Being sick sucks. Being pregnant and sick is beyond horrible!

I am fortunate enough to be a relatively healthy person aside from the usual allergies; however, when I get sick, it's usually a humdinger. I think it's been years since I had a cold that has kept me in bed, so as Murphy's Law dictates, as soon as I'm pregnant and have tons to do I get a viral infection that makes me feel like death warmed over. As first I thought it was allergies as it's that time of year and since all of the trees and flowers are pollenating (hmmm... like me?!) I'm used to living on allergy medicine. Thank goodness it's 'safe' in the second trimester. So, Sunday morning, I take my usual medicine and I'm still not feeling better after a lovely serving of french toast from IHOP, and I crawl into bed until we are going for our picnic. Five hours later, I wake up and a bulldozer has hit me: my nose and eyes are running like a faucet, headache, you name it, although it still feels like allergies on steriods.
For most people, a good dose of Nyquil helps- for Pregnant Chick you can take exactly four things: Tylenol, Sudafed, Robitussin DM, and saline nasal spray. Unfortunately this little cocktail doesn't do the one thing I need it to do and thats knock my arse out so I can sleep it off. Not to mention, I am trying to not take medicine unless absolutely necessary because of BabyW. I did get some decent rest on Sunday and woke up Monday with a fever- not good when you're pregnant. Luckily Tylenol and a cool shower lowers it and I go back to bed and wake up with this dang thing moving into my chest. It's like a shapechanger! I went to the doctor and they said it's a viral infection and should clear up on it's own. Here's the kicker: since I'm pregnant, it takes longer to get better (my body is naturally fighting off the cold to keep BabyW safe) and I'm an afterthought! So, here it is four days later, cold sores have erupted on 3/4 of my mouth and I'm still in bed and have watched most of the Law & Order and CSI recordings off of my DVR! I wish I could say I've gotten in some good reading time, but I don't even have the energy to hold up a magazine or book to enjoy. Okay, so that's the end of my pity party.... I just had to share with the web world how much fun it is to be preggers and sick! I can say that my awesome husband took good care of me and I am feeling a little better today and it's just in time to enjoy a visit from mom for Easter and her birthday!

Spin the Wheel and Win....

... a random symptom or two! So, here we are at nearly 7 weeks and I've had the pleasure of experiencing a wide range of pregnancy-related symptoms. Seriously, it's like a new part of "The Price is Right!" Ladies and dear husband, what random symptom shall we deal Carol today???? Personally, I'd settle for the $1,000 bonus round, but the outcome of this little experiment will be a priceless bundle of joy, right? Yeah.

So, I've been fortunate enough to not have morning (or noon or night) sickness to the extent that I've heard others have had. Mine is more like an unexplainable little feeling in my stomach that goes away if I eat a cracker or two, or whole package for that matter. I'm hoping that that is the bulk of it. But, I'm prepared- with toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash and gum in my purse just in case; and of course the box of Nilla Wafers is patiently sitting by my bed (hoping to be turned into a trifle in about 6 more weeks!) This little feeling hit last Saturday, just about exactly at the 6 week mark. I felt like I was constantly eating- it might have also been the altitude as I was attending a conference in Denver! Speaking of food....

So the first two weeks, I couldn't get enough to eat- and I was ravenous when I did eat. Now, the thought of food turns my stomach. What sounded good two minutes ago doesn't so much anymore! Cereal is my trusty friend. I was almost in tears the other night when my dear husband (DH) tried to force me to eat. Oh, and I am a morning-cup 'o joe- fiend- my usual Venti Sugar Free Vanilla Latte is no more. Partially because of cutting down on the caffeine- the doctor says to keep the intake as low as possible, but I can have a minimal amount- but also because coffee just doesn't always taste good. Now, this is to the bewilderment of my DH who thought he would never see the day that he is the Star-biz-uck's regular, not I! (Me too!) Also helps in saving a little $$, but c'mon- that's my only vice left! (Should I trade it in for weekly pedis???) So, there have been a few cravings- ice cream, an In-N-Out cheesburger once (extra pickles!), and lots of veggies. I love veggies right now. Mostly, I've been relying on cereal and PB&J sandwiches- anything that is easy on the tummy! I think this child is going to be a picky eater... LOL.

I would have to say that fatigue is the worst thing to deal with- it makes everything just a tiny bit harder to accomplish. (And alas, no caffeine to help with energy!) Well, there is alot going on at work- moving into a new office with absolutely no help, launching a two-week long training class, and trying to juggle four new projects on top of a daily commute that had doubled- so absolutely nothing is getting done at home. I have a reserve of energy only about two hours long once I get home, and it quickly fades. Mind you, I was a night owl before- not so much anymore- I'm in PJ's once I hit the door and in bed fast asleep by 9:30 tops! Thank goodness for my DH who is taking over so much of the responsibilty for right now- I awoke to a sparkling clean kitchen the other night- yay! Oh, and let's not even talk about the two days within the past few weeks that were spent sleeping- all day! Not a marching band nor a forest fire kept me awake! It's amazing how this little being takes control of your body- oh how we'll see when BabyW actaully arrives!

So aside from above, the occasional headache or sore back, the tendency to cry when someone just says hello, my favorite random symptom has been the cold sores and dealing with the 'girls' if you know what I mean! I've suffered from cold sores as long as I can remember but for crying out loud hormones- do you have to unleash your wrath on my lips all at the same dang time! Oh but I fight back- Abreva and this new kick-a$$ topical medicine I found at Safeway, along with rubbing alcohol- it hurts crazy, but these cold sores are so wrong.... anyways, I've pretty much had one non-stop since I found out we were expecting. Probably the hormones, the fatigue, stress, you name it. Note to self to ask the doctor if lysine and acyclovir is safe. ... oh, and about the 'girls,' I've had to wear a bra non-stop to help alleviate some of the tenderness which has led to a rash. See what I mean- random stuff? I know that once lil Baby W comes, none of this will matter, but it's so much fun to reminice on!

I'm also noting all of this in my Belly Book- the cartoon on the cover says Hello Belly, Good Bye Feet! Cute! So, until the Wheel 'o Symptoms spins again.....