We've made it to 27 weeks now! One more week 'til that big 28 week mark that the doctors are wanting me to make it to. At 28 weeks, baby's can be born with much less of a chance of long-term health issues. This doesn't mean that I am having the baby next week. It just means that if there is an emergency and they have to take him, everyone will feel much better about his health.
I have really enjoyed being home. I have been sitting on the couch most of the time. It has been nice to eat meals at the table rather than in a hospital bed. I have also enjoyed laying in my lounge chair on the balcony. Today was a beautiful day. I wish I had taken advantage and stayed out longer than I did. And, like I posted on the other blog, I am really enjoying sleeping in my own bed and being with my family.
It has been 2 weeks since the last time I had bleeding. That is the longest I've gone in a while. I will see Dr Meritt in the morning. I doubt I will learn anything new. She just wants to see me to make sure I'm okay. I will see Dr DeStefano on Thursday for an ultrasound.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Thursday, Feb 25 (26 wks, 5 days)
I have wonderful news. After 17 days in the hospital, I'm going home tomorrow.
My ultrasound looked great tonight. The baby is still growing well. He wasn't cooperating to have measurements done though. He kept moving and curling up so Dr D couldn't measure anything. She will try to measure him again next week. She measured the blood flow in the umbilical cord and said it looks great. There are no blood clots behind the placenta. Dr D said that makes her feel better about the placenta staying in place. She did explain that there is no way to know what is going to happen though. I could go the rest of this pregnancy with no complications or I could have more problems. She and Dr M both feel comfortable with me going home but both have warned me to be very cautious and aware of changes in my body. I asked Dr D if she would go home if she were in my situation and she said she would.
With all that said, I am going home on bedrest. I can get up to go to the bathroom, take a shower, and eat. I can't do any cleaning, cooking, picking up Luc. I am fine with all of this. Of course, I am a busybody and like to be on the move but I am fine with this. I know that I don't want anything bad to happen to this baby or myself and I don't want to come back to the hospital. Thankfully, we have a great cook, cleaner, and playmate for Luc staying with us. Thank you Baboo!
We still appreciate prayers for my body to continue to let this sweet baby grow and that I will have a healthy pregnancy. Thank you for all of your prayers!
My ultrasound looked great tonight. The baby is still growing well. He wasn't cooperating to have measurements done though. He kept moving and curling up so Dr D couldn't measure anything. She will try to measure him again next week. She measured the blood flow in the umbilical cord and said it looks great. There are no blood clots behind the placenta. Dr D said that makes her feel better about the placenta staying in place. She did explain that there is no way to know what is going to happen though. I could go the rest of this pregnancy with no complications or I could have more problems. She and Dr M both feel comfortable with me going home but both have warned me to be very cautious and aware of changes in my body. I asked Dr D if she would go home if she were in my situation and she said she would.
With all that said, I am going home on bedrest. I can get up to go to the bathroom, take a shower, and eat. I can't do any cleaning, cooking, picking up Luc. I am fine with all of this. Of course, I am a busybody and like to be on the move but I am fine with this. I know that I don't want anything bad to happen to this baby or myself and I don't want to come back to the hospital. Thankfully, we have a great cook, cleaner, and playmate for Luc staying with us. Thank you Baboo!
We still appreciate prayers for my body to continue to let this sweet baby grow and that I will have a healthy pregnancy. Thank you for all of your prayers!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Tuesday, Feb 23 (26 weeks, 2 days)
Everything went well last night. The baby's heart rate dropped once during the night and again this morning. My belly is very sore and looks pretty bad. Dr Meritt is not very concerned about the heart rate drops. Like Dr DeStefano, she thinks it is probably completely normal. They do want to make sure it isn't due to the placenta though. As long as the decels are not frequent, I will not be continuously monitored for now. Dr Meritt says if his heart rate drops during my hour monitorings, I will have to stay on for another hour. She wants my belly to heal.
Also, Dr Meritt and Dr DeStefano think that if I continue to have no more drama, I can likely go home sometime. They have both said they would like for me to go home if it is safe to do so. I so so so hope it's safe. I want to be home so badly.
I have had a good morning even though Luc isn't up here. I am so happy to have a window today. I have been watching snow all morning. It's beautiful. I asked the nurse if she would take me outside. She said "absolutely not". HA It was worth a try. I've also had some great visitors. Some people from church came by this morning. It was good to get to know some of them better and calming to know so many people are out there praying for us. Then a volunteer from the chaplain came in. Someone from Houston called to ask them to make a visit. I don't know who you are but thank you! Oh I had to have my IV port changed today. That is not good news but before she put in the new one, she let me shower. I got to wash my hair with both hands. You don't really think about these small annoyances when you think about being in the hospital.
I'll just throw in too that the hospital food is so good. I have really enjoyed my meals here. I eat french toast and scrambled eggs almost every morning. I found out that the cafeteria has a special every day that isn't on my menu. Today I had pot roast, collard greens, and mashed potatoes. It was so good that I might order it again tonight.
Also, Dr Meritt and Dr DeStefano think that if I continue to have no more drama, I can likely go home sometime. They have both said they would like for me to go home if it is safe to do so. I so so so hope it's safe. I want to be home so badly.
I have had a good morning even though Luc isn't up here. I am so happy to have a window today. I have been watching snow all morning. It's beautiful. I asked the nurse if she would take me outside. She said "absolutely not". HA It was worth a try. I've also had some great visitors. Some people from church came by this morning. It was good to get to know some of them better and calming to know so many people are out there praying for us. Then a volunteer from the chaplain came in. Someone from Houston called to ask them to make a visit. I don't know who you are but thank you! Oh I had to have my IV port changed today. That is not good news but before she put in the new one, she let me shower. I got to wash my hair with both hands. You don't really think about these small annoyances when you think about being in the hospital.
