L & D & a Long Recovery

So as many of you know, my delivery and subsequent recovery wasn't so straightforward. I spent a total of 10 days in the hospital. Here's a [not-so] brief overview of my experience:

Jan 9th, 2009 - DAY 1

Labour: 9-11:30am

• Relatively easy, was expecting much more pain
• Watched 1 1/2 episodes of "Mad Men" - LOVE that show!
• Was very clear w/ OB & nurse that I wanted an epidural as soon as possible to minimize pain

Epidural: 11:30-12:15pm

• The first epidural didn't go in right [eeek!], so the anesthetist re-did the epidural straight away

YEAH DRUGS! 12:15-4:30pm

• This part was great. My mom came. We all had naps. Just waiting for the fun to begin

Epidural Wears Off: 4:30-7pm

• Around 4:30, I started to feel some pain. I thought I could handle it, so I didn't say anything right away - I didn't want to be a wimp
• By 5pm I was in a "state" - the pain was overwhelming. The anesthetist was paged to come back to "top me up". We were told it would be 15 mins, which I learned is "doctorspeak" for 1hr 20 mins.
• Once he topped me up it felt better, but the pain didn't subside. We had to recall him to quadruple my dose.
  
• I was so weak from the pain that I nearly didn't recover
• My sister joined us
  

Beginning to Push: 7-8pm

• Started to push. Too early. OB says to wait a 1/2 hr. Still in pain...oi
• My day nurse's shift is over - I have a new nurse who is much tougher than my day nurse

Pushing Again: 8-9:51pm

• I don't have a distinct recollection of this time period - exhausted, still in pain
  
• I remember begging for a c-section, but my family kept telling me I would recover quicker if I deliver naturally
• Sister gave me ice chips and also gave me a Bam-Bam ponytail to keep me cool - I didn't know this until after - I looked quite stupid ;)
  
• Adair, mom & sister are amazingly supportive
• One final push and feel such sweet relief - babe is whisked away
  

After the babe is born: 9:51-2am

• Serious blood loss - talk of blood transfusion - luckily not necessary
• I hold baby, Adair takes unflattering photos of me with the babe & my Bam-Bam hair; all my lovely makeup faded away at this point
  
• Family takes so many pics and visits w/ granddad who is waiting patiently for good news
• Tried to transfer me to another bed, but cannot walk - we all chalk it up to exhaustion
• Family leaves, Adair & I are alone with the babe in a room until morning

DAY 2

• Family & friends visit - beautiful flowers and cute clothes!
  
• Still cannot walk - doctors cannot explain - need MRI. MRI @ my hospital broken so need to be transported by ambulance to another hospital
• Wait for 6 hrs for ambulance. Left @ 11pm in a wicked snow storm - LONG DRIVE!
• MRI complete
  

DAY 3-9

• Need another MRI and an EMG. Doctors finally realize that I probably pinched my femoral nerve while pushing
• Also have wicked anemia bc of blood loss during delivery - so I'm very weak & tired
  
• Finally gain strength to hobble around on my walker - yeah! freedom to go to the bathroom on my own
• Love physio - determined to walk again FAST!
  
• My amazing family takes shifts taking care of me & Ezra. I'm astounded by their patience and thoughtfulness.

DAY 10

• I had enough. I need to go home. I need to be in my own bed and start to try to care for my babe.
• I need a walker to be mobile. I also need a seat and a handrail in the shower. Yes, I'm 29 not 92.
  

DAY 11

• Mom stays w/ me - we watch history being made - OBAMA!
• Physio does home visit - says I'll be off the walker soon - then a cane!
• Mom leaves for her home. Adair's mom arrives.
  

So that's pretty much the update. It will still be a long recovery yet. But I'm happy it will be weeks as opposed to months. The best part is Little Ezra is a GREAT baby, who loves to sleep & eat. He is truly "Bebe EZ".

Here are some snapshots from the hospital:

My adorable niece & nephew with their new cousin Ezra!

A sample of the delicious food - all beige, all the time ;)