Bed Rest - Misery Seeking Company

AMShark

I had a big scare last week at 20w1d when the water broke for one of my DiDi twins.  My MFM confirmed yesterday that I'll be on some form of bed rest for the remainder of my pregnancy.  As I sit here in my cocoon of afghans, sweatpants and fuzzy socks, I was thinking, I can't be the only one.

So, is anyone else out there in this great, big April15 forum on bed rest?  Would you like to commiserate with me, and talk isolation, knitting and sudoku puzzles? We can talk about what's scaring the crap out of you, or just talk the Hallmark movie channel, for what's distracting you from the thoughts that will scare the crap out of you.

Not that I'm wishing bed rest on anyone else, but if you're here with me & you wanna have a shared pity party, I'm game.

meganbethg

I feel your pain mama! I'm currently on modified bed rest so I can still get up a tiny bit to cook myself meals, shower etc but besides from that I'm pretty much laying on the couch watching law and order & knitting everyone Christmas gifts.
I have a pile of books I plan on reading when TV gets boring and some crafts that I want to do but never seemed to have time to before.
I've been on bed rest before because I have multiple sclerosis and the best advice I can give you is cry when you feel like you need to cry, start a new craft, get some good books and remember this is only temporary and that soon enough you'll be back on your feet!
Ps I would totally be down to start a weekly bed-rest check in!

AMShark

@meganbethg - Your bed rest restrictions sound a lot like mine.  I can get up to use the shower & use the bathroom (can I get a hallelujah?), and I can eat at the kitchen table, but I can't leave my house outside of dr. appointments, and I'm supposed to limit walking & standing up as much as I can.

My SiL gave me "How to Knit" and "How to Crochet" books, and my mom came by the other day to start a crock pot, and help me start a knitting project.  Yesterday, I also got the clearance to work from home, which is a great distraction, but I'm still lonely.

I can run a weekly bed rest check in - maybe on Wednesdays?  There may not a lot of us now, but statistically speaking, as time marches on, more ladies will likely be joining us.  

AMShark

@SharkFarts - I was thinking that too.  I know that @konaineto had a scare with pre-term labor recently - she may be on bed rest too.

Paging @kanaineto - Are you home, and bored, and interested in a check-in?

meganbethg

@AMShark‌ that sounds good to me!
Do you have any animal companions?
I have two dogs who LOVE that I'm home now constantly.

Maybe you could set up a weekly date with your SIL/mom/friends so that way someone is coming over at least once a week to cheer you up?!

I totally get the loneliness though..for me the boredom is the worst part, I'm used to constantly doing 5 things at once so this slower pace is what drives me bonkers.

Also feel free to PM whenever, I'm on here quite a lot lately haha

DPandMB

I cant relate with you, but just want to say I'm sorry and hope things go well for you and you LO

knjzacher

Oh man, sorry you have to go through this! I am typing from a stretcher in the OBS area at the hospital where I work, on a contraction monitor, waiting for an ultrasound after being referred to the high risk team here. Preeeeetty sure I'll be joining you soon. Last pregnancy I was on strict (23h a day, no showers) bed rest from 18w til delivery. So I feel your boredom/pain.

somewheresublime86

I'm not on bed rest, but I'm an avid reader.

A few great book suggestions:

Station 11, Emily St John Mandel
Arcadia, Lauren Groff
Doctor Sleep, Stephen King (sequel to The Shining, but good enough to stand on its own)

Hang in there ladies!

AMShark

knjzacher said:

Oh man, sorry you have to go through this! I am typing from a stretcher in the OBS area at the hospital where I work, on a contraction monitor, waiting for an ultrasound after being referred to the high risk team here. Preeeeetty sure I'll be joining you soon. Last pregnancy I was on strict (23h a day, no showers) bed rest from 18w til delivery. So I feel your boredom/pain.

Oh no!  I'm sorry you're in the thick of it right now.  For me, the hardest part so far was waiting for my initial diagnosis.  Maybe you've gained some strength from your past experience - if so, I hope you can tap into it now.