I'll just throw in too that the hospital food is so good. I have really enjoyed my meals here. I eat french toast and scrambled eggs almost every morning. I found out that the cafeteria has a special every day that isn't on my menu. Today I had pot roast, collard greens, and mashed potatoes. It was so good that I might order it again tonight.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Monday, Feb 22 (26 wks, 1 day)
We made it to 26 weeks..and almost 2 days!
I'm still being monitored constantly. Both Dr Meritt and Dr DeStefano feel that these drops in the baby's heart rate are most likely typical...BUT because I am having the placenta problems, they want to take extra precautions by keeping me on the monitors. This sucks for me because it is very uncomfortable to try to sleep with these things around your belly. Also, I have formed a reaction to the constant monitoring. My belly is burned and whelped. Dr DeStefano said she has seen this happen to women who are monitored long term. It is similar to a very bad sunburn. It burns and itches. I pretty much have to suck it up right now. I'll enjoy my bathroom breaks even more. Maybe I'll pretend to sit on the toilet for longer periods of time.
As for the u/s...Dr DeStefano said the baby looks great on u/s. He was being a little bugger and getting in the way of everything she was trying to see. The place where the marginal placental abruption occured looks the same which is good. That means it hasn't gotten bigger. The subchorionic hemorrhage is still there but doesn't look worse either. Overall, Dr DeStefano was very pleased with what she saw on the u/s.
I asked if I would ever get to go home. She said that she isn't going to say yes but she isn't saying no anymore either. She is very pleased that I have had no more bleeding. She does not want me to go anywhere as long as the baby's heart rate continues to drop until she is confident that it is due to normal fluctuations.
Emotionally, I am feeling good today. Brian, Luc, my mom and grandmother were with me all weekend. Tonight is my first night alone since Friday. I am not even feeling too sad about it. I always feel sad about not being with Luc when he goes to bed and wakes up in the mornings but I'm not depressed tonight. I really think my room has helped my emtions tremendously too. Dr Meritt told me today that she will not mention me moving to ante pardum and that if the hospital wants me to, she will only allow it if I have a window room. She's awesome!
I'm still being monitored constantly. Both Dr Meritt and Dr DeStefano feel that these drops in the baby's heart rate are most likely typical...BUT because I am having the placenta problems, they want to take extra precautions by keeping me on the monitors. This sucks for me because it is very uncomfortable to try to sleep with these things around your belly. Also, I have formed a reaction to the constant monitoring. My belly is burned and whelped. Dr DeStefano said she has seen this happen to women who are monitored long term. It is similar to a very bad sunburn. It burns and itches. I pretty much have to suck it up right now. I'll enjoy my bathroom breaks even more. Maybe I'll pretend to sit on the toilet for longer periods of time.
As for the u/s...Dr DeStefano said the baby looks great on u/s. He was being a little bugger and getting in the way of everything she was trying to see. The place where the marginal placental abruption occured looks the same which is good. That means it hasn't gotten bigger. The subchorionic hemorrhage is still there but doesn't look worse either. Overall, Dr DeStefano was very pleased with what she saw on the u/s.
I asked if I would ever get to go home. She said that she isn't going to say yes but she isn't saying no anymore either. She is very pleased that I have had no more bleeding. She does not want me to go anywhere as long as the baby's heart rate continues to drop until she is confident that it is due to normal fluctuations.
Emotionally, I am feeling good today. Brian, Luc, my mom and grandmother were with me all weekend. Tonight is my first night alone since Friday. I am not even feeling too sad about it. I always feel sad about not being with Luc when he goes to bed and wakes up in the mornings but I'm not depressed tonight. I really think my room has helped my emtions tremendously too. Dr Meritt told me today that she will not mention me moving to ante pardum and that if the hospital wants me to, she will only allow it if I have a window room. She's awesome!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Update
When we got settled in our new room, the baby's heart rate dropped again. This time it dropped in the 60s. It came back up pretty quickly. They put me on oxygen and gave me fluids to make sure that he was getting enough of both. I hadn't had much to drink today so it was good that they gave me the fluids. He has looked great on the monitor ever since that episode. He is also moving around a lot. They explained that very active babies get their cords wrapped around themselves sometimes. If it is wrapped around his foot or leg or something, his movements may be squeezing it and decreasing blood flow. This could be something that every baby does but every woman is not monitored. They are going to monitor for a while just to make sure nothing is going on.
I still haven't heard from the doctor about the u/s. My nurse said if everything appears fine, the doctor will probably not even come in. She had not heard from him so she thinks everything is probably fine with that.
Oh, I decided that I am not going to complain about the bed this time. I would much rather be in this slightly less comfortable bed with my nice window view than to be stuck in a small dungeon. And there really isn't too much difference in the beds. The only thing that would make this room better is if it was at my house with my family.
I still haven't heard from the doctor about the u/s. My nurse said if everything appears fine, the doctor will probably not even come in. She had not heard from him so she thinks everything is probably fine with that.
Oh, I decided that I am not going to complain about the bed this time. I would much rather be in this slightly less comfortable bed with my nice window view than to be stuck in a small dungeon. And there really isn't too much difference in the beds. The only thing that would make this room better is if it was at my house with my family.
Saturday, Feb 20 (25 wks, 6 days)
The baby's heart rate slowed down to the 70s last night (his baseline is around 140bpm). It came back up pretty quickly. I had to monitored a good bit during the night though.
