Friday 23 Apr 2010
Yesterday, a phone call from my gynae's office totally drop a bomb on my whole sweet life.
Was it my stress level that cause me to be so immunely weak?
Why did i allow myself to be in the situation? Was I that irresponsible to my own unborn child?
I am on antibiotic treatment to kill the virus for 7 straight days.
Saturday 24 Apr 2010
Called a friend in GH and the response come blunt. C section might can avoid the virus from getting to the baby. I might opt for that. The treatment over GH of the Strep-B affected babies are five days on antibiotic treatment. I thought of the small little fingers curled in pain everytime the needles are poked into the tiny little body and broke down anc cried.
Then decided to do something else.
I spent yesterday focusing ‘out’, instead of ‘in’. Went to the florist just before my trip to the hospital and arranged for two nice flower bouquets for the birthday girls. Delivered on to Rohana secretly and met Edina for very late lunch after my hospital trip. Both girls were happy. I was happy making them happy. They texts of appreciation did made my day. I am done thinking of the IV needles. With all the drugs in the world, they will make him recovered and alive. God helps.
By night, I am done. Done crying. Done blaming. I recouped my strength and figured out that early labor and/or ruptured membrane and/or more stress is what i have to avoid now. Gone were the unfinished contract negotiations, rescheduling or worries about whether Q3 shipments are secured. My focus now is to get the unborn infant safely delivered. Which can’t happen now because ruptured membrane while the virus is still in my body is fatal to him.
Will talk to the bosses on Monday to take things slow. I also wrote down things that might have stressed me out, in a context of replying comments, but have not decided whether to send them out. Well, people can stress me out, but I am yet to decide whether I am to do the same. Remember that don’t do others what I don’t like them to do unto me. Who said that, anyway?
Monday 26 Apr 2010
Talked to both my boss and boss's boss about taking it easy at work. I want to take leave whenever I feel the body is not up to it. I gulped down and chewed my own words in from of them two. One looks like he wants to pass out, one looks convincingly confident that God will help.
Then texted the boss's boss's boss who was on leave and he replied that there is other thing other than work.
I cried.
Tuesday 27 Apr 2010
A few meetings got cancelled thus I spent the morning waking up late. Went for lunch meeting with the Lawyer and came back thinking of how can they get the negotiations done without my presence. Spent the whole afternoon tossing around that worry instead of sleeping. Agh.. I should have left it to the lawyers.
Worry, please go away.
Wednesday 28 April 2010
My 33rd birthday. And my third child’s fate is still unknown.. at least to me.
Spent the whole day negotiating contract with a supplier that I thought could be difficult. But he seemed to agree to our terms and conditions. I felt good eventhough the almost 5-hour meeting really drove me mad. Had a few contractions during the meeting. Baby please don’t come out so soon, at least until Mommy is well treated.
But it was my birthday and I deserve some treats, did I. Handsome husband ferried me to work, after shoving in a big bottle of perfume (notice: all parfums he gave always smell good) into my purse. He self deliver a bouquet of my favorite lilies to the office. He took me out for dinner, which he ate almost all the dinner since the baby is taking up all the space. He ended up with a great birthday card before we went to bed.
That was number one joy. Azeuchry also drew me a card and that is actually above the number one joy. He drew himself, Anna and the small baby he expected to love in a few days more to come. I shed tears looking at the small naked bald baby on the card.
Rohana came down early in the morning to give me books. Ida gave me a box of chocolate. A few others came to hug. We went out for breakfast. Sai delivered me a cheese cake, which is really a surprise!
It was a fruitful day, tiring but a contented one. By the time we walked out from the diner, the Man is practically dragging my feet to the car.
The moon was a beautiful one, anyway.
Thursday 29 April 2010 – the final day
Figured out that the meeting yesterday really took up my energy and decided to wake up late. Sent Azeuchry to school and continued napping until at least 10:30! Went to a meeting with customer and then spent the whole afternoon sitting down with team strategizing Q3. I let them take the lead and made decision. The boss’s boss came over to explain the job rotations on the team. I decided that this is the team that is the best to do the work. Threw them a KFC bucket for dinner before sorting out all the outstanding task. They stayed back until 10:00 and helped me carried two laptops, one flower bouquet, two kerepek packages and two books with sex as the title (haha) to my car.
Friday 30 April 2010
I know I needed good night sleep but that is what missing in my life for now. At least I am comforted to know that is not the worry that keep me awake, but rather then 7 or more kilos of weight on my tummy.
