Friday, February 4, 2011

The Story of Gus

Let's back up a bit, to last Tuesday, January 25th . . .

Tuesday afternoon I started feeling congested.
Wednesday and Thursday the congestion worsens.
11 p.m. Thursday night I take some Robitussin before bed.
3 a.m. Friday morning I wake up with a fever, chills, nausea, and diarrhea.
Aches and pains continue throughout the night.
9 a.m. head to the hospital, started on an IV for fever and dehydration.
Given swab tests in nose and throat to rule out flu.
3 p.m. fever breaks, preliminary tests show no flu, good to go home.
7 p.m. fever returns, hits 103 degrees.
Back to the hospital, check in to be monitored overnight.
More IV's, tests, blood cultures, etc.
1 a.m. Saturday morning fever breaks, feeling much better.
Visit from OB, suggests the possibility of moving up the induction.
12 p.m. return home, take shower, start preparing home for early delivery.
2 p.m. fever starts again, rising to 102 degrees.
On-call doctor suggests coming in to be induced.
Spencer gets bags packed, car seat installed, I receive a blessing.
6 p.m. ready to leave for hospital, fever breaks almost instantly - never returns.
6:30 p.m. check in to labor and delivery.
7 p.m. start pitocin, congestion clears up.
Receive epidural, progressing smoothly.
3:30 a.m. Sunday morning receive an extra dose of epidural.
4 a.m. dilated to a ten, baby has one more station to go.
Transition, four pushes, 5:27 a.m. Sunday morning Gus arrives.
7:30 a.m. moved to postpartum room, nurse and bathe babe.
I begin hemorrhaging, losing a lot of blood, as well as passing large clots.
Excessive amounts of epidural fluid begins leaking from back.
Gus' blood sugars are low, body temperature is as well, taken to nursery.
Babe receives supplemental feedings and stays under warming lights for 3-4 hours.
Resting, waiting.
5 p.m. nurse babe, family arrives to visit, take percocet for pain.
Begin experiencing dizziness, nausea, and vertigo; throwing up.
Epidural fluid continues to leak, three gown and two bed sheet changes.
Started on an IV with anti-nausea, receive oxygen, blood drawn for testing.
Hoping to avoid need for transfusion and spinal patch.
Gus taken back to nursery to monitor blood sugars.
11 p.m. finally fall asleep.
8 a.m. Monday morning wake up, feeling much better.
Hemorrhaging has stopped, epidural fluid no longer leaking.
Gus brought into our room, Spencer heads to school.
11 a.m. nurse babe, have shower, relax.
1 p.m. meet with lactation consultant, nurse babe, have lunch.
3 p.m. headache coming on, possibility of a spinal headache?
6 p.m. headache has worsened considerably, nauseous.
Begin to throw-up, started on another IV with anti-nausea.
Fall asleep at some point.
2 a.m. and 5 a.m. Tuesday morning attempt to nurse Gus, headache persists.
11 a.m. headache gone, feeling good, discharge procedures begin.
1:45 p.m. given last okay from OB to go home.
3:30 p.m. anesthesiologist provides insight and advice on headaches.
4 p.m. finally leave hospital and take Gus home.

9 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow. What an adventure! Glad everyone is healthy and well and back home! Gus is a cutie! Congratulations on the new addition! Cute family!!

Sutton Family said...

Oh my goodness, Ashley! What an ordeal! I really hope you recover quickly and fully. I LOVE the name you picked- so perfect. And he is gorgeous. Congrats to the whole family.

Sharon said...

I'm so glad that you are both home and doing better! We will keep you in our prayers.
Gus is so adorable!

kelsey said...

Oh Ashley, how awful! I hope that you are doing well at home, and getting lots of rest and recovery. Gus is sure a cutie pie.

Abbie said...

I'm so glad you're doing well now! I'm going to be in Utah later this week for an extended stay, I hope I can come visit and meet Gus!

Jennefer said...

Oh, no! That is not exactly the process you try to invision of giving birth. I am glad I am not prego while reading your story. I am just glad things are finally getting better! Call me if you ever need to vent!

Ron said...

The photo says it all!

Rozannah said...

Holy Cow, what a nightmare!! He sure is handsome though! Congratulations, you are really amazing to write that all without majorly complaining...i surely would have. Your sons are adorable, congratulations again!

Quigley Family said...

Wow! I'd take my labor and delivery any day. You deserve an award! I guess Gus is your award/reward.