They will only have photo shoots at Epcot, Animal Kingdom, or Hollywood Studios...not Magic Kingdom (that would have been my first choice). Epcot it beautiful and I will get to be in the World Showcase part before it opens up to everyone else...which is very neat. I'm VERY much looking forward to this special experience for me and baby. :)

How cool!

What a great experience :-)

UGH...just need to vent a little bit. I went in for my glucose test today, got to listen to the baby's heartbeat (which is perfect) and they measured my belly. At my last appointment the doctor told me to schedule my 28 week appointment today along with the appointment with the specialist. So when I'm headed out I stop by the desk to do that. They tell me that I don't schedule an appointment through them...what happens is THEY fax over all of my information to the specialist and then the specialist calls ME to set up the appointment. Okay...that's fine. But wait...apparently the doctor (who I was not very thrilled with last time as I think I mentioned) notated on my chart that I DECLINED the specialist. WHAT??!! We seriously spent a good 15-20 minutes talking about how I should see the specialist, why it was important, etc. I am so frigging annoyed and have tried to spend the whole day NOT thinking about this because it is stressing me out which of course we know causes flare ups.

This is a huge reminder of WHY I don't see a doctor for my RSD and why I have been so happy since basically cutting all doctors out of my life. These situations...doctors not listening to me, making errors on my chart, dealing with ridiculous front desk staff...it stresses me out beyond belief. I honestly left the doctor's office today feeling like I have ZERO confidence in these doctors to take care of me and my baby...what a HORRIBLE feeling to have 25 weeks into a pregnancy. And I have no idea what to do about it either. Maybe it's just a supreme over reaction on my part and I'm being overly emotional about the whole thing...but I really have no confidence at all in these people to do the things that need to be done to take care of me with my RSD during delivery. I don't feel like they even care...but at this point what am I supposed to do about it? Go see another doctor? Wait to talk to the specialist? I'm just sort of freaking out now that something is going to go terribly wrong and that these people will not be equipped or prepared to handle it...

Ugh...I need some time to think all of this out once I cool down a bit. Monday I will be calling the office to confirm that they are, in fact, sending over all my information to the specialist because the lady at the front desk said she would have to "check with the doctor" before she could do anything. Thank goodness I have the weekend off to just relax and sort out all my thoughts about this...

That sucks!

Do you have any friends in the area who could possibly recommend another OB/GYN to go to?

Maybe the specialist will be good and have a recommendation.

Most of my doctors I have been seeing for 15 or more years...because I like them and their staff. I lucked out about 5 years back when I started seeing a new Rheumatologist. He us really great. He actually recommended the doctor I see for my RSD (he does Physical medicine, rehabilitation and pain management).

I'm sorry you are having to deal with this. Try and do your best to rest and relax while you are off. Of course we all know easier said than done!:hug:

Sorry this happened, Catra. I totally get why you are so upset. But, remember to put your enuergy into what is best for you and baby. I still think the specialist is a good idea and you should stay proactive, avoiding the slippery slope of being reactive which often ends up a waste of precious energy. Wishing you wellness ~ lottie

Hi catra
Been following your posts & frustrations. Most times I don't post much
because of my hand.
Oh, I have fought ignorant Dr. offices so much too!! For 1 thing I think you should make a special point to have them change incorrect info. in your
chart. I think it's important b/c they'll refer back to that as if it's
gospel and in my opinion much of it is ONLY to cover their butts!!
I hope you will somehow find a really good knowledgeable Dr. about RSD
who will help be your advocate.

Thanks guys. I got a call from the specialist's office this morning and got that appointment set up...so I guess they did follow up after I left on Friday. That's the one bit of good news today.

Bad news is that I failed the glucose screening test and now have to go for the 3 hour glucose tolerance test to test for gestational diabetes. The biggest concern I have with that is that IF I have it then I am much more likely to need a C-section which I was hoping to avoid. But it will be what it will be. Unfortunately I can't actually SCHEDULE the 3 hour test...I have to wait for the doctor to call me back (and hope I actually answer the phone) and THEN we can get it scheduled because the front desk staff can't do that. I've been waiting for that call back since 9am...but that too will be what it will be.

And I'm anemic too...found that out from this test on Friday. So now I have to get iron supplements to take in addition to my prenatal vitamins. May explain why I have been so TIRED lately (I just thought that was normal with pregnancy).

Good times all around...it's all going to be fine...I just have a new more things to be careful about is all...and they're all normal pregnancy things that have nothing to do with the RSD. I'm primarily concerned about the gestational diabetes (which I may not even have) because I was hoping for a natural birth because there haven't been any reports of spread from that but there have been from C-sections. Oh well...I will deal with all that when it comes. That's why I'm seeing the specialist, right?

Hi Catra,
I'm glad you and your baby are doing okay.
I'm sorry about the anemia and the possible gestational diabetes but I'm sure you and your baby will be fine.
Just make sure that you and your little one get plenty of rest.
Take care.
Sincerely, Renee.

