I had been feeling off all night on Wednesday morning. That all too familiar cramping started. I tried to rest and stay hydrated. By about noon, things weren't getting worse, but they weren't getting better either. I made the call. L&D was apprehensive to let me come in, but after a brief look at my history, they decided to have me come in. I texted DH and we all met at the hospital. They got me hooked up to the monitors and did noticed that I was contracting every 5 minutes for about 20-30 seconds. The nurse, Doc Carter (my choice when I get one for scheduling), and a training physician came in to check me out. I got the full treatment. Speculum exam, ultrasound, manual, and digital exam. The ultrasound showed a long cervix of 4.5cm, no funneling, and closed. Q has her head right down on my cervix and she is healthy. No infections, so the Microgel worked. Because of my history with DS, they didn't want me leaving contracting (For those of you who do not know what happened, I went in to L&D contracting every 5 minutes, but no cervical changes and ffn negative so they sent me home. I ended up in full blown PTL 5 days later and delivered him 2 after that) so they decided to give me a dose of Terbutaline or Terb for short. Wow. That was quite the experience. It made my heart race, my hands shake, and very nauseated. I started to feel a bit better, contraction wise, so we started discussing discharge after another exam to verify that there had been no changes. The doctor (a new shift started) was still concerned with sending me home so we scheduled a follow-up for the next day in OB clinic.
Thursday, I dropped the kids off with DH at work for a quick stop to OB. I was still getting contractions intermittently, but not of the same magnitude as the day before. We took a quick peek at baby and her heart rate was good. She was waving as usual. He did a cervical exam and found that my cervix was down to 3.5cm. Still well within a safe range, but a 1cm change in less than 24 hours. We then discussed the words I knew were going to come up eventually. Bedrest. He talked about how we really don't know the benefits of it right now, but at this point, we need to keep the baby in. I am now officially on restricted activity/modified bedrest.
What does this mean? This means, I can shower, make meals, change diapers, eat dinner at the table. This means I cannot clean, lift heavy objects (especially the kids), no trips over 30 minutes to the store, if I can be laying down, I should be, If the kids are sleeping, I should be, pelvic rest, and if necessary to be in the upright position, I should be seated.
I will be going in for weekly appointments of my cervix now. If it changes again, that will be upped to 2x/wk. He said that since I'm on the 17P already, there isn't much more we can do unless I go into active labor. It's a waiting game at this point and one that I hope to win. We'd really like to make it to atleast 30w, although even 28w would give Q a substantially higher chance of survival.
We'll see what next week Thursday brings. A day at a time is all we can do.
25w - It was about time.
Friday, September 20, 2013
On happy news! Nate gave me my 10th injection, finishing off our 2nd vile of Makena. Marking our half-way point.
I knew that something has been up for a few days now. I've been getting many more contractions, overall irritability, and something just wasn't so right down below. I called base to see if I could get in to see an OB and as I should have expected, they didn't have any openings until sometime next week. The scheduler said she could get me in with my PCM the next morning though, so I jumped at the opportunity.
We dropped daddy off at work at 0700. Gave a urine sample at 0720. Waited at the Starbucks cafe in the hospital while we all had a cheese danish and cookies. 0750 we checked in to family practice. They got us in fairly quick. My sample came back clean, so no UTI. Doc threw a towel at me, left the room, and away we went for a sample and exam. 0820 we left with my sample to bring to the lab and commence our next wait. 0920 back to family practice we went to discuss the results. They pulled us back and she announced that I have a BV infection. Bleh. I get them fairly easy in pregnancy, so I wasn't surprised by the results, but am just surprised that it took this long to finally get one. After calling upstairs to OB, OB again, MFM, OB, and finally MFM, we were able to determine that it was safe for me to use Metrogel instead of oral Flagyl since it makes me so sick. She sent my rx down to the pharmacy where we had to wait another 30 minutes. On the plus side, my Makena had arrived a day early so we could pick it up as well. We finally made it out of the hospital at 1030, ran quickly to McDs for my hungry kiddos, and then onto speech therapy. We got home at 1230 and everyone crashed until it was 1500 and time to pick up daddy.