Went for my hospital trip again. The Man had his regional meeting so I went alone. Did the fetal heart rate and within 30 mins, there were two contractions. His heart rate is fine. Dozed off during the fetal heart rate test.
I was then stripped down waist and below for about 20 mins waiting for my gynae who had to run for a case. Tried to doze of but anticipation and the hard bed killed me. Saw the testis.
Talked further to my gynae on the strep B virus. Thought Azeuchry got one when his lung was infected the moment he was born but she said that was in 2004 when they have not had the procedure of Strep B test on the moms before delivery. Said that the virus is air borne (puzzled, why none of the website mentioned this) and because my immunity was low, I got them FOC! She said that it is becoming very common now.
I asked how many patients were completely treated before the labor and she said only three were not. I rather not ask what happen to those babies. She said not to worry that we still have time to get it treated. I asked whether C Section can prevent the virus from getting to the baby, she said yes it would but wait until I am cleared. (The website mentioned otherwise)
By the end of the meeting I went out abruptly without saying thanks, holding up my tears and rushed up to the restroom.
Waited for The Man who took me out for an Italian quick lunch. Drove back home alone.
Put the kids to sleep and Azeuchry was so thrilled when the baby moved and the big brother could feel the little one kicked his palm upwards! I told story about a big brother who had restless night spending time with a small little brother and a toddler sister, but still the big responsible brother played with them both fairly and put them to bed and did his homework after that.
Realized that if God wants to take any of my kids, He can just take them anytime, any how. Little Ali (my choice) or Little Adam (Azeuchry’s and his dad’s choice) is the most responsive one in mom’s tummy. If he is to go, I am grateful enough that God has given me those 9 months carrying him in mine, and two full months of kicking and twirling and responding to the brother’s lullaby and mom’s loud radio in the morning!
Decided to get all the accessories for the breast pump to prepare for Little Ali/Adam . He will be born and he will love both my boobs and how wonderful the milk taste.
The clock has passed 12:00. Happy Birthday darling Anna, mommy’s little princess.
I love you three.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Strep B
Group B Streptococcus
* Group B streptococcus, or group B strep, is a bacterium that causes life- threatening infections in newborns. Group B strep can also cause disease in pregnant women, the elderly, and adults with other illnesses.
* Many people carry group B strep bacteria in their bodies without developing infection or illness. However, the bacteria can become deadly to people with weakened immune systems.
* Pregnant women can transmit group B strep to their newborns at birth. Group B strep is the most common cause of blood infections and meningitis in newborns.
* Most cases of group B strep disease in newborns can be prevented by giving certain pregnant women antibiotics during labor.
What is group B streptococcus (group B strep)?
Group B streptococcus (group B strep) is a bacterium that causes life-threatening infections in newborn infants. Group B strep can also cause serious diseases in pregnant women, the elderly, and adults with other illnesses. The letter "B" refers to a classification of bacteria in the genus Streptococcus according to the makeup of the organism's cell wall.
What kinds of illnesses does group B strep cause?
In newborns, group B strep is the most common cause of sepsis (infection of the bloodstream) and meningitis (infection of the lining and fluid surrounding the brain) and a common cause of pneumonia. Group B strep disease in newborns usually occurs in the first week of life ("early- onset"). Babies can also get a slightly less serious "late-onset" form of group B strep disease that develops a week to a few months after birth.
In adults, group B strep usually causes no symptoms. However, in rare cases, it can lead to serious bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections, skin infections, and pneumonia, especially in people with weakened immune systems and other health problems, such as diabetes.
How do people get infected with group B strep?
Group B strep bacteria are different from many other types of bacteria that can cause disease. People can be "colonized" with group B strep. This means that they carry the bacteria in their bodies but are not infected and do not become sick. Adults can carry the bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, genital tract, or urinary tract. About 10% to 30% of pregnant women are colonized with group B strep in the genital tract.
Colonization with group B strep is usually harmless. The bacteria can become deadly, though, if something happens that allows them to invade the bloodstream. In adults, weakened immunity resulting from cancer treatment or a chronic illness can prompt an infection. More often, pregnant women who carry the bacteria can unknowingly transmit group B strep to their newborns at birth. Newborns can acquire early-onset group B strep disease either before or during delivery. The cause of late-onset disease in babies is not well understood.
