...a slight reprieve.
Every Monday I get a Progesterone shot, to help prevent preterm labor. Not sure if the P17, as its called, has helped me gestate a feeder/grower or if its my right uterus that deserves the credit for getting us past micro-preemie-hood. I don't need to know why. I'll take it. A shot in the ass or a "competent" cervix: either way its gotten me farther than expected.
My friend Audrey, a registered nurse, often comes over and gives me the shot on the days I don't have appointments. And though I didn't have one scheduled for today, I decided to call my OB's office this morning so I could go in and talk with her directly about this whole "bedrest" thing.
(And I know, I can hear ya, just lay down and take it easy Christy-- NOW while you can. Go. To. Bed.)
So the good news is my OB granted me a small window of freedom, one that could remain open after Friday or close completely shut, depending on what my next ultrasound reveals.
(Hold strong cervix, hold strong, you are a competent worker, stable and true, believe in yourself, don't let anyone tell you what you can't do.)
My OB told me I can't rake the leaves but that I can help Elias get ready for the bus in the morning. I can't clean the kitchen--scrub the floors, clean out the fridge-- but I can stand on the stained linoleum for twenty minutes to help make dinner. I can sit at the table to eat instead of lying on my left side on the couch. I can run to the store for a quick errand--not spend an afternoon shopping but drive to Carr's to get more Ben and Jerry's in an emergency shortage. I can peek at a house, not just on-line, but actually drive to it and walk inside with our real estate agent. I don't have to close myself in the bedroom on Wednesday when the potential buyer, her real estate agent, and the inspector walk though our house, excusing myself to the basement when they check out our room. And I can sit on Elias's floor at night-night time, with our backs against his reading pillow, where he expects us to be, and together we can cherish Where the Wild Things Are.
(And maybe, if all looks good on Friday, I can even watch my favorite childhood story come to life on the big screen.)
But most importantly, and the main reason I couldn't wait till Friday to meet with my doctor, is I get to bring Elias to the hospital tomorrow morning for his Cystic Fibrosis test. The shadow fear that's been looming amidst the chaos.
When I scheduled the appointment and I asked the woman on the phone how long it takes to receive the results she said, "Same day."
I don't believe her of course.
But I like the idea of not having to wait much longer...
...to know whether you will find me curled in the fetal position, barren and cracked, holding onto a spiderweb of hope for a false positive, or swimming in the warm salty waters of relief that will flood my temporary home.
Either way I'll write.
That's great about the reprieve. Thoughts flooding your way re the test - both *doing* it and putting Elias through Yet Another, and awaiting the results.
Posted by: Sara | 10/20/2009 at 03:57 AM
Holding positive, healthy thoughts for all of you...but especially your children!
Posted by: Niksmom | 10/20/2009 at 04:24 AM
We did really find out right away--so maybe they will be able to tell you quickly. Fingers crossed!!
Posted by: Danielle | 10/20/2009 at 04:34 AM
remember elias' doc doesn't think it very likely he has cf and lots of other things can cause those symptoms. Maybe more than one thing is causing symptoms that are all being grouped together as having one cause.
Posted by: susanna eve | 10/20/2009 at 05:03 AM
holding you in my thoughts today on this latest leg of the journey. Whatever the results, you both are the same people that walk in as walk out of that office. Brave, strong and full of joy.
Posted by: jill | 10/20/2009 at 05:13 AM
I hope the CF test goes well. My son had one done about the same age and it is a hard test. I will be thinking about you both, well all three of you. Good Luck.
Posted by: Diane | 10/20/2009 at 10:14 AM
Thinking about all of you today and keeping the good news vibe going.
D
Posted by: Deidre | 10/20/2009 at 12:07 PM
Thinking of you and sending lots of love your way ... feel free to stop by if you have a minute! Susan
Posted by: Susan Halvor | 10/20/2009 at 12:59 PM
All your thoughts helped!!!!!!
And we REALLY did find out on he same day:) Imagine that!
Susan, I'll try to stop by Friday after my ultraound if they don't send me home to bed.
Posted by: Christy | 10/20/2009 at 03:11 PM