Again this moring his heart rate went down in the 110s. Dr Meritt has told me that she is not worried about drops that come back up qucikly. She said sometimes the baby made grab his umbilical cord or roll onto it. She said as long as the drops are sharp drops on the monitor, she doesn't have any concerns. Well, my nurse was really worried. She was worried that his cord is tangled.
Dr Garza (the on-call dr for Dr Meritt's office) came in to talk with me. He explained something completely different. He said that with a marginal placental abruption it can cause a "snowballing effect". It can gradually separate more and more from the uterine wall. He said this can decrease the amount of blood flow to the baby. He scheduled an ultrasound just to measure the blood flow int he umbilical cord and to look for knots in the cord.
He also moved me back to labor and delivery from ante pardum for continual monitoring. He thought he was going to have to talk me back in to coming over here but I was so happy. I now have a huge corner room with 2 big windows. Luc has plenty of room to run and play basketball with his new basketball goal that is in my room.
Right now, the baby looks great on the monitors. The u/s tech said she didn't see anything abnormal. She said the only explaination that she had was that the baby is so folded up that his neck is bent down and his head is resting on his belly. She wasn't concerned but said the radiologist would go over the pictures and consult with the dr. I'll update more after I hear from the doctor.
Again this moring his heart rate went down in the 110s. Dr Meritt has told me that she is not worried about drops that come back up qucikly. She said sometimes the baby made grab his umbilical cord or roll onto it. She said as long as the drops are sharp drops on the monitor, she doesn't have any concerns. Well, my nurse was really worried. She was worried that his cord is tangled.
Dr Garza (the on-call dr for Dr Meritt's office) came in to talk with me. He explained something completely different. He said that with a marginal placental abruption it can cause a "snowballing effect". It can gradually separate more and more from the uterine wall. He said this can decrease the amount of blood flow to the baby. He scheduled an ultrasound just to measure the blood flow int he umbilical cord and to look for knots in the cord.
He also moved me back to labor and delivery from ante pardum for continual monitoring. He thought he was going to have to talk me back in to coming over here but I was so happy. I now have a huge corner room with 2 big windows. Luc has plenty of room to run and play basketball with his new basketball goal that is in my room.
Right now, the baby looks great on the monitors. The u/s tech said she didn't see anything abnormal. She said the only explaination that she had was that the baby is so folded up that his neck is bent down and his head is resting on his belly. She wasn't concerned but said the radiologist would go over the pictures and consult with the dr. I'll update more after I hear from the doctor.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Friday, Feb 19
I have been moved to the ante pardum unit. I am in a more comfortable bed but I don't have a window to the outside anymore. It is very depressing. I have told my nurse multiple times and Dr Meritt this morning that I can't be in here. I will really go psychotic in here. Looking out my window was my most peaceful alone times that is now gone. Dr Meritt appoligized and said she would not have moved me had she known I was coming to such a dark depressing room. They are going to try to move me within the next couple of days. There is a woman down the hall who will be delivering her twins any day now. Her room is bigger and has an outdoor view.
My visit with the specialist was uneventful which is good. Another specialist filled in for my doctor yesterday. He did not do an ultrasound but said that everything looks good. He said that this little guy looks really good and healthy for a 25 wk, 4 day baby. He was surprised at how well he stayed on the monitors.
I am now 25 weeks, 5 days. I have had no bleeding in over 4 days and no spotting in 2 days. Dr Meritt was very happy to hear this this morning.
My visit with the specialist was uneventful which is good. Another specialist filled in for my doctor yesterday. He did not do an ultrasound but said that everything looks good. He said that this little guy looks really good and healthy for a 25 wk, 4 day baby. He was surprised at how well he stayed on the monitors.
I am now 25 weeks, 5 days. I have had no bleeding in over 4 days and no spotting in 2 days. Dr Meritt was very happy to hear this this morning.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Visiting/Calling/Helping
I hear that a lot of people are asking if they can visit, call, or do something for us. I do enjoy visits especially when I'm here alone. It's hard to say when that is though. It's best to call before a visit to make sure we aren't napping or on our wheel chair rides. I don't want to post my phone number on here though since anyone can read this blog. Email me and I can send my room number.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Wed., Feb 17
There is not really anything new going on. I'm still here and still pregnant. The baby looks great during monitoring times. His heart rate is good and he is always on the move. My vitals are remaining good too...unless they do blood pressure right after they change out the IV port.
Speaking of IV port...the last one was increasingly sore. Dr M looked at it this morning. It is swollen and red. As if there isn't enough to worry about, they are keeping an eye on it to make sure it isn't infected. I have never really minded being stuck with a needle. I am to the point now that every time they walk in with the needles and tubes I completley tenst up. One of the nurses told me that they will probably go through every one of my veins in my hands and arms multiple times before I leave. Thanks for the encouragement!
My muscles are quickly deteriorating. My legs look like bird legs. I asked them if I would ever be the same. The nurse said I will really have to work my muscles to build them back up after this. Dr M ordered a PT consult since I will be here long term. They haven't come by so I have no idea what to expect.
Emotionally, I feel much better today. Luc and Brian spent the night last night. Luc did great. The nurse came in super early and woke us all up though. I was so frustrated. They usually don't bother me until 8-9am because they want me to sleep. This woman came in at 6:00, turned on the lights, and said (with a loud voice) "time to change out that IV" and hook you up to the monitors. I very grumpily asked her to come back later. Luckily, it wasn't her that came back later.
