High Risk Check-In -July

[mkrupar]

How are we feeling so far?

I just received a follow up call from the doctor regarding the final test they were running, which is the protein and creatine ratio test that they now use for pre-eclampsia diagnosis.

While the initial urine dip showed no protein in my urine, the creatine test showed my ratio of protein to creatine to be over the acceptable threshold for a pre-e diagnosis. (Ratio should be less than .3 and mine is .4) So I'm now officially looking at another pregnancy with pre-e. 

Doc said there's nothing we can do right now as we're now in the get baby as far along as possible before needing to decide to deliver. Because all of my organ functions came back normal and I'm not showing signs of HELLP, the severe form of pre-e at this time, we just continue to monitor. 

No official bed rest, just keep activity to a moderate amount.

ETA: for the initial part of this story, see weekend Randoms.

[Taitai]

mkrupar Glad to hear that your organ functions came back normal, but that is a bummer your protein to creative ratio came back elevated. I was really hoping everything would come back totally normal for you - esp as you guys are moving and don't need any more stress! Fingers crossed you can keep the pre-e at bay for the rest of this pregnancy, or at least for as long as absolutely possible. Hang in there!

[mkrupar]

Lol I just noticed the title of the thread said High Rick, not High Risk.

Thanks Taitai! My new gestational goal is 34 weeks since that's how far I got with DD and pre-e last time. Then we'll aim for 37 weeks.

[bootsorhearts1]

mkrupar, sorry you're already facing a pre-e diagnosis. Hopefully it progresses slowly and you can make it to at least 34 weeks.

I had pre-e with DS, we made it to 36 weeks. So far no signs of it but they've just been checking blood pressure. Have not heard of the test you're talking about, thank you for sharing. I will ask about it at my appt next week.

[littleowl913]

mkrupar to hear about your pre-e diagnosis. FX that baby stays cooking to at least 34 weeks!

Everything is okay here. MFM recommended that I not go on my vacation at the end of the month b/c of my high risk situation so that was a bummer. I still plan to take some days off and hand out with DH and DS.

[mkrupar]

Jul 3, 2017 8:36:18 GMT -6 bootsorhearts1 said:

mkrupar, sorry you're already facing a pre-e diagnosis. Hopefully it progresses slowly and you can make it to at least 34 weeks.

I had pre-e with DS, we made it to 36 weeks. So far no signs of it but they've just been checking blood pressure. Have not heard of the test you're talking about, thank you for sharing. I will ask about it at my appt next week.

Yes, it's a fairly new test. They weren't using it when I was pregnant with DD two years ago. They were still using the 24 hour urine catches. It sounds like this is a bit more accurate, and much quicker because it can be done with just a sample and not the white 24 hour jug.

[mkrupar]

Jul 3, 2017 10:41:58 GMT -6 littleowl913 said:

mkrupar to hear about your pre-e diagnosis. FX that baby stays cooking to at least 34 weeks!

Everything is okay here. MFM recommended that I not go on my vacation at the end of the month b/c of my high risk situation so that was a bummer. I still plan to take some days off and hand out with DH and DS.

I Said it before when you posted, but I'm sorry you can't go to the beach like you planned.

[bootsorhearts1]

Jul 3, 2017 10:55:03 GMT -6 mkrupar said:

Jul 3, 2017 8:36:18 GMT -6 bootsorhearts1 said:

mkrupar , sorry you're already facing a pre-e diagnosis. Hopefully it progresses slowly and you can make it to at least 34 weeks.

I had pre-e with DS, we made it to 36 weeks. So far no signs of it but they've just been checking blood pressure. Have not heard of the test you're talking about, thank you for sharing. I will ask about it at my appt next week.

Yes, it's a fairly new test. They weren't using it when I was pregnant with DD two years ago. They were still using the 24 hour urine catches. It sounds like this is a bit more accurate, and much quicker because it can be done with just a sample and not the white 24 hour jug.

Well thank goodness. That 24 hour urine jug concept was so gross. I about puked every time I had to use it. 

[mkrupar]

Jul 3, 2017 11:16:54 GMT -6 bootsorhearts1 said:

Jul 3, 2017 10:55:03 GMT -6 mkrupar said:

Yes, it's a fairly new test. They weren't using it when I was pregnant with DD two years ago. They were still using the 24 hour urine catches. It sounds like this is a bit more accurate, and much quicker because it can be done with just a sample and not the white 24 hour jug.

Well thank goodness. That 24 hour urine jug concept was so gross. I about puked every time I had to use it. 

Yeah, I hate that jug.

