1.24.2011

Sick, Sick, and more Sick, For Real?

Wow. What a weekend. So last time I posted I said I wasn't feeling super well, like I was getting a chest cold/sinus infection. Well Thursday, I woke up in the middle of the night not able to breathe, gasping for air with really sharp pains in my chest. I have never felt anything like it and have never been so panicked before. All I could think was, "What is faster, an ambulance, or the car?" We almost ended up in the ER. I thought maybe I had pneumonia or something because I had such sharp pains and felt like I could not get a full breath in my lungs. I called my mom as soon as I woke up the next morning, and as soon as I heard her voice I just started crying. You know, something about wanting your Mom when you feel so horrible. She of course said to get to the doctor asap, which we did.

My doctor started asking me questions and I had a hard time getting through the conversation without having to stop and take deep breaths. They gave me a breathing test where you blow into this thing. I was supposed to have over 500 or 600. Mine was just under 250. Doctor said it was really good that I came in because life threatening is 150. (Which was scary to hear because it was way harder to breathe the night before in my breathing attack episode, which means it was probably even lower than 250).

The doctor gave me a breathing machine treatment right away and then the breathing test again, which I failed again. So they gave me an emergency shot of steroids, which they said should work immediately. So we waited several minutes after that, tried the test again, and I still failed. Ugh. And all the while, every time I did the test, I had a major coughing fit. It was horrible.

The doctor confirmed that I had a severe asthma attack the night before (which is so strange because I have never ever had asthma or breathing issues). He is pretty sure the asthma attack was triggered by a really bad infection (probably sinus or chest, or both). They couldn't do an x-ray for pneumonia because of the baby. But it's obvious I have a sinus infection and something going on with my chest. So I am now on three breathing meds and an antibiotic.... don't worry, all safe for Baby O., although I still get worried taking so much medicine.

Saturday night I had another mini breathing panic episode. I think that one was triggered by the fact that I started crying because I felt so terrible. Then I had to take the emergency inhaler. I go back and forth from feeling a little better, and then really bad, and tonight I threw up again, so I guess add that to the list of symptoms! I am sooooo glad Jon was home all day yesterday. I slept until 1:30pm and this Mom did get a sick day! Jon was awesome. Took care of Mekonen and cleaned the kitchen, cleaned out the fridge, and a million other things. What a guy! He even went into work late this morning to help get our day started, all after I kept him up half the night with my coughing fits.

SOOO... that was our weekend in a nutshell. And doesn't this face just make it all better?

6 comments:

Rebekah Zenn said...

I'm so sorry to hear about this! That is so scary! I will be praying you heal from this quickly. Thank God you have a great husband to help you :) Also, I mentioned to a friend that pineapple was sounding really good, and she warned me not to each too much when pregnant because the acidity can cause severe nausea, esp at night! I wonder if that's what's happening to you???

Megan Flinn said...

o my word rach! asthma is the worst ever! seriously, take it EASY miss lady! I love you, miss you a little already! I am throwing an expo marker all the way from Philly to you right now. Should hit you right in the face sometime next week, when you're better of course <3

Unknown said...

Rachael,
This is Jackie Johnson, Morgan Hanna's mom and faithful (and usually silent) reader of your blog. I couldn't let this post go without telling you how sorry I am that you are having such a challenge. It had to scare the bajesus out of you. I'm hoping so much that you are on the mend and feeling much better soon. Big hugs from me to you!!!

Julie said...

Oh Rach--dear goodness. That is terrible. You need a coke. Now. Go get one, sip it slowly with your feet up and let that Jonny boy empty the dishwasher. I'm so sorry--sending hugs your way and hoping that your meds work soon! XOXOXOXOXOXO

love you, friend!

Unknown said...

Rachael,
Your readers want to know that you are better. Any update will be greatly appreciated. Worried about you, honey!!

Jackie (Morgan Hanna's over-protective mother)

Amanda said...

Goodness!!!!!!! This is crazy! I am so sorry! I'm glad that you are slowly on the mend and so thankful baby O isn't affected by it!!!