Speaking of IV port...the last one was increasingly sore. Dr M looked at it this morning. It is swollen and red. As if there isn't enough to worry about, they are keeping an eye on it to make sure it isn't infected. I have never really minded being stuck with a needle. I am to the point now that every time they walk in with the needles and tubes I completley tenst up. One of the nurses told me that they will probably go through every one of my veins in my hands and arms multiple times before I leave. Thanks for the encouragement!
My muscles are quickly deteriorating. My legs look like bird legs. I asked them if I would ever be the same. The nurse said I will really have to work my muscles to build them back up after this. Dr M ordered a PT consult since I will be here long term. They haven't come by so I have no idea what to expect.
Emotionally, I feel much better today. Luc and Brian spent the night last night. Luc did great. The nurse came in super early and woke us all up though. I was so frustrated. They usually don't bother me until 8-9am because they want me to sleep. This woman came in at 6:00, turned on the lights, and said (with a loud voice) "time to change out that IV" and hook you up to the monitors. I very grumpily asked her to come back later. Luckily, it wasn't her that came back later.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Monday, Feb 15
Although I knew I wasn't going home today, I was still hoping for something to change that would allow my escape. Didn't happen. Worse, I'm staying until I have him.
Dr Meritt came in this morning and gave me my wheel chair and shower privileges back. She said she wasn't comfortable with me leaving until I had several days without bleeding. She told me to talk to Dr DeStefano more about leaving when I saw her. I don't think she wanted to be the bad guy.
Dr DeStefano didn't come until this evening. She did find where the placenta has separates from the uterus wall slightly. She said that she was glad that she found it because she can watch it now. She is also more comforted in knowing that is what is going on. There is no way to know if it will remain as is from here out or it could completely separate. If it were to separate at home, the baby would not be able to be saved. She explained that I could die before we are able to make it to the hospital as well. That is why it is so important for me to stay. She assured me that if it happens here, they will be able to save us. This does not mean that it will ever happen but it could.
The baby still looks good. I am back to being monitored three times a day rather than 24/7. This means that I should be able to sleep better tonight.
After Dr D gave me the horrible news, I was very very upset. I'm thankful to have sweet friends to come up here and calm me down. Thank you Caren and Kim (and baby Molly). My emotions are probably more negative today because I have only seen Luc once this morning for about 30 minutes. Tomorrow he and Brian will be able to hang out with me all afternoon. We may even attempt our first sleep over. The nurses keep encouraging a sleep over. I know I really want to but I also know that it will be difficult on Brian.
Dr Meritt came in this morning and gave me my wheel chair and shower privileges back. She said she wasn't comfortable with me leaving until I had several days without bleeding. She told me to talk to Dr DeStefano more about leaving when I saw her. I don't think she wanted to be the bad guy.
Dr DeStefano didn't come until this evening. She did find where the placenta has separates from the uterus wall slightly. She said that she was glad that she found it because she can watch it now. She is also more comforted in knowing that is what is going on. There is no way to know if it will remain as is from here out or it could completely separate. If it were to separate at home, the baby would not be able to be saved. She explained that I could die before we are able to make it to the hospital as well. That is why it is so important for me to stay. She assured me that if it happens here, they will be able to save us. This does not mean that it will ever happen but it could.
The baby still looks good. I am back to being monitored three times a day rather than 24/7. This means that I should be able to sleep better tonight.
After Dr D gave me the horrible news, I was very very upset. I'm thankful to have sweet friends to come up here and calm me down. Thank you Caren and Kim (and baby Molly). My emotions are probably more negative today because I have only seen Luc once this morning for about 30 minutes. Tomorrow he and Brian will be able to hang out with me all afternoon. We may even attempt our first sleep over. The nurses keep encouraging a sleep over. I know I really want to but I also know that it will be difficult on Brian.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
25 WEEKS
We've made it to 25 weeks.
I have a much better day the beginning of the day. Brian and Luc spent most of the day up here. We ate lunch together, went on a couple of rides in the wheel chair, watched a movie, and napped together. It was a fun day until this evening.
First of all, I have an IV port in case of an emergency blood transfusion. The port has to be changed every three days to a new vein. My vein kept moving which made it difficult for the nurse to get it in there. It hurt like crap. After digging around in there, she said "I'm just going to pull this one out and start over on another vein". Ugh seriously? So they finally got that in.
Around 6:15,we were going to eat so Brian and Luc could go home. I got up to go to the bathroom and had another gush of blood. At this point, my emotions are taking control. I just want to go home. I really thought I was going home tomorrow. Not anymore! On top of having to stay here indefinitly, wheel chair rides and showers are off limits for me...at least until I have no more bleeding for a couple of days again. So Sarah came to get Luc so that the doctor could check me and everything could calm down. I have to be on the monitors overnight now. Another night of no sleep.
So this should be enough drama for one day...not for me. After I calmed down, Brian decided to go get Luc from Sarah and go home to bed. About 15 minutes after he left, the baby's heart rate dropped (or so the nurse thought) to 70-80 bpm (he's usually around 140s). The nurse threw my bed back, put the oxygen mask on me, started an IV of fluids, and called the doctor to immediately come to room 13. Luckily, Brian was not quite to Sarah's so he came back. I have been monitored ever since. The baby is fine. Personally I think the nurse over-reacted a bit. The baby comes off the monitors all the time from moving around. I think she should have calmly tried to find him on the monitor before she freaked me out.
My nurses have talked with me about keeping Luc up here more often and him spend the night sometimes. They say that it helps the long term moms so much by having their kids around. I guess that is what we'll have to try. I'm so ready for some normalcy.