How is group B strep infection diagnosed?
Group B strep infection is diagnosed by a laboratory test of blood or spinal fluid.
Who is at risk for group B strep infection?
Adults with illnesses that weaken the immune system, such as diabetes or cancer, are at risk of infection with group B strep.
An infant born to a woman who is carrying the bacteria can also be at risk. Some pregnant women are at more risk than others of having a baby who develops group B strep disease. A pregnant woman is at high risk if she:
* Has already had a baby with group B strep infection
* Has a urinary tract infection caused by group B strep
* Becomes colonized with group B strep late in pregnancy
* Develops a fever during labor
* Has rupture of membranes 18 hours or more before delivery
* Begins labor or has rupture of membranes before 37 weeks ("preterm")
What complications can result from group B strep infection?
Group B strep infection is fatal in about 20% of infected men and non-pregnant women and about 5% to 15% of infected newborns. Babies who survive can be left with speech, hearing, and vision problems as well as mental retardation.
What is the treatment for group B strep infection?
Group B strep infections in both newborns and adults are usually treated with antibiotics given intravenously (through a vein).
How common is group B strep infection?
Group B strep causes disease in about 18,000 people in the United States each year. Of these, about 8,000 are newborns. Group B strep is the most common cause of blood infections and meningitis in newborns and is a frequent cause of newborn pneumonia.
Is group B strep infection an emerging infectious disease?
Yes. Since 1970, group B strep infection has become the leading bacterial infection causing illness and death in newborns in the United States. Cases in adults are also on the rise. The number of adult infections nearly doubled during the 1980s and continues to increase.
How can group B strep infection be prevented?
Most cases of group B strep infection in newborns can be prevented by giving certain pregnant women antibiotics during labor. Antibiotic treatment before labor does not prevent group B strep infection in newborns.
Any pregnant woman who has already had a baby with group B strep infection or who has a urinary tract infection caused by group B strep should be given antibiotics during labor. Pregnant women who are colonized with group B strep should be offered antibiotics at the time of labor or rupture of the membranes. Colonization with group B strep can be detected late in pregnancy (35-37 weeks' gestation) by a special test of secretions from the vagina and rectum.
Unfortunately, some babies still get group B strep infection despite testing and antibiotic treatment. Vaccines to prevent group B strep infection are being developed.
This fact sheet is for information only and is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health-care provider. If you have any questions about the disease described above or think that you might have a bacterial infection, consult a health-care provider.
* Group B streptococcus, or group B strep, is a bacterium that causes life- threatening infections in newborns. Group B strep can also cause disease in pregnant women, the elderly, and adults with other illnesses.
* Many people carry group B strep bacteria in their bodies without developing infection or illness. However, the bacteria can become deadly to people with weakened immune systems.
* Pregnant women can transmit group B strep to their newborns at birth. Group B strep is the most common cause of blood infections and meningitis in newborns.
* Most cases of group B strep disease in newborns can be prevented by giving certain pregnant women antibiotics during labor.
What is group B streptococcus (group B strep)?
Group B streptococcus (group B strep) is a bacterium that causes life-threatening infections in newborn infants. Group B strep can also cause serious diseases in pregnant women, the elderly, and adults with other illnesses. The letter "B" refers to a classification of bacteria in the genus Streptococcus according to the makeup of the organism's cell wall.
What kinds of illnesses does group B strep cause?
In newborns, group B strep is the most common cause of sepsis (infection of the bloodstream) and meningitis (infection of the lining and fluid surrounding the brain) and a common cause of pneumonia. Group B strep disease in newborns usually occurs in the first week of life ("early- onset"). Babies can also get a slightly less serious "late-onset" form of group B strep disease that develops a week to a few months after birth.
In adults, group B strep usually causes no symptoms. However, in rare cases, it can lead to serious bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections, skin infections, and pneumonia, especially in people with weakened immune systems and other health problems, such as diabetes.
How do people get infected with group B strep?
Group B strep bacteria are different from many other types of bacteria that can cause disease. People can be "colonized" with group B strep. This means that they carry the bacteria in their bodies but are not infected and do not become sick. Adults can carry the bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, genital tract, or urinary tract. About 10% to 30% of pregnant women are colonized with group B strep in the genital tract.
