Bed Rest Blues

Well for those of you that didn't hear, I was put on bed rest last Monday due to high blood pressure and elevated proteinuria.

A little bit of doctor talk for you, since I have lupus I am actually at an increased risk for preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is basically pregnancy induced hypertension along with increased protein in the urine. It can be very dangerous for both mom and baby, and really the only way to 'treat' it completely is to deliver the baby. (Obviously it is still a bit early for that.) My doctor has been following my pregnancy very closely and keeping a  close eye on my blood pressure and protein levels. He was a little concerned because last week I had a few high blood pressure readings, and so he ordered a 24 hour urine. When those results came back and showed elevated proteinurea, he became more concerned and put me on bed rest and asked me to monitor my blood pressure 4 times a day and repeat the 24 hour urine.

I will say, that I stayed mostly busy during the days because I continued to work from home, since my job allows that flexibility (which I am extremely grateful for). But laying around in bed or on the couch all day every day can be extremely frustrating! 

First of all, it's hard to keep your blood pressure down when you have all day and night to lay in bed and google "preeclampsia". Of course you read the worst of the worst stories, which leave you convinced that you are going to end up with all sorts of complications during the remainder of your pregnancy... stupid Google should not be allowed during pregnancy!

Also, it is very difficult to lay on your couch and not get up, when you know there is so much to do around the house! It's also very difficult to concentrate on getting work done, when there is unfolded laundry staring you in the face just DARING you to get up, go over there and FOLD IT!!! The day before I was put on bed rest I had washed all of Andy's clothes, recieving blankets, etc. I had not put them up yet, and so I knew they were all upstairs, folded, sitting on Andy's bed. But I also knew that if I dared get up, go upstairs and put them away not only would my doctor be mad at me, but I'm pretty sure my husband would have somehow found a way to chain me to the couch so I could never get up again!!!!

Speaking of my dear husband, our sunday school class is about to start a study on the 5 Love Languages. Well, early in the week we took a survey to determine what our love language is. Mine is Acts of Service.  Eric was definitely going above and beyond when it came to acts of service this week. He had to do the laundry, clean the kitchen, cook, go grocery shopping, take out the trash, take care of the puppies, listen to me whine and complain about not being able to get off the couch, all while I just laid there and asked him to refill my glass of water. He was a MAJOR trooper and gets mad props for being the best husband ever!

I will say the bed rest had its perks. I had some lovely visitors come by to see me, including precious Charlotte and her mommy Chrissie. I also got in a lot of naps, which kept me rested  and happy!! Also, we have now completed a project for Andy's room - letters that we are going to hang on his wall.

I say 'we' because basically I did the polka dots on the "N" and then nagged Eric enough until the did the rest of the letters! He is WAY more talented and patient than I am!!!!  I am so excited about getting these up on the wall in the nursery. They are going to look AMAZING!!!

I went back to the OB on Friday, and he has taken me off bedrest and has told me basically just to take it VERY easy and stay off my feet as much as possible. Hopefully the bed rest is done until little Andy arrives. I will have weekly appointments now and have to do a 24 hour urine every week until I deliver... so THAT will be tons of fun..

I did finally put up those close in Andy's room on Saturday, and even ventured out of the house to the grocery store yesterday, sunday school today, and our childbirth class this afternoon.

We were supposed to go up to Spring this morning because sweet Clara Mae was baptised, but we thought with the childbirth class from 2:30-7:30 it was in my best interest to stay in Pearland and take it easy early afternoon before the class. I am glad I stayed because after we got home from Sunday School I literally napped until it was pretty much time to go to class. I'm hoping I get to see her soon though!!

This week will be another crazy busy week. I plan on going into work on Monday/Wednesday/Friday and working from home on Tuesday/Thursday.  Also, my work is throwing me a shower on Friday, my good friends are throwing me a shower on Saturday and my Sunday School class is throwing me a baby shower on Sunday, so I will be super busy! I can't wait to get to see all my friends and family!!! I am just overwhelmed with how kind and generous everyone has been while we prepare for little Andy's arrival!