how well he explained everything. He showed me good xray of a normal hip and then showed me an xray of a fixed hip. You couldn't even tell the hip had been cut! That was amazing. The hip looked normal. He went over how I have "hole" on one of the femur bones due to stress to the cartilage and my hips not working properly. He did a lot of different ROM. He asked me to walk. He also asked what type of pain I am experiencing. And said my left was worse then the right. I do need to do surgery soon or otherwise a PAO won't work. WIth a PAO he didn't guarantee that I wouldn't ever need a THR. ANd that the PAO could get me through the next 5 years to possible my whole life. And gave me about a 25% chance of needing a THR based on the cartilage he saw from the MRI. He just really worries about the distance and having 5 kids. ANd really spoke highly of Dr. Sierra in Minnesota. He also recommended a Dr. GArvin but he isn't on our insurance. He did say that he would do the surgery if I wanted him to but he just really worries about the distance when there are closer doctors. So I just don't know what to do. I feal numb and feel like crying. I am just disappointed. I was really hoping to come back with a surgery date. I just want to feel better and have another baby. So right now I am not feeling like my usual cheerful self. I don't want to meet anymore doctors or have to call the insurance company to fight them just so they will cover an out of network doctor. All I want is to feel better. And I felt personally like Dr. Millis had such a wonderful demeanor, which I really did like. I just don't know. I just want to be home sitting down and be able to cry.

Little Bit About Boston

I made it flying. Of course I did have help with some medicine. I must say that Boston is a bit tricky getting around. It has also been windy, cold, and snow flurries on and off. I do love the accents. Some are richer than others. But I just love it. We did go to a Mike's Pastry shop and bought 3 cannolis and one oreo cheesecake. We ate two of the cannolis and saved the rest for the hotel. THey were YUMMY! But who doesn't like sweets. My hubby saw his Fenway park and took pictures. We also ate at TGI Fridays. But that was more because I really had to go use the bathroom. He kept telling me just 5 minutes. But I couldn't wait that long. I had to go. So he pulled into a public parking and paid $17.00. So nobody in Wichita better complain again about parking costs. We then drove around to make sure we knew where we were going for tomorrows appt. The MRI is Waltham's Children's Hospital Boston and then we drive back to Boston and get x rays and meet the doctor at Children's Hospital Boston. I am ready for this. I am also tired and exhausted from traveling. So early to bed tonight for an early morning tomorrow. I will then update again about what I find out at the appt. But I just had to let everyone know about today. My hips also were cooperative! I was so proud of them. But of course they would be because we are seeing the doctor and it seems then like all of sudden the pain is gone. Crazy of why that is. I did notice a few things here in Boston---A lot of people walk to get where they are going, people park almost bumper to bumper (did see some cars with dents in their bumpers-just chuckled at that), and bikers ride in the street not on the sidewalk. Just different that what I am used to back in Kansas. But otherwise it has been nice. And now just have until tomorrow to meet Dr. Millis.

Day After Swimming

Yesterday was just an all around not a very good day. After swimming I mentioned getting a headache but didn't think it was going to turn into a migrain. Sometimes when I go swimming indoors I get headaches from the chlorine smell. I don't know why but I have done that since I can remember ever swimming in an indoor pool. Since my mom is out of commission and still not driving due to her clumsy running into a tree incident, I had to go pick up the kids from school. I got there early and parked in my usual space and turned on a movie for the 3 year old Emma. And then I had to lay down to close my eyes so that I wouldn't puke from my headache. My kindergarten got into the car just ready to talk talk talk. I had to tell her to shhh because mommy had a headache. THen my fourth grader got into the car ready to talk talk talk. I had to tell her shhh mommy had a headache. THen my son a 2nd grader got into the car and about that time I heard a tap tap tap on my window. And standing there was one of the kindergarten teachers and a concerned parent. THey just wanted to make sure everything was ok because I had my head down for such a long time.(I was embarrased but so glad somebody cared that means a lot to me.) I said yes that I just had a really bad headache. And smiled. I can usually seem to pull out a smile even when I am hurting. That is just me. I took that kids home and by then the medicine that I had taken was finally starting to take effect and I wasn't feeling as bad. At least I didn't puke and have that feeling anymore. I got my oldest ready for dance and drove her out there and then came back to fix dinner. So this morning when I awoke that snap crackle and pop that I heard and felt yesterday was apparent today because now lefty is hurting and "giving out". But at least I don't have a headache. Also since I went swimming yesterday it messed up what I typicall do during the day-laundry, housework, etc. So when everyone awoke, my son was asking for his school pants, my oldest daughter her uniform, my kindergarten was asking why mommy didn't have her uniform laying out on her bed, even my hubby had to search to find his belt because I didn't hang it up for him. What are they going to do when mommy is out of commission. I don't know. Everything just falls apart. My hubby tried to play it off like it was my fault because I can't manage the house and workout at the same time. But oh well I just enjoyed the pool so much even though it came with sacrifices.

