It’s been an interesting weekend full of good and bad.
The Good:
WICKED: The Musical.
It took me 8 hours to get them on Halloween day, but I bought tickets for Jonathan’s 10th anniversary present from me. I wanted him to see it because I was blown away when I saw it with my friend, Michelle, in London.
So, yesterday we went with our friends, Max and Brigitte down to Salt Lake for food and theater and had a great time. The show in London was better but it was still exceptional. I cried during parts of it. I wish I could blame it on hormones but I cried when I saw it in London, too.
There was a huge glitch in the show, though. Seconds before they started the duet “For good” (the most emotional part of the show at the end) a fuse blew and the power went out in the theater. I felt so bad for the actresses. Having something like that happen during a show sucks, especially during SUCH an emotional scene. They exited, the curtain came down and after they fixed it, they rewound a little and restarted. They handled it like the professionals they were but it did break the mood for the audience.
We all had a great time but physically it was a really tough day with an hour and a half drive each way, lunch and walking up flights of stairs to be crammed into little seats for over three hours.
I had to keep going to the bathroom during lunch to throw up and put my head between my knees. Afterwards I felt so lightheaded and icky and Jonathan pretty much carry me back to the car to lay down and I was literally panting and gasping like a freaking dog, it was so hard to catch my breath. I’m still not sure how I made through the show.
I feel pretty hammered today.
Which brings me to The Bad:
About a week-and-a-half ago I went in for a huge (and long) OBGYN appointment: detailed ultrasound, shots, exams and lots of tests ordered.
I am usually a pretty low energy girl. I have light anemia from my bypass and over all? I’m just not a bundle of “GO!” like some people are. During this pregnancy, It’s been exacerbated but I’ve pretty much just made fun of myself about it-light hearted mocking that I would take a shower and I have to lay down in the bathtub to catch my breath from shampooing and then be too worn out to towel off or blow dry my hair.
It was a little funny.
Until lately.
I have been having some symptoms that have really escalated and it has gotten to the point of worry and true misery. I have mentioned it to my husband more and more often that it seems to get worse daily.
My chest pounds from the smallest exertion and I am out of breath ALL THE TIME. I feel lightheaded and faint and I am so freaking tired (not necessarily sleepy just totally fatigued). Just sitting up for more than 30 minutes starts to suck and makes me feel totally lame.
I can’t walk far without stopping and even when I’m just hanging at home I have to lay down every few minutes or I start feeling breathless, light headed and the edges of my vision go spotty and grey.
We thought it was probably just going with the territory of the last weeks of pregnancy and that I am a freakishly weak person.
I DID mention being breathless and tired and faint at my appointment but since I have a history of anemia and these are normal symptoms in the last trimester and since my blood pressure is low, no one was really concerned. I just needed to be careful standing up and rest.
BUT.
My doctor’s office called on Friday and an urgent sounding nurse told me that my blood tests had come back in.
“You have anemia.”
“I know. So does the doctor. I always have some anemia from my gastric bypass and that is why I have been on extra iron.”
“No, we know about that. You have developed severe anemia. For pregnancy, low is below 12.0. Although because we are at a very high altitude below 14.0 is considered low. At the start of your pregnancy you were at 9.5. Low, but not alarming. We look at drops in the 10th of points with concern. If you had dropped to 9.0 that difference would not be good. Right now you are at a 7.6. So, if you subtract the accounting for extra hemogloblin because of our high altitude from that number it puts you more in the under 6.0 category, which, well…you are extremely, severely low and we need to get you seen right away.”
Blink, blink, blinkity-blink-blink.
“That doesn’t sound good.”
“It’s not.”
Now, when I use terms like “extremely and severe” well…I’m theatrical and dramatic so it’s more a description of ME and how I filter a situation. When someone as no-nonsense as this woman says terms like that it tends to freak me out. My doctor is out of the office today and since I have an appointment on Wednesday, we decided to just stick with that.
I talked and got some information from the nurse. The thing is, I am not really sure how much can be done to reverse the situation or what they are going to do. She said anemia of this level is difficult to reverse on a regular patient but it’s particularly complicated with my history. (I can’t be on blood thinners and eat most iron rich foods, etc.)
Yay!
She said injections, transfusion and hospitalization in my case are all very possible but we have no idea what this means for me and the baby or what treatment will be until I see the doctor. I’ve upped my iron A LOT until then and am increasing the iron rich foods I’m allowed. There’s not really much more I can do then that for now.
