Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Dear 17 Alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone,

Thank you for almost making my arm fall off.

My doctor highly recommended I inject you into my body to prevent a preterm labor I may or may not have. I'm glad I have a doctor who is concerned about the condition of a past pregnancy and is taking action against possible bedrest. I like that in a doctor. I did my own research on your product, and with no bigger warnings than "pain at the injection site," thought, I'll give it a try.

I grew a little concerned when I was told I'd be given two different needle sizes, a larger one for sucking up the medicine and a smaller one for injecting the medicine. I was instructed not to use the injection needle to suck up the medicine because it was so thick it'd dull the needle (this is with using new needles for every injection).

Sounded bad, but I wasn't too worried. I'm not exactly a stranger to needles; I don't love them, but I can handle them. I think most women who have given birth can handle them, whether they want to or not. Add to giving birth a serious surgery and all the blood donating and needles that goes with it and you could say I've been poked a time or two. But nothing in my previous needle-loving history has come close to pain of this shot. It has now been four hours and I'm just barely regaining the mobility of my arm (with the help of a heating pad).

Thank you for strengthening my uterus walls so I won't again start dilating at 30 weeks. But seriously, could your oil based product be any thicker? I'll answer that for you. No, because if it was any thicker, it'd be mashed potatoes.

You hurt my heart and you hurt my arm,
Liz

18 comments:

The Dunham Family said...

You brave, brave woman! Did you give yourself the shot?

Can I help you out? Maybe with Ben?

It sounds like my cortisone shot--I passed out while getting that one! The only thing I remember is: long needle, ouch, ouch, ouch, and really cute doctor giving me the shot!

David, Bri, and Bella said...

You poor woman. Now I will have to quit complaining to myself about throwing up and being dizzy all day. Repetetive shots would suck way worse.

Lizzy said...

Sarah, thankfully my mother-in-law is a nurse and she's giving me the shots. I don't know if I could work up the courage to do it myself. The injection hurt, but it was the thick medicine working its way through my arm that was the worst. Nasty stuff.

Alifinale said...

Is it bad that I am laughing at you in your time of pain? If you weren't so dang funny...

Sorry about your arm but glad you braved it so #2 will be safe.

Lima Bean said...

O.U.C.H. As if pregnancy isn't already bad enough and then they have to make you do stuff like this.

Hopefully you only have to do it once.

Jess said...

My heart hurts for your heart and your arm.

Maren said...

I'm sorry. Do you have to do this multiple times or is this a one time shot (get it? punny....)

Ilene said...

As long as it doesn't hurt your uterus.

I admire you but you gotta do what you gotta do, right?

I still have needle issues. Pathetic, I know. The only thing that keeps from panicing during the epidural is the nasty contractions. I may hate needles but I don't hate them that much.

Lizzy said...

I wish the injections were a one shot deal. I take them once a week until around 35 weeks, I think (I'm 19 weeks now). They better work!

Darin said...

Owwww... best wishes...

Bradwich said...

I love that you wrote a letter to a chemical. I'm a nerd, and even I've never done that.

carizolli said...

Once a week! YOUCH! Poor poor Liz!

Have I missed an announcement, or have you not found out the sex of this baby yet? Please don't tell me you're going to have it a surprise! That kills me!

Sanna said...

Lizzy, that's necessary stuff and I am pretty sure you can handle it. Nevertheless, I am totally feeling with ya. Be strong.

Tara said...

Crazy Liz! Will you have to do this with every pregnancy from here on out? Well I hope the pain is worth it! I can't wait to hear what you are having!!

Jamie said...

You crack me up. What a funny post. But Liz you poor thing. I can't decide what is worse-the complications of your last pregnancy or this. Sure doesn't sound fun to me!

Molly said...

Oh you POOR thing. That sounds miserable.

Michael, Michelle and Lily said...

That sounds fun. Lucky you. When do you find out what baby #2 is?

Camilla said...

Ouch!! That really stinks!