I have a much better day the beginning of the day. Brian and Luc spent most of the day up here. We ate lunch together, went on a couple of rides in the wheel chair, watched a movie, and napped together. It was a fun day until this evening.
First of all, I have an IV port in case of an emergency blood transfusion. The port has to be changed every three days to a new vein. My vein kept moving which made it difficult for the nurse to get it in there. It hurt like crap. After digging around in there, she said "I'm just going to pull this one out and start over on another vein". Ugh seriously? So they finally got that in.
Around 6:15,we were going to eat so Brian and Luc could go home. I got up to go to the bathroom and had another gush of blood. At this point, my emotions are taking control. I just want to go home. I really thought I was going home tomorrow. Not anymore! On top of having to stay here indefinitly, wheel chair rides and showers are off limits for me...at least until I have no more bleeding for a couple of days again. So Sarah came to get Luc so that the doctor could check me and everything could calm down. I have to be on the monitors overnight now. Another night of no sleep.
So this should be enough drama for one day...not for me. After I calmed down, Brian decided to go get Luc from Sarah and go home to bed. About 15 minutes after he left, the baby's heart rate dropped (or so the nurse thought) to 70-80 bpm (he's usually around 140s). The nurse threw my bed back, put the oxygen mask on me, started an IV of fluids, and called the doctor to immediately come to room 13. Luckily, Brian was not quite to Sarah's so he came back. I have been monitored ever since. The baby is fine. Personally I think the nurse over-reacted a bit. The baby comes off the monitors all the time from moving around. I think she should have calmly tried to find him on the monitor before she freaked me out.
My nurses have talked with me about keeping Luc up here more often and him spend the night sometimes. They say that it helps the long term moms so much by having their kids around. I guess that is what we'll have to try. I'm so ready for some normalcy.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Saturday (Feb 13) update
Today has been very uneventful thankfully. There is no new news. I have very high hopes that I will get out of here on Monday. My nurses seem to think I'll be here quite a while though.
I had a bit of a breakdown when the doctor came in today. I haven't had any problems and I just want to be home with Brian and Luc. Of course, she can't change my plans since she isn't my doctor, just the on call for my doctor. She did tell me that I needed to get out of this room a bit every day. They brought a wheel chair in for me. I can go any where in the hospital and I can go sit outside.
Tonight Luc got to spend a while up here. Brian pushed us up and down the halls, outside, and to see the babys in the nursery. Luc blew the babies lots of kisses. When we got back to the room, Luc pushed me up and down the hall. It was a much better evening than it has been. He sat with me and ate supper then we watched a little bit of Monsters Inc. I feel so much better but I really wish I was going home to be with them and sleep in my own bed.
As for my sleeping arrangements, I am still in a labor and delivery bed which is not at all comfortable. They have been trying for two days now to get me a foam pad for my bed. They have said there is a possibility that they could bring a regular bed in here for me. Supposedly, there are several of us preterm ladies hanging out right now. I guess they got the mattress pads before I got a chance to ask.
I had a bit of a breakdown when the doctor came in today. I haven't had any problems and I just want to be home with Brian and Luc. Of course, she can't change my plans since she isn't my doctor, just the on call for my doctor. She did tell me that I needed to get out of this room a bit every day. They brought a wheel chair in for me. I can go any where in the hospital and I can go sit outside.
Tonight Luc got to spend a while up here. Brian pushed us up and down the halls, outside, and to see the babys in the nursery. Luc blew the babies lots of kisses. When we got back to the room, Luc pushed me up and down the hall. It was a much better evening than it has been. He sat with me and ate supper then we watched a little bit of Monsters Inc. I feel so much better but I really wish I was going home to be with them and sleep in my own bed.
As for my sleeping arrangements, I am still in a labor and delivery bed which is not at all comfortable. They have been trying for two days now to get me a foam pad for my bed. They have said there is a possibility that they could bring a regular bed in here for me. Supposedly, there are several of us preterm ladies hanging out right now. I guess they got the mattress pads before I got a chance to ask.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Friday morning dr update (Feb 12)
I am definitely staying through the weekend. :( Dr DeStefano wants to do another u/s on Monday before she lets me leave. Other than that no new news.
They took me off the monitors last night so that I could sleep. Since the baby looks great and I have had no contractions since I've been here, they are only monitoring me for an hour three times a day. I was much more comfortable last night. They will not let me change from the delivery room until I have had absolutely no bleeding a a couple of days. They are going to put a mattress pad on my bed though.
They took me off the monitors last night so that I could sleep. Since the baby looks great and I have had no contractions since I've been here, they are only monitoring me for an hour three times a day. I was much more comfortable last night. They will not let me change from the delivery room until I have had absolutely no bleeding a a couple of days. They are going to put a mattress pad on my bed though.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Doctors update for Thursday
Dr DeStefano came in just after lunch today. Before she even did the u/s, she recommended that I stay at least another night but probably several nights. She fears that I am having a small placental abruption (the placenta tearing away from the uterus wall). She does not think this will happen necessarily but she wants to take extra precautions. This is a very serious condition for the mother and the baby. It would require immediate surgery to save the baby.
After she scared me pretty badly, she did the u/s. She could not find any signs of tear on the pictures. She said if it is not a significant tear it is only seen about 50% of the time on the u/s. On the other hand, the subchorionic hemorrhage is still there. I thought it looked bigger. Dr D said that it was probably the angle that she was looking at. I don't know if she was trying to calm me or if that was true. She also say blood particles floating inside the sack with the baby. She said I should expect to see that blood come out too.
