Friday, March 2, 2007

"Ouch" at pucker-factor 9 is not good...

Ladies, once again, thank you for all your kind words and support. You've done wonders to get me through the nerves and stress I've been feeling.

Surprisingly enough, I feel OK enough to write this email, even with all I've been through today...

Hubby rushed me to to the RE's office for an emergency US today, because I was in excruciating pain on my left side, lower abdomen. The pain was like a sharp object was lodged in my side. At the worst of it, the pain radiated from the one spot down my leg and up my torso. I was at work, and by about 11 AM this morning, I was unable to sit, stand, or concentrate on anything but pain.

The gentleman that sits one cube over from me is an MD. Convenient huh? I work for a healthcare software development company, so there are many RNs and MDs in the house.

Dr. S was a real sweetie, and discretely ran through what might be causing my pain. He narrowed it down to a couple of pretty bad things pretty fast, and said I should go to the Dr or emergency room ASAP.

I can truthfully say, that was the first time I've ever had a Dr's appointment at my desk!

The scan showed no pregnancies in my uterus - not a blip. It did suggest there might be one or more in my left fallopian tube. While the US with a wand was bad (read, ouch-ouch-ouch-yeouch) the manual pelvic exam (palpating my my girlie-parts by hand) sent me into orbit with pain. Those two things, along with the 4 hours of continuous pain, gave us a pretty good indication that it wasn't going to be a good or easy problem to fix.

Hubby was wonderful, kind, and loving during all the probing, and covered my eyes for the worst of the pain. I don't know why, but it makes me feel somewhat detached, and therefore a little better. :)

Diagnosis? Emergency laparoscopic surgery to remove what appeared to be an ectopic pregnancy that was about to rupture.

Results:
There were, in fact 2 pregnancies in my left tube. I don't have all the details because I've been woozy since the surgery, but I know that the tube had been badly damaged by the issues and had to be completely removed. My RE is pretty conservative in the area of removing things, but said it could not be saved as it was already in bad shape when he started the internal exam.

I am glad to say that I made it through it, and am only so-much worse for wear. I still have a very sore throat from being intubated for the surgery, and my belly feels like I've been shot a few times (no, never been shot before, just guessing since both methods cause holes).

I'm not really sad yet, but I am sure that will come.

Lots of support is on hand...

Hubby has been the patron saint of support to a spouse. He never left my side during the Pre-op gyrations. He kissed me lots, and wouldn't let me get sad about it. He is out right now, at 1 AM, getting my RX filled, buying my liquid diet needs, and some cat food I had planned to pickup on the way home from work tonight. :)

There's always a cat theme with me, isn't there!?! LOL

My friend D is coming over tomorrow to sit with me while Hubby works. My friends S&S have offered to run errands, provide shoulders, and be there fore me as needed. My Mom is jonesing to come, and I would love to have her here. I'm thinking she'll make it to about 11 AM before she gives up restraining herself and drives South. :)

Obviously, we have NO information on future tries, plans, or anything like that. We are going to get me back on my feet, give it a few months, and see where we end up. I'm totally OK with that plan.

Thanks again for all the support girlfriends!

Maybe I'll be back in the saddle in a while... Maybe I'll continue to post... Maybe I'll drop off the face of the IF earth for a bit... In the meantime however, I'm just gonna be me for a while...

* group hug*

Feel free to ask questions, etc. I don't mind sharing what I know, just don't want to bore you all to tears...

15 comments:

Mandy said...

I am so so sorry Dawn. You are being unbelieveably strong about this. Do whatever you need to do to recover and feel better soon. Lots of love,

Mands

Warner Stander said...

Sorry to hear the news. I wish the best for you however you decide to continue.

Anonymous said...

Hey... am sad to hear your news. I am glad this was treated in time for your health to recover, and that you have such wonderful support to catch you when you will need it.
I hope you feel good about whatever decision you need to make about the future. All the best to you.

Unknown said...

I am so, so sorry, Dawn. Thank goodness your doctor caught it before your tube ruptured, but still... how awful, how horrible, how heartbreaking. You're in my thoughts.

Kristy said...

I couldn't believe this when I read it. I am in complete shock and have goosebumps. I am soooo sorry that this happened, and hope that you take the time to heal, both emotionally and physically. I am glad that you have people around who are taking good care of you. (((HUGS)))

Gil said...

I am very, very glad to hear that you are okay. That is the first order of business. And secondly, I am so sorry that you had to go through this in the first place. Take your time, recuperate, take that break you mentioned before all this happened... do whatever you have to do to find the right path for you and your husband. Sending many hugs to you. And lots of love to your husband for taking care of you so well.

Hopeful Mother said...

I'm so sorry. I'm glad to hear that YOU are OK - but so sorry about the tube and ectopic, and everything you've been through. You are incredibly strong.

Take care of you. We are here for you too.

Sabrina said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm glad it was caught earlier as the situation probably could have been alot worse. Sending huge hugs your way.

Baby Blues said...

I just thank God you're ok, safe and recovering. I am so sorry to hear about the ectopic pregnancy. I'm speechless. Praying for strength and comfort to get you through this. Take your time to grieve and recuperate. Hugs.

Lisa said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Been there myself recently. I know this is the first time I found your blog, but here if you need to talk.

I hope you get to feeling better soon.

Sending hugs and prayers.

Unknown said...

I am so sorry for your loss. But glad for your health that they were able to treat you quickly. Take care.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry. Thank goodness that you got to the hospital in time. What a horrible, absolutely rotten day.

I hope you feel better soon.

Sara said...

I'm so sorry. It's just so unfair. Of course I'm glad that this was caught in time to keep from being a serious threat to your health and safety, but I'm so sorry about the pregnancy and your tube. Take good care of yourself in the upcoming days and weeks as you heal.

Leslie said...

I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts will be with you as you recover from the surgery. Be gentle with yourself as you grieve.

Jen said...

I'm new to your blog, but wanted to say how sorry I am for all you have been through. Glad that your Husband is so supportive & caring. Again, my deepest sympathy for your loss.

Jen