Friday, October 18, 2013

32 Weeks-Recommendation: Physical Therapy

T minus 8 weeks and counting.

If we make it that far.  That's what I keep saying.  Isn't that a favorite line for most pregnant women?  You don't look like you could go any further, yet its highly possible you will go to the very end of term?  My reason is different: my son was 5 weeks early.  Supposedly, once you have one early, the rest are early.  We'll just have to see how true this is.

Everything went great at the check up this week with the baby.  For me, still undecided.  My blood pressure was slightly elevated, 118/70 (I'm normally 100/60 or below, even when pregnant) but nothing to be concerned about.  External cervix dilated but not internal, which the doctor told me was normal when you've had more than one child.  Still having Braxton Hicks and the pain in my left left/groin is getting worse and worse.  The doctor loved that I said I was cynical and a smart elic instead of crying.  Much easier to deal with the hormonal crazy talking lady than the one that cries her eyes out.  Even my poor husband would rather me be crazy than cry.  He, nor most men bless, know what to do with a woman that's crying.  And especially not this one.  If I do cry, I get really angry and mad at myself that I let myself cry.  See.  Proof in point: crazy lady.

The OB said their was a secret weapon not utilized as much as it should be in pregnancy: physical therapy.  She wants me to meet with one to help with the pain in my leg, as they are the experts and will know exactly what to do to help ease and release some of the tension.  I haven't called them yet, still debating.  I'm scared mostly at what it's going to cost, even with insurance.  I'm a big girl, hopefully I can ride out the pain.

The pain is similar to that of the sciatic nerve (finally figured out how to spell it!).  I have this searing pain that basically runs the length of my underwear line, but just on the left side.  The OB made sure I didn't have a pelvic separation (OMG-Ouch! Can you imagine??) but thank goodness I don't.  She said with the separation, it's usually painful on both sides.  The other pain is to say that I think I know what a man must feel like to get kicked between the legs.  Feels like I've been kicked repeatedly and swelling.  All this makes trying to sleep look like a skit from SNL. 

Yesterday I was in a town that had a Motherhood Maternity store, so I made a special stop in there.  I bought the $20 maternity belt that became my best friend in my last pregnancy.  I really wish I would have made the trip sooner.  I ordered one online, but it had the hook and look fasteners and I outgrew it too fast.  I love this one because it has Velcro that adjusts in two different places.  It doesn't take away all the pain, but it does help lift the big old belly up a bit, relieving some of that stress and pain.  In all 3 of my pregnancies now, each of the babies have been head down from at least 6 months on.  Perfect for those little baseball swinging, guitar stringing, soccer ball kicking, dancing queen legs and arms to do major havoc on my reflux system.

So for now, I will more than likely continue to sleep on the couch, nap in the glider, and when my husband makes me feel guilty for leaving him alone (ha-my son always ends up in my place) I will try to sleep in the bed.  Elevated.  With more pillows and support cushions than a mattress store sells.  These are the fun times of pregnancy!

Someone asked me at my baby shower if I was miserable yet, with that really sympathetic look like my pet died.   Duh.  I laughed.  It's to be expected when you have had more than one birth and you are this far along.  She couldn't believe that I was smiling and laughing about it and taking it so good.  Look.  This ain't my first rodeo.  I knew what to expect for the most part.  We just all have to find out what works best for us, bitch a little when we need to, and put on our big girl panties (don't get me started-I've changed 2 sizes up now) and deal with it.

Truth: Wouldn't have it any other way.

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