Chapter 66
Pregnancy Problems
By this time, you probably think that Michael and Amanda had nothing but happy times together. Unfortunately, that wouldn't be true. Despite their best efforts, Michael and Amanda experienced a time in which life wasn't as happy as they had hoped it would be.
**********
Michael was as happy being a father as he could have ever fantasized about being. He did everything he could to make Amanda's life as easy as possible after the birth of Gerald. After returning from work, Michael would take over taking care of Gerald, including feeding, bathing and changing diapers. After putting Gerald into his crib for a nap, Michael would join Amanda in the kitchen to assist her in preparing dinner. After dinner, Michael and Amanda would settle onto the couch and cuddle while watching television. They would take turns responding to Gerald's cries when he needed attention. Normally, this was decided by playing the old game of rock, paper, scissors. Amanda won significantly more often than Michael did. Even though she couldn't prove it, Amanda had the feeling that Michael was intentionally losing.
When Gerald awoke from his nap, Michael retrieved him, changed his diaper and brought him to Amanda for his feeding. Around 1600, Gerald was falling asleep again and Amanda put him back into his crib. Then, she and Michael undressed and went to bed. Until Amanda healed completely from giving birth, Michael wouldn't give into his baser desires and only cuddled with Amanda as they slept.
As soon as the doctor informed Amanda that she had healed from giving birth, she was giddy as she waited for that night to come. She even refused to allow Michael to assist her as she prepared their dinner that night. After they ate dinner, fed Gerald, and put him into his crib, she raced to their bathroom to shower and prepare for bed. It didn't take being hit with a 2X4 for Michael to realize what was happening. He smiled and used the guest bathroom to take his shower. After finishing his shower, Michael wrapped a towel around his waist and went to the bedroom. A few minutes later, Amanda arrived wearing her own towel. When she reached her side of the bed, she removed the towel revealing her naked body and climbed into the bed snuggling up to Michael and caressing him causing the desired reaction. They made love for the first time in over 6 months.
**********
Two years after that night, Amanda was sitting on the couch waiting for Michael to return from work. She had some news she was hoping would make Michael happy. When she heard Michael's car stop in the driveway of their home, she got up off the couch and stood in front of the door. Michael opened the door, saw Amanda standing there, and was immediately curious since she never did that.
``What's going on?'' Michael asked, cautiously.
``I've got some news for you, Michael.'' Amanda replied.
Continuing to be cautious, Michael responded with, ``Really?''
Grinning from ear to ear, Amanda said, ``I'm pregnant!'' Then, she bounced on her toes happily.
Michael was taken aback for a second as the news sank in. Then, he grabbed her around her waist, lifted her into the air, and swung her around as she giggled happily. Gerald, who was sitting on the floor, heard Amanda giggling and joined her. He may not have known why she was happy but, if Mama's happy, he's happy.
After setting Amanda back on the floor, Michael said, ``Are you sure?''
``Yes. The doctor told me this morning. I've been waiting all day to give you the good news.'' She answered happily.
Michael kissed Amanda passionately and pulled her into a hug. ``Oh, Amanda, I'm ecstatic. I know you told me you wanted a big family and I want you to be happy. I can hardly wait.''
**********
Unfortunately for Amanda, this pregnancy would be anything but easy. A couple of months after her announcement, Amanda woke up sick and with a sharp pain in her abdomen. She didn't want to bother Michael, so she got up to prepare his breakfast. Unfortunately, she had barely gotten breakfast started before an extraordinarily sharp pain hit her. She called Michael and before he could arrive, she had passed out on the kitchen floor. As scary as it was to see his wife lying on the kitchen floor, Michael was calm enough to get to the telephone and call the EMTs, told them the situation, and unlock the front door before he raced back to the kitchen and turn off the stove. Then, he moved to where Amanda was lying and gently took her into his arms. He gently brushed her hair out of her face and stroked her facial and muzzle fur.
About 5 minutes after he called, Michael heard a knock on the front door. He called out telling the EMTs to come in. They entered and he heard one call out.
``Emergency Medical Technicians! Where are you?''
Michael replied, ``We're in the kitchen.''
The lead EMT spoke to Michael, ``How long as she been like this?''
``Since about 30 seconds before I called. So, I'd say about 5 1/2 minutes.''
Another EMT spoke saying, ``She's breathing and it's regular, although shallow.''
The first EMT said, ``Heart rate?''
``122 bpm.''
``Blood pressure?''
``135 over 70.''
