Hi Noisyworld, thank you : ).

I am in bed just now with UTI that is around my kidneys. Apparently it's a pregnancy thing, as this is my second. Probably the only time I've spoken to doctor and nurses and said - I hurt a bit and I just don't feel right, and then been taken seriously.

Feeling ugh at moment, and really exhausted. Story so far with pregnancy involves a lot of medics. So good, some so-so.

The best so far was maternity physio (I know, a NICE physio, it does happen) that I self referred to. She gave me simple exercises to do, that involved tiny muscle movements to help with posture. I asked her what exercises I could on the ball I have, as I can do this with certain movements. She told me to get on it, and sit on it, and that was it. In fact, she said I was doing really well, as I know how to pace myself, and that's the thing she ends up having to tell people to do because they push themselves hard when they need to rest. Very helpful to have someone say; actually I need you to do less than you think, and your attitude is good. She told me there is a moving and handling team available and hoists for labour (although, she does sound like she is  the kind of person who would make that happen, whilst not all medics remeber to communicate these needs). She will also go over labour positions I can do in advance; very helpful.

The consultant is mixed. Her side kick told me they want to consider heparin if my mobility gets worse. I already know I have no blood clotting issues, and I'm not convinced this isn't just a standard approach to wheelchair users. I know for some folk it's vital, but for me, they'd need to produce some very convincing evidence. Mixed discussions re labour. Most concerned about allergy issues; as my experience is that any break down in communication can lead to very simple mistakes being made that have huge affects on me. We had a 16 week scan the week after with the consultant and her first words were; why are you having this. I'm like, um, you're the one in charge...

Have spoken to aneasthetist and that was mixed too. There is the option of using local aneasthetic only, without opiates, for epidural if required(however, with caesarian, it's the whole lot together, no choice). I would like that; because opiates can be added after wards. I am so drug sensitive as it is, and I know opiates affect my asthma already. She kind of back tracked on that - well, I need suggestions that they will stick to. I know I can't do the whole thing without medication, and I need to be prepared for all sorts, but as low intervention as is possible would be a sensible approach. I will be using TENS, but water birth has so far been vetoed. And I'm starting accupuncture now that I will do all the way up to the birth.

There are other appointments that may happen - that sounds great, but some of them might be because they are a bit lost in understanding the allergy stuff. They were astonished that I have no ME specialist - that's right folk, there are none in Scotland, so I told them basically, I am the expert of me, lol.

Put all this detail down in case anyone else stumbles in here with similar scenario. So far am having well monitored, but fairly simple pregnancy. Although people have been very nice, it has taken a BUNDLE of assertiveness in every appointment to get across a large amount of info wiith as much clarity as possible.

Many thanks to the very kind friend who came here weekly and handed over a large chunk of second hand stuff that means the nursery is actually fairly well equipped already. Ditto the folk that say congrats, and don't pull a face and go, oh ,how will you manage? Also, full marks to the midwife who told the antenatal team, look this lady gets one to one classes, ok, she just does, and stopped them harrassing me to explain why this should be so.

FS