GD cough

Hey all.  I am writing to you from Christian's computer as mine is on its last legs:(  The weekend brought much excitement.  First, clinic closed early Friday.  This was a blessing as my sinus ailment had made its way to my throat and I had a cough starting.  Chris and I slept through the storm and I was more than pleased to be able to stay in bed all day Saturday, skipping the snow drama.  Unfortunately, the day in bed just frustrated me, did not get rid of my cough as I had hoped.

When I woke up Sunday am I was determined to be proactive.  2 minutes of research later I had the numbers to 5 acupuncturists in my neighborhood (I love NYC!).  In 2 more minutes I had a same-day appointment.  Chris asked if I wanted him to come with me, but I figured I could handle it.  Maybe one day I will rewrite this story with more humor.  As it stands, it was pretty effing funny.

Upon arriving to the acupuncturist clinic I had a thorough evaluation including questions about my symptoms, a review of systems, taking of multiple pulses, tongue review, and a listen to my lungs.   The whole staff was looking me up and down, wondering about my pregnancy. The Dr. recommended some dietary changes for the cough, knew I wasn't interested in herbs.  I found it interesting that after finding out that I was having a girl he needed to check my pulses again.  He asked me three times if I'd been having palpitations.  After all that, we were ready for the main attraction. 

I was escorted by an assistant to the room where I was to get my needles, and I was to take my pants and socks off.  I covered with a towel.  Now, I've had acupuncture before.  I was not nervous about the needles.  They are uncomfortable, at times, but do not hurt. I was not nervous. 

I had various needles placed by the doctor.  I had them in my face, forehead, hands, elbows, knees and one in my chest.  It was all done quickly, efficiently and I was not in pain. 

Here's where it goes bad.  The Doctor explained that he was putting a heating lamp over my hands for 20 minutes and would be back after that.   Now remember that I was not nervous, nor was I in pain.  However, something started to come over me about 3 minutes after he left the room.  I got hot, yes, but it was more than that. I felt a rush come over me up towards my head.  I felt Chio trying to climb up into my ribs as though to hide.  I got sweaty, shaky and upset. I started calling out for help.  Unheard after three tries I decided to get up off the table and get someone.  Halfway up off the table I lost my breakfast, orange juice and all, all over myself.  Violent, projectile vomiting, repeatedly over ten minutes. 

I felt immediately better.

But I  knew I couldn't just sit there in it until they came back. 

Imagine a half-naked pregnant lady, needles hanging off her face, with puke all over herself waddling out into the waiting room of some very polite, very shocked, Chinese medical providers.  Just picture it!! It's kinda hard not to laugh, right?

The Dr. removed the needles so fast, helped me to lay down, cleaned me up.  I called Christian to bring me some clothes, thank god he had stayed home.  He brought me my toothbrush too, the dream boat. 

Needless to say, they did not charge me:) 

However, still coughing this morning I saw my regular MD as a walk-in and was quickly prescribed antibiotics. 

I'm looking forward to feeling better. 

PS:  My MD is shocked that I'm planning an unmedicated, vaginal birth.  OK, the vaginal part is what shocks her.  She said she wasn't really given the choice in her country and that she thought every educated woman would choose a primary C/S.  Um, I think not.  This could be a WHOLE other blog post.