Oh the pain

I finally have a break from the past few days of constant back pain on my left side - despite anything and everything I tried to relieve it. It just got progressively worse - starting on Wednesday. Yesterday I went to my doctor because it got so bad I was leaning over a chair in tears in my boss' office (with him not present of course) and I was afraid I might be having back labor. Of course, when I got to the office, the pain subsided and I wasn't having too many contractions. They checked for a kidney infection because the pain was around the middle of my back but that came back negative. I got a prescription for muscle relaxers but the doctor said that might not help. He said I still hadn't progressed any and until she was born, I would possibly struggle with the pain because of her positioning. By the time I got home, I was bent over in pain again. I couldn't even take a deep breath without awful pain. I took a pill but it didn't touch the pain. My mom came to pick me up and took me to her house. She looked up reflexology and massaged my feet in places that would help relieve pain in my back. That helped a little bit. But I honestly was in so much pain, I wanted so badly to go to the hospital and demand they give me a cesarian. I got sick once and almost twice - I think from the pain.

Finally, I got some tips from my friend Kelli on a few positions to try to get Ladybug to change positions. It worked - I finally felt relief and felt like a completely different person. Unfortunately, later that night, the pain returned. I was having contractions but not regular ones and it seemed every time I had a contraction, my back hurt worse. At about 8:30 last night, I was finally able to sleep for a couple of hours. My husband came to pick me up from my parent's house after his JV football game but decided it'd be best if I just stayed where I was. After I got up, the pain returned and I couldn't go back to sleep until around 1:30. Thankfully, I was able to sleep until around 5:00 and then a few more hours later this morning.

This afternoon, I made an appointment with a chiropractor who many midwives and doulas recommend. He said my hip was about 3/4 of an inch off and was able to correct that. Initially, my back still hurt but once I got home, it felt a lot better. As of now, it still hurts but not nearly as bad. Because of the hormones loosening everything, I don't know how long I'll be able to keep myself from becoming misaligned again but every moment without the excruciating pain is bliss. I also called my lamaze class instructor and she gave me the name and number of a licensed prenatal massage therapist. I'm not sure if I'll go see him (his first opening is Monday afternoon) but he can also give me some exercises to do to try to help alleviate the pain.

I have my next doctor's appointment Monday morning at 8:45. I'm hoping I will have progressed at least a little bit but then again I know that really doesn't guarantee anything. At the very least, I hope that if I'm still struggling with my back pain, that it will exhibit itself while I'm at the doctor unlike it did yesterday.

Ladybug's due date is September 24th...thinking about even going that much longer with this pain makes me cringe. Then I know I could actually go past my due date. But I know it's all very temporary and despite the pain, am thankful God has given me the opportunity to provide a safe place for her until God is ready for her to arrive. Of course, I'd prefer for her to come today. But I know God's timing is perfect and He will give me the strength to get through each day until she's here. Oh I'm so ready...c'mon Ladybug...come see us!!!