For All It’s Not
So, it’s not cholestasis of pregnancy. The labs found no traces of bile salts in my blood.
I guess that’s good (I’m not a fan of stillbirth). But it leaves me with the possibilities of “really dry skin” and “some other horrible thing”. I find it hard to believe this is merely a dry skin issue, as I pass the scratch test and I don’t have symptoms (as much) during the day.
The midwives suggested benadryl and cortisone. I’m sorry, but, duh — if those things had worked, I wouldn’t have requested the blood test for cholestasis and spent nearly 7 hours in aggregate at the hospital to figure this thing out. I would instead be asking for an allergy test.
The day I got this news, I took myself to Rainbow Grocery and bought a moderately expensive “calming” moisturizer and a nice plain apricot kernel oil to completely butter myself up in. I’ve been using this combination of things for the past few nights. I’ve been sleeping a little better, but I’m not sure whether to chalk that up to the products or to my inner resolution to stop waiting for the medical establishment to deliver me a solution.
Regardless, I’m still kept awake far more than I deserve. The hospital scheduled me an appointment with a dermatologist for next Friday. I’m trying very hard to keep myself from thinking it’s going to be a total waste of time.
Having had gone through this whole process myself not too long ago I think you are always going to be worried about something or other. For me, I had something called pre-eclampsia looming over the entire pregnancy, ( a condition that your mom tends to hand down to the first born daughter). I was going in for blood tests constantly as both myself and the wee one was at risk of dying especially in the later stages. your body is going to go through a series of problems of one sort or another, and on average the whole pregnancy thing is a rather cumbersome and humbling experience. After all, you’ve spent most of your life so far doing what you want, when you want, and not having your body get in the way of whatever direction your mind is taking you. I guess I’m just trying to say buck up, definitely stick with seeing a doctor if you feel that you are experiencing something not right, and unfortunately, just wait it out. The last few weeks are going to be the worst, but do get sleep whenever you can, and make lots of food to freeze down a week or so before you’re due. Every little thing helps. And good luck! my heart goes out to you and your other half (=
Hi Jonvieve!
That’s all really good advice. Sorry to hear you had to deal with pre-eclampsia; that’s one of the things I was really happy to hear wasn’t an issue for us.
I’m trying to give myself permission to take naps more often, and getting very good at it. (I was never a nap person before.) Ironically, the little monster loves to kick mommy just when I’m getting good and relaxed. Wheeee… he’s probably doing me a favor, getting me prepared for when he’s out in the world and never letting me sleep for other reasons.
Nice to hear from you!
Haha yea, I think your muscles working as you move about sort of keeps the kid in place. They learn to just ride it out and sleep when you are busy but as soon as you stop and your muscles relax, it’s like, hey room to play. Is very weird when a foot sticks out of your stomach and you can actually see the toes – always reminded me of the scene from aliens. The worst I had was when Kai was a few weeks from being due and he’d actually get a foot under my rib cage and push against my lungs, so I could scarcely breathe. I’d slap the headphones on the belly and play some opeth or classical to get him to stop and listen and let me keep you know… living. was good times but glad he’s on the other side for sure.
Will have to catch up when I get back across the pond!
Haha, I can’t wait to see body parts pushing out.
Yeah the kid’s already doing some weird twists and giving me pains in bizarre places from time to time.
The music thing is a cool idea. I wonder if someone’s loud voice would do the same?
Let me know when you’re around…!