``Elevated but not seriously so.'' He turned to Michael and said, ``We're going to take her to the hospital to make certain she's all right.''
Just then, Amanda opened her eyes, looked at Michael and said, weakly, ``Michael.''
Michael took her hand and said, ``I'm here, Princess.''
``What's going on?''
``You called out to me and fainted. The EMTs are going to take you to the hospital.''
``Gerald?''
``I'll call your mom and ask her to keep him and feed him breakfast. Then, I'm going to go to the hospital to be with you.''
She smiled faintly and said, ``All right, Michael.''
After putting her on a gurney, the EMTs took Amanda to the ambulance, locked the gurney down, closed the door, and, after telling Michael which hospital they were going to, they headed to the Piedmont Regional Medical Center. After they left, Michael called Jacob, told him what had happened and asked if Ophelia would mind taking care of Gerald while he was at the hospital with Amanda.
Ophelia got on the telephone and said, ``Michael, what's wrong!?''
``Amanda got up to prepare breakfast for me and Gerald. While I was getting ready to go to work, I heard her call out in pain and then I hear a thud as she hit the floor. The EMTs have taken her to Piedmont Regional Medical Center. I'd like it if you would look after Gerald while I'm at the hospital with Amanda.''
``Of course, we'll take care of Gerald, Michael. You go take care of your wife.''
``Thank you, Mrs. Fuchs.''
After getting off the telephone with Mrs. Fuchs, Michael called SoGa Industries and talked to Bertha. ``Good morning, Bertha.''
Michael could hear the happiness in Bertha's voice as she said, ``Good morning, Michael.''
``Bertha, is Mr. Blaidd in yet?''
``Not yet. You never call in. What's wrong?''
``Amanda's in the hospital. I don't know what's wrong with her, though. She cried out to me in pain and fainted.''
Bertha caught her breath, shocked. ``Is she going to be okay?''
``I don't know, Bertha. The EMTs came, gave her the once over, said her vitals were concerning but not overly so, and took her to the hospital to make sure there isn't something wrong that they can't diagnose.''
``Thank goodness.
``Oh, Mr. Blaidd just got here. I'll let him know the situation and that you'll contact us later.''
``Thanks, Bertha. I need to get Gerald up and take him to his grandmother to take care of him until I know more.'' Michael hung up the telephone and went to Gerald's room.
Michael got Gerald up. ``Come on, Buddy, you've got to get dressed.''
``Way-uh mama?''
Michael paused as he thought of a way to tell Gerald. ``Mama's at the hospital, Son. She doesn't feel well. I'm going to dress you and take you to Grandma Ophelia's house. She's going to take care of you while I make sure your mama's okay.''
``Uh'kay, Daddy.''
**********
The EMTs took Amanda to the hospital where she was sedated her to ease her pain. About 20 minutes after Amanda arrived, Michael raced through the ER doors. He rushed up to the triage desk and spoke to the nurse. ``My name's Michael Fuchs-Thomson. My wife, Amanda, was brought here a few minutes ago. Can I see her?''
``Amanda Fuchs-Thomson. Let me see. Oh, yes. She's sedated right now but you can go back. Room 1010.''
``Thank you.''
Michael went through the double doors, found room 1010, and entered. He walked over, took Amanda's hand and looked at her. She was asleep. Amanda's obstetrician, Dr. Jeruk, an orangutan in her late 50s, walked into her hospital room carrying a clipboard with several sheets of paper on it. She looked at Amanda and Michael and said, ``Michael, I'm glad you're here.''
``Is she all right, Dr. Jeruk?''
``We had some tests we needed to run on her and we believed it would be prudent to sedate her so she wouldn't feel any pain as we ran the tests.''
``Have you learned anything?''
Dr. Jeruk walked over to Amanda's bed, did a cursory examination of her, and as she performed the exam, said, ``We don't really know what's wrong with her, Michael. Other than the elevated BP and heart rate, she seems to be in good health. Of course, the BP and heart rate could be the result of the pain she's experiencing.''
Dr. Jeruk thought for a moment before continuing, ``Michael, you were one of the first humans to contract the HEV, correct?''
That question caught Michael off guard. He replied, ``Yes, ma'am. Why?''
``Just a second.'' Dr. Jeruk walked over to the telephone, dialed a few numbers, and spoke quietly into the telephone. The last thing she said was loud enough for Michael to hear, ``Yes, I want that test run! No! Now! Stop all other tests until that one is complete!''
Michael's curiosity was piqued and he asked, ``What test is so important that you would postpone all other tests, Dr. Jeruk?''