And...erm... welcome?  I suppose.

AMShark

meganbethg said:

@AMShark‌ that sounds good to me! Do you have any animal companions? I have two dogs who LOVE that I'm home now constantly. Maybe you could set up a weekly date with your SIL/mom/friends so that way someone is coming over at least once a week to cheer you up?! I totally get the loneliness though..for me the boredom is the worst part, I'm used to constantly doing 5 things at once so this slower pace is what drives me bonkers. Also feel free to PM whenever, I'm on here quite a lot lately haha

Thanks - you'll probably see a PM from me in the long days to come. 

I have 5 cats (I know, crazy cat lady).  They can be pretty entertaining, and yesterday, my lazy yellow tabby spent hours next to me on the couch.  I should be able to get a lap cat, foot warmer or couch companion most days.  And, bonus, I no longer have to worry about being covered in cat hair, since I'm not planning to leave the house anytime soon.

:P

*** eta - couch typing is hard ***

jk3610

Not on bedrest personally, but all of the internet hugs!! Stay well.

Murran131

SharkFarts  I'm a huge BBC/period piece fan myself, and Call the Midwife is awesome! I watched it before I was pregnant though. I kinda want to watch it again now, but I might hormonal cry a lot...Not because it's necessarily sad. It's really, really sweet!

Murran131

My sympathies to OP. I can imagine how horribly bored and uncomfortable I would be if I had to stay off my feet for so long. Hang in there and try to remember it's temporary. May I suggest a great book series - the Game of Thrones/Song of Ice and Fire series is awesome and LONG if you're into that sort of thing. Only warning, it's not completed, so you'll join the crowd of anxious fans when you get the end of the most recent book if you haven't already

twinklepits

I am in the same boat, very similar to @KonaiNeto‌. I've been experiencing fainting spells as well, so, after negotiating with my doctor, my last day at work is Dec. 31st. I was going to do the SAHM thing anyway... I'll just be unemployed a bit earlier than we originally anticipated. So, I am absolutely game for a weekly check in, once I'm home permanently. Sorry to the other mommas who are dealing with this, too.

jamiesc58

Hugs to all of the mommas that are restricted to their beds/homes now and through the holidays. We are always out here when you get bored! :-)

audreyyyg

Lots of thoughts and prayers your way! I can't imagine what you're going through.

My job made me take a leave of absence because of my hydronephrosis (kidney inflammation and lots and lots of pain meds), so legally, in order to qualify for disability, pay I cannot work another less strenuous job in the meantime. I'm bored, but I am not restricted, and baby is more than ok.

Lots of cyber hugs to all of you who are going through this, we've only got around 4 more months to go! Let's keep those babies cooking a little while longer

Newbostonmomma

I am so sorry you ladies are going through this.  Perhaps you could start a weekly game night or something like that.  have girlfriends over every Thursday night to watch movies/play games/order pizza, stuff like that from your bed.  I know its not much, but could be something to look forward to.

 

Good luck, and stay put babies!

c+est+la+vie

I have no experience with this (FTM and no bedrest, so far). I can't empathize, but I sure can imagine how you must be feeling. Sending positive thoughts your way (hugs).

KayDeeKay81

Bed rest sounds like it would be really hard. I'm sorry you are going through that. I'll send some creative while bored vibes out there for you!

aeornelas

My first official post! Only to say that I'm currently in the hospital, on bed rest due to a placenta abruption. IF I make it out of here without delivering in the upcoming weeks I will be on bed rest at home until delivery.

With that said, thank you OP for this post and to all you ladies who provided activities to help pass the time. Let the new hobby of knitting/crafting/sewing begin! Bring on the books! Oh, and of course the hallmark channel and Netflix!

MitoRachel

Hugs to all the bed rest mommas. I've never been on bed rest, but I have been bedridden before. I get that the mental game can be harder than the physical one! I feel like I learned a really good skill during those times in that I am able to slow down and appreciate the magic of the little things. 

hillbillywife

Sorry you bed rest mamas are going through that. I hope you are able to find things to keep you occupied and sane for the rest of the time!