Catra,
Im sorry of how things are going on but be positive and try to relax for your well being and your sweat little girl.
The dr will for sure do the what they can to treat your pregnancy and rsd the best way possible and care, is hard when we have all the worse case scenarios at once but there is always a light.
Try not to worry so much, If the test is not showing good results ,keep in mind ,many pregnancy woman suffer from stationary diabetics and will go after the pregnancy ,hope is not the case but there is a way to treat it an for you and the baby be well.
A c-section will also be if need to happens supervise by the rsd specialist and your ob/gyn and they together will,provide with the best care to prevent spreading and pain control pain , remember also our part is to let the dr know we can't be on pain,insist and educate them if necessary but don't lose hope,keep,the faith,you both will be fine.
Having pain control after any surgery is essential ,make sure you have medications for pain,also,if you planning to breast feeding ,keep in mind ,many drugs can be harmful for the baby ,consider the possibility at the first weeks nit to do it if you need to be in pain meds which I'm sure you will need if a c- section is require , you might nit be in the case but I just mentioned to prevent pain,always prevent pain after the surgery.i know this is not the same as having a baby,but after I had my gallbladder surgery,I was thinking I will to need pain killers and only my tramadol will do the job,but no ,my dr and anesthesiologist took good care of me avoiding pain,and when a woke up,I was in the first time feeling pain for real and realized ,tramadol won't do anything ,I called the dr right away and asked him for something else which he did ,he gave me Tylenol 3 for two weeks and it was a bless, I didn't have pain at all,considering I had two surgeries one after the other,I had my scs repositioning on my abdomen and the gallbladder like a Month apart but preventing the pain was the best thing that I ever had,I feel occasional pain in my scars but is not like rsd spreading , my rsd was spreading a year early and my dr didn't took care,the dr who saw me didn't know rsd but listen to me and helped me ,talk to the dr and sure they will help you ,my frustration made me believe and felt like he didn't care but I was wrong,I was in pain and did nit see the dr good intentions to understand me and help me ,but he did and I'm so thankful .
Hope you get a good care,I know is not same comparing my gallbladder surgery with your beautiful pregnancy ,it was my way to tell you,pain after any surgery needs to be prevent . Both of you will be fine , please try to be calm,rest ,relax and focus your energy in be well and you will be.
Gentle hugs and lost of love ,Jesika .:grouphug:

My sister(she doesn't have RSD) had a c section with my nephew 8 1/2 years ago. Cord was wrapped around his neck. She was given Vicodin for the pain for a short period.

If you think as it is closer a c section is going to be done and maybe if not since sometimes like with my sister they have to decide to do one as an emergency. Maybe you can start the vitamin C pre surgery protocol if it is safe for the baby.

Hopefully the specialist will be good and helpful :hug:

So glad both are ok and yes many times emergency had no choice left to take but as long pain is control and follow after ,things will be ok ,after my gallbladder surgery I was bless not to have pain ,once in a while, little pain but is still a process of healing plus my scs also being on my abdomen makes things different but all the best wishes and hugs as well with love ,Jesika :grouphug:

Okay...time for an update. I'm going to try and keep this as brief as possible as it is not a very pleasant one and I could RANT about doctors and hospitals for the length of a book after what I went through this past week...but I know you guys get it and I'm going to try and keep this as positive as possible.

First off...baby is doing great. On August 28th (Thursday) she started moving a lot more and kicking noticeably harder. My boyfriend FINALLY got to feel her move yesterday because she was bouncing for a long enough time that he got to feel it. I can see my belly moving now when she gets really excited...it's a surreal feeling but gosh does it make me incredibly happy. Had my first baby shower yesterday (there will be two more...this was with my family and then one with my boyfriend's family and then one at work). I wasn't feeling great (I'll go into that in a minute) but it was a nice low key celebration with about 12 people. I basically staked out a comfy chair and spent the whole party there...but I still had a nice time just having everyone there to celebrate this happy time.

So...now for the less happy part of the update. I know I posted on another thread that I was diagnosed with the gestational diabetes (which I might not have now...but still have to operate as though I do)...but that has been a bit of a challenge to deal with. Pricking my fingers HAS caused flare ups not only in my hands but throughout my upper body. I don't know what to do about that...but if it turns out my sugar levels get back to normal once I am over this infection then I'm not going to test any more unless I feel a need.

Infection you ask? Oh yeah...so I think it was 3 weeks ago now that I was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection...fairly normal in pregnancy. I took my week's worth of antibiotics and went about things as normal. The problem I guess is that the only symptom I felt of the UTI was a slight, low grade fever which went away so I assumed all was well and good. Apparently not...apparently the infection didn't go away and actually travelled up into my kidney and caused a kidney infection. Last Tuesday I started to feel achy...in part because of the RSD flare up in my upper body and I thought I also may have overdone it a little at work (even though I didn't think anything I did at work would have been overdoing it...but is seemed the likely answer to my achiness). Then Wednesday when I got home from work I took my temperature and it was 100.5. I took a Tylenol which took care of the fever and the pain I had started to get on the right side of my back.

So then Thursday morning rolls around. I feel okay...mostly just tired and a little sore...and I go to work. Within an hour my back starts hurting more and more...all in that one spot on the right side of my back. I can't concentrate and feel miserable. I hated to do it...but I told my boss I needed to leave and call my doctor. I called before I left the parking lot and they said they could see me at 2pm (this was around 10am). I felt like I was running a fever but had nothing to check with at work but I told them I was running a fever Wednesday of 100.5. When I got home and took my temp...it was 101.7. I took a Tylenol, arranged for my mom to drive me to the doctors office, and then took a nap until it was time to go in. My temp was down to 99.7 when I left to go to the doctor.

So they tested my urine when I got there and they said I had a BAD infection and because of the back pain suspected a kidney infection. But my fever had dropped to 98.7 so they called in an Rx of antibiotics and told me to call if my temp went over 102. Before I even left the office...I started to get the chills. By the time I got home I was shaking so badly that I could barely get into the house with my cane (did laugh at myself a little because I thought I must look like a stereotypical 100+ year old lady walking with a cane all hunched over and shaking). I took a nap on the couch and my mom went to pick up the Rx. When she got back I took my temp and...yeah...it was 103.1. I took a Tylenol, took my antibiotics, and call the doctor's office. The person I spoke to said just take Tylenol and the antibiotics and see if the temp went down...I told them the doctor said to call if it went over 102 and they said they would call me back. 5 minutes later they called me and said I need to go to the hospital because the doctor was having me admitted so I could get some IV antibiotics and get treatment ASAP.