The baby looks great. His heart rate is great. His organs still look great. He seems to be growing perfectly. There is still good blow flow in the umbilical cord. He also looked good on the monitors all day today.
Dr DeStefano also explained the subchorionic hemorrhage to me. Evidently, there are different types of SCH. The most common (I think) is between the uterus wall and the placenta. Mine is on the fetal side underneath the umbilical cord. She called it something crazy and said it's a dumb name.
Hopefully, I didn't leave anything out. If so, I will correct it in the morning.
So I am still here at the hospital in labor and delivery with the uncomfortable bed. I am not bleeding much at all anymore. I have not had any contractions throughout the night or day. They even finally allowed me to take a quick shower. I talked Brian into going home to sleep with Luc. After trying to argue with me, he decided to go. I am so glad he did. I think we will all get better sleep this way. They will be back up here in the morning.
Someone from NICU came to talk with us tonight about what we can expect to happen if we deliver soon. I won't go into detail because I know I would get confused and leave things out. Also, I am going to hope that we don't have to worry about this for a while. Anyway, I feel confident that he will be very well taken care of IF this does happen.
Thurs, Feb 11
Neither of us sleep well last night. The new beds for the spouse are better in the new L&D than before but they still aren't great. My bed is an uncomfortable transformer bed. Oh well breakfast was delicious.
No news from last night. They saw no news is good news! This morning Dr Meritt came to see me. Not seeing an u/s yet and without speaking with Dr DeStefano, she is concerned about placental abruption occurring due to the subchorionic hemorrhage. There is no way to know if or when it will happen. IF that happens, it would be critical to get to a hospital ASAP. She reassured me by saying that she does not think it will happen but she does not want to take any risks at this point in the pregnancy.
She asked our thoughts about staying another night. Brian and I would much rather be sleeping in our beds with Luc in the house with us. We did tell her that if she feels more comfortable with us staying to be monitored a little longer, that's what we do. We were told that if we stay another night they will move us to a post-delivery room for more comfortable sleeping arrangements. Thank goodness!
So now, we are waiting to hear back from Dr Meritt and Dr DeStefano about whether I will go home (I assume back on bedrest) and see Dr D in her office this afternoon or whether we stay here and see Dr D here this evening.
I also got the second steroid shot...in my butt...and it hurt like the devil.
No news from last night. They saw no news is good news! This morning Dr Meritt came to see me. Not seeing an u/s yet and without speaking with Dr DeStefano, she is concerned about placental abruption occurring due to the subchorionic hemorrhage. There is no way to know if or when it will happen. IF that happens, it would be critical to get to a hospital ASAP. She reassured me by saying that she does not think it will happen but she does not want to take any risks at this point in the pregnancy.
She asked our thoughts about staying another night. Brian and I would much rather be sleeping in our beds with Luc in the house with us. We did tell her that if she feels more comfortable with us staying to be monitored a little longer, that's what we do. We were told that if we stay another night they will move us to a post-delivery room for more comfortable sleeping arrangements. Thank goodness!
So now, we are waiting to hear back from Dr Meritt and Dr DeStefano about whether I will go home (I assume back on bedrest) and see Dr D in her office this afternoon or whether we stay here and see Dr D here this evening.
I also got the second steroid shot...in my butt...and it hurt like the devil.
Wed., Feb 10
Yesterday, I was at the hospital super early for a pain in my butt, literally. Man it hurt bad. I went home and spent the rest of my day visiting with my cousin, who I haven't seen in years, who happened to be in Austin. Oh and she happens to be a labor and delivery nurse now. We had lots to talk about.
Last night around 6:45, I sneezed and blood gushed. I started was bleeding pretty heavily and passing clots. The nurse on call suggested that I go to the hospital. By the time we got there, I was barely bleeding but my back was hurting pretty bad. I still don't know if my backache was/is related to this or if it was due to me sitting on the couch almost all day yesterday.
At the hospital, we waited and waited. The on call doctor checked me. My cervix is fine and baby is fine and I was not having any contractions. Since I had bleed and passed clots and I was due back for my second shot the next morning, they decided to keep me over night to monitor though.
So Luc had his first sleepover. We told him that he was going to play with Miss Sarah which he was super excited about. I told him that he might even get to sleep at Miss Sarah's house. He said "no sleep Luc's bed". He did fine though. Sarah said that he woke up once couching but went right back to sleep. He woke up this morning wants to "see Mama and Daddy". Sarah brought him up to visit on his way to school. He was very interested in everything in the room wanting to push buttons on everything. Now, he is off to school super happy about his Valentine's party with his friends.
Last night around 6:45, I sneezed and blood gushed. I started was bleeding pretty heavily and passing clots. The nurse on call suggested that I go to the hospital. By the time we got there, I was barely bleeding but my back was hurting pretty bad. I still don't know if my backache was/is related to this or if it was due to me sitting on the couch almost all day yesterday.
At the hospital, we waited and waited. The on call doctor checked me. My cervix is fine and baby is fine and I was not having any contractions. Since I had bleed and passed clots and I was due back for my second shot the next morning, they decided to keep me over night to monitor though.
So Luc had his first sleepover. We told him that he was going to play with Miss Sarah which he was super excited about. I told him that he might even get to sleep at Miss Sarah's house. He said "no sleep Luc's bed". He did fine though. Sarah said that he woke up once couching but went right back to sleep. He woke up this morning wants to "see Mama and Daddy". Sarah brought him up to visit on his way to school. He was very interested in everything in the room wanting to push buttons on everything. Now, he is off to school super happy about his Valentine's party with his friends.
