a day in the hospital

I am too tired to sleep, to exhausted to rest. What a day. I had a lot of firsts: first hospital visit, first IV, first spinal, first drugs in my system, first visit in an operating room, first catheter, first external cephalic version. The good news? The doctor was able to turn Christina--wha-hoo, thank You Jesus!! I can't say that Christina is happy in her new position as she has been kicking and rocking up a storm! Though I am delighted to know she is doing fine in there, her movements make me nervous--do not flip back sweet baby!

I would not mind to never repeat today. My veins are very difficult to use so before too long, I felt like a pincushion as three nurses and the anesthesiologist poked and prodded my hands, wrists, and the underside of my elbow to attach the IV and to draw blood. The fact that I had to fast and could not drink after 7:30 this morning made vein use more difficult. The version itself was no big deal. Christina was easy to turn (an answer to prayer) and it only took one try. My stomach may be sore tomorrow but so far, it is only a little sensitive. The numbness from my waist down was only supposed to last an hour but it took almost 5 hours for the spinal to wear off. What a creepy feeling to not be able to move your legs or feel sensations! I gained a whole new level of understanding for people with disabilities and for the elderly who are unable to help themselves. I'm not sure if it is the drugs or the copious amount of fluid from the IV to keep my blood pressure up, but I am a walking balloon--puffy feet, puffy hands, puffy face. Here's hoping the swelling will be gone tomorrow.

John was wonderful throughout the whole ordeal. Despite everything, he made me feel safe, secure, cherished, and treasured (all things he excels at in daily living). I so appreciated his sweet kisses, his gentle touch, his calming presence. He was by my side the whole day (except for when they wouldn't allow him for the spinal) which has resulted in sore muscles and utter exhaustion for him. We have both wished that for all we've gone through, the end result would be Christina in our arms. But, Lord willing, the version is what will keep us from having to endure a C-section or breech birth ...and that is worth a lot.