What's that big yellow box over our heads?

243 words written by dylan
Posted February 26, 2004 @ 10:50 PM
5 comments

Last Friday, Susan's blood pressure was higher than it had ever been. It was enough to trigger a battery of tests this week -- an ultrasound on Tuesday, a bunch of circulation tests today.

It wasn't good.

Susan is showing herself to be high risk for pre-eclampsia, though it's very early in the process.

The doctor prescribed beta blockers and told her it's time to wrap up her job at the School of Pharmacy. So, she's shutting things down next week and spending the next few weeks on bed rest. If she starts showing signs of eclampsia, the baby comes out. If we aren't at 37 weeks (the minimum length of time for a "full-term" baby) when she pops out, we can expect some NICU time. In all likelihood we're looking at Susan being induced sometime at the end of March... unless she's able to fight off the rising blood pressure with bedrest and meds.

So, it's gone from "due in mid-April" to "due any day now." I've gone from being leisurely about getting things ready to staring at the calendar and wondering if I really have all the time to do everything myself.

I feel like when I was a kid and the "Tornado Watch" box popped up on the bottom left of the TV screen. I'm waiting for the freight train sound and the roof to come flying off. Maybe it won't, but for now I'm haunted by a yellow parallelogram.

Comments

  1. I wish your wife the very best of luck. If I were a religious person, I'd pray for the three of you, but I guess all I can offer is a few words of encouragement. Above all else, keep your spirits up - a positive attitude is always the best medicine.

    Posted by: Dave | February 27, 2004 12:12 AM

  2. Good luck to you and Susan...may the "tornado" pass you by....

    Posted by: Elaine | February 27, 2004 09:57 AM

  3. I also have all my fingers crossed for the two of you (three of you).

    Posted by: samantha | February 27, 2004 08:31 PM

  4. My wife had the same problem, and she was on bedrest for the final 2 months of her pregnancy. The biggest problem was keeping her off her feet, but luckily for us her mother was able to come stay with her when I was at work. Everything turned out fine in the end just as it will for Susan. Good Luck

    Posted by: Dan | February 27, 2004 09:15 PM

  5. Trish had a placental abruption, nad was forced into bed rest for a couple of weeks until it healed. A different sort of thing and less worrisome that yours, but nevertheless, I feel for you. Hang in there.

    Posted by: Jammer | March 3, 2004 07:31 AM