So Thursday night I was admitted to the hospital...what an awful night but my fever broke around 11pm and in the morning I felt a TON better. I spiked another temp at 3:30pm Friday but they were able to get that down in about an hour. Saturday morning I felt pretty great (a little tired...but that's about it). The OB doctor said I was doing great and that baby/pregnancy were perfect and we were just waiting on some results from the infectious disease doctor to decide if I was able to go home on oral antibiotics instead of the IV ones I was getting in the hospital.

The nurses (not the doctor mind you) decided to move me to another room since I was stable and doing so well. Not a problem for me...but unfortunately when they moved me they started to push really fast to get through the doorway...and MISSED! The bad (with me in it) rammed the wall really hard and I'm sure you can guess...sent me into a full body RSD flare up.

This was BAD...as bad or worse than when I was in the wheelchair for a year and had to go through all that physical therapy just to get out of the chair and back to work. I knew it and I started to panic. But...they put me in this new room and then my "new" nurse didn't come in to see me until I had been in there for almost 2 hours. When she got in there I was in tears and complete agony. There is NOTHING they could do for me at the hospital...I went through my protocol for dealing with flare ups and they literally had NOTHING that would help me.

I tried to just focus on seeing the infectious disease doctor before I lost it and seeing what the chances were that I could get out that night. I felt confident if I could get home that night and get treatment started for the flare up that I would be okay...but this pain was BAD (I know you all know). So the doctor comes in and tells me they've identified the bacteria and it is responding to the antibiotics and she doesn't see any reason why I can't go home that night and start taking oral antibiotics. Phew...big stress relief there and I just have a few more hours of this torture to deal with before I can go home and start getting my pain levels down.

Then the urologist comes in and says he hears I get to go home in the morning. WHAT??!! I had a serious panic attack. I told him that's not what the doctor told ME when she was in the room and asked him if there was any need (on his end) for me to stay overnight. He said no...but my OB doctor decided to keep me overnight.

Now...here is where I just about lost my mind (maybe I did...I was not particularly rational at this point). The OB dr who admitted me was one doctor at the practice I go to but Saturday afternoon a different one was on call...the one I HATE...the one who didn't care to listen to me about my RSD and messed up my medical notes regarding the specialist, etc. SHE is the one who has made the decision not to let me go. I tell the nurse I need to go home and I need her to contact the doctor regarding the situation, the pain I am in, and the inability for them to give me proper treatment in the hospital. I hate this nurse btw...another one that clearly doesn't give a crap about the patient. She goes and comes back saying the doctor is firm and I need to stay the night. I tell her that I need to talk to the doctor then because I will not make it (explain all about the flare up, the risks of not treating it right away, etc). She gets the doctor on the phone and it is like talking to a brick wall. She said to me that the only reason she wanted to keep me overnight was as an extra precaution just to make sure I didn't end up needing to come back. I could understand that if everything was fine and peachy...but with the RSD flare up I was in it just was not possible. Then she started throwing our scare tactics...telling me my baby was going to die (extremely unlikely given the actual situation) and my insurance wouldn't pay for my stay if I left (true if she didn't release me). I knew these were scare tactics...bullying if you will...but I clearly couldn't change her mind.

So I cried for another hour and half and tried to sort through my options and figure out what I needed to do. I was absolutely certain that if I didn't get home that night and start my RSD treatments that I would be in pain for days, weeks, or months...the longer the cycle goes on without treatment the harder it is to get things back under control. I was very worried about spread to the two areas of my body that don't currently have RSD and terrified about what these things would mean in terms of taking care of my baby.

Resolved to stay if the doctor wouldn't let me go...but I would not allow them to touch me or do anything to aggravate my RSD while I was there (ie...no touching, no vitals, no blood draws, etc). I was going to wait until my boyfriend go there after work and then try to convince the doctor one more time and if that didn't work then request another doctor on the basis that this one was not competent enough to treat me or make decisions about my medical care. None of those things would stop the flare or really make the situation much better...but that was all that I had in my control.

Then at 7pm the nurses changed shifts and an absolute angel came into my life. This was the same nurse who treated me on my first night there. I explained the whole situation to her...she is the only person on staff who actually looked up RSD and so she knew exactly what I was saying as I went through things. She told me she would call the doctor and try to convince her to let me go but told me that this particular doctor was very unlikely to change her mind given her personality...but she would try. My boyfriend got there around 8 and 5 minutes later the nurse returned and said she had good news...she was sending my buns home. I just needed one more IV Tylenol dose and something else (which would take 45 minutes total to deliver) and then I would be discharged from the hospital. They called in an Rx to the nearest 24 hour pharmacy which my boyfriend picked up after taking me home (so I could start treatments) and then all was well with the world. I think I have a guardian angel...I don't know how that nurse did it but seriously I feel like she saved my life...or at least days/weeks/months of pain.

So I got home Saturday night around 10pm and started my RSD flare up protocols. Now...on Monday...I am almost back to my old self with only slightly elevated pain compared to normal and slightly worse balance than normal. Another couple rounds of treatment and I will be back to my old self. Such a relief...I am so indebted to that nurse...she is just an angel. One of those rare people in the medical field who really does care about and listen to the patient.

So that's the short version of my ordeal this past week and at the hospital. I know...can you imagine the long version? Lol! But I wanted to share as it does relate very specifically to the complications my RSD can cause with the pregnancy. It didn't affect the baby...but I was not prepared for how awful I would be treated in the hospital and my RSD pain completely ignored by people who just didn't care and what sort of consequences that could have had. I see my OB (the first one who originally admitted me) on Thursday and I have to talk through with her what happened when she wasn't on call anymore. That witch of a doctor cannot be the one to treat me ever again. If that means I have to find another practice then so be in...but I need to do what is best for me and the baby.

