And the diagnosis is....

An infected c-section incision. To add some excitement to my already thrilling life.

I was able to see the nurse practitioner, and she gave me a script for Keflex, which she said should knock it out. But she wants to see me again on Friday to keep tabs on it.

It occurred to me last night in the shower that an infection could be the culprit, given the discoloration of the skin, and while that sounded a heck of a lot better than a hernia, my anxious brain ran into the woods thinking things like, "What if it's a drug-resistant strain that requires lancing the wound and intravenous medication?"

But I do feel tremendously better knowing what it is and being able to do something about it. Now if only the H1N1 vaccine would make its way to me via the local health department I might be able to really calm down. Of course, the threat of SIDS will be on my radar for another 3-5 months, but I can manage that one alright....or at least I managed it twice before.

And, today at least, nursing went more smoothly. I think (knock wood) M is getting the idea that

1. he doesn't need to smack the shit out of my breasts with his hands to get them to work

and

2. he needs to open his mouth wide if he wants to suckle.

Sweet relief.