On the sadder news. It seems that the infection has really taken a toll on my body. Upon examination, non-u/s (so it could not be as bad), my cervix is down to finger width and soft. I am also dilated to 1cm through. We're hoping that after this 5 day round of antibiotics my cervix might start behaving again. I'm sure hoping. My next appt isn't for another 3w.
I knew that something has been up for a few days now. I've been getting many more contractions, overall irritability, and something just wasn't so right down below. I called base to see if I could get in to see an OB and as I should have expected, they didn't have any openings until sometime next week. The scheduler said she could get me in with my PCM the next morning though, so I jumped at the opportunity.
We dropped daddy off at work at 0700. Gave a urine sample at 0720. Waited at the Starbucks cafe in the hospital while we all had a cheese danish and cookies. 0750 we checked in to family practice. They got us in fairly quick. My sample came back clean, so no UTI. Doc threw a towel at me, left the room, and away we went for a sample and exam. 0820 we left with my sample to bring to the lab and commence our next wait. 0920 back to family practice we went to discuss the results. They pulled us back and she announced that I have a BV infection. Bleh. I get them fairly easy in pregnancy, so I wasn't surprised by the results, but am just surprised that it took this long to finally get one. After calling upstairs to OB, OB again, MFM, OB, and finally MFM, we were able to determine that it was safe for me to use Metrogel instead of oral Flagyl since it makes me so sick. She sent my rx down to the pharmacy where we had to wait another 30 minutes. On the plus side, my Makena had arrived a day early so we could pick it up as well. We finally made it out of the hospital at 1030, ran quickly to McDs for my hungry kiddos, and then onto speech therapy. We got home at 1230 and everyone crashed until it was 1500 and time to pick up daddy.
On the sadder news. It seems that the infection has really taken a toll on my body. Upon examination, non-u/s (so it could not be as bad), my cervix is down to finger width and soft. I am also dilated to 1cm through. We're hoping that after this 5 day round of antibiotics my cervix might start behaving again. I'm sure hoping. My next appt isn't for another 3w.
24w - VIABILITY! Woohoo!
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Hello everyone. I was hoping to update sooner, but with being quite under the weather and the fact that our laptop got the DOJ virus (for which we can't seem to purge), it has been difficult to find time for an update.
I am 24w. Viability. It it comforting to know that she has a small fighting chance now and that will increase exponentially as the weeks progress.
I had an appointment at 23w with an MD. Cervical length is holding steady at 4.1cm. I'm up 10.5 lbs. Blood pressure was 137/89. Q was head down and probably still is. I told her about the headaches, chest pain, weakness, dizziness, feeling of sickness, the swelling (especially at night), etc. She brushed me off and said I was probably a little anemic and to keep doing what I'm doing. She scheduled me to come back in a few days shy of 29w. I feel pretty defeated. She wouldn't even take a look at my lab reports. I'm sitting here now taking it day by day. I'm hardly functioning, but can atleast take care of the kids minimally and my personal needs. I'm increasingly exhausted and gaining those beautiful dark circles around my eyes. I seem to be developing carpal tunnel in my left wrist. Although, that was to be expected, I have gotten it with every baby thus far.
This weeks 17P injection led to a bit of tears. It wasn't so much that it hurt. It was a culmination of everything going on right now. I feel absolutely terrible, like the life has been zapped out of my body. Living everyday in pain and fear of what tomorrow is going to bring. Disappointment with my medical care. Upset with my body that I have to have these shots. I'm so glad to have a husband that completely understands. I will feel relieved when she is here and we can officially close this chapter in our lives. I cannot handle another pregnancy, physically or emotionally.
On the bright side. Here is my 24w belly pic. :) I've grown a lot in 4w.
I am 24w. Viability. It it comforting to know that she has a small fighting chance now and that will increase exponentially as the weeks progress.