That sounds like a complete nightmare! That is horrible that you had to go through such a stressful situation, especially having RSD, being pregnant and having an infection to boot...YIKES. I am fairly new to this whole RSD thing. My symptoms started at the end of December 2013 and I was diagnosed mid February 2014. Since then, it seems like all of my days have been bad days. I had to resign from my job as a vocational rehab counselor in January and have been on LTD since. My only good days are after my outpatient ketamine infusions. However, when those wear off, I am back to square one and in bed, again.

I am very curious when you talk about your "RSD flare up protocols". Being a newbie and all, would you mind sharing what some of those might be? Anything to help between my infusions and get me out of bed would be awesome. I wish you the best of luck with the remainder of your pregnancy and I will say some prayers that all goes well for you and your new family.

It took a lot of trial and error over the course of years...but I have a very specific set of things I do at the first sign of a flare up to get me back to my "normal" level of pain. Everyone is different...but these are the things that work for me. I do not take pain meds and haven't for years after having a bad reaction to a bunch of them that made me much worse. None of these things on their own makes a significant impact on the pain...but it is the combination of treatments in this order that acts to get me leveled off and back to "normal."

So here it is (in this order):

1. Warm/Hot bath with Epsom Salts (warm but not so hot you can't step right into it)

2. Ultrasound Heat therapy treatments on the worst spots (portable device)

3. TENS unit treatment on the worst spots for 30-60 minutes each (only areas that can be surrounded completely by the electrodes)

4. tDCS treatment for 20 minutes (I alternate the side of this treatment each day to affect both sides)

I will do this multiple times a day or once a day until I get back to "normal." It works every time...but I do need to do it right away...once I get too far into a pain cycle in the flare up then it is a lot harder to get things back on track.

I was so scared this time too because it was the worst flare up I have had in YEARS and it came on so fast. Being stuck in a bed, not able to move, no one around me who understood or cared what I was going through...that was very scary for me...which put me in a high level of stress...which of course made the pain worse.

Catra ,
I'm so deeply sorry of how things sudden changed and how dr and nurses man aged the whole situation, we know in rsd case dr in ER can't offer to much but having uti and being pregnant should made then ask someone professional and knowledge enough about rsd what to do they are,lazy and really don't care about our pain,after all they see us as mental ills and rsd is real.
I'm glad your stationary diabetic got away and if still might be active soon will subside ,have faith and rest the best you can ,is real hard to deal with flares and the pregnancy brings so many hormonal changes is too much stress to handle all at once ,glad you are doing ok.
Rsd flares can get so worse with any like you said vital check up and we can risk to get worse for a blood drawn,blood pressure measure ,ect,is a no for us and really do understands why you keep feeling them not to touch you,who really wants rsd spread for a dome dr or nurse error,they are not really doing their homework,I'm glad the nurse treated you kind and listen at you,you deserve much better and your baby as well .
I hope this bad memory stays in the past and you can have in the future visits ,hope not for emergency but routine the care you need.
My thoughts and prayers are with you ,hope things get better and you feel relax and relief full,of comfort soon,
Gentle loving soft hugs from Jesika .
Glad you are doing ok and keep the positive attitude and the strength to fight any steps of the way .:grouphug:

Hi Catra. I'm so sorry you are having such a tough time, but am glad your baby is okay. I hope things go smoother for you as your due date nears. Take care and try to get some rest. You and your baby need to take it easy and be pampered!

:hug:

How horrible! I am so sorry you had to go through all of this.

So happy for you that you finally got a nurse who gets it & most of
all cared enough to take RSD seriously & look into it. Take care of you & baby!

Hoping days full of rest and relax time ,take care with love and gentle soft hugs ,Jesika ,just want to stop and say hello .:grouphug:

Just wanted to pop in for another update. I went to the doctor yesterday and it looks like my infection has cleared up. I still have another 10 days or so on the antibiotics of course...but at least that is looking pretty good right now.

Doctor checked on baby and she is doing great...everything is measuring where it should be, heart beat sounds great, etc. This is the most important thing...I am will so go through all sorts of terrible stuff as long as baby is okay.

I'm definitely feeling better too...not 100% but on my way there. I went back to work on Tuesday and worked almost a full day but hit a wall and decided it was time to leave. Worked my full shifts Wednesday and Thursday and now I am on vacation and don't go back to work until the 15th.

Just wanted to let everyone know that I am on the mend and to say thank you for all your kind words and thoughts.

Hi Catra,
I'm so glad your pregnancy is going well. I am also impressed that you are going through a pregnancy with CRPS.
I have been doing IVF for 4 years and only recently developed my multi location body pain in the last several months (not sure if it is CRPS).
May I ask: are you on any medications while pregnant? If not, how do you cope?

Dear Catra ,
I'm so glad your infection got under control and everything is going well, nothing make me more happy to know you and the baby are ok,our niece !!!!!
Gentle loving caring hugs with love Jesika .:grouphug:

Sorry that I didn't see your post until just now...I was out of town in Disney World with my mom and aunt for the week.

I am not on any medications while pregnant...but I wasn't really on any prior to the pregnancy either. I had a very early miscarriage last year...and that's when I stopped using clonidine patches...and then when I found out I was pregnant this time I stopped using Lidoderm patches and cream. Other than those though I was off all other medications for over a year...more like two years I think. I have found that medications (and I tried a LOT of different ones) didn't help my pain enough to be worth all the side effects I was experiencing so I decided to stop them all. I've found lots of alternative ways to control symptoms, manage the pain, etc...none of which help a LOT...but they all add up to keeping me at a pain level where I can function. The Lidoderm patches and creams were only used as needed for either severe flare ups or if I was planning on doing something that I thought COULD trigger a flare up and were used as a preventative (sort of) to keep the pain from escalating too high.

