The past month in just a few words.

Over the past few weeks I have been in and out of the hospital for what we have now discovered to be kidney problems.
There has been pain.
Lots and lots of pain.

The first time I was in the ER the possible problems were a GI infection and/or appendicitis.
When the general surgeon came in, he finally discovered that I was having trouble with my kidneys by doing a pound or slam test.
(That's where they put there hand flat on your back can hit it with the free had.)

I was admitted for 3 days for antibiotics, tests, pain management and fluids.

They did do an ultra sound to check on Baby S.

They found out that "He" is due on 11-12-13 (HOW COOL)

He was so active and devolving right the way he's suppose to.

I was sent home with a set of medicine and told to take it easy.

A day later I was back in the hospital with even more pain.

I was admitted again for 3 more days and given IV antibiotics, fluids about 16 needle sticks including 5 different attempts at IV's and more pain management.

My veins kept collapsing and infiltrating due to dehydration.

On the second day of my second admission I was getting ready for discharge when it was discovered that my kidney function was declining. 

I truly did not feel as sick as I actually was.  

I was terrified for this little baby that's growing inside me.

The OB doctors came in to check his heart. They informed me to not be alarmed if his heartbeat was slow.

I was under a lot of stress and the pain medication that I was on could slow his heart.

To Jeremy, the OB and I's pleasant surprise, it was a nice strong heart beat.

"He" was even running away from the Doppler.
After my pain was under control I was sent home once more with antibiotics and pain medication.
This time I was home just shy of two weeks before I was back in the ER.
I was taken to have, i do believe it was my 4th kidney ultrasound for my kidneys.
They finally found stones and the probable cause of my problems.
I was also taken to have a nephrostomy tube interested into my kidney through my back.
This is to help drain the kidney and keep the infection out.
I was awake but mostly numb for the procedure.
I wasn't able to get the kind of drugs that are usually given due to the pregnancy.
Despite that, the staff did a wonderful job keeping me calm and getting it done efficiently and quickly as possible.
Before the procedure I was terrified.
To the point of tears.
The surgeon and nurses all made sure to answer all of my questions and put me at ease before putting me in the room.
I had to be on a 23 hour hold just to make sure I didn't crash and that the baby stayed healthy.
Again, in spite of all the stress and my low blood pressure the baby is still going strong.
There is no reason why I shouldn't have lost this pregnancy between the severe infection, pain medication and stress.
God is good.
I still have a long road.
I have to have this tube in until the end of my pregnancy.
The doctors are projecting that I will be in and out of the hospital due to pain because as the baby grows there will be more pressure on my kidney and the tube that's in it.
I will take it all if it means it helps make me feel better.
As strange as it sounds, this tube is much less painful than the infection and stones.
And it's pretty covered so it doesn't look so bad.
It is a little embarrassing walking around with a bag strapped to my leg that my urine and infection are running into but the people I love don't mind <3 p="">

Through all of this there have been a few amazing people who have helped me a lot and let me know that I am not alone. I am so grateful for these people.
It has made me realize how truly blessed I am.
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