More Weird Pregnancy Stuff

I went to the doctor again today. I haven't felt great the last couple of days and just needed reassurance that things were ok with Parker. On Tuesday night, I noticed a little bump protruding from the bottom of my sternum...just felt like a knot. I know, one more weird thing. And it was painful to touch. I woke up the next morning feeling soreness around that area, more extreme pain at times, and real shortness of breath. I know difficulty breathing is a typical pregnancy symptom (I didn't really experience it when pregnant with Jonah because I carried him so low), but it alarmed me that it began at the same time that chest pain began. Anytime I bend down (even the slightest) and raise back up, I feel pressure in my chest.

So I went to the doctor and it turns out that the kind of people who bruise their uterus are the same kind who sprain their xiphoid process. Yep, that's weird ol me. I have a sprained xiphoid process. Not only that, but I learned that mine is longer and more pronounced than the average person's, so it explains how this injury occurred...by my uterus being thrust into my long, protruding xiphoid process. And why it hurts when I barely bend over, or just when my posture is bad and I slump forward. It's extra inflamed. But I'll handle it - just grateful that there's no harm to the baby! And grateful for the peace of mind that came from going ahead to the doctor to get it checked out.

We had a few good laughs with Dr. Fanning though. First, Joel was describing to him what the knot felt like, since he had been the one who had felt and pushed around on it more. (When I first discovered it, I made him touch it and tell me if it felt normal or not. It freaked me out to touch myself.) Joel's description included a reference to what gristle on a steak feels like. Dr. Fanning just looked at me and said, "That's nice!" to which I added, "Yes, just how every woman wants her husband to describe her chest!" Wouldn't you agree? So, we were a little giggly at that point. We found it interesting that Joel was born without a xiphoid process (interesting, huh?!) and I have a freakishly large one to compensate for the one he lacks. Dr. Fanning found it really funny....that our kids now have a chance for a normal xiphoid process. And Joel and I are in disagreement about which of our abnormalities is stranger. I have a feeling he will be making fun of my large, pronounced xiphoid process for the rest of our lives.

Need to go get ready for a Girls Night Out tonight - can't wait for some uninterrupted, grown-up conversation!