Feb 8&9
I started spotting on Monday again. It was very little. Since I could feel little one moving so much and since I had a scheduled appointment with Dr Meritt on Tuesday, I didn't call.
I went in Tuesday to see Dr Meritt for my 24 week prenatal visit. Everything looks good. She checked my cervix since I had been spotting again. It was fully closed. She and Dr DeStefano do feel that it would be safest precaution to go ahead and give me the steroid injection tomorrow and Thursday morning. They have to be given in the hospital and it has to be 24 hours apart.
She did tell me that even though they are watching me regularly, she does not feel that I should be on the bedrest that she had put me on. I now don't have to lie down several hours a day but I should sit as much as possible, limit walking, and no strenuous activities. I am feeling great and so happy about not laying down!
I went in Tuesday to see Dr Meritt for my 24 week prenatal visit. Everything looks good. She checked my cervix since I had been spotting again. It was fully closed. She and Dr DeStefano do feel that it would be safest precaution to go ahead and give me the steroid injection tomorrow and Thursday morning. They have to be given in the hospital and it has to be 24 hours apart.
She did tell me that even though they are watching me regularly, she does not feel that I should be on the bedrest that she had put me on. I now don't have to lie down several hours a day but I should sit as much as possible, limit walking, and no strenuous activities. I am feeling great and so happy about not laying down!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Partial bedrest cleared up
I was able to talk with the nurse today after Dr Merrit (ob) and Dr Destafano (specialist) consulted. I will see Dr Merrit again on Tuesday and Dr DeStefano on Thursday. I was able to ask some questions that they couldn't answer without the doctor yesterday.
Which doctor do I see regularly? Both. Dr Merrit will continue to see me for my regular visits as well as when I have spotting and bleeding. Dr DeStefano will continue to monitor me via u/s as long as the venus lake remains there.
Who will deliver the baby? Dr Merrit will still deliver even if I do deliver early. Dr DeStefano will see us in the hospital and will be consulting with Dr Merrit.
WHAT IS PARTIAL BEDREST? A couple of hours of lying down in the mornings as well as in the afternoons. Do not stay on my feet for extended periods of time. It is okay to get out as long as I can sit where I am going (Jessica, we'll be there tomorrow). If I do go out, I should spend an hour or so resting when we get home. I should NOT go to the mall or grocery shopping or anywhere else that would require me to walk for very long. I can clean and cook but I need to rest afterwards. And of course, no stenuous activities like heavy lifting or exercise.
Depending on what they see on Thursday, they may take me off bedrest so that I can at least go back to work. I sure do hope so.
Which doctor do I see regularly? Both. Dr Merrit will continue to see me for my regular visits as well as when I have spotting and bleeding. Dr DeStefano will continue to monitor me via u/s as long as the venus lake remains there.
Who will deliver the baby? Dr Merrit will still deliver even if I do deliver early. Dr DeStefano will see us in the hospital and will be consulting with Dr Merrit.
WHAT IS PARTIAL BEDREST? A couple of hours of lying down in the mornings as well as in the afternoons. Do not stay on my feet for extended periods of time. It is okay to get out as long as I can sit where I am going (Jessica, we'll be there tomorrow). If I do go out, I should spend an hour or so resting when we get home. I should NOT go to the mall or grocery shopping or anywhere else that would require me to walk for very long. I can clean and cook but I need to rest afterwards. And of course, no stenuous activities like heavy lifting or exercise.
Depending on what they see on Thursday, they may take me off bedrest so that I can at least go back to work. I sure do hope so.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Feb 4 (the specialist report)
Dr DeStefano was out of the office today. Evidentally, she and Dr Darby (my u/s dr) are at the same conference this week. Anyway, I got some answers but still have lots of questions. Unfortunately, non of these doctors are God and can tell me what in the world my body is going to do.
The u/s tech said that the blood on the placenta is what they call a "venus lake". Frmo my understanding, I do not have a subchorionic hemmorage like I feared. This "lake" has not gotten any larger and MAY have gotten smaller but not much. "Venus lakes" on the placenta are fairly common and usually not very worrisome. The one I have is directly underneath where the umbilical cord attaches. This could (but not necessarily) cause lose of blood flow to the baby. Therefore, they have to continue to monitor me until 1) it goes away or 2) it becomes a harm to the baby.
They measured the amount of blood flood in the umbilical cord. The baby is getting plenty of blood flow right now which is great. He is growing like he should and seems to be "pretty happy in there" (what the u/s tech said). As they monitor me, if they see that he is in any harm, they will induce labor. This will probably not happen but IF it does, he will be well taken care of. They may or may not give me steriod shots next week. I have to call Dr DeStefano on Monday after she has had time to consult with my regular ob, Dr Merrit.
I have to "take it easy" for a couple more days...until I have no bleeding for a few days in a row or until I see Dr Merrit again next Thursday. It doesn't have to be as strict as it was but I do still need to rest my body more than usual.
The u/s tech said that the blood on the placenta is what they call a "venus lake". Frmo my understanding, I do not have a subchorionic hemmorage like I feared. This "lake" has not gotten any larger and MAY have gotten smaller but not much. "Venus lakes" on the placenta are fairly common and usually not very worrisome. The one I have is directly underneath where the umbilical cord attaches. This could (but not necessarily) cause lose of blood flow to the baby. Therefore, they have to continue to monitor me until 1) it goes away or 2) it becomes a harm to the baby.
