Being Fat, Very Pregnant, and Having Gallstones
Trigger Warning: Medical Problems but Baby is Doing Well
I just got word that I will not be leaving the hospital today so in my grief I have decided to a rant to strangers would be better than sitting with it.
Last Sunday night I woke up with the worst chest pain of my life and vomiting. I just knew I was having a heart attack so I went to the ER.
2 1/2 hours later I was told it is gallstones, take this Tylenol 3 and talk to your OB, and change your diet.
My OB was bewildered, "I dont deal with gallbladders you need a surgeon. I'll consult with one for our next appointment try to hang in there"
1 day later, no change in pain, the meds helped but it never went away. 2 days later the meds stopped helping, I went back to the ER. 8 hours later I was given morphine, told my labs looks good, and told to call a surgeon, and change my diet. The quote this doctor he said "I'm not saying cut out all greasy food but you really should slow down."
I'd like to note because of the pain I had not eaten in days.
3 days later. I have my OB appointment and have to monitor baby. I am 34 weeks pregnant. I am asked to lay on my back for 20 minutes, a near impossible task, but i moan and groan my way through it. By the time I get out I hear my ob on the phone with surgeon. "She needs to be seen today"
He examines me. Informs me that he has made an appointment and tells me not to worry about not eating, baby will be fine, just drink water when possible.
Later that day I see the surgeon. By some miracle and another dose of T3, the pain in gone. Surgeon says since the pain is gone we can play this by ear but if you have another attack come back to ER. I will make notes for them to get me. By the way your labs from last night are not great, you have jaundice.
I go home and rest hubbie and little one run out and buy me good things to eat. My extravagant dinner is half a rice cake and 2 strawberries. I am exhausted and go to sleep early.
6:30 AM, I am back at the ER in worse pain then ever. A nurse says "you must have had a heavy dinner" I am started on diluad and soon told I will be admitted. One MRI and an ERCP (Upper Gi Procedure) later, I am told we have removed a stone and lots of sludge from your pancreas and liver. I had pancreatitis.
Finally in my hospital room. 2 days for my body to feel normal. So many people tell me if I Just watch what I eat this will go away. I spent those 2 days eating ice chips and popsicles.
Now we are on day 4 in the hospital because my WBC count is rising for an unknown reason and I am struggling to eat real food out of fear.
It just sucks. Yes I am fat, yes I am 34 weeks pregnant, but no I am not eating til I am sick. I just got sick, really sick. Even my nurse last night told me, "I'm sure you'll be home soon if you just eat healthy"
Maybe eating lead to all this but at this particular moment in time it is not about eating. I am working up courage to eat my dry cereal and have lost 5 lbs in 8 days. I am exhausted, worries for my baby (who is a fucking trooper and hasn't slowed down at all), and mostly I am sick! But still I am treated as if I am a pig shoveling unhealthy food into my mouth as quickly as possible.