Merchian Family Adventures: A few bumps in the road

As most of you know, I've been very sick for the last four months. Not pregnancy sick, but sick due to not being able to absorb enough fluids to supply for me and the baby. So I've been dealing with lots of headaches, dizziness, weakness, and having absolutely no energy. I couldnt clean my house, play with Jonathan or do anything outside of our house. I kept telling the doctor I needed IV fluids, but she kept thinking it was nutritional instead of hydration. So I would go to the ER once or twice a week for fluids, when I got to the point that I felt I was going to faint. In the meantime my OB doctor was running tests to see which one was the cause of my problems. We came to the conclusion that it really was a hydration issue, and about two weeks ago my needs seemed to move from 1-2 times a week, to feeling the need every other day. At this point I knew I needed to get her to order me fluids for every day. The only way that was possible was to do a PICC line, so I can give myself the fluids at home every day. So I went to see her last week, and she ordered the PICC line and my daily fluids. I went to the hospital to have the PICC line put in. The procedure is pretty simple, they make an incision, then place a wire and feed it through the vein until it gets close to your heart. Then they place a plastic tube over the wire, and pull the wire out. Because I was so dehydrated however the veins kept collapsing and they had to cut me over 7 times. Finally they got it in the right place, and the vein stayed inflated. It hurt a lot; my arm was in a lot of pain all weekend. The nurse came out on Saturday and showed me how to flush the line and give myself the fluids. The fluids run for 8 hours a day, on a pump, so I get enough of them throughout the day to meet my needs. I feel sooo much better getting the fluids, I don’t know how long I'll need them however I'm glad I am getting them. The baby will also be less at risk, and be healthier because it won’t suffer the consequences of me not getting enough fluids. Speaking of the baby, we will know what the sex is on the 7th of June, that's our next ultrasound. Some of you asked that I put up some pictures of what my arm looks like, below I have some of the line in my arm, the bag, and the pump. Also Chris got a picture of me and what my belly looks like now, plus I have some pictures of Jonathan and daddy during his birthday. Enjoy everyone!