Snap, Crackle, Pop

I decided that I would go swimming today. My right hip is really hurting today to the point to where when I walk it is turning in. So I thought why not put the YMCA membership to good use and swim and put the babies in the kid care center. It went so much better in my head. My mom went with me because she wanted to do some excerises. She hurt herself by running into a tree ( long story) but hasn't been able to drive for about the last four weeks so I picked her up and we went to her Y (the old people Y). So I drop of the babies and head for the women locker room to drop off my stuff. The water felt so good and I didn't feel my hips hurting. All I could feel was my left hip grinding/popping "snap crackle pop" a bit while moving my legs. Then this old lady came up to me telling me about her arthritis and that I was barely coming above the water. My mom just spoke right up and said yes she also has 5 kids. The lady looked at me funny and then said that we weren't exercising enough. Whatever. I just went about my swimming for another 25 minutes. As I was getting out I hear my name being paged overhead and to come to the kid care center. So I hurry and grab towel and head there. And it was the youngest Paylynn. I left Emma so I could go change but my stuff was still in the (18 and older) womens dressing room. I went in there to get my stuff with the baby and that darn old lady came right up to me telling me that kids are not to be in here. I tried to explain why she was here. SO I felt uncomfortable and took my belongings to go and change in the girls locker room but once I got there I realized that I left my pants and top in the other locker room. So I headed back there to get it. I thought my 15 month daughter doesn't care if there are naked people. She doesn't know the difference. I was a little upset and frustrated by this time and to make it worse my right hip just was hurting so very bad. I didn't get to shower so I had chlorine smell in my hair and skin. I got dressed and went to pick up Emma and left frustrated. That old lady probably thought she was old and knew it all because she was old and had arthritis and I was young and didn't have a clue. Well little does she know. Now I don't get a shower because I have to go and get the kids from school, run my oldest out to dance, come home and fix dinner. All I want is feel better. And now I have headache from the smell of the chlorine.