When I have a bad pain flare up I have the following protocol that I use (ASAP...because the longer the flare up is going on the harder it is to get under control):

1. Hot/Warm bath with Epsom salts

2. Ultrasound heat therapy treatments on the areas where the pain is worst (bought unit on amazon.com)

3. tDCS treatment (once a day until flare up is under control and alternating sides for treatment since I have RSD on both sides of my body)

4. TENS unit treatments on the worst areas for at least one hour each

5. Heating patches (thermacare or generic brand) on the worst areas

I like to do the tDCS treatments after the bath and ultrasound treatments and before the TENS unit treatments because I am still relaxed from the bath (as much as you can be in a bad flare up anyway) and the treatments take 20 minutes and are performed in a dark, quiet room in my house with no other distractions. If you don't do these treatments then it's an easy step to skip in the process...it doesn't have any immediate effects on the flare ups that I can see...but the treatments do seem to extend the period of relief and my flare ups go away much faster than they used to prior to tDCS treatments.

I usually rest up the first day/night during a flare up but the next day I make myself start moving again. If I'm not up to anything big then I do some very basic stretching exercises that I learned in physical therapy. I make myself move but it's important during a bad pain flare up to not push too hard or it will make the flare up worse.

On a day to day basis for the pain...I take hot baths with Epsom salts every day at least once a day...more if I'm having a bad pain day that's no necessarily a bad flare up...just elevated pain levels for whatever reason. I also have a relaxing playlist on my iPod of instrumental music that helps me relax and calm down...which helps with the pain because stress is one of the biggest triggers for pain.

I avoid triggers as much as possible and this has been a HUGE key to keeping me functioning. I know my limits and have spent years finding ways to do things that minimize flare ups and that don't aggravate my pain. It is not an easy process...trying to figure out what your triggers are and then working out ways around them...but it is SO worth it because it keeps me functioning.

And...I make myself just keep going...every day. I have a bad day now and then where I take it easy...but these are definitely the exception rather than the rule...talking maybe one day a month if that. Even on these days I keep moving...I just rest a lot more and avoid anything that will trigger more pain or that's physically draining. It's hard sometimes to make myself get up in the mornings, go to work, do what needs to get done...but I just remind myself of how miserable I was when I was wheelchair bound and that gets my little behind in gear and moving.

I also have a great support system and most importantly a boyfriend who loves me. It makes everything a lot easier to deal with. My boyfriend helps and supports me...but he doesn't make me feel broken...if you know what I mean? I feel like I can do anything...but when I can't he does things for me to help me out without my having to ask...or if I do need to ask there's no argument or resentment from him. He never makes me feel like I'm a burden. These days I really don't need him to do much...I'm very self reliant (and stubborn) so I can get things done on my own...it's only on bad days that I have him help me out with anything.

Hope some of that helps...if you have any more specific questions let me know.

Being with family is the best way we can feel safe and sure we are in the right hands ,love makes the world a better place.
You and your baby girl are surrounded by loving caring people,even the eons you don't even know but we do care ,:grouphug:
Loving hugs and best wishes ,Jesika .

Just wanted to pop in for another update as I realize I didn't post an update since seeing the high risk specialist on Tuesday.

The appointment went VERY well...this doctor was extremely professional and competent and really put my mind at ease. Her recommendation with the RSD is to have my regular OB order a consult for me with anesthesiology at the hospital I am going to deliver at to ensure they know what I want/need with regards to treatment and protocols if I have to have a C-Section and even with a regular vaginal birth. She said it's much better to have that consult ASAP rather than relying on my doctors to communicate that when I am in labor or even trying to communicate it to them myself at the time. She also recommended having a copy of the birthing plan with me when I go to the hospital just to make sure they have everything. I felt much better after the visit but will feel much better now after the consult with anesthesiology. The time feels like it is flying by so fast...want to make sure I get all this buttoned up ASAP.

With regards to the baby herself...as always the doctors say SHE is perfect. She was 3lbs 13oz on Tuesday when they measured her and they said that IF they went by her size now they would guess my due date will be closer to November 12th rather than November 28th. That's actually more in line with what I was originally thinking...but the OB moved the date back after my first ultrasound.

In the end...she's going to come whenever she comes...but I am guessing it will be earlier than the 28th. Of course that puts even more pressure on getting the room ready, getting everything squared away with the doctors, going to all those birthing classes at the hospital, etc. The next month is going to be SO busy...

I am feeling very well lately though...just very tired. My trip to Disney World went very well except that my feet and ankles swelled up pretty bad every day. Since returning home they are back to normal...so nothing to worry about there. My RSD pain has been pretty normal...no bad flare ups or anything in the past week or so...except for my hands which have been burning a little more than normal. The weather is changing though and getting colder...so I just have to be on guard and prepared for that.

Hope everyone else is doing well. My next doctor's appointment is September 29th...very much looking forward to that one since my boyfriend will be there and get to see the baby on the ultrasound again. I wish he could see all the ultrasounds...but with our work schedules it is very hard to coordinate my appointments on days we have off together.

catra - I am so happy that everything is progressing well for you and baby. So awesome!!

Nanc
:hug:

Glad to hear the appointment with the specialist went well!

I remember how busy the end of my sisters pregnancy was...especially after her shower. I don't think I've put together so many things at once ever...lol

Just wanted to post another update.

The pregnancy is still going well...but these last few weeks have been a real struggle for me. September 30th I strained a muscle in my shoulder/back at work...the scapula I think the doctor said...and I've been in agony since then. At first I thought it was just sore...then I thought it was a flare up but nothing that helps my RSD helped this pain and it was AGONY. Finally went to the doctor the following Monday and they said it was a strain/tear...but no way to now how serious it is because we can't do xrays or MRIs.