I LOVE call the midwife but I don't think I've watched it since I've been pregnant so beware the tears may be prevalent.

I also really like reign on Netflix. It's not a BBC show and it's "earlier" than the other shows but also good if you like British things lol. Set in France though.

DixieNormous330

Stay put, Tiny Stinkers! Let your mommy keep growing you.

I hope you find some boredom/loneliness relief, @AMshark.

Stephmichellep

Sorry for you ladies on bedrest! I wish you all the best and sending good thoughts your way!
I read these the other day and thought you guys might find it interesting, if there's anything on Netflix you wanted to watch before it expires at the end of the year:
https://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/6327862?1418664495

What to look forward to Netflix coming in January adding:
https://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/6328024

islandmom79

Hugs to all of you bed rest mamas. I hope you find ways to make the days pass in the most enjoyable manner possible and I hope your babies stay put for a few more months.

I really like Patricia Cornwell books. They are murder mystery type books. They are easy reading and enjoyable if you like that sort of thing.

somewheresublime86

If you haven't watched Homeland, Game of Thrones, Dexter or Six Feet Under, those are all great options.

Thea11

Sending hugs your way, bedrest Mamas!  Best for the babies to be safe but oh man, I don't envy you.  I definitely recommend watching lots of tv, maybe getting some magazine subscriptions? 

AMShark

aeornelas said:

My first official post! Only to say that I'm currently in the hospital, on bed rest due to a placenta abruption. IF I make it out of here without delivering in the upcoming weeks I will be on bed rest at home until delivery. With that said, thank you OP for this post and to all you ladies who provided activities to help pass the time. Let the new hobby of knitting/crafting/sewing begin! Bring on the books! Oh, and of course the hallmark channel and Netflix!

@aernelas - I'm sorry to hear about your placenta abruption.  I'm sending good vibes to you, and asking your little one (and your placenta) to stay put.  I hope boredom is the biggest of all of our problems in the coming weeks/months.

RNmama2b

I'm so sorry you ladies are going through this... Hoping the days pass as quickly as possible for you and your little babies stay put!

ASCrosby

I'm not on bedrest, but I have some Netflix suggestions.
Doctor Who- Great show. Especially for binge watching. Give it at least 3 episodes before you judge.
Gilmore Girls- the entire series is on Netflix now.
Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice are good if you like soap opera kind of things (Don't judge me)
White Collar- Former con artist works with FBI to stay out of jail. Quick moving and entertaining
Sherlock- I would watch for Benedict Cumberbatch's cheek bones alone.
Bones and How Met Your Mother are also good.

EmmaSF

SharkFarts said:

If you ladies are looking for a good show on Netflix and like crime dramas, Broadchurch was just added. It's a BBC drama starring David Tennant and it's probably one of the best shows I've ever seen. It's the story of the investigation into an 11-yr-old boy's suspicious death. It's very intense at times though, so I want to warn you if you're sensitive to that. 

I was on a big BBC kick for a while, so I also really enjoyed North & South, Wives & Daughters, Mansfield Park, Northanger Abbey, and Jane Eyre. Those are all period pieces. I've had tons of people suggest Call the Midwife to me, but I've only watched one episode.

Get your Masterpiece Theater on! I also loved North & South, Broadchurch, Jane Air and Call the Midwife!

Michi1382

I'm sorry you're going through this. Stay put, babies! I hope you begin to feel better soon.

kamomo1

Hugs to all the mamas on bed rest. I hope it feels like it goes by fast, and the babies stay in until April.