Hips Behave Now

Today has been a not so good day. The hips weren't behaving today. It mostly started from when I was stepping into the shower and my right hip decided that it was going to do the wierd giving way feeling. It made me say a few choice words. I don't like it when it does this. I just want to yell out when it does this. It is an eye popping pain. And it just so happened that it wasn't going to feel better afterwards like it sometimes will. So all day that has meant whiny hips. My left has just been more aching but bad enough to where I am finding it hard to deal with it. I did give in and take something for it.
It has also been day where the babies have been one step ahead of me today. Never a good thing. I finally laid them down for a nap at around 1pm. And they were sleeping so soundly until I had to wake them up at 245pm to go get the kids from school. I even laid down for about 30-35 minutes myself only because I have been hurting more than usual today.
The hubby was great today. He took me an bought me chocolate custard icecream from Freddy's. And to make it even better we had a coupon for $0.85. It made the deal even sweeter because we didn't have to spend much to get a treat. Oh yes, I must mention that the things we do for our kids. My husband had the day off yesterday and so he decided that he was going to do a scavenger hunt to try and win 4 front row tickets for Sesame Street Live so he could take a 3 year old too. Clues came hourly beginning at 9 am and the last one ws at 1pm. The first to arrive at the arena then would tickets. And they also were giving away 2d and 3rd place prizes as well. The first clue came at 9 and it was to find a yellow feather. The 2nd clue was find a rubber ducky. 3rd was take a picture of yourself standing in a trash can. 4th find a stuffed Elmo. And so I told him that the last one was going to have do with Cookie Monster. He is the only other character that is pretty big. And I thought probably would need a chocolate chip cookie. So we took a chance and headed down to the arena with everything. So when the last clue was given, you did need a cookie but also sing C is for Cookie. He didn't know the song and wanted me to go inside but I saw a guy getting out of the car and told him to go and run. So here are these two grown men running inside with Elmo dolls. It was a sight to see but to make it even better the "judge" video taped the 3 winners singing the song. He didn't win first but did win 2nd. I guess a lady had parked on the street and had a short distance to run. But 2nd wasn't bad. We did get two tickets and bought two more. One for me and our 5 year old. They aren't front row either but you know what that is ok.
Hoping for the hips to be a little less tempermental tomorrow.

EXCITING!

I am so very excited because for Valentine's Day I recieved a very unexpected gift. TAYLOR SWIFT tickets. I am so very excited that I get to go and see her. When I first started to listen to her CD I just loved all her songs. And now I sing along with all of them. Even my kids know that I love listening to her. She is coming April 1st. That happens to be a Thursday. Which also is my oldest daughters dance day. So I am going to have be creative in how to get everything all situated. I have only been to one other concert in my life and that was Micheal Buble, when I was 8 months pregnant with our last baby. So that would have been Oct. 2008. I can't wait. Speaking how time flys...in less then two weeks I will meeting with the doctor and hopefully leave the appt. with a surgery date. From now and until, well for awhile that is, my calendar is just full of upcoming events for the kids. Time to start making a list and marking it on all calendars so then I hopefully won't forget. And my husband thinks I have it easy, just staying home and doing nothing. If only...But we can all dream because the grass sometimes does look greener on the other side until we get there and find out the truth. So yes I am hoping to leave the appt. with a surgery date and them my husband can truly see that sometimes being a mommy isn't as easy as it would seem.

What A Day

Time really does fly. Two more weeks and I will be in Boston meeting with Dr. Millis. Today while I was signing papers for the kids, my 3 year old was busy too. After signing the papers I went to put something away in the kids bathroom. I always keep the door closed so the baby doesn't go in there and start to fish in toilet bowl. Well, I caught Emma the 3 year old attempting to wash her hair in the toilet. Seriously what is the deal with the toilet. It is GROSS! To make matters worse, I got upset with my husband and after he left to take our son to his boy scout meeting. I started to clean up from dinner. I was upset and didn't watch where I was stepping or notice the spilled milk on the floor. So I was going to clear the table and slipped on the milk that the baby had spilled when she was on the table and fell down. I landed on my thumb. And now it hurts. I think I just more overstreched it or bent it a little too far. But it still hurts. I couldn't find the phone either. I tried paging it but I had turned it off while the babies were napping today and didn't turn it back on. So that didn't help when I pushed the page button. And of course it has been a day where when I woke up my right hip hurt and immediately began doing that strange giving out feeling. And it has been doing it on and off all day. And when I was getting into the car to get the kids from school my left hip pulled and it hurt. But thank goodness the hurt went away. I can't say much for the right. It still is giving out and hurting. Then throw in the thumb hurt. He shouldn't have left me upset. I must admit that he did come home and apologize. That means alot to me and makes me feel loved. Now it is time to sit down, watch a little T.V., and relax a bit before bed.

You Might Be Dysplastic If...

I have read this on a couple of other blogs. I just think it is just hilarous. This definitely will give you a good laugh. Enjoy!


