On restriction

glggirl · August 2014

Hey ladies! I haven't posted much here, but I've been following as much as I can! Hard to believe we're getting close to the end.

I need to whine for a bit. Background: At my 20w ultrasound I was told I had a centered complete placenta previa. Of course restricted lifting and pelvic rest, but the doctor wasn't concerned because most of them move, blah blah blah. Problem is mine is a posterior placenta, combined with being centered seriously reduced the chance of that.

28w ultrasound the placenta had moved so that it still completely covered the opening, but it wasn't centered anymore. It was *almost* a partial, but not enough to change the official diagnosis. I was told to come back 6 weeks later for a follow-up ultrasound, but to prepare for a c-section at 36 weeks.

I had my 32 week appointment yesterday, where I discussed work with my doctor. I am a field geologist, and typically spend a lot of time traveling to rural areas, away from hospitals. At my 28 week I was told to not go to sites further than 20 minutes from a hospital, and to do NO heavy lifting. Of course to my boss, this meant I could go and supervise/take notes, I just couldn't do the physical work. Yeah...ok.

Anyway, at my appointment yesterday I was told I am no longer allowed to travel further than 20 minutes from MY hospital. So no fieldwork, at all. Also, no visiting family this weekend like we planned, and now I have to miss my little brother's college graduation. I am stuck within a 5 mile radius of my hospital for the next 5 weeks.

It's amazing how much you realize you can't do when you get limited to an area like that. I know I should be glad I'm not on bedrest at all, but man. 5 weeks of canceling all our plans. All to end up with a c-section a month before my due date, when we had been hoping for a natural labor and birth.

I know I am being whiny and have a lot to be thankful for. I just needed to get this out.

MrsL2B · August 2014

That sounds frustrating and difficult to adhere to. I live a lot further from my hospital than that!

MrsSarahRenee · August 2014

I am sorry to hear that. I hope you find something fun to do in the area to keep yourself busy!

ADH0906 · August 2014

I'm so sorry that they've placed such strict restrictions on you...that must be incredibly frustrating.

I feel your pain with fieldwork...I'm at the point where just being in the field is exhausting me, but my boss has it in his head that overseeing work is somehow less taxing. Give yourself permission to be lazy out there when you can go out! I find myself in the truck with the air on occasionally, and I've decided to feel zero regret about it. If you've been doing fieldwork up to this point, there's absolutely no shame in cutting back now. I hope the next 5 weeks go by quickly for you!

Maggie6424 · August 2014

I would think they'd be ok with you being 20 away from ANY hospital.. but I can definitely understand your irritation. Restrictions on life suck. But it'll all be worth it when you have that baby in your arms

victoria+james · August 2014

It's ok to feel disappointed right now - since you'll be stuck pretty much at home for the next few weeks maybe its a good time to start a project like a quilt for your LO.

I just made a checklist of things I'd like to get done before DS arrives, maybe you can benefit from it as well

1. Pack hospital bags for myself & DH
2. Pack diaper bag for LO
3. Install car seat
4. Wash crib sheets and baby clothes up through 3 month
5. Stock up on some home necessities (toilet paper, laundry detergent, trash bags...)
6. Pick out birth announcements
7. Compile list of names and addresses to send birth announcements
8. Complete nursery set up
9. Thank you cards from baby shower

meggiev123 · August 2014

I know it's easier said than done, but try to enjoy the down time. I think for a lot of us, myself included, it's hard to slow down until we're told we absolutely have to. But we have to. I also have previa and was doing too much and on one of my busier days had a small bleed.

I chose to relocate to the US from overseas to have access to higher quality medical care because of the previa and have been forced to work remotely. While I'm not thrilled about it, I'm finding that I'm actually getting to some of those things on my professional and personal to-do list that never seemed to be the priority between business trips, meetings, events etc. And the extra time sitting or laying has had a definite positive impact on the usual pregnancy aches and pains. But if only I could restart my prenatal yoga!

Good luck!

nightowl1989 · August 2014

I'm so sorry to hear this. Speaking as someone planning on going natural, this would be sort of heart-breaking to me. I know it's medically necessary, but that doesn't make it easier. Creepy internet hugs headed your way.

But I'm going to try and make you smile...the first time I read this part of your post I geeked out for a little bit.

glggirl said:

<snip>

... I am a field geologist, and typically spend a lot of time traveling to rural areas, away from hospitals....
<snip>

Saragoeswest · August 2014

That does sound very frustrating. I think PP has a great perspective, though. Try to enjoy the down time.

glggirl · August 2014

Thanks everyone! I should enjoy the downtime before I lose it forever! Lol

It's also hard because I have a cfbc co-worker who is becoming hostile towards me because she had to pick up my fieldwork. It's not like I planned for this, so her attitude makes me feel even worse.

I am lucky that we live 15 min from the hospital, And my work is right up the road. My doctor basically yelled at me about fieldwork, saying that any hospital isn't good enough, that they needed to have a good ob unit. I don't know.

I'm lucky that I haven't had any bleeds, And I'm still holding out hope that it will sure movement at the next ultrasound... at least enough to push back the c section date. The one nice thing is apparently my doctor is ok with trying for a natural birth if it moves to at least marginal.
In the meantime I guess I should enjoy getting tp stay in the office, and not being allowed to do housework

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