Colonization with group B strep is usually harmless. The bacteria can become deadly, though, if something happens that allows them to invade the bloodstream. In adults, weakened immunity resulting from cancer treatment or a chronic illness can prompt an infection. More often, pregnant women who carry the bacteria can unknowingly transmit group B strep to their newborns at birth. Newborns can acquire early-onset group B strep disease either before or during delivery. The cause of late-onset disease in babies is not well understood.
How is group B strep infection diagnosed?
Group B strep infection is diagnosed by a laboratory test of blood or spinal fluid.
Who is at risk for group B strep infection?
Adults with illnesses that weaken the immune system, such as diabetes or cancer, are at risk of infection with group B strep.
An infant born to a woman who is carrying the bacteria can also be at risk. Some pregnant women are at more risk than others of having a baby who develops group B strep disease. A pregnant woman is at high risk if she:
* Has already had a baby with group B strep infection
* Has a urinary tract infection caused by group B strep
* Becomes colonized with group B strep late in pregnancy
* Develops a fever during labor
* Has rupture of membranes 18 hours or more before delivery
* Begins labor or has rupture of membranes before 37 weeks ("preterm")
What complications can result from group B strep infection?
Group B strep infection is fatal in about 20% of infected men and non-pregnant women and about 5% to 15% of infected newborns. Babies who survive can be left with speech, hearing, and vision problems as well as mental retardation.
What is the treatment for group B strep infection?
Group B strep infections in both newborns and adults are usually treated with antibiotics given intravenously (through a vein).
How common is group B strep infection?
Group B strep causes disease in about 18,000 people in the United States each year. Of these, about 8,000 are newborns. Group B strep is the most common cause of blood infections and meningitis in newborns and is a frequent cause of newborn pneumonia.
Is group B strep infection an emerging infectious disease?
Yes. Since 1970, group B strep infection has become the leading bacterial infection causing illness and death in newborns in the United States. Cases in adults are also on the rise. The number of adult infections nearly doubled during the 1980s and continues to increase.
How can group B strep infection be prevented?
Most cases of group B strep infection in newborns can be prevented by giving certain pregnant women antibiotics during labor. Antibiotic treatment before labor does not prevent group B strep infection in newborns.
Any pregnant woman who has already had a baby with group B strep infection or who has a urinary tract infection caused by group B strep should be given antibiotics during labor. Pregnant women who are colonized with group B strep should be offered antibiotics at the time of labor or rupture of the membranes. Colonization with group B strep can be detected late in pregnancy (35-37 weeks' gestation) by a special test of secretions from the vagina and rectum.
Unfortunately, some babies still get group B strep infection despite testing and antibiotic treatment. Vaccines to prevent group B strep infection are being developed.
This fact sheet is for information only and is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health-care provider. If you have any questions about the disease described above or think that you might have a bacterial infection, consult a health-care provider.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Update
1. I am on my 35th week? (Or so)
2. My maid is requesting for one month leave when I am on my 38th week. Great.
3. I finally get to watch Lipstick Jungle on Star World.
4. The Man has not finalized whether it is Adam or Ali or something else.
5. Blogging has hurt a few. I am lying low for a moment.
6. Some relationship is really a one-sided one. Sometimes it crosses over. At this hormone level, I can't afford another sleepless night. I left some messages unread. I need to survive in denial.
7. Tax is done. Great, hubby. I wonder where all my monies go. Highway? LRT?
2. My maid is requesting for one month leave when I am on my 38th week. Great.
3. I finally get to watch Lipstick Jungle on Star World.
4. The Man has not finalized whether it is Adam or Ali or something else.
5. Blogging has hurt a few. I am lying low for a moment.
6. Some relationship is really a one-sided one. Sometimes it crosses over. At this hormone level, I can't afford another sleepless night. I left some messages unread. I need to survive in denial.
7. Tax is done. Great, hubby. I wonder where all my monies go. Highway? LRT?
Monday, April 05, 2010
Last Published Entry
Was on 18 Feb.
Almost two moons.
What's happening?
Work has taken over my days.
4kg weight on the tummy has taken over my nights.
Grumpy boss has taken over the glory morning.
I should..
shop more and spend more monies (i have excess every month! can you believe it?)
put on more color on my face
Gosh i can't wait to get out
Almost two moons.
What's happening?
Work has taken over my days.
4kg weight on the tummy has taken over my nights.
Grumpy boss has taken over the glory morning.
I should..
shop more and spend more monies (i have excess every month! can you believe it?)
put on more color on my face
Gosh i can't wait to get out
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