Week 18 Recap

So this week was focused on one thing: Shingles. After going to Urgent Care on Sunday, I wanted to hear from Peggy about my diagnosis. Monday was Labor Day, of course, so I called on Tuesday. She wasn't in until Wednesday, so I left a message letting her know and asking for a return call, because I was worried about things I'd heard. Wait on Wednesday, nothing; Thursday, at the end of the day I realize I still haven't heard anything. So Friday, I call again. The receptionist says, "Oh, you wanted a call back? I thought you just wanted to let her know." So she transfers me to Peggy's nurse. I explain all and she says, "Huh. I haven't really seen this in pregnancy - let me do some looking and I'll call you back."

So around 1:00, Peggy calls, and this is the condensed version. I am supposed to be on Valtrex - we need to get rid of this outbreak. Plus, we need to be carefully monitoring me for further outbreaks, which we really don't want to have happen while I'm pregnant. I have to go in and have my blood drawn, now for a baseline, and throughout the pregnancy to keep an eye on things. And this can cause birth defects, which we'll be able to see on ultrasounds - which implies I'll be getting a few more. How worried am I supposed to be? According to Peggy, she's never had a pregnant patient with Shingles, so it's rare, and the end result can be anything along the spectrum - completely normal to deformities. But she's optimistic, so I'm trying to be as well. Also, have to be really careful for flu/swine flu complications. However, I can't get the flu shot until this outbreak is over - don't want to introduce any other viruses into my body yet.

So it's been crazy in my head this week - I'm tired.

Measurements:

Waist: 30.25"
Belly Button: 34"
3" Down: 36.5"
Hips: 40"