``It's a rarely used test any more. It had to be run when humans and Humanimals started interbreeding due to a genetic problem that occasionally occurred as a result of the HEV.''
``What genetic problem?''
``How much do you know about how the HEV affects humans, Michael?''
``I know it killed about .05% of the humans it infected and sterilized about .075%. Why?''
``Well, that isn't entirely correct.'' Michael looked at Dr. Jeruk incredulously. ``It didn't sterilize anybody. It altered their reproductive functions.''
``What!? How!?''
``As you probably already know, Humanimal sperm and ova carry the full DNA of the individual it comes from.'' Michael nodded. ``However, the DNA is broken down by genetic sequence rather than being split longitudinally like humans from you first life. Upon the ovum being fertilized, the father's sperm deposits its DNA and the DNA from both parents compete to reach the correct location in the new DNA strand. This is how we pass on new DNA information and prevent true cloning.''
``Yes ma'am, I know that.''
``Well, now that we have a human from 20,000 years ago, we've been able to study the HEV in it's original form and how it affects humans. Do you remember giving Dr. Leo and Tigresa a sperm sample?''
Michael laughed a mirthless laugh and said, ``Yes, ma'am. That was one of the most embarrassing things I've ever had to do.''
Dr. Jeruk chuckled and said, ``I can well imagine. I've requested the results of the tests that were run on your sperm. If I'm right, Amanda's in for a rough time with this pregnancy.''
**********
A few hours later, the telephone rang and Dr. Jeruk answered it. ``Room 1010, Dr. Jeruk speaking.'' She listened for a few seconds before saying, ``Good. Send the results up right away.''
A couple of minutes later, an orderly entered the room carrying several sheets of paper. Dr. Jeruk took the papers and dismissed the orderly. She looked at the paperwork, gave a very orangutan-like grunt before saying, ``I was afraid of this. I was hoping I was wrong, but I'm not.''
``What, Dr. Jeruk?''
``Let me explain.'' Dr. Jeruk explained the situation to Michael.
After Dr. Jeruk's explanation, Michael sat heavily in a nearby chair. He thought for a few seconds before saying, ``Is Amanda going to sleep through the night?''
This question caught Dr. Jeruk off guard, but she said, ``I can see to it. Why?''
``I'd rather you explain this to her because if she wakes up, she's going to demand an explanation.''
``I understand, Michael. Consider it done.''
**********
The next morning, Amanda awoke and saw Michael sitting next to her with his head laying on her abdomen. She smiled because he did the same thing when she was pregnant with Gerald. She reached over and gently stroked his hair. As she did this she looked around the room. This wasn't her bedroom. ``Where am I!?'' She thought.
Just then, Michael awoke and saw the panic in Amanda's eyes. ``What's wrong, Princess?'' He asked.
Amanda asked, ``Michael! Where am I!?''
``Take it easy, Sweetheart. You're in the hospital.''
``What happened?''
``You woke up yesterday morning and went to fix breakfast. You called out to me and I found you on the floor unconscious. I called the EMTs and they brought you here.''
``Do they know what's wrong with me?''
``Dr. Jeruk has her suspicions.''
``What!?''
``I think it would be better if she explained. I'm smart, but I don't know nor understand biology that well.''
Just then, Dr. Jeruk knocked on the door and walked in. ``Ah, Amanda!'' She said. ``You're awake. Good.
``I guess you're wondering what's wrong with you.''
``Yes, ma'am.'' Amanda replied.
``I'm afraid I have some disturbing news, Amanda. The HEV affected Michael's reproductive abilities in a different way than it affects every modern human.'' Amanda looked at her with concern. ``Pre-HEV humans reproduction had the DNA strands split longitudinally. Current human reproduction has their DNA strands split by genetic sequence, like Humanimals do. Michael, I'm afraid, has both kinds of DNA.''
``Meaning?''
``Meaning he has DNA split longitudinally and DNA split by genetic sequence.''
``How does this affect me?''
``If one of the sperm with longitudinally split DNA strands impregnated you, your body had to fill the empty spaces by splitting the DNA in your ovum in order to fill those empty spaces. Everything should be all right for you, though. But, it could also cause you a lot of trouble while you're carrying this kit.''
``How so?''
``Because it isn't natural for Humanimals to do this, it could effectively cause this kit to be sterile, unable to reproduce naturally, or not live a full life due to the DNA losing its cohesion and separating, or absolutely nothing could go wrong for her. In other words, Amanda, we don't know.''
