Spoke Too Soon!

Sheesh, I did all the bragging about how the Heparin wasn't bruising me the way it does so many others, and I end up with this:



I'm not quite sure what happened. I know I first noticed it after having done my injection in a public restroom while standing. Maybe I didn't pinch hard enough? I have definitely noticed that the bigger I get, the less fat I have to inject into, which results in more bruising and lots more pain!

Thankfully I am pretty sure it is not a full-blown hematoma. I will ask at my next appointment if I can start injecting into my thigh.

Big, Fat, FAIL

I forgot to take my morning injection of blood thinners. I feel like an ass, a negligent parent-to-be and an overall failure. I immediately swallowed my pride and called the doctor to try to figure out what the best course of action would be. I could barely get the words out, I just wanted to sob. If it were some minor medication, such as my antacid, I would not put so much stock into it. But blood thinners? Are a BIG friggin' deal! Ugh. I am so ashamed! I'm not even a true parent yet and already I'm failing on a BIG issue.

Oh, Heparin, How You Stress Me

I spoke with my nurse advocate today about my concerns regarding my low platelet count. For those of you that didn't have one, a nurse advocate tracks you during your pregnancy and is available for consultation at any time so you don't have to stress over getting a hold of your doctor, etc. It's a lovely service (she even gave me an impromptu anatomy lesson today, ha!)

Anyway, she educated me on some things that did make me feel better. She concurred with my MIL that the platelet number must not be imperatively low if the doctor feels it is OK to re-check in a month, and not sooner. She also said Heparin is a good medicine because it doesn't cross the placenta, which I had never heard, but which brought me extreme comfort.

The bottom line is, I will ask (again) if it is safe to fly for my baby shower given the newest test results but other than that I will not agonize. I will also leave Dr. Google to his lonesome rather than allow him to send me into a tailspin, which is good protocol anyway! I have a growth ultrasound and I will simply focus on the joy of getting to see my baby another time.

A Letter

Dearest Heparin,

I should've known this whole blood thinner thing was too good to be true. I was so spoiled on the Lovenox-no burning, complications, no bruising. But Heparin, you are a cranky older sister.

I know you are tried-and-true, I know you save lives, I know! But you are a witch!

To quote my husband, it looks like "someone took a paintball gun to my gut!"

And yes, you sting. Don't you know that people don't like to be stung? It hurts!

And lastly, you are not aging well. Most newer medicines come with much more civilized methods of injection. Ever heard of a pre-filled syringe? Fighting your 70's era needle is tiring. The fear of a embolism caused by a rogue bubble has me hesitating to push the syringe.

My dear, God willing, our days are numbered. I appreciate what you mean to my health and that of my baby, but I will not miss you. I am thankful to have had you but will not miss you. The fact that you're chewing my platelets up only to spit them out doesn't bode well with me, either; I'm lethargic because of you!

Please don't consider me an ingrate. I am so grateful for all you're capable of...I just prefer my medicine to come from this century. See you again in June-I sure hope time doesn't fly!

In crankiness,

Casey