[duskymonkey]

mkrupar, ugh. Sorry about your test results. Keeping Fx for you that you make it far this time too. It's good to hear everything else is checking out normal. Big hugs and take it easy. Just grow baby grow!

[duskymonkey]

Well gosh darn I must be getting everything this time around. Currently sitting and waiting to get BD for GD. During my check up this am I apparently had some glucose in my urine 😖 so my dr said my test will
Likely come out abnormal so will have to do the 3 hr test. Meh! I had zilch, zero, nothing of anything with DS and could've run a marathon with him. Guess every pregnancy is different. Anyways baby is still inside and that's important now so we'll keep on truckin for as long and as far as possible.

[Taitai]

I'm feeling okay - had some bump pain last night, but I think that was due to stretching and the fact that I have been standing a bit more than usual - since I'm now on modified bedrest.

We go to the doctor on Thursday to see how everything is looking. I am just hoping for less debris in the amniotic sac, less/no internal bleeding, good amniotic fluid levels, long cervix, and for the baby's growth to be on track. I guess that's quite a wish list! Fingers crossed it goes well. I'll make sure to update in the appointments thread after our visit.

[bootsorhearts1]

Taitai, good luck on thursday!

[ssm]

I feel like I need to reintroduce myself instead of just jumping in. But that feels a bit aw to me....so, yeah nope.

I'm poking my nose in some.

My next appointment is Friday. I'm getting pretty anxious about it. I have NOT felt well at all lately. I keep feeling like my blood sugar bottoms out; I keep getting weak, shakey, lightheaded as if I haven't eaten in a long time. It got so bad Sunday, dh took me home early from church. I had eaten. I'm not sure what the deal is. But even beyond that, I just feel off. Not sure if it is this whole second pregnancy thing or what. I just don't feel well. My stomach aches. Not like contractions or anything or stretching . Just kinda miserable feeling. It even hurts to put pressure on it sometimes . My bp has stayed normal. I've been checking it more frequently. I don't know what's wrong or if I'm just being paranoid.

[ssm]

Jul 3, 2017 11:16:54 GMT -6 bootsorhearts1 said:

Jul 3, 2017 10:55:03 GMT -6 mkrupar said:

Yes, it's a fairly new test. They weren't using it when I was pregnant with DD two years ago. They were still using the 24 hour urine catches. It sounds like this is a bit more accurate, and much quicker because it can be done with just a sample and not the white 24 hour jug.

Well thank goodness. That 24 hour urine jug concept was so gross. I about puked every time I had to use it. 

i had the blood test after I failed my 24hr test in 1st tri.

[ssm]

Jul 1, 2017 14:56:21 GMT -6 mkrupar said:

How are we feeling so far?

I just received a follow up call from the doctor regarding the final test they were running, which is the protein and creatine ratio test that they now use for pre-eclampsia diagnosis.

While the initial urine dip showed no protein in my urine, the creatine test showed my ratio of protein to creatine to be over the acceptable threshold for a pre-e diagnosis. (Ratio should be less than .3 and mine is .4) So I'm now officially looking at another pregnancy with pre-e. 

Doc said there's nothing we can do right now as we're now in the get baby as far along as possible before needing to decide to deliver. Because all of my organ functions came back normal and I'm not showing signs of HELLP, the severe form of pre-e at this time, we just continue to monitor. 

No official bed rest, just keep activity to a moderate amount.

ETA: for the initial part of this story, see weekend Randoms.

im sorry!!! :-(

[rebeccabunch]

ssm welcome back. I'm sorry you feel so crappy.

[mkrupar]

Welcome back ssm!

Have you talked to your doc about what youre feeling? Even if it's paranoia, its good to talk about your feelings.

[Taitai]

ssm Hi! I had hypoglycemia (really low blood sugar) combined with very low blood pressure during my first pregnancy, and I felt a lot of those symptoms you mentioned. Especially the shakey, lightheaded, heart pounding feeling. I'm sorry you are feeling so bad, and I totally understand the worry it creates. I hope you have a good doctor's appointment on Friday for some reassurance.

During your visit, maybe you could even ask them to give you a kit for checking your blood sugar levels? That's what my doctor did for me. I kept a food diary and would prick myself 4 times a day. After 2 weeks, I could better predict when the crashes would happen and plan snacks accordingly to keep my sugar from getting too low. I also had to eat more salt to help with the really low BP. Just throwing that out there as a suggestion.

[ssm]

Jul 5, 2017 5:47:36 GMT -6 mkrupar said:

Welcome back ssm!