``Is there any way to know for certain?''
``I'm afraid not. All we can do is monitor you for a couple of days to see if you get better. But, I need to warn you two ahead of time, Amanda could have a miscarriage because of what likely happened as a result of your impregnation. We need to take a DNA sample from the fetus and verify our suspicions. Do the two of you consent to this?''
Amanda nodded and Michael said, ``Yes, if it will help to prove or disprove your theory.''
``Good. Amanda we're going to take you to the OR, sedate you, and take the sample. I'll order the sample be tested immediately even if we have to suspend all other DNA tests. We should know something in a few hours.
``No matter what, we'll have to schedule regular hospital visits so we can obtain a sample of the amniotic fluid to do DNA tests to make sure the pregnancy is progressing properly and the kit's DNA is fine.''
Michael literally fell into a chair as those words registered. He looked at Amanda. ``Will she be in pain during her pregnancy?''
``Likely. Unfortunately, the pain medications we could give her could also cause a miscarriage.''
Michael winced. Michael hated the thought of Amanda being in pain; but, he also knew how happy she was when she found out she was pregnant. ``So, six of one, half a dozen of the other?''
``That pretty much sums it up, Michael.''
Michael thought for several seconds, then he asked, ``Is there anything we can do to help her during the pregnancy?''
``Yes.'' Dr. Jeruk looked pointedly at Amanda and said, ``Amanda can't stand more than 15 minutes a day. Do you understand me, Amanda, 15 minute, a day. That means in a 24-hour period, no more than 15 minutes, not 15 minutes at a time, 15 minutes all day. Oh! And Amanda? That 15 minutes doesn't accrue. Understand?''
Fearfully, Amanda asked, ``What would happen if I stood longer?''
``Oh, not much. Just a miscarriage, if you're lucky. A grave, if you're unlucky.'' Dr. Jeruk had a great bedside manner, so she knew when to coat a comment with icing and when to deliver it like a baseball bat. In her 27 years as an obstetrician, she'd learned that some women responded to a whip better than a carrot.
Michael took Amanda's hand and said, ``Don't worry, Doctor. I'll contact her mother and ask her to stay with Amanda to prevent her from doing something she shouldn't do.''
Amanda wasn't very happy about all this. Despite her anger with her mother and rejecting most of what Ophelia had tried to instill into her as she grew up, some things had taken root and born fruit. Taking care of her husband's needs was one of those seeds. Dr. Jeruk noticed the look on her face.
``Amanda, these precautions are for your health and the health of your kit. Please don't forget what I've said.''
``Yes, ma'am.'' Amanda replied.
A few minutes later, several nurses wearing scrubs arrived and started preparing Amanda for her little trip to the OR. After they completed prepping her, including inserting a needle into a vein to administer anesthesia, Michael kissed her and said he'd see her shortly.
About an hour after she left, Amanda was wheeled back into her room. She was still under the effects of the anesthesia so she wasn't very talkative. However, after about 5 minutes, Amanda's eyes began to flutter as the effects of the anesthesia started to wane. Soon, she opened her eyes, although she obviously was a bit woozy.
Michael leaned over her, smiling at her. When her eyes focused and she saw the smile, she smiled back. ``When are they going to take me to the operating room, Michael?''
Michael's smile broadened as he said, ``You've already been and are back, Sweetheart.''
``Really?''
``Yeah. Dr. Jeruk will be back shortly. Hopefully, she'll have good news.''
Just as Michael finished saying this, Dr. Jeruk walked into the room. ``Ah, you're awake!'' She said. ``Everything went well, as you can guess. The DNA sample was small enough that the kit shouldn't have a noticeable scar. We should have the report in an hour or two.''
About 45 minutes later, another orderly entered the room with several sheets of paper. Dr. Jeruk took the report and the orderly left the room. As she read the report, Dr. Jeruk gave a low whistle. She looked at Michael and Amanda with some concern on her face.
``Well, as we feared, the DNA in the sperm that impregnated you was split longitudinally.''
Amanda said, ``So, what are the odds my kit will survive my pregnancy?''
Dr. Jeruk said, ``Well, that all depends on you, Amanda. If you follow my rules, that being no more than 15 minutes a day on your feet, I'd say the odds are even or 50 to 1 in her favor. However, if you fail to follow my rules . . .'' She just shook her head.
Amanda said, ``I understand, Doctor.''
``Good. Now, I want you to stay in the hospital for a couple more days so we can stabilize you better. Then, when you're released, you will ride the wheelchair to the front entrance and you can take the few steps necessary to get into your car.''