They measured the amount of blood flood in the umbilical cord. The baby is getting plenty of blood flow right now which is great. He is growing like he should and seems to be "pretty happy in there" (what the u/s tech said). As they monitor me, if they see that he is in any harm, they will induce labor. This will probably not happen but IF it does, he will be well taken care of. They may or may not give me steriod shots next week. I have to call Dr DeStefano on Monday after she has had time to consult with my regular ob, Dr Merrit.
I have to "take it easy" for a couple more days...until I have no bleeding for a few days in a row or until I see Dr Merrit again next Thursday. It doesn't have to be as strict as it was but I do still need to rest my body more than usual.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Feb. 2 (23 wks 4 days)
I feel better today but I start spotting again at work. Dr Merrit wants to see me right away. My super sweet supervisors and co-SLPs cancel my clients and head to her office. She sees that I am bleeding but my cervix is closed. She mentions something about DeStefano's report saying a SCH. She sends me to have an u/s. Dr Darby is still out. His head nurse sees me walking in and tells me to come on back since "we're good friends now". She does not see a SCH but sees a "venus lake" on the placenta near the umbilical cord. She says those are common and not to worry about.
Dr. Merrit tells me to take the rest of the week off and do partial bedrest until I go to DeStefano's office again (on Thurs). She says partial bedrest means that I need to rest 3-4 hrs in the morning and 3-4 hrs in the afternoon. She says that I can still cook and do SOME cleaning. Definitely no strenuous activities though.
Wouldn't it be nice if you got frequent flyer discounts for doctor visits and ultrasounds?
Dr. Merrit tells me to take the rest of the week off and do partial bedrest until I go to DeStefano's office again (on Thurs). She says partial bedrest means that I need to rest 3-4 hrs in the morning and 3-4 hrs in the afternoon. She says that I can still cook and do SOME cleaning. Definitely no strenuous activities though.
Wouldn't it be nice if you got frequent flyer discounts for doctor visits and ultrasounds?
Rewind
This is what has happened so far to the best of my memory and my records. This is pretty graphic. Don't read it if you don't like grossness. Also, don't judge me for my spelling (BRIAN). I can't find spell check.
Dr. Merrit confirms the pregnancy and says I'm due 5-24-09. Two weeks later Dr Darby (the ultrasound doctor) tells me that I am actually due 5-30-10.
One week after the u/s, Oct 22 (at 8 wks), I start spotting and having cramps. I just know that I am having another miscarriage. The nurse practitioner says everything looks fine. The baby has a strong heartbeat.
Four weeks later, Nov 14 (at 12 wks), I am spotting again. I have an exam and an u/s. No abnormalities are found. They can't figure out what's wrong. They think it's a boy.
Three weeks later, I have a good prenatal visit. Dr Merrit says I should be fine to travel to Alabama for Christmas even though I've had a couple of scares.
Dec 24 (17 wks), I start spotting. I'm at Mama and Daddy's house. It's late on Christmas Eve night. The on-call nurse tells me that I should go to an ER to be checked. We decide not to go since it seems just like every other time and the baby is kicking a lot. I've stopped spotting by the next afternoon.
Dec 30 (18 wks), I am spotting heavily with some blood. I see a doctor in Huntsville. They think they see a subchorionic hematoma on u/s. It's a boy!
Jan 4 (19 wks), Misty (nurse practitioner) says my cervix is still closed but that I should have an u/s by Dr Darby this week. Jan.8, Dr Darby cannot find a SCH. Baby measures average for his gestational age. My cervix is long and closed. It is definitely a boy.
Jan 18 (21 wks), I have pinkish blood. No cramps this time but the nurse still wants to see me. I have an infection. They think this is completley unrelated to the past scares.
Jan 22 (21 wks), I have some Braxton Hicks during the day. I start bleeding heavily around 7pm. I pass a large blood clot. I call the nurse crying. She says go to the hospital immediately. We spend about 6 hours in labor and delivery being monitored and examed. Everything looks fine. I have a few small contractions that show up on the monitor but not alarming. They send me home and I continue to bleed for about a day.
Jan 26 (22 wks), I'm spotting again. The nurse tells me to come in. Dr Darby thinks my cervix may be shortening. It is now 2.5 cm which is "on the low side". He wants to see me again in 2 weeks. I have to take it easy. No strenuous exercise. I can still pick up Luc and do normal "light" activities.
Jan 29 (22 wks), after a day of resting, I am spotting again. I tell the nurse it isn't much but they want to see me. Of course, Dr Merrit and Dr Darby are both out of the office. The u/s tech says my cervix is now 3 cm but it may be funneling (openning from the inside). Misty sends me immediately to the maternal fetal specialist, Dr Destefano. Dr DeStefano cannot find funneling. She does find "blood pooling" on the umbilical cord. She wants to keep an eye on this because it is very close to the umbilical cord. She breifly dicusses the risk of preterm labor and tells me that IF I go full term she will not let me go beyond 37 weeks. She wants to see me again in a few days. She tells me to take it easy (pelvic rest and no strenuous activities). I leave very worried. I can't find anything online about "blood pooling". I do find a lot of information about SCH that sounds like my situation and it is really scary.
Feb 1(23 wks), no bleeding or spotting but I feel horrible. My sinus problems are so bad that I've been throwing up for the past couple of days. Ugh it's miserable. I talk to Dr Zapalac (ENT) on the phone. He thinks the one round of antibiotics didn't fully get rid of the chronic sinus infection. He consults with Dr Merrit. They decide to give me another round of Amoxicillin and start me on a round of steriods.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Intro
This is a blog about my pregnancy with baby#2. I will use it to update progress, complications, and doctor visits. I will begin with a post from the past few months. Hopefully, I will have more positive updates from then on.
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