Blood Clot

Ever since I got Pregnant I figured I was going to have a pretty easy pregnancy. I was one of the lucky ones that didn't ever get sick. Seriously up until a about a week ago, everything was smooth sailing. Not going to lie I was VERY pleased about it :) People always told me that by not having morning sickness and other issues in the first trimester just meant I would get 'hit hard' some other way. I guess I was just thinking that meant maybe my labor would be a bit longer than normal but honestly that didn't scare me because I would have the drugs :)

Well about a week ago I started having a slight cramping pain in my hip. I honestly thought I had just pulled my hip flexer muscle while dancing. I mean c'mon I was STILL trying to dance while so big and pregnant. Of course I was bound to pull something! I kept trying to stretch it but nothing seemed to help! I couldn't figure out what kind of stretch to stretch the pain. It got pretty frustrating!

I figured maybe I wasn't walking enough, because I was also experiencing back pain, especially the days that I work. I work as a secretary for my dad and sit at a desk all day long. So, I thought maybe all I need to do is walk a few miles a day? I really had know idea or what to expect... I mean, this IS my first pregnancy.

Well on Sunday night. The pain in my hip got pretty bad. I figured well... it has been a lazy Sunday, (who isn't lazy on Sundays?) I put a heat pad on my hip and that didn't do much. So, I took off doing laps up and down my stairs trying to get myself moving, instead of being a couch potato. Bad idea.

I jumped in the shower and when I got out, my whole left leg felt weird. It was purple and huge! Yes, Alek made fun of me for this but, I pulled out the measuring tape and compared my right leg to my left. Every spot on my left leg, thighs all the way down to my ankles, were 3 inches bigger around than my right! I started freaking out! I'm a big worrier so of course I pulled out my phone and started googling my symptoms. Usually, every time I do this, it freaks me out even more.

Seen this before? I have run across it a few times on Pinterest and laugh every time. I'ts definitely something I do! This time though, I'm glad I did turn to Google for help. Every single website, person, etc said it was symptoms of a blood clot and to call Doctor right away.

I was still second guessing Google because seriously, what does the internet know?? It was almost 11pm so I didn't want to call my doctor. The insta-care was closed. The only option was the E.R. I decided to sleep on it and see how I felt in the morning. Ha, sleep? I was too worried to be able to sleep! I wanted to call and talk to my mom and get her opinion before I went in. Doesn't matter how old you are, nothing beats the advice of your mom! I kept checking the time on my phone all night long. I wanted to call her but didn't want to in the middle of the night. Finally at 4:45am, I couldn't wait any longer and I called her. She told me it sounded like a good idea to head to the E.R. So, Alek and I got up and drove to the hospital. It really is so nice that we live so dang close!

We got there at 5am and didn't leave until 11:30am. It was soooooooooo long!!! 3/4 of the time we were just sitting in our room waiting. While the other 1/4 I was actually getting tests done. We were both getting so impatient and grumpy!!! The worst part was how hungry we were. Ahhhh don't ever let a pregnant woman get that hungry! My claws almost came out! And all the Doctors and Nurses would walk by our room eating yummy, delicious snacks. :( I was not a very pleasant person.

Anyways, they did a bunch of tests, poking and jabbing me everywhere and did an ultrasound on my leg. Sure enough there was a big ol' giant blood clot in my hip! :( It was almost a relief, because finally I knew what was causing me so much pain! On the plus side, I did get another ultrasound of my baby boy to make sure everything was good. He's one big healthy boy! Measuring 26 weeks when I'm only 24 weeks. Hopefully that means he'll come early?? Fingers crossed.

So, the bad news.... They have a blood thinning pill they give to people with blood clots. But, oh wait, I'm pregnant and of course pregnant people can't take that certain pill. So, what's the other option? Shots.

I have to give myself shots twice a day, starting now until I have my baby.

When they told me that, I'm pretty sure my jaw dropped to the floor. I have about 3 months left... 90 days. twice a day. THAT'S 180 SHOTS!!!!! I'm not a needle person. Period. (shiver)

AND to top it all off.... I found out today from my OBGYN that all my future pregnancies will be the same way. Self given shots the whole pregnancy. I joked and told Alek, well I guess he'll be our only child! ;) Not really. But I will think twice next time when I start getting baby hungry again. Might make our kids more spread out than we were originally planning.

After we finally left the E.R. we headed straight to Village inn for breakfast. Ahhhh best tasting food I've eaten in awhile! We were STARVING! Then, we had to drive to Ogden because the Doctor in Logan said it would be best to have the specialist see me. We were both exhausted. Poor Al, had to drive while I just passed out in the car. I felt guilty sleeping :(

The Ogden Dr. didn't say a whole lot. Just to be careful. The thing they are worried about now is the Blood clot flaking off and little pieces travel to my heart or lungs and starting another clot there. SCARY! He said the chances of that happening are slim now that I'm starting the blood thinning shots, but I still need to be careful! I've been praying like crazy.

Remember at the beginning of this post when I talked about being 'hit hard' and me thinking it would be a longer labor but that didn't matter because I would have the drugs? Well it turns out you CAN'T get an epidural when you are injecting yourself with blood thinners. I might have swore a couple times. I'm the type of person that says "Oh, you went natural? Well you're obviously a lot stronger than me and possibly a lil crazy. ;) But how awesome for you!" Me? I want every single drug available. If it's an option, WHY NOT?!

But, now all of a sudden.... natural birth might just happen. I've thrown a few tantrums already. My OBGYN says there's a chance they can schedule a date to induce me around my due date and then stop taking the shots for 24 hours and then I'll be able to get an epidural but she said that mentally preparing for natural birth is a good idea. To quote her, "Plenty of women do it all the time. You'll be fine. Just start practicing your breathing techniques." Grrrrr.

My mom went into labor with all her kids at least two weeks early. Where my baby is already measuring bigger than normal, I'm thinking I will do the same. Hopefully, SOME HOW it will work out that I can plan to stop taking the shots 24 hours prior to going into labor and I'll be able to get the epidural and everything will be dandy. Any prayers sent my way will be much appreciated!! ;)

Anyways, the Doctors gave me Loritab for the pain because the pain in my leg has gotten so bad. I seriously limp everywhere I go. I look like a gimp. It was nice at the hospital because Alek and the nurses pushed me in the wheel chair everywhere. I loved it! But now sitting at home I definitely think twice about getting up and eating food or peeing. But awww so far the Loritab has been great :)

I do have to say... that my husband had been AMAZING!  He has helped me out soo much these passed few days. He is always helping me walk, running in and getting my prescription when I don't want to walk that far, and buying me treats. He has even been the one to give me my shots so far! I'm such a wimp, he has bravely taken on the role of shot injector. Really he is the best. He even gave me a priesthood blessing. Man, I could not be thankful enough. I'm so proud and blessed that he holds the priesthood and lives up to those covenants! Love him more than words could say!

Here's to hopefully the next few months going fast and an easy labor. Wishful thinking I'm sure! I guess the only thing that matters is that me and the baby are healthy:) Thank you everyone for your kind messages and prayers. Love you all!