I had an appointment at 23w with an MD. Cervical length is holding steady at 4.1cm. I'm up 10.5 lbs. Blood pressure was 137/89. Q was head down and probably still is. I told her about the headaches, chest pain, weakness, dizziness, feeling of sickness, the swelling (especially at night), etc. She brushed me off and said I was probably a little anemic and to keep doing what I'm doing. She scheduled me to come back in a few days shy of 29w. I feel pretty defeated. She wouldn't even take a look at my lab reports. I'm sitting here now taking it day by day. I'm hardly functioning, but can atleast take care of the kids minimally and my personal needs. I'm increasingly exhausted and gaining those beautiful dark circles around my eyes. I seem to be developing carpal tunnel in my left wrist. Although, that was to be expected, I have gotten it with every baby thus far.
This weeks 17P injection led to a bit of tears. It wasn't so much that it hurt. It was a culmination of everything going on right now. I feel absolutely terrible, like the life has been zapped out of my body. Living everyday in pain and fear of what tomorrow is going to bring. Disappointment with my medical care. Upset with my body that I have to have these shots. I'm so glad to have a husband that completely understands. I will feel relieved when she is here and we can officially close this chapter in our lives. I cannot handle another pregnancy, physically or emotionally.
On the bright side. Here is my 24w belly pic. :) I've grown a lot in 4w.
22w Update
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Usually, I update after an appointment. It was scheduled for Thursday, but it turns out that the hospital has a complete power outage and needed to reschedule everyone. Unfortunately, that means I won't be able to see a doctor until this coming Friday.
We went back to our hometown for a quick trip for a wedding. Everything went very well. On the way back, I started swelling. Of course, I figured that it was probably just traveling back home and with having my blood pressure checked, it was normal. It seemed to go down. It was short lived. I was getting anxious to see my doctor on Thursday to discuss the way I have been feeling.
I ended up getting b/w done on Friday which came back showing hemolysis, but everything else checked out. Iron serum fantastic though. Platelets in a safe range. LFT normal.
Over the weekend my blood pressure has gotten to 120/85, which is a 20/15 increase for me. I'm swollen. I keep waking up all night because of how much pain the swelling in causing me. I can feel my face is a little bit swollen and so are my lips. Just in the past night I started feeling like I'm getting the flu. Constant burning in my chest, especially under my ribcage. I'm just not feeling well. I'm hoping that the doc orders a new round of labs on Friday and I can compare for any changes. My dipstick tests have come back at negative for proteinuria.
23w tomorrow. I'll feel relieved to make it to 24w and even happier with 26w and beyond.
We went back to our hometown for a quick trip for a wedding. Everything went very well. On the way back, I started swelling. Of course, I figured that it was probably just traveling back home and with having my blood pressure checked, it was normal. It seemed to go down. It was short lived. I was getting anxious to see my doctor on Thursday to discuss the way I have been feeling.
I ended up getting b/w done on Friday which came back showing hemolysis, but everything else checked out. Iron serum fantastic though. Platelets in a safe range. LFT normal.
Over the weekend my blood pressure has gotten to 120/85, which is a 20/15 increase for me. I'm swollen. I keep waking up all night because of how much pain the swelling in causing me. I can feel my face is a little bit swollen and so are my lips. Just in the past night I started feeling like I'm getting the flu. Constant burning in my chest, especially under my ribcage. I'm just not feeling well. I'm hoping that the doc orders a new round of labs on Friday and I can compare for any changes. My dipstick tests have come back at negative for proteinuria.
23w tomorrow. I'll feel relieved to make it to 24w and even happier with 26w and beyond.
An exciting day, 20w!
Monday, August 12, 2013
Today has been a very eventful day for us and marked full of milestones.
To start with the beginning of the day. We are officially 20w. Half way done and I'm finding it hard to believe that DD2 could be here in 17w. I honestly think that I'll be one of those women that the first 17P dose that she misses that she goes into labor. This also marks the day that I officially go to L&D for any complications and they will attempt to stop my labor. My 20w belly pic. I feel like I'm showing so obviously right now, but I guess it's just a tiny little thing yet.
DH gave me my 5th injection today which marks our first vile of Makena gone and only four to go. He did really well and surprisingly I'm minimally sore. I'll probably be feeling it tomorrow though. Bleh. The picture below is of our shot set-up for anyone interested. The first needle is to draw out the medication and the second is to inject. You can also see our lovely Vlasic needle jar. I think we might be able to fill it for another vile before needing a new one.
