I haven't written often in a few months. I didn't want to bore people with my tales of pregnancy and baby. I actually pay attention and love that I have readers all over the world. If you're so inclined, please shoot me a message and tell me if you have a topic you'd like to see here.
For today, it's a collection of thoughts from the only things I know. Let's talk sleep. I can't really talk about sleep as I have had so very little the past three months. It is getting more and more difficult to feel even a little rested. I have the typical ailments of late pregnancy. I'm physically uncomfortable and it takes a lot to get to a decent position. I have to pee every 45 mins to an hour. I have the nasal congestion which is causing me to snore horribly. Then, there are my restless legs. Those are not unusual for pregnancy either, but I have it all the time and pregnancy is exacerbating it in the worst kind of way.
I first had symptoms when I was pregnant with Olivia. They faded after she was born for a while. I honestly don't remember when they came back with a vengeance. Boy, did they, though! I went through every dosage of Requip, the standard medicine prescribed, with little relief. I remember when Olivia was nearing the end of her life and we were in bed all the time. Her nurses would comment on my amazing jerking legs. Once, I was in the ED with a migraine and my sister said they should be called something stronger like 'volcanic'. If you aren't familiar with Restless Leg Syndrome, then I am so thrilled for you. It's a neuromuscular condition in which your legs take on a life of their own. Symptoms vary between people and so does timing. Some only get it when they go to bed. I do that, but if I'm sitting around relaxing or watching a movie or on a long car ride, it can occur. A few years ago, when I drove with a friend to the Florida Keys, I remember them being so bad that I had bruises on my knees from them hitting the dashboard in the van. Shortly after that, I was put on a different medicine that controlled them really well and I almost never had symptoms.
In pregnancy, none of those meds are allowed. I have been dealing with this sleep-stealing beast for 8 months. As soon as I get close to being able to doze, the tingling starts. I can handle that. Then, the burning comes. It's like there is a hot poker being trailed up and down my legs, particularly my calves. Then, the jerking. Sometimes, the legs jerk without any thought control. Others, I have to move them to try to get relief. The only real relief I get is if Kelly massages them or a hot bath. I don't mean warm. I mean nearly scalding hot to cover my legs. I don't cover all of me. I know that's not safe either. For some reason, the heat stops the torture. There are times I wish I could sleep in that water because I think I actually could.
Last night was the worst night of the pregnancy. I was so tired when I got home from work. All I wanted was to lie down. I did. Then, about 30 minutes later, it started. Kelly rubbed my legs for about 30 minutes and I was drifting off. Next, the vicious jerks returned. Around 2 am, I headed for the bath. I lay in there for about half an hour. Kelly also came and massaged them in the water. When I got out, I cried when I lay back down. I was so exhausted that I couldn't stop the tears.
Sometime before 3:30 am, I dropped into a less than refreshing sleep. I was up again after 5 to go to the bathroom. Then, I was up for good by 8.
Luckily, today is my day off. I've had breakfast. I'm watching VH1 and snuggled on my sofa. It's another hideously rainy day here in NC. If God and the Universe allow, I hope a nap is in my future.
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