They took me off work for a week and told me to follow up with the orthopedic doctor on Friday. Well...the shoulder just got worse. I thought it was getting better after a couple of days of rest but then I went to my childbirth education class at the hospital on Thursday night and just from sitting in a chair (I didn't do any of the hands on activities) the pain got so bad I thought I was going to pass out or throw up...I was so nauseous from the pain.

So the orthopedic doctor on Friday said I need to be off work for a month and do physical therapy twice a week for four weeks...once work comp approves it anyway. I'm very frustrated to be off work so long because there was so much I wanted to do before going on maternity leave...but this shoulder strain/tear is really putting me out of commission. The only thing that help the pain consistently is when I sit on the couch with my back completely against the cushions or lay down with my back completely against the pillows. I wish there was a compression brace or something I could use but the doctor said that because of WHERE the muscle is...there's not much that can be done for it to immobilize it or provide compression. So...it's all about resting it.

This month is going to be so boring...but I have to be good and let it heal up so that I can take care of the baby when she comes. Hopefully in a month it will be better and I can go back to work for a week or two before the baby comes to help out with whatever they need at that point. The timing of this just stinks.

My RSD HAS been flaring up a little...likely due to the stress that I'm going through physically right now. I'm essentially forced to "rest" for a month but I've been trying not to immobilize anything too much...but my left ankle especially and even my arms are seeing an increase in RSD pain. Hot baths and Epsom salts help...and I've been trying to do some light stretching when I can't move around much...but the RSD pain is definitely worse than usual. Not severe flare up bad...but just elevated pain. If it weren't for the shoulder strain though...I don't think any of this would be an issue.

So that's where I'm at right now. Baby is great...her mother is a wreck...but as long as baby is healthy that's really all that matters. I'm going to follow doctor's orders and rest up so this shoulder heals...and then everything will be fine.

Oh...in slightly happier news though...I got my maternity photos from Epcot yesterday in the mail and thought you guys might like to see a few of my favorites:

[IMG]http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/...80914-0083.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/...80914-0081.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/...80914-0078.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/...80914-0071.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/...80914-0069.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/...80914-0074.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/...80914-0055.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/...80914-0036.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/...80914-0022.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/...80914-0048.jpg[/IMG]

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[IMG]http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/...80914-0005.jpg[/IMG]

You look great!!

Glad baby is doing well. Sorry about your shoulder! That sucks, but just try and rest. I know easier said than done! I've been on a new medication daily for my migraines and it is making me more exhausted than I usually am. It is driving me crazy just sleeping and laying around.

Hi Catra! SO sorry to hear of this injury. Bad timing.
Thank you for sharing your photos and letting us share your joy. A new child is a miracle and a blessing and I am in awe of each one. These pics are a wonderful way to celebrate this very special time in your life. Best wishes~ Lottie

Hope your shoulder get better soon and pt helps for sure.
You looked so pretty ,pregnancy is no matter what situation you are on,the better days in life you will remember because there are unfortunately many women who can't have babies. I wasn't able to get pregnant after my only child ,I was bless with a child that I almost didn't have ,I was having a miscarriage and he dr asked me if I wanted to have more treatments to try to keep the baby,she was outside her uterus and I said yes I wanted to try more and it was successfully ,it meant to be, I didn't have any more pregnancies at all, I was 18 years and didn't know much about life,I was coming out of a country where sex and early pregnancies are no subject of conversation, but I had my child now like I proudly mentioned her ,21 years old and I do understand how much you have struggle and still is a worry thought you have in your mind, I get that and I'm so happy to see you enjoying life and also ,enjoying your sweet girl.
I was alone during my pregnancy,I never felt or knew how a woman is treated during those days , I was alone ,I have only one picture if me pregnant and makes me happy I have that at least,she doesn't know her story,she doesn't know as many until now, her father left me while he found out I was pregnant and later decided that he made a mistake but was too late to go back.
I got married to an Honest loving men who loved me and loved my child as his own,he took such if good care of us ,still now,we couldn't have children of our own,meant to be that way, she doesn't know that either and we kept it that way,I still wondering if we did the right thing,her biological father told me he supported me and if one day came he will agree with whatever I told her but I didn't tell her anything because behind her story is mine,a sad dis functional family , she doesn't need to know the past, my past is sad and painful not because rsd but for psychological and victim of child abuse,wasn't the life I imagine but I overcome all the obstacles, that is included in my memories during those days.
I found a men who care about me and respected me no matter of my past or what my own family said about me. I'm a good person and was many times mistreated and one thing I never aloud is someone mistreated me anymore.we didn't have kids together but at the end we do mew had a girl and a boy who now has three girls ,I'm a grandmother of three girls,I'm happy to see your happiness and made me little melancholic at the same time,it reminds me I never knew the feeling of being supported and my baby girl wanted , I wanted her and fight for her ,I got bless ,I don't know why I can longer bare a child ,but I'm happy not to be a bad mean mom and person ,I got what meant to be for me and I'm proud and happy of how she becomes a little young lady so focus on her university and her goals .
I have both father and daughter holding my hands ,wiping my tears so many times and loved me as I loved them
I'm so happy for you and can't wait to met our niece soon, I was born November who knows ,she might pick my date to arrive .
Blessings to you all and I love so much to see you and thanks for sharing all those specials moments ,are really special for me too.
:grouphug: gentle warm hugs with love Jesika .here is our family ,I'm holding our newest member .

I'm so sorry you had a bad day, hoping you flare goes away soon. I am so happy for you, Congrats on your pregnancy! please take care of yourself and keep us updated...

you look super Catra! thanks for the pictures. congrats again on you oncoming arrival!

