I Feel Fine

On Tuesday, 1/29/08, I had another follow-up appointment with my OB. I saw the third OB in the practice, since they like you to see each doctor at least once when you're pregnant. This was a male doctor, which was strange, because I'm so used to only seeing females. And there's a good reason why I do. He (and I've found, other male health practitioners) blew off a lot of the things we were discussing. Like it was no big deal that they found the Choroid Plexus cyst, because, as he put it, eh, they always go away anyway. Maybe so, but until we know for sure that this particular cyst will 'go away anyway', I'd like my concerns to be validated. Back to my more sensitive female doctor next visit.

So I had my blood pressure checked (normal at 120/80), my weight taken (I only gained one pound since last my visit 4 weeks ago, which makes me even with my pre-pregnancy weight), and protein and glucose levels in my urine checked (both normal). The nurse listened to the heartbeat; really, the nurse did all the work. The doctor just came in, reviewed my chart, felt my belly, and that was all.

The best part about the visit was that this was the first doctor's appointment that I've had since August that didn't require any blood to be drawn! I can't remember leaving that office without a sore vein in my arm or hand. It felt great.

I return for another follow-up in 4 weeks.

I don't know if I've mentioned this, but my one major problem that I've had this entire pregnancy has been chronic sinus congestion and excessive mucus and post-nasal drip. It's pretty gross to talk about, but it's sometimes been so bad that it's made me vomit and dry heave. In fact, I've thrown up more from the mucus than I did my entire first trimester from morning sickness. It has made it very difficult to work because speaking on the phone seems to make it worse and I have to put my phone on mute while I gag and dry heave at my desk. Fun, huh?

So I went to a regular GP doctor about 3 weeks ago. She prescribed Rhinocort nasal spray and told me to buy over the counter Robitussin. I used those for a few days, but honestly did not see any improvement. And I didn't want to be taking any medication just for the hell of it. Then I came down with a bad cold. Actually, it probably wasn't any worse than any cold I've had, but not being able to drug myself full of Nyquil really made me miserable. I was out of work for 3 days because I wasn't sleeping and I couldn't breathe or function during the day. Any medication that I could take wasn't helping at all, so why take it?

When I returned from work, one of my coworkers showed me an article she had read about natural and/or holistic remedies for common ailments. Under 'sinus congestion' there was mention of a Neti pot. I remember that my acupuncturist had mentioned it to me a couple of months ago when I told her about my sinus problems. But then she went on to describe its use as 'pouring water up your nose' and that broke the deal for me. However, I was now becoming desperate to give myself some relief of the constant mucusy post-nasal drip that was making me so miserable, and decided to give it a try.

Best decision I've ever made. I started using it twice a day- once in the morning after my shower, and once at night before bed. I could breathe again, and my mucus was significantly lessened or gone completely. I've been using my Neti pot for over a week now and my life has changed! I am feeling great and can spend more time focusing on all the wonderful things my body is doing.

Like growing! My belly is at a point where people who already know I'm pregnant are commenting on it. I think I'm not quite where strangers would assume I'm pregnant as opposed to just fat, but I'm definitely looking more pregnant each day that passes.

Blobby is starting to kick and punch me too. It's not painful at all; just very weird. I wish DH could feel it from the outside, but it's still a little too early for that. We tried a few days ago. I told him to put his hand where I was feeling the kicks and he didn't feel anything. So what does he say to me? 'Blobby kicks like a girl'. What did he expect- Mia Hamm? Oh god I hope not. At least while said kicking is occuring in my body.

More than halfway now.... 18 & 1/2 weeks to go. :)