You might be dysplastic if ...
1. You are under 30 and own a walker, a raised toilet seat and a hip kit.
2. You have said, "it's not a hip replacement, they are breaking my pelvis" more than once in the same day.
3. You are adept at doing the "fist in hand" demonstration of a what a normal hip looks like, followed by what YOURS looks like, followed by how the surgeon will correct it.
4. While carving a turkey, you take the opportunity to demonstrate for your guests how periacetabular osteotomy works using the carving knife, said turkey, and a few screws from the junk drawer in the kitchen. You end up ordering pizza.
5. You are the youngest person in your aquatherapy class.
6. You are the oldest patient at the children's hospital.
7. Before going on any outing you ask, "how far will I have to walk?"
8. You can spell "iliopsoas" and "trochanter."
9. Eskimos have hundreds of words for snow. You have hundreds of words for hip pain: snapping, grinding, tin foil, popping, giving way, ripping, tearing, shredding, burning ...
10. Even though you got a "C" in high school biology, you can name and describe the function of every muscle, tendon and bone between your belly button and your knee cap.
11. You practice sleeping on your back so that you'll be ready for the weeks post surgery.
12. You are a woman but you say the word "groin" a lot.
13. You have posted a picture of yourself in a hospital gown on the internet.
14. You have posted pictures of your incision, your x-rays, your hardware, or your surgeon on the internet.
15. You've refinanced your house and/or cashed out your retirement accounts just in case you have to pay for a surgery which your insurance company may, at the last minute, deem "not medically necessary."
16. You have a blog which you update hourly (first week post diagnosis), obsessively (in the months leading up to surgery), daily (the week before surgery), daily with help from a family member or nurse (from the time the epidural comes out until you leave the hospital), bi-weekly (from the time you leave the hospital until you get to throw the damn crutches away), then twice monthly until such time as you just want to get on with your life again. You then update the blog one year after surgery with a picture of your healed incision. Unless ... you need surgery on the other side; if so, repeat.

Oop...I Have Been Busy

So I thought my youngest had her 15 month appt. today. I had made her appt. back at her one year checkup. At this time I received an appt. card with the day, date, and time on it. I put the card in my wallet and didn't worry about looking at the card again until about two weeks ago. I usually write the appt. down in my calendar book shortly after making it and guess what I didn' t do it this time. So with the holidays, birthdays, and gathering all my info. to send Dr. Millis, I didn't even think to check the date until about two weeks ago. And at that time I looked at the card which read "Friday Feb. 10th at 830 am"". I didn't even realize that the 10th wasn't a Friday. So when I went to change my calendar to Feb., a week later, I marked in all the important dates. I remembered that the card had said Frid. something. so I marked it on the calendar as the 12th her appt. But last night when I looked at the card to double check the time, I saw the mistake. And it was too late to call the office because it was after hours. I decided to go ahead and take her in anyway. But when I went to check her in, they told me her appt. was for last friday the 5th. And to make it more complicated they couldn't work me in. So they scheduled her for Monday the 15th of Feb. at 900. Oh well mistakes happen and I have been busy with getting appts. made for me.
But that isn't all I must add a few more interesting happenings for the day:
So when get home from what I thought was appt. day, but really wasn't. And the the three old and 15 month old decided that while mommy was starting to do the morning dishes they would go and brush their teeth and wash their hands. Oh how wonderful of them if only they used the sink instead of the toilet for their water source. That was so gross. Thank goodness the toilet was flushed. But yuck. They obviously don't see yuck in the toilet though. And then I get them out of the bathroom. And instead of trying to finish the dishes I put away clothes. That should be safe, wrong again. Because as I was finishing up I realized how good and quiet they were being. That is never a good thing. So I come out into our living room to find them with my chocolate peanut clusters in their ever so tiny precious baby hands. The baby looks up at me with her chocolate covered face and mouth stuffed full of the chocolat yummies and smiles. Emma tries to blame her sister but I knew it was her who got into them. You just have to them. So hopefully if I can get a surgery date scheduled at my consultation appt., things like this won't happen for the grandparents. It would make life for them too interesting.