Yes, it’s true, this sickness has thrown me into a egomaniacal whirl of complete self-involvement. I cry, I sob, I weep on the phone with my friends. I wake up my husband in the middle of the night because I decide it’s unfair that he sleeps so peacefully. I’ve gone nuts. Today, however, I have hope again. I have hope because I went to my family doctor’s clinic and someone was nice to me. Not just one person, but a couple. First, I broke down in the nurse’s office and told her my two-week sob story. She was wonderfully sympathetic (unlike heinous Dr. O. – you’re on my list, woman, I’m watching you) and kind, and let me cry and complain. Then, the marvelous Barb got me in to see the doctor on call right away (that’s right, my friends, my luck has turned – I bypassed the line). And, the sun shone even brighter that January afternoon. The doctor was not only kind, compassionate, Italian, dressed impeccably with great hair – he was willing to give me drugs. Yes, drugs, what I’ve been a’wanting all along. Good old Tylenol 3 with Codeine (is it fathomable that I may sleep tonight) and Amoxicillin, which is apparently the most safe antibiotic for pregnant women. He warned me that the codeine would make me sleepy and the baby too – that alarmed me – should I really be drugging out my little baby at this early stage of life? what if the movements of my child dramatically decrease and send me into a downward spiral of panic and visits to the emerg ward again…?? I haven’t decided if I’m going to take it or not, but will decide tonight when I’m facing that hellish pain.
Anyway, thanks again for listening. I’m hoping these drugs kick in, and that I can write about something else other than this all-consuming illness. Thanks again for your sympathetic comments and words of support – it means the world.
you’re totally right,jen and kath. i had to weigh the emotions caused by taking meds against how i was feeling. i can tell you that with one night of codeine-induced sleep (after many nights of none) and 24 hours of antibiotics – I feel so much better. Psychologically and physically, i’m hoping this is a turning point. thanks for the great support.
I had a friend who had an infection during pregnancy that had to be treated. She was in her final trimester and the doctor said that because the baby’s vital organs were fully formed there is no reason to not consider it. The infection was more of a risk than the drugs.
I guess that is what you need to figure out. Is this illness and state of being you are in more of a risk?
Good luck. I hope you feel better soon.
Amreen, if you’re at all concerned call the motherisk hotline and ask their advice. But sometimes you have to balance the risk of not getting better against the risk of a small dose of codeine. If it will allow you to sleep for one, full night, that may be the first step in your recovery. I hope you feel better soon!