My netflix tip is friends is coming to netflix january 1st! I'm so excited, even though I own the whole series.

khan08

Hugs hugs hugs! No experience with bedrest, but I have heard that it is not fun. One question though, if your water broke with one of the babies, do they stop it and seal it somehow, someway with something. Like what happens. I am just curious. Not a FTM but I have never heard of anybody that this has happened to

Amandysergio

I'm not there yet, but I will be probably around 30-32 weeks like I was last time for hypertension. So, I totally feel your pain. Hang in there mama! All the ladies here gave you great suggestions. Sending you lots of hugs!

justyouraveragemama

Hugs to you, I'm not on bed rest but as for Netflix suggestions, I highly recommend supernatural. There are 9 seasons on Netflix

AMShark

khan08 said:

Hugs hugs hugs! No experience with bedrest, but I have heard that it is not fun. One question though, if your water broke with one of the babies, do they stop it and seal it somehow, someway with something. Like what happens. I am just curious. Not a FTM but I have never heard of anybody that this has happened to

I don't think there is anything they can do for PPROM, but watch & wait.  When it happened last week, they checked me into the hospital and put me on 3 different antibiotics by IV, and hooked me up to a contraction monitor.  The biggest issues right now are the risk of infection and/or early labor.  I was discharged to bed rest at home after 48 hours, & put on an oral antibiotic. If I can make it to 23w5d (the age of viability), they will check me into a hospital with a level 4 NICU, where they can handle a 24w birth, if it comes to that.  I'll also start steroids to develop the babies' lungs & possibly magnesium.

Leaks can sometimes re-seal themselves, and since my leaking has slowed down, I'm hoping this will happen for me.  The body also generates more amniotic fluid, so its possible to replace what you've lost.

galba08

Stay in there babies! Lots of hugs to you! Definitely have someone grab you some books. I'm currently reading Finding Colin Firth. It's a great book!

hillbillywife

AMShark said:

khan08 said:

Hugs hugs hugs! No experience with bedrest, but I have heard that it is not fun. One question though, if your water broke with one of the babies, do they stop it and seal it somehow, someway with something. Like what happens. I am just curious. Not a FTM but I have never heard of anybody that this has happened to

I don't think there is anything they can do for PPROM, but watch & wait.  When it happened last week, they checked me into the hospital and put me on 3 different antibiotics by IV, and hooked me up to a contraction monitor.  The biggest issues right now are the risk of infection and/or early labor.  I was discharged to bed rest at home after 48 hours, & put on an oral antibiotic. If I can make it to 23w5d (the age of viability), they will check me into a hospital with a level 4 NICU, where they can handle a 24w birth, if it comes to that.  I'll also start steroids to develop the babies' lungs & possibly magnesium.

Leaks can sometimes re-seal themselves, and since my leaking has slowed down, I'm hoping this will happen for me.  The body also generates more amniotic fluid, so its possible to replace what you've lost.

So nerve wracking! I'll definitely be keeping my fingers crossed for you!

knjzacher

Well I'm not officially joining Team Bed Rest yet, but I'm fairly certain after I see my OB Tuesday I will be. I love the idea of a check-in! I participated in one on the high risk board during my last pregnancy.
Things that helped me were having snacks in a cooler by the bed/couch, lots of magazines, puzzle books. I painted my nails and toes a million times. I made all kinds of lists. I registered for an online prenatal class (like the kind you take at the hospital) because my province luckily offered one. I read, a lot. I watched full seasons of shows I didn't think I'd like but actually ended up loving. Friends visited on a schedule, I had one friend who would come every Thursday night and cook dinner for my husband and I, and another couple who came every Sunday evening to play a board game with us. It was really nice to maintain contact with the outside world!
I will add this: I lost a few friends I thought were close, and it was hard. I wasn't able to go out and participate in the bi weekly lunches or whatever bar nights they had going on, and after missing one or two I was excluded and forgotten. So it goes with pregnancy in general, but it's amplified when you're restricted to your home/bed. Just remember you're doing this for that little jelly bean, and as hard and sad as it can be, you will have the ultimate reward in April.
Big hugs OP, and all the other ladies on BR.

AMShark

@knzjacher - Oooh, I should look around for on-line prenatal classes.  I was registered for classes at my hospital starting this Sunday, but obviously, that's out.