This is who has been keeping daily vigil...
This is what I've been keeping close...
This is a list of what I had to keep within arm's reach during my convalescence...
Kleenex for the snotty nose
Flowers from Todd because he loves me
Flowers from Marie-Laure because she loves me
Fun craft book from Mo to plan future crafts
Little dish of Tums for the constant heart burn
Ibuprophen all the time
Lortab when it's a little bad
Percocet when it's really bad
Dulcolax to combat the effects of the pain killers
Birth control (weird, I know)
Ginger chew candies to combat the nausea
A thermometer for the constant low fever
The phone so I can see who it is before I don't answer
Gatorade or juice or soup - doctor's orders
Whole wheat gold fish because they sound good when nothing else does
Spicy Cheez-Itz because I am craving them
A pad of paper and a pencil to record everything that goes in and out
A good book
The TiVo and the DVD remotes
Heating pad
Laptop
Backscratcher to satisfy the constant itch caused by the percocet and to "guide" Fiona
The cause for me to be in my lair (chaise lounge with temperpedic topper & 6 pillows) is ovarian hyperstimulation (OVH). The drugs I was taking to get ready for IVF made my ovaries get really big as they made lots of follicles. The egg retrieval went really well. I was fine for two days afterward, a little tender and sore, but fine.
Apparently, my ovaries were supposed to stop and settle down after I stopped taking the shots, but as can sometimes happen, my ovaries kept getting bigger, and bigger, and bigger. A couple of days later I was in severe pain and wasn't able to move very well. After seeing the doctor it was confirmed that my ovaries were in overdrive. They continued to grow for a few days and I kept having ultrasounds to see just how big.
Ovaries are usually about the size of apricots and they are located on either side of a woman's lower abdomen. My ovaries were so big, they were touching in the middle... not just touching a little, but smashed together. What this means is that everything else in my abdomen (liver, spleen, intestines, stomach, etc) where all being pushed upwards into my lungs, just as if I were in the last stages of pregnancy. In fact, I looked like I was about 7 months pregnant, but instead of taking 7 months to get that way my body did that in a few hours, hence the intense pain. My abdomen muscles were being stretched so fast, and my guts were being squished up tight!
There is no medicine to fix OHS, I just have to wait it out. The intense pain and nausea only lasted for about 3 days, and things continue to getter better day by day. I can eat fine (which is too bad because I can't do ANY exercising), and I can move around comfortably if slowly. I mostly feel pretty good so I go and do something and then I have to pay the consequences later. I have a hard time being patient and taking it easy. I don't like to sit still. I haven't even been able to sit up comfortably to sew.
I have appreciated everyone's love and concern. I have also appreciated everyone who has left me alone:) The doctor says OHS takes weeks to recover from and that I should have patience and take it easy even when I feel like I can do more.
In a few weeks (like 8), my body will hopefully be ready to implant the eggs they harvested and froze. We have 3 straws with 3 eggs each (so 9 total) and if everything goes well we could have 3 tries at implantation.
I am trying to be patient and learn something from this experience. Heaven knows I have had plenty of time for reflection. Todd has been wonderful to me. He has cooked and cleaned and purchased strange whims of appetite. He is my friend and my shoulder to cry on. He is my comfort and my balm (even when his jokes go unappreciated because I am in pain and cranky). He reminds me that we are in this together, we are a team. I love him and can't think of anyone else I would rather be going through this with. Team Rhodarson will get a Baby Rhodesbud yet!
21 comments:
Oh my little darling, miserable (miserable as in, uncomfortable.. not unpleasant.. OBVIOUSLY) dear, dear cousin.
I had no idea this was such a physically demanding-- and now terribly painful process!
I will add "and help her ovaries shrink fast" to my already "let her make a baby" prayers. I do love and adore you and will be sending hope and healing vibes through our canyon.. down the highway.. and right into your little nook-o-Provo. (Be ready to catch em'!)
Oh Carrie, I'm so sorry you've been in so much pain! You will get a baby through all this, I know it. Get better. I love ya friend! xoxo
Didn't know spicy Cheezits existed! What a wonderful find!
And even though you must feel like a piece of crap, your makeup is still flawless! It must be tattooed on.
When Baby Rodesbud finally comes, I bet your hospital shots (the ones where every other mother looks like they've just endured HELL) will show you composed, rosy and impeccable.
Baby Rhodesbud: everybody's ready for you!
P.S. I hope you're all better asap!
my little friend, I've been trying really hard to leave you alone. i too practice the who-is-it-while-i-don't-answer thing.
