This is a familiar experience: I can't get to sleep and I'm pg. Usually, I can doze off and then wake up between 2:30 to 3:30 and stay awake for another hour or so, but tonight, I'm starting the insomnia early! My sinus infection is really hurting, too, so that's not helping. But I'm hoping this will tire me out enough that I can sleep. Or at least get to bed before Conor arrives.
I sought some reassurance today about the fever. I do like that I've found journal articles, but I needed a human to talk to. So I called my doctor and I called OTIS, the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists. Teratology is the study of the effects of drugs, medicines and other exposures on fetuses. Through a google search, I found a handout of their's on 101 fevers and it had a number on top to talk to a local counselor. While I was waiting for the doctor to call back, I called OTIS.
First, the doctor's news: they are not worried at all over the fever and do not anticipate any problems. I, of course, blubbered upon hearing this, and felt much relieved. They worry when the fever hits 104 and he said he thought a 101 fever is very common. He was actually very, very kind and supportive. Which made me cry all the more. They know I've had two miscarriages and they are thoughtful at this practice.
The OTIC counselor was not quite as "everything is ok", but she was as close as she could get. She said that really, it's over 102 and it's for a much longer time and even if I doubled my risk (which is what the fever does) it would go from 1 in 800 to 2 in 800, again not that big of risk. And also, because I'm taking the extra folic acid, which cuts neural problems by 70% that even if I did fall in the worst case scenario (which I didn't), it wouldn't even put me at a 1 in 800 risk. I was still well below the population average.
Whewwwwwwwwwww.
So all in all, good news. The counselor did recommend that during my ultrasound I have them look especially at the stomach and heart, but she said that was for my own reassurance, not that she thought anything would be wrong.
Sometimes, it's nice to call and get reassurance on life's little blibs.
A few more squirts of saline up my nose and I'm going to try to go to sleep again.
Anita,
ReplyDeleteI always had sinus problems while pregnant and I found this homeopathic medicine that worked wonders for me. It's Nova Sinus Complex (see http://www.goddess-within.com/4468.html). It sounds like your sinus infection is probably too far gone for this to help now, but you might keep it in mind for next time you start feeling congested. (Of course, check with your doctor first.)
Karyn
When I was pg & got sick...I took Benadryl about every 6 hours...& slept like that for about a week!
ReplyDeleteGoodness---it felt great to get that much sleep!
Yikes! The pain and fatigue of a sinus infection, on top of the hormonal emotions of early (and much-wanted) pg? Gah! Hang in there, Anita!! Hugging you from afar :-)
ReplyDeleteAnita, I just wanted to tell you that my fertility doctor has me taking 2mg of folic acid, twice a day (4mg total). I don't know how much "extra" you're taking, but apparently it doesn't hurt to take quite a lot.
ReplyDelete