Explaining CPP and Pelvic Rest To A Man

Figure 1. Game Over

Ever since my diagnosis, I've been doing research on it. Good sources of information and experience often come from reading blogs and support forums. Something that comes up frequently as a concern among females with this condition is explaining the seriousness of the situation to their partner. Fortunately for me, everyone I've spoken to about it has been very understanding. But not everyone has such a compassionate social system.

When all else fails, the best route of communicating the circumstances is bluntly. Being the cold wench I can be, In support of my fellow females, I offer the following fear inducing statements (creative commons free for all):

1. If I have sex, I will bleed. Blood is gross.


2. If I have sex, the baby might die and you will feel guilty forever.


3. If I have sex, I might die and you will have to raise all these children ALONE.

If that doesn't deter your partner, get a restraining order.

The fact is, UNDENIABLY, the condition and it's requirements are HARDER on us than on anyone else. Constant anxiety, depression, stress along with often having to continue risking physical safety because life goes on -- not fun at all. And then to add insult to injury, no sex... Not even no sex, no orgasm whatsoever. Indeed it's a test of personal fortitude.

I hate to steal yet another image, but I couldn't possibly frame this better than Julie.

Figure 2. Shamefully borrowed without permission
from Little Pregnant Blog, only because it's perfect.

Related Interesting Read: Bedrest, A Guys Perspective @ Sidelines

What an excellent day for an exorcism.

Joseph has been sick, on and off, since October 18th. First he had a bad cold and then he had a major ear infection. He seemed to be doing well for a few days until he woke up this morning looking like this:

Hi mom!

Something is going around. Two others that attended my nephew's party this weekend got sick too. Joseph's doctor said it's a 24 hour stomach virus (Norovirus). But it feels like forever to me. This is me right now...

FML

What a week to be diagnosed with this CPP thing. Today alone I chased after a miserable toddler (who never had repeat vomiting before so was terrified), bending, lifting, chasing, bathing, started 3 loads of laundry then had to walk him a mile to the doctor to get a prescription for electrolytes. Nature is playing a cruel joke right now. And I haven't even begun the "big disinfect" spree that must occur when he feels better. Halfway to the pharmacy I got cramping enough to have to sit down. Then I realized, my kid cannot get sick for the rest of my pregnancy.

And meanwhile, back in reality...

This changes things. A dear friend of mine offered to take Joseph out this weekend. We will probably cancel considering I won't be sure if he's contagious. But despite his bloodwork being clear for any immune deficiency, this kid catches a cold making eye contact.

Being a supermom (not), I have no idea how to respond to a sick person while simultaneously not moving abruptly. Is that even possible? I wish there were some advice somewhere on the subject. Actually, I wish I had telekinesis... I'm dumbstruck. Now I'm just hoping I didn't contract it. I guess I will find out in a few days.