Friday December 2, 2005
It could be much worse, but I didn’t get good news today. The level of protein spill in my urine is high enough now that they are thinking pre-eclampsia. I have had some protein in my urine the last few times, but it was high enough this time to warrant the more definitive “collect your urine for 24 hours” test. My blood pressure has been going up over the last few weeks. This week it is borderline, just under the ‘high’ level. Normally my blood pressure is abnormally low, so it is quite high for me. (I have more problems with getting dizzy when I stand up too quick because my blood pressure is low, even being overweight. When I am in shape, I have problems passing out if I stand up too quickly). I am also swelling a bit. However, I am not having weight gain, which is usually a major symptom. Of course, I am still nauseated and not able to eat large amounts either and I didn’t gain weight during Zane’s pregnancy either even though I wasn’t nauseated during that pregnancy. (I was within 2 lbs at delivery from conception).
This weekend the Christmas caroling at the nursing homes is canceled for me. I am on bedrest again, and I don’t feel like carrying around my urine in a bottle while singing “Joy to the World” in a wheelchair around the nursing home. 
Have you been able to get down some good amounts of protien? Sea salt? Water? (sorry, the mother hen going back to her cage
)
Dr’s always ask if you are seeing white spots/”stars” but in my opinion be mindful of ‘black spots’ instead.
These symptoms happen to a lot of people (like myself) and I’m sure you’re ok (not that you sounded panicky)
Isn’t amazing how our bodies handle pregnancy? That’s wild you had a two pounds difference the last time. And he grew and was healthy, really cool
Jennifer, how would you like to have a little break. Can I take Zane to the park or something? I hope you get some rest. Lay off of those potatoes and eat some protein. Can I bring over my lemon chicken soup for you? Please, please let me know what I can do to just give you a little rest and time.
Oh, JenniferZ, can’t this ever just be easy for you? I am so sorry that you even have to worry about this at this point. No advice from me (you’d think a NICU nurse would have a lot to say about pre-eclampsia, but I have seen it happen to ALL kinds of women, just know that it’s NOT YOUR FAULT.) (((Hugs from SF.)))
I have been getting protein. My mom sent me some cash and we went out and got some meat, but even before that I was doing peanut butter, cheese, milk (well, chocolate milk and cocoa…I can’t stand the taste of milk and my stomach can handle it better if it has been heated), and some soy milk. I am just not very hungry, so I am having to be careful of what I do eat. Lots of dried fruits, seeds and nuts and some juice because it is easy and doesn’t require work.
Bianca, I might take you up on that. Zach has finals during the week next week (no stress in this house. lol) so he is going to have a really intense week himself and a break would be welcome. I’ll try and call during more reasonable hours, even if it is just to talk.
Hugs. I am sorry to hear you are going through this. My prayers are with you.