I'm happy that fiona can be led with a backscratcher, that's handy. two uses in one. and that she's a nice companion. that's good too. and I'm happy that Todd is a perfect partner for you. I've known that all along, but it's nice just the same.
that quilt reminds me of Ricks.
Let's think ahead to a time when you me and waz all have to find someone to watch our children while we spend time together on the beach. won't that be lovely? And I'll try another faux latte/mochachino thingy and see if I like it this time.
In the mean time, I'm very proud of you. You are so tough. I can't imagine what you have endured. You are a superhero.
i love you.
I was very worried, but then I saw the spicy Cheezits and knew there was a little life in you yet.
Oh, how I do adore you my beloved CA!
I've been thinking about you tons and was so delighted to see this post.
You are a amazing...and I hope your recovery is speedy.
Much love to you,
Jill
You have been on my mind, wondering how you were doing, and yet understanding your need for space.
My heart goes out to you. Hang in there cute stuff. One day this will just be a memory that you can look back on and laugh.
The Lord knows and sometimes that is all we can understand. :-)
Love you,
Christi
I love you Carrie.
I love the documentation--thank you.
i think it would be funny if you said "my ovaries were in ovardrive".
but that's just me.
and i think that you're on the right track with the twisted peppermint lotion. hang in there, poo.
How many bless your hearts can I give you? They all belong to you. I am glad that you are feeling better. Your flowers make me feel happy and so does the thought of you "guiding" Fiona with the back scratcher (why can't I spell that word right?)
Carrie!!!
I'm so happy that you are doing better! (Slowly but surely!)
I hope we haven't bothered you too much. I've been really worried about you and praying for you everyday!!!
I do have to say that you are one incredible woman!(and couple)
The trials you've endured and are enduring would have killed me long ago!
I love you and pray that Baby Rhodesbud is preparing to come to you! Soon... VERY SOON!
Feel better! Call if you need ANYTHING!
Sometimes we all need a lair in life. I think this is called the trial of faith before the miracle can come. You're my hero, too.
I love that you built a lair and hunkered down for awhile. And yet you are terrible at hunkering because just last weekend you thrilled my kids with an art project and a night away from home. You are AWFUL at thinking about yourself...and I love you so much for your big, generous, beautiful heart! You are definitely taking the AP, super-advanced life course but you will pass with flying colors. Keep healing.
Do you think a back scratcher would work with kids?
carrie ann!!! i just FINALLY got caught up on what's going on with you & read the RhodesBud blog! wow! you are my hero for going through what you are. as i read about you & todd being such a team & his jokes when you can't really appreciate them, i completely thought of james...it must be a rhodes gene passed down from grandpa rhodes.:) but aren't they the best, too? i adore james for so many of the reasons you adore todd.
oh i hope you get better so soon & that things work out...maybe you'll even get to be the next octomom!!!! take care of you!! thinking/praying for you...
It will be worth it. Hang in there. cheers.
I love that Todd. He is such a great guy and I'm glad he is taking such good care of you. But, ohhh... I remember those Ginger chew candies. He gave me one right before I puked my guts out in Hawaii. I haven't been a believer since. :)
I feel honored that you have picked up the phone when I've called! It is nice to see where you've been hunkering. (I can't believe that is a real word and spell checker doesn't have a problem with it.)
Do you need the next installment of Horatio Hornblower?
Oh sweet cousin...hang in there! Why does somethig so amazing have to start off so miserably? Parenting is all about sacrifice...you'll know it better than anyone! Sure hope you're feeling better soon!
Dearest Carrie:
I had no idea you were on SUCH a journey! You manage to still show such pluck. I think doing nothing is only enjoyable when you've been going straight out for weeks and weeks and still only in small doses. Long way of saying - it's no surprise that you aren't loving it.
You're in my thoughts & prayers. Sending love - Tara Badstubner
It's been nearly 2 weeks since you posted this, and oddly, I just ache thinking of how difficult it must be to force yourself to slow down and allow your body to step OUT of overdrive, and just allow some healing to happen. I'm glad to see you at least have all the necessities in life...tv, company, snacks, meds, reading material, and most importantly - a VERY attentive nurse caring for you every chance He Can ;o).
I do hope that the last couple weeks have served you well, and that you don't push yourself too much to be fully back up and around. (I always push too hard, so how'bout you listen for all the times I didn't - and OH did I pay the price for it.)
Keep on Keepin' on. Loads of lovely thoughts and wishes headed your way :o).
Miss Pretty,
I hope you get to feeling better soon. All of my wish-making (meaning I will make lots and lots of wishes :prayers too: for you)will be for you. I think you are amazing.
hugs,
Kat (Dan's wifey-wife)
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