I have no idea how big a deal this is. It could be no big deal at all. I’m just mainly reacting to the nurses reaction and how I’ve felt. I’m avoiding reading up on it on the internet because I think it may freak me out more than help.
I’m NOT looking forward to some of the options she threw out for treatment (they all seem to either involve needles and/or holy expensive hospitalization, Batman).
However, I feel like leftover crap and would love to be able to feel better.
In the mean time, if anyone has dealt with really low hemoglobin and treatments and stuff it would be groovy if you could give me some advice or information.
The Care Bear: (Do they have “Bitchy Gestating Bear? If so, I would TOTALLY be that one. I do wonder what my logo would be, though.)
I’m at 34 weeks and at this point I can say with total confidence that I COULD TOTALLY TAKE ANY OF YOU DOWN WITH “THE CARE BEAR STARE”.
Anemia or not, your asses would be mine with the power of THIS TUMMY, bitches.
Heh.
I’ll let you know how it goes on Wednesday.
Stumble it!
Filed under: 
Wicked is my favorite, and Elphaba rocks. You have always reminded me of her, for some reason, so I laughed when I read that you loved her.
And you’ll kick anemia’s sorry ass.
ok so I totally laughed at the part about having to take a rest after a shower because I’m the same way, however mine really is just being lazy and tiredness. I’m sorry you’re dealing with all the extras. I hit 33 weeks tomorrow and in the past week I feel like I’ve just been hit by a truck. Good luck with whatever the doctor says I’ll be thinking of you!
So glad you enjoyed the play, I can’t believe the fuse blew. How sad! I loved it! (Of course, I’m still jealous that you’ve seen it in London!)
I hope you get the anemia mess fixed, that sucks that you have to deal with so much… but you look smokin’ hot in that picture!
I just informed my husband yesterday that my days of grocery shopping may be numbered – I needed to take a break while shopping, unloaded one item at a time out of my cart, used both hands to put each grocery bag into my car, then once I got home I just parked my car and sat there – I just wasn’t ready yet to take the energy needed to get out of my car.
Also, every time I stopped to take a breath and hold my belly at the store, every single person who made eye contact with me made me think “WHY AREN’T YOU HELPING ME?” I was MOUTH BREATHING for God’s sake!
I was scheduled to re-take my hemoglobin lab test Saturday, but because my brain isn’t working I forgot the midwife’s form and couldn’t take it – will try Wednesday morning.
I am breathless, tired beyong belief, and taking RBC (red blood cell) pills which contain liver and a bunch of other stuff. It’s just NOT WORKING. Sean cooks everything he can in a cast iron skillet. I will be tracking your “visits” to see what they do for you.
BTW I’m 31 weeks now.
I don’t know what my exact number was – she just said it’s low and to start Hemaplex (I decided to do RBC pills instead – supposed to be even “faster”). What are you taking now? I took a whole bottle of liquid Floradix a month ago and it was a joke.
Good luck!
That is the most beautiful baby bump…seriously! I hope you have the picture with your face cause that is beautiful!!
As for the anemia, I am so sorry! I really hope that it goes the best! I will pray for you!!! {{hugs}}
I don’t know ‘nuthin bout birthin’ no babies, Miss Scarlet.
Actually, that should read “I know nothing about iron/blood/blah, blah, blah.” It just sounded better the other way.
Hope the doctor has good news. You’re getting close! And damn if you’re smaller pregnant than I am not pregnant. Gah!
Okay, that anemia sounds nasty. I hope they have a good answer for you on Wednesday.
And I am so jealous of your adorable little bump! I look like a hippopotamus these days. I am not exaggerating.
I had extreme anemia AFTER having my first, but I wasn’t quite bad enough for a transfusion. Have they mentioned transfusion?
Get better soon. That just sucks.
Nice boobs
I have chronic anemia and it’s gotten to the laissez faire attitude stage. If my hemoglobin goes below 8 I know my dr’s going to order me in for 2 units of blood. It’s not a big deal. And all the symptoms you describe, get much better when you get the blood.
But then I’m not pregnant either.