We also had our Level II scan with the MFM today. I am officially up 4.6 lbs. Baby girl looks absolutely great. She was measuring 20w2d on everything and approximate weight of 13oz. She is sitting exactly how I thought she was. Her butt to my left and her head to my right, with her back to my belly. She also had her hand waving near my cervix as usual to say "hello!". Cervix is back up to 4.1cm so we got the go ahead to leave tomorrow on our week trip. Yay. Dr. B is also so confident in this pregnancy that he feels he doesn't need to see us again until 30w. I think that's fair, especially since everything started to hit the fan around then anyways. I had trace protein in my urine, but that's nothing to be too worried about. I think I am a bit dehydrated from the yard work we did yesterday. So far I feel goo an excited/relieved to count the weeks down. The top picture is of her in the fetal position. Her feet are above her head.
To start with the beginning of the day. We are officially 20w. Half way done and I'm finding it hard to believe that DD2 could be here in 17w. I honestly think that I'll be one of those women that the first 17P dose that she misses that she goes into labor. This also marks the day that I officially go to L&D for any complications and they will attempt to stop my labor. My 20w belly pic. I feel like I'm showing so obviously right now, but I guess it's just a tiny little thing yet.
DH gave me my 5th injection today which marks our first vile of Makena gone and only four to go. He did really well and surprisingly I'm minimally sore. I'll probably be feeling it tomorrow though. Bleh. The picture below is of our shot set-up for anyone interested. The first needle is to draw out the medication and the second is to inject. You can also see our lovely Vlasic needle jar. I think we might be able to fill it for another vile before needing a new one.
We also had our Level II scan with the MFM today. I am officially up 4.6 lbs. Baby girl looks absolutely great. She was measuring 20w2d on everything and approximate weight of 13oz. She is sitting exactly how I thought she was. Her butt to my left and her head to my right, with her back to my belly. She also had her hand waving near my cervix as usual to say "hello!". Cervix is back up to 4.1cm so we got the go ahead to leave tomorrow on our week trip. Yay. Dr. B is also so confident in this pregnancy that he feels he doesn't need to see us again until 30w. I think that's fair, especially since everything started to hit the fan around then anyways. I had trace protein in my urine, but that's nothing to be too worried about. I think I am a bit dehydrated from the yard work we did yesterday. So far I feel goo an excited/relieved to count the weeks down. The top picture is of her in the fetal position. Her feet are above her head.
18w Appt.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Monday - 17P injection went so much better this time. I was still incredibly sore. I think we've learned that my right cheek hurts the most afterwards (around 5 days) and my left cheek hurts the most at the injection site but then I am good to go. I guess we'll see for sure on Monday, left cheek is up. I have to call and make my first refill too.
We had our cervical check on Thursday. Baby girl must've known it was an exam day because she was upside down with her hands near my cervix waving. We also got to see her drinking amniotic fluid. The doc tried to get a shot of the goods, we hadn't told him that we knew yet, but she just wasn't in the right position. He took a peak at my cervix and it wasn't "good" news, but it wasn't bad either. My cervix is measuring 3.6cm, but some mild funneling. He didn't want to discuss it with me at all though, which I find beyond frustrating. After talking to my friend who dealt with IC, she has assured me that things are still ok. I guess we'll see what the MFM thinks for our Level II on the 12th.
We had our cervical check on Thursday. Baby girl must've known it was an exam day because she was upside down with her hands near my cervix waving. We also got to see her drinking amniotic fluid. The doc tried to get a shot of the goods, we hadn't told him that we knew yet, but she just wasn't in the right position. He took a peak at my cervix and it wasn't "good" news, but it wasn't bad either. My cervix is measuring 3.6cm, but some mild funneling. He didn't want to discuss it with me at all though, which I find beyond frustrating. After talking to my friend who dealt with IC, she has assured me that things are still ok. I guess we'll see what the MFM thinks for our Level II on the 12th.
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