Have you talked to your doc about what youre feeling? Even if it's paranoia, its good to talk about your feelings.

my appointment is Friday. I'm planning to talk to her then.
And it is my favorite ob too. So I'm excited. She just came back from her own maternity leave. I kinda can't wait!

[ssm]

Jul 5, 2017 6:30:40 GMT -6 Taitai said:

ssm Hi! I had hypoglycemia (really low blood sugar) combined with very low blood pressure during my first pregnancy, and I felt a lot of those symptoms you mentioned. Especially the shakey, lightheaded, heart pounding feeling. I'm sorry you are feeling so bad, and I totally understand the worry it creates. I hope you have a good doctor's appointment on Friday for some reassurance.

During your visit, maybe you could even ask them to give you a kit for checking your blood sugar levels? That's what my doctor did for me. I kept a food diary and would prick myself 4 times a day. After 2 weeks, I could better predict when the crashes would happen and plan snacks accordingly to keep my sugar from getting too low. I also had to eat more salt to help with the really low BP. Just throwing that out there as a suggestion.

i have thought about asking for a prescription so I can get a kit. Or asking my aunt for a spare kit I know she has around the house.
I'm also thinking about asking for an A1C. Just to know if it is all in my head or if it is real. I am trying to convince myself that if I feel I am starting to get hungry, I need to just eat right then. Not wait until it is time to eat or until I really am truly hungry. But that has been a struggle for sure. My fear is it is pendulum swings of my blood sugar. Like they get too high, then my body over compensates, then it crashes. But that is probably just me overthinking things. I did an early glucose test in 1st tri and I was fine. I know the 2nd tri glucose test is coming soon. I imagine she may just order it for me Friday 👎🏻

My bp has been consistent thus far. Every time I feel poorly I check, and it isn't too low or too high. With a severe pree history, I am very careful to keep an eye on that.

[duskymonkey]

ssm, Big hugs. Sorry you're going through all this. They may want to check you for anemia as well. Glad you have an appt. coming up in a couple days. Hopefully you get some answers and it will be a remedy you can handle easily.

[duskymonkey]

So I mentioned above that I may have to do the 3 hr glucose test this time around. Well I don't think I've talked about it here but I am really really disappointed at myself this pregnancy, as far as diet goes. I've been eating horribly from the beginning. I don't know if I should blame it on my symptoms but I was so much more conscious of my diet with DS. I don't know, I just feel kind of shitty about it and shittier that I've not taken more care of myself for the sake of #2. I don't normally consume much sugar or anything much for that matter. Ex. I never put sugar in my tea at all and this time, I'll add a couple of spoons of sugar and I drink about 2-3 cups a day. Also during 1st tri I was drinking ginger ale ( I am not a soda drinker ) to curb my nausea and chomping on candied gnger and M&M mints and eating more rice and carbs than I usually do. Meh! Sorry for the word vomit here.

[mkrupar]

duskymonkey I'm right there with you on the food thing this time around. I was just weighed and holybshit I've gained a lot of weight.

Try as I might to not eat crap it happens. Mainly because I can't actually decide what I want to eat. Like I'm hungry, but nothing sounds good, so I turn to comfort foods that I at least know taste good.

[Taitai]

mkrupar Big hugs about the eating feels. Pregnancy is really hard, especially when you have complications and nothing ever seems appetizing. Try not to beat yourself up too much - you have a lot going on with the move and a toddler to take care of this time around. It's absolutely understandable. I don't have much advice except to say that we're here if you need to vent, and nobody is perfect.

[cythe]

Jul 5, 2017 10:17:47 GMT -6 duskymonkey said:

So I mentioned above that I may have to do the 3 hr glucose test this time around. Well I don't think I've talked about it here but I am really really disappointed at myself this pregnancy, as far as diet goes. I've been eating horribly from the beginning. I don't know if I should blame it on my symptoms but I was so much more conscious of my diet with DS. I don't know, I just feel kind of shitty about it and shittier that I've not taken more care of myself for the sake of #2. I don't normally consume much sugar or anything much for that matter. Ex. I never put sugar in my tea at all and this time, I'll add a couple of spoons of sugar and I drink about 2-3 cups a day. Also during 1st tri I was drinking ginger ale ( I am not a soda drinker ) to curb my nausea and chomping on candied gnger and M&M mints and eating more rice and carbs than I usually do. Meh! Sorry for the word vomit here.

This sounds like me, so I totally get where you're coming from as far as diet goes. I used... okay use my first tri symptoms and remedies as an excuse to eat like crap and man it is it hard to stop doing that. I used Coke - the soda lol - to help with my nausea and now I keep allowing myself soda almost every day. I know caffeine intake is okay during pregnancy, but I could easily leave it out and be all the better for it. I've always loved sugar and I still do, and I have the guilts over that. 