You know...since getting RSD my faith in the medical community (doctors in particular) has dwindled to just above zero. I've encountered so many incompetent and uninformed doctors...but the worst ones are the ones who CHOOSE to be that way...the ones who do not care enough about their patients to be "bothered" to listen to them, discover their concerns, or learn about their conditions and what they are going through. These sorts of doctors, in their arrogance, cause so many more problems...and I think it's down right criminal when that arrogance causes their patients harm. This is why I do not currently have a "treating" physician when it comes to my RSD. At this point...there is nothing for them to offer me and I refuse to subject myself to their nonsense and repeated visits that will serve no purpose other than them possibly trying to bully me into some form of treatment I don't want. I have done very well taking control of my own treatment when it comes to my RSD and taking back control of my life.

Now...being pregnant...I find myself once again under the care of doctors. This is obviously necessary...but it has done nothing but reinforce my lack of faith and trust in doctors to care about their patients. Don't get me wrong...there are good ones out there...doctors and nurses who genuinely care about their patients...who take the time to listen to them and do their best for them. But the experience as a whole...dealing with the doctors...has been horrible for me.

I'm going to a practice of OB/GYN doctors...there are 4 main doctors there and you see all of them while you are there. Three of them are fine...they don't strike me as GREAT doctors or anything but I have nothing really negative to say about them either. One of them...is the worst sort of doctor I can imagine. I have had 3 encounters with her and all three have been AWFUL. She's the one that messed up the notes regarding me seeing the high risk specialist (saying I didn't want to see one when our discussion was completely the opposite and I REALLY wanted to see one) and then the one who tried to force me to stay in the hospital when I was in a severe RSD pain flare instead of going home to treat it. I know I've talked about both of those here in my various updates. Yesterday was my third encounter with her and yet again she has demonstrated a complete lack of concern or care for my well being and interfered in my attempts to take steps to minimize the risk of spread or severe flare up as a result of the birth.

So...I had my appointment with the high risk specialist on September 16th and while she said everything was on track and looking good with the pregnancy itself...she strongly recommended that I have a consult with anesthesiology at the hospital to make sure they followed certain protocols to ensure I minimize the risk of spread or severe flare up during delivery. I thought this was a great idea and she sent her recommendation to my regular OB office. I spoke to my doctors on the last two visits and they said they didn't want to order the consult too early...but this visit (the one I had yesterday) was the one where they would order the consult and get that set up for me. I was concerned about waiting so long...but it didn't matter that much so long as it happened.

So...yesterday was the big day...that was the big thing I had to make sure was handled during my visit. Not a great start to the appointment...which was scheduled for 2pm and they sent a text message reminder asking me to be there by 1:45pm. Guess what time the doctor came into the room? 3:05pm...over an hour after my appointment. I'm usually very easy going with this sort of thing...I know emergencies come up especially in an OB office where a patient might come in with some concerns and whatever. A doctor running 20 minutes behind doesn't even phase me. I do, however, expect some sort of acknowledgement from the staff and/or doctor when the wait gets excessive. Not a word was said to me about how late they were running...and I find that just incredibly disrespectful. Another example of how little they think or care about their patients.

Then the doctor comes in and spends 5 whole minutes with me. I don't even want to think about how much they charge per visit for 5 whopping minutes with the doctor. She brought up the consult with anesthesiology and said she really didn't think it was necessary but said that she would call and find out if that was something they would do. I tried to explain WHY I wanted the consult, that the high risk specialist recommended it, etc...and she didn't seem like she was listening at all...just repeated that she didn't think it was important but that she would call and they would "let me know." Then she asked if I had any issues with infections (that was what I was in the hospital for) and I said yes...I just finished another round of antibiotics the day before because the last time I was in they found another UTI. She said ok...they would check next time to see if there was any sign of infections. I said why not check today (I had left my "sample" already) and she said it wasn't a big deal...they would check next time. Right...I was in the hospital less than 2 months ago after I had a UTI, took a week's worth of antibiotics, the antibiotics were apparently not effective because the infection didn't get taken care of, and I ended up with a kidney infection so bad that I spent a couple days in the hospital on IV antibiotics...but it's not a big deal and we can wait two weeks to see how it goes. No joke...this was the extent of our 5 minute conversation.

So I go to the front desk, make my next appointment for 2 weeks from now, and make my way out. But the receptionists yells out my name and waves me back. So I come back...and the doctor comes out into the waiting room with my chart. Yes...the waiting room...which was empty but still not a place I feel the following conversation should have taken place because even though there were no other patients the entire office staff was right there behind the front desk (about 10 people). SO unprofessional!!

She tells me she just got off the phone with anesthesiology at the hospital and they agree with her that there is no need for me to talk to them. I explained again why I wanted to consult with them and she said that she mentioned I had "muscular dystrophy something or other" and they didn't see that it would be a problem...so I "will be fine." Again...I tried to explain and she cut me off saying they agreed with her that it's just not necessary and I'll be fine. I just sort of stared at her for a minute and said "whatever" and turned to leave. She then says as I'm walking away, "If you have any other concerns or questions you can just let us know." To which I turned around and said, "Why would I bother? You obviously don't care about my concerns at all." And then I walked out.

By the time I got to the elevator I was crying...sat in my car for a good 15 minutes crying before I felt I was in control enough to drive...cried the entire way home. That is absolutely absurd...I should NOT be made to feel that way by my doctor. I know it was probably an overreaction...but seeing as I'm pregnant I think I'm allowed to be a bit emotional. I don't know if I can describe how much importance I was putting on this idea of having a consult with anesthesiology...I was really counting on being able to speak to them about the hospital procedures, what the protocols were for the delivery, about my RSD, about how I wanted things to be handled and if that was possible, if not what my options were, etc. Why did I even bother seeing a high risk specialist if my doctor had no intention of following her recommendation? UGH!! I can't begin to describe how disappointed and angry I was/am over the whole thing.

