A Rough Start to the Second Trimester...

Well, I am now in Week 16 and for the last 2 weeks I've been dealing with hyperemesis. The baby is perfectly fine, but it certainly took a toll on me! For those of you who are lucky enough not to know what hyperemesis is, it is constant nausea and vomiting that leads to severe dehydration and a need for an IV. I could not keep ANYTHING down including both liquids and solids. Darren took me to the ER, and I was in the hospital and hooked up to an IV wth antinausea meds for a few days until I begged them to let me go home. I felt that the hospital environment was just making it worse. I was cold, uncomfortable, couldn't sleep, had to share a room with someone (and I'm sure she wasn't thrilled with listening to me throwing up 24/7!), and let's just say that I am NOT a big fan of INOVA's Loudoun Hospital. My doctor agreed with me and sent me home after I got enough IV fluids. I was still throwing up, but my doctors set me up with a home health agency who could give me an IV at home if needed. So during Week 15 I rotated between feeling OK/holding liquids down and throwing up every sip I took.

Darren decided to take a picture of me "to capture the moment." This is basically what I looked like on a good day when I wasn't hugging Mr. Porcelain Bowl...
(yes, that's a Rainbow Brite blanket. My grandma made one for all her grandchildren and I've had it for 20 years.)

Darren took care of my every need no matter what or when it was. He even sat up with me during the all night vomitting sessions! If I wanted something special, he was headed to the store 5 minutes later. He is my angel and the best nurse I could ever ask for! :)

On Saturday (and the start of the 16th Week), the home health nurse set me up on a medicine infusion pump that continually sends Zofran (an antinausea med) into my system. I had been taking Zofran orally but the doctors thought the pump would be better because the oral medication wears off too quickly. So far they've been right. Besides the annoying injection sites on my thighs and the pouch I have to carry around with me, I'm back to "normal", can eat and drink again, and don't get too nauseated when I see or smell food. I lost 6 pounds but hopefully I can gain it back!

This is what my new best friend looks like. He likes to leave big red swollen welts on my leg. I'm going to tell everyone I was in a paintball battle. It's a lot more exciting than the true story...

I don't know how long I'll have to have the pump. The doctors said that most women are better by the 20th week, but I may not be in that category because of my gastroparesis. I'm keeping my fingers crossed though. I don't have very many places left on my legs to put new injection sites. My skin is so sensitive (hence, the big red welts) that Darren has to change it every day (instead of every 2-3 days). Yes, once again Darren has to be my nurse because I can't poke myself with a needle, and he can actually do it without fainting!

The doctor I had in the hospital is the second doctor I met from the OB practice, and I like him a lot. I wasn't thrilled when I first found out that there was a male doctor and that I would have to meet with him as well as the 3 women, but he is so nice and has such a good bedside manner that I feel completely comfortable with him. So far, I've met 2 out of the 4 doctors and I've liked them both a lot. I talked to the third doctor on the phone when I was in the hospital. She seems nice, but I haven't met her yet. I have an appointment with the 4th one in September. Hopefully, I like them as much as the first two. If not, I have a 50% chance of getting someone I like for delivery!

I also scheduled our second trimester sonogram today. That's the BIG one where they look at ALL the parts and we know if the baby is a boy or girl. I'm still saying girl. Even the nurse in the ER triage said that most women with hyperemesis have girls. :) We'll find out on September 16th!