Keeping My Promise

Last week I mentioned in my post that doctors were getting concerned about my rising blood pressure and sent me in for blood tests. On Thursday the 22nd, I went in for a regular check-up and the doctor reviewed my results. It turns out that I have some sort of elevated enzyme in my liver. This symptom, combined with my high blood pressure, swollen feet and bad headaches got me sent immediately to the hospital for further testing.
When I got to the hospital, I gave more blood and was hooked up to a fetal monitor machine as well as a blood pressure machine. Jamie and I stayed there for a few hours while very nice nurses came and went and told us everything looked good. A doctor eventually came by and told me I had developed "Pregnancy Induced Hypertension". Basically my body is starting to reject the pregnancy. If left untreated, "PIH" could lead to much more serious conditions like preeclampsia and eclampsia. Severe cases of PIH can lead to induction and a baby being delivered sooner rather than later. Fortunately for me, my case seems to be mild.
The doctor decided to discharge me but gave instructions that I was to stop work immediately and go on bed rest. Bed rest means I can't really do anything. I have to sit or lie down for the whole day and night. I can't drive, bathe on my own (for fear of seizures), shop, do anything more that walk to the washroom or kitchen for a snack. I also can't houseclean or go out for anything other than doctor appointments. In addition to bed rest, I have a nurse that comes to the house daily. She checks JJ's heart rate and makes sure I'm doing "my homework". My homework includes taking my own blood pressure three times a day, noting any symptoms of high blood pressure (headaches, swollen feet, hands or face, vision disturbances etc) and counting JJ's movements twice a day.
Yesterday I was sent for an ultrasound to make sure the placenta still looks good and that JJ is continuing to grow as normal. It was great to see JJ again! He was a little shy and kept his hands in front of his face but we did get a good look at some cubby cheeks and a cute little nose:)
JJ gave everyone a surprise though as it was quickly discovered that he's in a breech position. This means his head is up by my belly button instead of down in the pelvis. A breech presentation often means a C-section but there's hope he'll turn on his own or that maybe we can find a trick or two to turn him ourselves.
Other than the breech position, everything looks good. JJ is measuring totally normal and his Mom's blood pressure has come down quite a bit.
Please keep us in your thoughts and wish us luck in the next few weeks to come.