What upsets me just as much is that I really have no faith or trust in this doctor to do the best for me and my child. She clearly doesn't care about me and the impact the RSD will have on my ability to care for my child after the birth if things don't go well. I know there's risks no matter how much planning I do...but that shouldn't stop me from trying to make sure I do everything that IS in my control to try and minimize those risks.

I do NOT want this woman to deliver my baby...but in this practice it could be any one of the 4 doctors who delivers the baby depending on who is on call that day. The way things seem to be going for me...I feel like it's going to be her and I would rather have a stranger deliver my baby than let that doctor anywhere near me and my baby during delivery. I feel that strongly about it...and yet I don't know what to do. I feel like at this point (35 weeks)...it's just too late to change practices and the other 3 doctors are fine. There's only a 1/4 chance that this will be the doctor who is on call when I deliver...but there's still that chance. I don't know why I have had such a hard time walking away from this practice...I should have done it after that first incident with her...but for some reason I'm just too scared to walk away and start somewhere new so close to my due date.

I hate the way this doctor has made me feel and I had a hard time calming myself down yesterday. My boyfriend said I need to take it down a notch or I will either put myself into a flare up or into labor...maybe both. I'm calm now but still mad. I made sure to fill out a medical power of attorney for my boyfriend so that if I cannot communicate clearly during labor that he will have power of attorney regarding my medical treatment. I've also written out a detailed birthing plan of what I want/need during delivery, what they are NOT allowed to do because of my RSD, etc and my boyfriend will be watching them all like a hawk during the whole time in the hospital. He's prepared to be my advocate and throw his weight around if necessary. And I think that's the best I can do right now.

I have an appointment in two weeks (which seems odd...I was told they would be weekly visits at this point...but whatever) and it's with a different doctor so I plan to have a copy of the birthing plan and power of attorney with me so that I can go over everything with her and make sure they have copies of both. I really wanted the consult to anesthesiology so I would know how realistic and feasible the birth plan is and also if there were any better options available to me...but this will have to do I guess.

Sorry for how long this post way...I just had to get all of that off my chest. The baby is still doing very well...she's very active and does not seem bothered in the slightest by any of the other things that are going on. While I hate dealing with the doctors...I am loving every moment of being pregnant and trying to focus on that through everything else.

In other news...my shoulder is feeling a little better. I had my first two sessions on physical therapy today and feel very lucky that the physical therapist my orthopedic sent me to knows all about RSD and is tailoring my treatment/therapy so as not to aggravate the RSD. Wow...that was a welcome surprise. He doesn't think I'm well enough to do any exercises at home and so far only had me do one exercise at my last appointment...the rest of the treatment has been heat and ultrasound. He says my shoulder needs to heal more before we can do anything more strenuous. I was feeling pretty rough after the last appointment...so I know I'm not ready for anything more yet. I've got two sessions next week so hopefully resting until then will let my shoulder heal enough to keep moving forward. I'm so bored I could scream...I really would be much happier if I could work right now but it's just not possible without damaging my shoulder more and making things worse. It is what it is...resting probably isn't a bad idea with the baby anyway.

Hope everyone else is doing well. I really am fine except for this latest thing with the doctor...and the infection...and the shoulder. I'm taking care of myself and doing what I need to heal up from things and plan ahead. Just needed to vent today.

:hug:

I'm SO sorry! What a miserable experience.

I can completely understand why you are upset. The pregnancy and birth of your baby should be an exciting, happy time. Obviously with RSD in the mix it is going to be more stressful because of the unknown, but it seems like this doctor is making it worse :(

I wonder if there is a way you could call the hospital anesthesia department directly to try and get an appointment or at least talk to someone?

I might try that...for now I think I just need to let it go for a few days and keep from stressing myself out about it...we all know what stress does to the RSD...

After all the and moments and stormy time,I'm sure you will find the right person for you and your precious baby ,im having such of and time and I'm really don't want to stress you at all,my best wishes and prayers for soon an angel will appear and help you with all the sadness and struggles you had experienced , we all love you both and want the best .
Think and always keep your happy positive attitude and you'll see,things will change soon,your baby and you will be ok, our Lord Hands are holding you,keep the hope and faith at your side ,with love ,Jesika .:grouphug:
:hug:

Well now...it's been a while since I updated and this one will be pretty quick because of a lot going on.

So...on Monday November 17th...I had my baby!!

Let's just say...absolutely nothing went as planned and it was a very surreal sort of day/experience. I ended up needing an emergency C-section after being at the hospital for only 6 hours or so...and I am still dealing with quite a bit of pain from it though hard to say at this point if it is more than normal since that was only 5 days ago.

Then on Wednesday...my baby had to be transferred to another hospital for a higher level of care than they could give at the hospital I delivered at to run a bunch of tests. Short version of this story is that everything at this point is completely fine and normal and we SHOULD be able to take her home on Monday.

Thursday I was still in the hospital and I ended up getting a blood transfusion because I lost a lot of blood during the C-Section and my CBC results were lower and lower every day.

Friday I was finally released from my hospital and was able to go visit my sweet baby girl at the other hospital. It's been one heck of a week...and it's going to be a long recovery period from what I can tell right now...but totally worth it when I look at my little one.

I want to post an update once everything has settled down with more detail on the exact experience and how my RSD was affected by the delivery/arrival of the baby...but wanted to get this quick update out there while I had the chance.

Congratulations and we are glad both of you are doing fine, thanks Lord. :grouphug: and hope your recovery be fast and rsd will stay away from you ,you need to enjoy your baby now.
Wish you days full of relief and pain free , get better soon !!!
Blessings to both ,took me a while ,I wanted to do something hand made for your daughter but rsd stopped me ,soon I will surprise you,
Gentle soft hugs for ninth ,with love Jesika .
Give your baby many kisses and hugs from all of us . We have a new niece !!!!:welcome_sign::