Woah… where did November go?
Steroid Injections and COVID Test
I mentioned in my October Round Up that I had to have steroid injections which would help Little Avenger’s lungs. I had the first injection on Saturday 31st October, it either had to be administrated in my thigh or my butt cheek.
I chose my thigh as I wouldn’t need to stand up (I was still in a lot of pain from the days previous). It wasn’t painful as such – I never understand why some injections hurt more/less than others.
The next day, I had to have the second injection (I think they had to be about 24 hours apart – but don’t quote me on that). This time, it was in my left thigh. It stung a little and my leg felt achy afterwards but it soon wore off.
Steroid injections, done. Now for the COVID test.
I’m not going to lie, I was shitting myself about having the test. I have read about other people’s experiences online and the majority said the test was uncomfortable or painful. I just don’t like things going where they shouldn’t (needles, swabs, etc)…
The thing I was most anxious about was the nose swab – I was worried that it would cause flashbacks of when I was in ICU and had a NG tube (a tube that goes up through your nose and down into your stomach). I wouldn’t say it was painful, but it was extremely uncomfortable, however it was oddly satisfying when the tube was removed.
The throat swab was performed first, and I thought it would make me gag. In all honesty, I didn’t even feel it and my reaction after the nurse removed the swab was, “Is that it?” I think, maybe, that from my experience in hospital, having varies wires, tubes, cannulas here, there, and everywhere, it has become the norm.
Next was the nose swab, I did ask the nurse how far up will the swab go, to which she replied, “As far as you are comfortable with”. I tensed myself up, force of habit. It didn’t go up as far as I had anticipated, which I was relieved about. All done!
Side note – my result was negative. Ewan had his test the next day (Monday), and it got rejected because the nurse didn’t provide enough information on his form so he had to be tested again upon arriving at hospital on the day of the c-section. He was also negative.
Last Midwife Appointment
We had our final midwife appointment at 38 weeks. I had my obs checked and all was good. To be honest, I can’t remember what was discussed at this appointment… maybe I’ll remember at some point…
Our Little Avenger Has Arrived
Wednesday 4th November, 2020 will forever be, the best day of my life. Our Little Avenger, Daisy was born. I’ve tried numerous times this month, to condense the day into a shorter version for my monthly round-up, and I just can’t. It’s impossible…
I will be writing about the entire day, and my recovery, in more depth another day.
The Days That Followed
The 3 days after Daisy’s birth passed in a blur of elation, exhaustion and pain.
Despite surprising myself, hours after my c-section and the numbness wore off, I managed to transfer with a Ross Return (a standing aid). Albeit very slow, and extremely painful, I did it, which then gave me hope of being discharged the next day.
But the agonising pain hit me extremely hard on the Thursday morning. I struggled to shuffle up the bed, let alone move. I’d never known back pain like what I experienced from Thursday onwards. Even with 3 different types of painkillers, it was still terrifying.
We were discharged home Saturday evening, but before that could happen, Mum had to turn the house upside down and bring a bed downstairs for me. I also had to have a new type of standing aid delivered because I wasn’t strong enough to use my Ross Return.
Again, I will write more about this another day as it still is a lot to process, I just need some time.
Baby Blues
I’ve been struggling with the Baby Blues ever since Daisy had a test, which Ewan and I were anxious about, not the test itself, but the result. The relief from the result caused me to breakdown in tears. Even Ewan had tears in his eyes.
And ever since that moment, I just kept on crying. Even though we were in hospital for a positive reason, it didn’t stop the flashbacks from 2 years ago. Past trauma resurfaced and sent me into a downward spiral.
Instead of being able to enjoy being a new mum, I’ve had to battle with my mind uprooting everything for the past 3 weeks now. To say its been exhausting would be an understatement.
Hello From Rory
Rory, from A Guy Called Bloke, has many engaging series on his blog, including The Hello, which occurs every morning. Its Rory’s way of saying hello (or other greetings) to his readers. He has ‘Guest Stars’ where readers/bloggers can request some songs to be played, or have a specific day dedicated to them.
I absolutely love Rory and his blog, he is one of the nicest blokes I’ve ever known and is just awesome. Do check out his blog, there really is something for everyone and you won’t be disappointed.
Anyway, I asked Rory for a very special request, to announce Daisy’s birth and 4 songs were chosen to be played too. The songs were a mixture of what we played to Daisy while I was pregnant with her and the songs we had for our first dance.
If you’d like to check it out, then head over to Daisy’s special version of “The Hello”. Thanks again Rory!
An Early Christmas Present
Ewan wanted to cheer me up so he decided to give me an early Christmas present. I now have my very own replica of Mjölnir (Thor’s hammer)!
Discharged By Midwife
We would have been discharged from the midwife a week prior to actually being discharged, but we really wanted to see the midwife we began with and saw throughout my pregnancy.
I get really attached to NHS staff, the decent ones anyway. It was really hard saying goodbye, even the midwife got a bit emotional when leaving. I’m just really glad she got to meet Daisy.
Daisy was weighed and she is now back above her birthweight, almost 8lbs. She is getting so big now.
What’s Happening In December?
To be honest, I really don’t know. I know I’ve said I will write more about different things, and in truth, I will because I want to. However, I’m still struggling mentally and finding everything difficult.
How do you cope throughout the winter months if you struggle with SAD? I would be grateful for any tips.
– Ami ?