Good luck though, it’ll be ok.
been in the nasty, severe, dangerously low anemia state. It hurt. I had bad heart palpitations, extreme fatigue, walking gave me pain in my muscles, and other scary stuff. I had to have a transfusion of 3 units of blood so I could even function. I knew I felt horrible, but did not know how bad I really felt until I was human again. Let me know if I can help you in anyway. Love you.
UGH…I feel for you. It was those iron pills I always felt like I was throwing up when pregnant.
So glad you got to see Wicked again. I would too in a heart beat.
Good luck on Wed.
I feel terrible for you. I’m so damn sorry you have to deal with all of this. BUT it’s always all worth it in the end, when they plop that little bright eyed baby on your chest! Oh, I’m jealous!
AND you look amazing! You are one HOT pregnant mama!
LOVE IT!
I have never had kids, I have never had anemia, but I do hate throwing up and I have just been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and will have to start Chemo soon. And it scares the shit out of me. I will send you my positive energy that the solution will be a simple one. Let’s hope we can both get out of the worst.
Sincerely hoping that you freaky anemia turns out to be, well, not freaky.
And anemic or not, that belly looks absolutely lovely.
You have a very sexy silhouette.
Kristen Chenoweth is one of my favorite actresses. I’ve only heard Popular but Wicked looks great and I’m a huge musical theater fan. It’s coming here soon so maybe I will try to go! Thank you for sharing, and man, I hope things turn out not scary with the anemia.
You look amazing! Your tummy is darling, and I can’t believe you’re only 34 weeks!
You could be the model for *the* ideal pregnancy silhouette. Seriously.
Good luck on Wednesday. I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for you.
You look gorgeous!!
Sorry about the anemia thing – will keep fingers and toes crossed that it’s not as bad as they think it is…
OMG – you look amazing! I always look like death.
HOT! HOT! HOT!
1. Wicked sounds so good. I really want to get out and see that one.
2. Scary! KC is anemic, but I’m not sure how bad it is. Until she gets health insurance (when her new work benefits kick in…I think 5 more months) we have to wait and see. I do know that when she gets her period she is exhausted very easily and has to lay down a lot. Mixed with the fact that her period lasts about two weeks it troubles me VERY much. I will be happy when she can finally get it checked out further and get some treatment options. I’ll be thinking about you Mama. Update us asap.
3. You look lovely as always. Well…you’re bump does anyway ;-).
Only 6 more weeks and you still have that tiny little bum- so cute, but sounds like you wish you could just go into a medically induced coma and have them wake you up when it’s over (I know I did!)
Oh sweetie, you really HAVE been pregnant forever and with such stress the entire time. Hugs and hopes that all goes well on Wednesday!
anemia or no you are looking great from the neck down! wow!
My mom has been dealing with anemia for the past four years related to kidney problems. I know she got shots for a short while and that really helped her numbers go up, so those shots really do work. Otherwise, I have no advice…but I will be praying for you! xo
Sorry about the anemia. :( I have no experience with anemia on its own, but I do take injections for low B12. It’s not so bad. Hopefully you can get it back up where it should be without hospitalization! I’ll be thinking of you.
And. Just gotta say it. Such a cute baby belly! Even if you do want to use it’s power for evil.
7.6? Wow, that is really low. If I were you I would accept a transfusion if your doctor reccomends it. You won’t believe how much better you will feel when you have enough blood. Hope everything goes well for you, and in the meantime make sure you get plenty of rest.
Piss off with your hot pregnant ass. That belly is me, 4 days pregnant. :)
Jeez, Hang in there honey. It all sounds a bit overwhelming but I hope the doc has an easy solution for you. I’m cheering you on from Los Angeles!!!
I know you don’t know me, but I’ve been having fun reading your blog (linked from a friend’s).
My son ruptured his liver a few years ago and had to drastically increase his iron intake to help the liver heal.
My cousin had had dangerously low iron while pregnant and suggested what kept her out of the hospital. Her doc had her taking Floridix (or floradix) each day. It is liquid, and it worked for her. It worked better and a lot faster than regular supplements, although it sounds like you are beyond the plain supplement point.
Good luck with your appointment.
The only suggestions I have are the holistic/natural ones. I vacillate between believing 100% in natural treatments to thinking it is all hogwash. I would typically consider these suggestions to be generally safe. However, given YOUR particular health challenges, I can’t say that. I have no idea how these would affect your other blood issues. You would have to do some more research.