Dr. Jeruk looked at Michael and said, ``I'm afraid you're going to need to buy a wheelchair so Amanda can get to and from the bathroom to bathe and relieve herself.''
``That's fine, Doctor. I'll buy one and put it into the trunk of my car on my way home.''
``All right. As long as we understand each other, I'll leave you two alone. Michael, it was a pleasure seeing you again.''
Looking back at her sternly, Dr. Jeruk said, ``Amanda, please don't ignore my warning. Gerald doesn't need to ask Michael where his mommy is when he's older.''
With tears in her eyes, Amanda replied, ``Yes, Doctor Jeruk.''
``Good. I'll be in over the next couple of days to see you and find out how you're doing.''
``Yes, Doctor Jeruk.''
**********
True to his word, Michael stopped and bought a wheelchair for Amanda to use during her pregnancy. After leaving the medical supply store, Michael drove to the Fuchs residence. Jacob answered the door, invited him in, and called Ophelia. When she arrived carrying Gerald, Michael told her what the doctor had said about Amanda not standing any longer than 15 minutes a day.
``Oh, Amanda!'' Ophelia said. ``Michael, is she going to be all right?''
``As long as she does what the doctor told her, she should be fine. That's why I'm hoping that you can spend days with her while I'm working. If that isn't possible, I hope you can suggest someone to do it for me. I don't expect you to do it for free so let me know how much you'll charge and I'll pay you to help her.''
``Michael! Amanda is my daughter and that kit she's carrying is my grandkit. I wasn't a good mother to her as she was growing up, so I'm going to show her that I can be a good mother and grandmother. I won't accept your money. All I would ask of you is that there is food for me to prepare for her and Gerald.''
``Yes, ma'am. I should have known better than to offer you money to take care of Amanda and Gerald for me.''
``Exactly. When do you wish for me to start visiting Amanda?''
``It all depends on when she's released from the hospital. I'll let you know as soon as I know. When you come over, you can bring your younger kits. Gerald loves to play with his aunts and uncles and they enjoy his company, too.''
Ophelia smiled as she said, ``Yes, they do; don't they?''
Michael told Jacob that he was going to take a few days off from work. Jacob agreed and offered to contact Edward Blaidd. Michael thanked Jacob but said he believed he should be the one to talk to Mr. Blaidd. After Jacob assured him that he and Ophelia wouldn't mind keeping Gerald as long as was necessary, Michael said he'd take several changes of clothing for Gerald as he headed back to the hospital.
Michael went home, called SoGa Industries and talked to Mr. Blaidd. Michael explained the situation and apologized for needing a few days off work to keep Amanda company while she was in the hospital. Edward understood and told him to take as long as necessary to make sure Amanda was in good health. Michael thanked Mr. Blaidd and hung up the telephone. After Michael hung up the telephone, he fed Buddy and Me-You. He could see that they seemed a little lost. They were now 4 years old and had grown up with Gerald. They tolerated Gerald's teasing and played with him making Gerald giggle at their antics. Michael knew they didn't understand, but he explained where Gerald was and that Victoria, Edward, and Anne would visit them regularly to make sure they were fed and their litter boxes were cleaned. After petting and talking to Buddy and Me-You, Michael cleaned their litter boxes, packed a few days worth of clothes for Gerald, and left.
After making a quick stop at the Fuchs house to drop off the clothing and visiting with Gerald for several minutes explaining as best he could why he wasn't going to see his mother for a little while, Michael left and headed straight to the hospital. He was going to spend the night at the hospital so Amanda wouldn't be alone if she should happen to wake up.
**********
When he arrived at Amanda's room, Michael settled into a chair next the Amanda's bed and took her hand. He looked lovingly at her and prayed a short prayer that everything would be fine and that the kit would be fine. He was certain that Ophelia would brook no arguments about taking care of Amanda and Gerald, especially since he was certain she'd remind Amanda that she was just trying to make up for her lack of being a good mother to her when she was a kit.
After a couple of hours, reading magazines to Amanda, Michael finally fell asleep. His dreams were filled with fears for Amanda's safety. He was worried that as hard-headed as Amanda could be, she'd ignore the doctor's orders about her time limits to make sure that he and Gerald were ``properly taken care of''. As a result of these dreams, he would awaken with a start, look at Amanda as she slept, get up and take care of some need she had that only he could see, and then sit back down, lay his head on her stomach, and fall asleep again.
