Things that suck

When I got my radioactive iodine pills for the thyroid scan, I was told no breastfeeding for two weeks. Since HMB is 13 months and I have made it that illustrious year, I figured weaning would be just fine and life would go on with HMB happily drinking cow's milk and eating people food. Well, it didn't turn out exactly as planned. While I was in the hospital, I pumped before I had the iodine to give HMB a little more breastmilK and to make myself a little more comfortable! I pumped and dumped a little more to also make myself comfortable but then left the amazing Madela industrial pump at the hospital and found my little baby pump just wasn't going to do the same for me. There were definitely a few uncomfortable days but I got through it, the worse part was the emotional loss of breastfeeding. Sorry to post about breastfeeding but I have to get it out. I was seriously going through a mini depression from having to stop! Am I sane? I wasn't sure until I started to talk to some other people about it, namely one of my very good friends who had a baby12 days before HMB and she weaned at 11 months. Things are getting better, thank goodness, even though HMB started to "ask" for it again by pulling my shirt up but he will survive! And I thank everyone for their awesome support through it, whether you've been there or not!

Another thing that sucks: HMB waking up before 6am for three straight days in a row! We don't call him HMB for nothing, it's true! But come on, baby, maybe just until 7? I don't want to pass out at 9:30pm every night when I am trying to hang out with my (younger) brothers! The nice thing is that he is going to be OK, even though he has to sleep with me so far becuase although we have a pac n play, we have no mattress for it!!!

One thing that did NOT suck: HMB was awesome on the flight out to CO!! We had the whole row to ourselves and he played and played until he tired himself out and passed out for the last hour of the flight! He didn't cry or really even fuss much, it helped that he had so much room to play in! Thank you, HMB, for not being so HMB for a few hours!

Sick baby, sick mommy

Oh wow, lot's to talk about! First, HMB has been sick (again) with a cough, runny nose, and, most recently, a fever! After sleepless nights, warm foreheads, and snotty noses, we called the doctor and took him in. Verdict: HMB has an ear infection and is taking antibiotics! As for mommy of HMB, she is not so lucky. As I have discussed before, I have been having stomach issues for about 6 months. Lately, I have had some other symptoms - hand tremors, fast heart rate and high blood pressure. I went to my doctor last week and they decided to test my thyroid. I left hoping and praying for an answer! This morning, I woke up with a start to find my heart racing and thudding in my chest. OK, something is wrong, I thought. My husband woke up, feel my chest, I said, as I poured a cup of coffee. Wow, he said, that's crazy...and slowly back away from the coffee!! I called my mom even though it was only 5am in her time zone. She didn't answer so I frantically called mother in law, a retired nurse. She asked me some questions and said it might be thyroid related. My mom called me back and asked her own questions. I looked at my husband and he asked me what I wanted to do, go to the ER, I said. So we packed up HMB and headed over. Now, I went to the ER about a month ago for my fractured wrist. It was 10pm on a Sunday and I was in and out in 2 hours! Not the case this Tuesday morning, with fresh snow on the ground and more in the forecast. We waited about 3 hours to see a doctor. The hooked me up, marveled at my high blood pressure and crazy heart rate, and took some blood. A couple hours later, after HMB had gone home for a nap, I got the answer: thyroid, a very, very hyperactive one at that! The doctor told me I might need to be admitted due to my heart rate. What? I have never been without my HMB!! I didn't believe him, but I was wrong! The nurse came in and filled out some paperwork, a doctor came in and asked questions, a physician's assistant came in and asked questions, another doctor came in and asked questions. Then I was whisked upstairs to a private room with a nice view. After I was taken down for a thyroid ultrasound (no nodules!), another doctor came and discussed the next steps. They didn't know if it was thyroiditis or Graves disease. Tomorrow, I will be filled with radioactive iodine to find out. After that test, I will not be able to breastfeed for two weeks or hold HMB for long periods of time and definitely NOT swap saliva (no smooches?!?!).
My husband is all alone with HMB and I love him for being so wonderful and supportive! It might be a rough two nights without mommy there, and more rough nights when I can't pluck HMB out of the crib and snuggle with him on the futon couch for half the night. But I am so glad I finally know what is wrong. Thyroid issues cause hand tremors, high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and other symptoms I didn't even know were related (sinus issues) plus the stomach issues. I know HMB and my husband will be all right, and I just might be, too!