- Floradix
- yellow dock + dandelion root herbal tea
- liquid chlorophyll
- green smoothies (see http://www.greensmoothiegirl.com)
Honestly? That photo? You look AMAZING. I hope your appointment goes as good as it can – and that you don’t have to be hospitalized. More expenses aren’t exactly what you need, right?
I’m glad you had a great time at Wicked!!
Wow. Nice tummy. And make sure you hang on to that RACK when the whole thing is said and done. ‘K?
Wicked is coming here and I want to see it SO BAD!! Keeping my fingers crossed that I can get tickets!!
Sorry to hear about the anemia!! Gah, it royally sucks being that tired. I’ve been that tired before, just not for the same reason! I hope it all works out without the uber expensive hospital stay!
Check out Floradix. It’s a liquid iron supplement. It tastes awful, but it has been known to rapidly increase iron stores because of its highly absorbable form. (I don’t sell it, so I’m not self-promoting or anything.) ;) I buy it at my local health foods store.
http://www.florahealth.com/flora/home/USA/Products/R64771.htm
You do look pretty good in that picture.
My wife has the opposite problem: too much iron. She used to go periodically for blood extraction but now has a low iron diet.
Yeah I was told my hemoglobin/iron was not good at all..am on Palafer CF with vitamin c and they are HOPING that will do it for me.
Doc was surprised I was functioning!
My iron has been low for years though…
All these worries just make pregnancy SO MUCH FUN!
Jealous about wicked though..
Bitchy Gestating Bear
I’ve got to get one of those.
Your belly COULD NOT be any cuter.
Now go kick some anemia ass.
Oh, wow. I will be praying for you chica. Get some rest and feel better!
Oh, and by the way, you look freakishly hot in that picture, even with the big belly. Heck, you look hotter than most non-pregnant women. And for that, I rather resent you. So, on the bright side, you might feel like crap but you look freakin’ awesome, so it balances itself out.
Your belly is so beautiful! Glad you enjoyed the show.
Thinking about you and hoping all goes well.
xo
I need to see Wicked. I have heard awesome things about it.
Someday.
I am so sorry that you aren’t feeling well. I hope that the doctor can do something for you that is in the less needles dept as well as in the low end of the cost spectrum.
HUGS.
If you have to go into the hospital…we will start a fund! Yes…we need you to keep blogging.
I agree with another comment that things will work out and not to stress. I hate saying “things will work out” but they always seem to do just that.
Been there – it isn’t pleasant. But at least you know what the problem was, right? I know, I’m annoying with my “silver lining” thing ;-)
BTW, you look fantastic! You look way better than I do, and I’m not pregnant (€though some days I look it.)
Hugs and stuff, really.
But dammit woman. YOu look better pregnant, than I do, right this second.
NOT pregnant, btw.
DAMN. You’re hawt ;-)
Love you, prayers and allllllllllll of that, for my smooth, sultry voiced melodic friend.
First of all, that picture of you is incredible!
I have found best results in “food combining”. By that I mean specifically combining foods high in iron and avoiding others.
Try a spinach salad with chicken, strawberries and oranges along with a small glass of fresh OJ.
Avoid foods that have soy in them and eat fiber rich foods at another meal.
Snack on prunes, dried apricots.
If you are taking an iron supplement, take it with OJ.
Get a list of iron rich foods and eat off that list! The more foods you have together with the benefit of citrus has been quite helpful for me.
Good Luck.
Your in my thoughts and prayers. I hope your appointment goes well tomorrow. I’m sorry that you are having such a hard time with this pregnancy, but it will be worth it when you see that little guy!
I don’t know if this is even an option for you since you are pregnant – but, my bf has been getting Arenesp shots for his anemia and the results are awesome! He went from barely being able to get out of bed to having as much if not more energy than I do. Shots suck, but Arenesp or Procrit are worth it. Also, if you aren’t already doing so, get some B6 and B12. Hope you feel better soon =)
I don’t know much about anemia but I had to comment that you have a fabulous belly! I miss rocking a perfect round pregnant belly. :) Good luck with the doctor visit!
[...] had an appointment with my OBGYN today. As I said earlier, I have a really low hemoglobin count and have felt really crappy [...]
At least you still look HOT. I always looked like a tank when I was pregantn.
You have a great pregnant profile! You look great! And although I can only see the bottom of your hair – I love how it is really flat and so long. Looks like it is shiny too. You have great hair, you know! I have always love love loved it!