I've missed you guys....update on the placenta previa queen

NurseDennie, BSN, RN · Feb 28, 2003

((((((Lou)))))))))

Never has a whine escaped from you! And if anybody deserves the occasional wimper, doggon it, it's you.

Lots of support and hugs and shared feelings from here. hange in there little Gage!!! Try to relax and stay as comfy as you can Lou. We're all behind you, waiting for more words.

Love

Dennie

louloubell1 · Feb 28, 2003

You guys are all awesome. It really just lifted my spirits to log on here tonight and find twenty-something replies on this thread. From what I understand, the game plan is to do an amniocentesis when I hit 34 weeks (can't even tell you my feelings about having a big needle shoved into my belly, but I digress.....) & if it looks like baby Gage's lungs are mature at that time they will go ahead with the C-section.

I'm trying to be patient because I know that it's better for the baby to remain inside mommy for as long as possible, but I really really want to go home and I'm concerned about my job too. Since I've been off work since late December, my FMLA is going to run out before I am able to return to work. Then I have to take a general leave of absence, and I may not get returned to my same pay rate when I am able to go back to work. In fact, I talked with my nurse manager yesterday, and it pretty much sounded like I will not get weekend option when I go back, and that is a huge, huge pay cut then. *Sigh* That really really stinks. But....I'm just not going to worry about that right now. Just not going to think about it.

Thanks for being too awesome for words you guys. You are all really helping me make it through all of this.

Be blessed. . .

Lou

emily_mom · Feb 28, 2003

Sorry to hear you are in "prison"...

Is it possible for you to take a medical leave of absence vs general? I thought with medical they had to hold your job. What a bunch a bahooey...

So, what IS on your menu? I'm hungry...

Kristy

peaceful2100, BSN, RN · Feb 28, 2003

I know you don't know me to well but I do believe in the power of prayer and I will pray for you and your baby.

New CCU RN · Feb 28, 2003

I agree about the medical leave...if it all possible. Doesn't really make sense that they wouldn't hold your position. Look into that further.... when I was a student nurse I worked as a PCA on a high risk maternal unit. We started a support group where we arranged for the moms who were "stuck in prison" to get together. once or twice a week (if they were on bed rest). From what the moms said it definitely helped. If this is at all possible, look into it. You can maybe even get some ideas about what kind of leave/etc from the other moms.

I just wanted to offer you my thoughts and prayers even though you don't know me. I can't imagine what you are going through. Try and stay stong and remember your precious little one. Time will probably not fly, but it will pass. And you will have a beautiful baby Gage when it is all over. :)

Take care and God Bless.

louloubell1 · Feb 28, 2003

Originally posted by New CCU RN
.... when I was a student nurse I worked as a PCA on a high risk maternal unit. We started a support group where we arranged for the moms who were "stuck in prison" to get together. once or twice a week (if they were on bed rest). From what the moms said it definitely helped. If this is at all possible, look into it. You can maybe even get some ideas about what kind of leave/etc from the other moms.

Take care and God Bless.

I was thinking about that same thing! I know that there are like 4 other moms on this floor right now that are in the same kind of position I am (all of us stuck here in the hospital for extended periods of time) and I know there is this big room down the hall that would fit four or five beds in there. I was thinking that maybe a couple of times a week they should wheel us all down the hall and let us hang out in that room together and maybe watch a movie or something or just talk with one another about this experience. I thought about mentioning that to the charge nurse the other day, but then I thought they might think that was a stupid idea or just wouldn't go for it for one reason or another.

Originally posted by emily_mom
Sorry to hear you are in "prison"...

Is it possible for you to take a medical leave of absence vs general? I thought with medical they had to hold your job. What a bunch a bahooey...

Kristy

I'm not sure, Kristy. When I spoke with HR, they said that medical leave is what's allotted by FMLA. That is only 12 weeks, and they do have to return you to your same position and rate of pay following that, but if you need more than 12 weeks you then have to request a general leave of absence and then you lose that assurance of returning to the same position and pay. I'm trying not to be very concerned about it because there are always RN positions available in the ICUs of the hospital where I work, and I'm sure that I'll have a job to return to, if not on my unit, then on some other unit or floor. I'm okay with that. I know I'll have a job somewhere in the hospital even if I don't get to return to my "home" unit. It would just really stink if I have to take a huge pay cut for it.

Oh well. As far as what's on the menu today....well, nothing good, that's for sure. I saw a thread in the general discussions re: McDonalds in hospitals, and I have to say that right now I would KILL for there to be a McDonalds or Pizza Hut or Subway within the confines of my prison here. I would LOVE a good old hamburger (not the icky ones that come up from the cafeteria here) and some french fries (unlike the ones that come up semi-cold and tasting funny from the cafeteria). *Sigh*

Thanks again to all of you for your continued thoughts and prayers. Be blessed!

Lou

Bed rest day 57

Hospitalization day 15

Kayzee · Feb 28, 2003

Wishing you and baby the best. Take advantage of this time for it won't last long. :)

Gator,SN · Mar 1, 2003

Lou,

I too hope that everything goes well with you and the baby. I know that this is a challenging time and my prayers and well wishes are with you!

Gator

rdhdnrs · Mar 1, 2003

Hey honey,

I am sure you are a wonderful patient!!! Baby Gage is at a good age now; he's a feeder-grower!! so any more time he can get in utero is just icing.

We're all pulling for you and you are in the best place you can be.

Just know that in the big scheme of things, this is just a drop in the bucket. I know you're going crazy, but hang in there and it'll be over and you'll ALL be home before you know it.

Lisa

researchrabbit · Mar 1, 2003

((((((((((((((Lou))))))))))))))))) Just remember, if the job doesn't work out -- you were looking for a job when you found that one.

And sometimes you lose a perfect job only to find a better one.

Baby Gage is more important than the perfect job any day. :)

nakitamoon · Mar 1, 2003

lou,,,,,, my thoughts and prayers are with you ,,, as many of the posts say,,, soon this will be all over and you will have baby gage in your arms,,,, as hard as it is to be "incarcerated",,,, knowing you are in safe place with help,,, at moments notice,,,, is a good thing,,,, you are married to a wonderful man,,,, try to relax,,,, all things will work out,,,, one day at a time,,,,, ~kitamoon,,,,,,

mother/babyRN, RN · Mar 1, 2003

{{{{}}}}....