Tl;Dr - I'm no help, but I totally get you. Hang in there and start small with changes if you want to make them.

[ssm]

So I talked more in depth with a friend last night. She has been in two pree pregnancies, one undiagnosed, one diagnosed. And the more we talked, the more concerned we both became. She said the symptoms I mentioned were exactly how she felt when her bp would spike. And she was quite cautionary to rest more and be sure to talk to my ob about every symptom. . Now I'm even more concerned. I haven't been able to check my bp during a bad spell. But I have been trying to check it more frequently. I notice a substantial difference between sitting upright and reclined. If I'm sitting upright, my bp is higher. Which makes sense. But then I tried it again this morning, and there was no fluctuation. The two readings were identical. So now I am a little more concerned.

All that word vomit to say, I have no idea. But I am going to see if someone can watch ds for my appointment on Friday. With all the talking and questions I have and symptoms, it is a good possibility that I will have to do some tests, at the least bloodwork. And for his sake, I think he would much rather be playing at a friends house than stuck with me wherever I end up.

[mkrupar]

Jul 6, 2017 4:48:15 GMT -6 ssm said:

So I talked more in depth with a friend last night. She has been in two pree pregnancies, one undiagnosed, one diagnosed. And the more we talked, the more concerned we both became. She said the symptoms I mentioned were exactly how she felt when her bp would spike. And she was quite cautionary to rest more and be sure to talk to my ob about every symptom. . Now I'm even more concerned. I haven't been able to check my bp during a bad spell. But I have been trying to check it more frequently. I notice a substantial difference between sitting upright and reclined. If I'm sitting upright, my bp is higher. Which makes sense. But then I tried it again this morning, and there was no fluctuation. The two readings were identical. So now I am a little more concerned.

All that word vomit to say, I have no idea. But I am going to see if someone can watch ds for my appointment on Friday. With all the talking and questions I have and symptoms, it is a good possibility that I will have to do some tests, at the least bloodwork. And for his sake, I think he would much rather be playing at a friends house than stuck with me wherever I end up.

My OB told me yesterday that women with pre-e have a tendency to have perfect blood pressure when lying down or reclining, but the second you sit up it spikes. This is true for me. I can take it laying down and it's 120/70 130/80, but when I sit up it will spike to 150/90. If I sit for 10-15 minutes it will drop to 140/80 130/80. Those are both ok pressures for me, but it's why she wants me to have help with DD right now. The more active I am the more elevated my BP is for an extended period of time.

I think it's good to bring your concerns to your doctor. I hope you get some answers.

[ssm]

Jul 6, 2017 5:18:42 GMT -6 mkrupar said:

Jul 6, 2017 4:48:15 GMT -6 ssm said:

So I talked more in depth with a friend last night. She has been in two pree pregnancies, one undiagnosed, one diagnosed. And the more we talked, the more concerned we both became. She said the symptoms I mentioned were exactly how she felt when her bp would spike. And she was quite cautionary to rest more and be sure to talk to my ob about every symptom. . Now I'm even more concerned. I haven't been able to check my bp during a bad spell. But I have been trying to check it more frequently. I notice a substantial difference between sitting upright and reclined. If I'm sitting upright, my bp is higher. Which makes sense. But then I tried it again this morning, and there was no fluctuation. The two readings were identical. So now I am a little more concerned.

All that word vomit to say, I have no idea. But I am going to see if someone can watch ds for my appointment on Friday. With all the talking and questions I have and symptoms, it is a good possibility that I will have to do some tests, at the least bloodwork. And for his sake, I think he would much rather be playing at a friends house than stuck with me wherever I end up.

My OB told me yesterday that women with pre-e have a tendency to have perfect blood pressure when lying down or reclining, but the second you sit up it spikes. This is true for me. I can take it laying down and it's 120/70 130/80, but when I sit up it will spike to 150/90. If I sit for 10-15 minutes it will drop to 140/80 130/80. Those are both ok pressures for me, but it's why she wants me to have help with DD right now. The more active I am the more elevated my BP is for an extended period of time.

I think it's good to bring your concerns to your doctor. I hope you get some answers.

and that is something I have wondered about too. Thanks for sharing. It makes a lot of sense. Because the more active I am, that's when I start to feel poorly. In the heat, it is even worse. If I start to get overheated, I feel nauseous and weak.

[duskymonkey]

ssm, big hugs... do you have a history of pre-e? or is this something new this pregnancy?