tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28072538995756564242024-02-28T17:43:11.655-06:00cats with passportsone couple, two cats, thousands of miles, the journey through infertility, a high risk pregnancy, and finally, a baby girlChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09209567864607495587noreply@blogger.comBlogger399125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807253899575656424.post-26406481505238467012012-05-13T16:29:00.000-05:002012-05-13T16:29:20.638-05:00Happy Mother's Day!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Happy Mother's Day to all women. Big hugs to women who are dealing with infertility, and especially to those who've lost children. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 17px;">“Mother’s Day is a day of appreciation and respect. I can think of no mothers who deserve it more than those who had to give a child back.” </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 17px;">Erma Bombeck</span></span>Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09209567864607495587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807253899575656424.post-52957927975664014262012-03-18T21:26:00.003-05:002012-03-18T21:52:29.602-05:00Happy Due Date!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Since today is my official due date, it seemed like a good time to FINALLY check in. As usual, apologies for the silence. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I'll post a birth story soon, but the twins (Eleanor and Nicholas) arrived, as scheduled, almost six weeks ago. And similar to Kate's birth, it was fast and med-free. Well, I had Pitocin for the induction, but I didn't have any meds for pain relief. Long, err, short, story. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Eleanor was born crying, and I was able to spend a few minutes with her before they took her to the NICU. Nobody could predict what condition Nicholas would be in, and he surprised us all. I was able to hold him, have him baptized, and then, say goodbye. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">After almost two weeks in the NICU, Eleanor is home. Unfortunately she had to come home on an apnea monitor, but overall she's doing really well. Big sister Kate is adjusting beautifully, likely because Nana is still here, so she has plenty of love and attention. My husband was also here for three weeks, yet another reason for my blog absence. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Oh, and then there was the plague (flu) that took over just two days after I brought Eleanor home. I honestly don't think I've ever been that sick in my entire life. And yes, I had the flu shot last fall. Fever of 104, body aches, chills, sore throat, can't get out of bed, flu. Oh, except I had to get out of bed because I had a newborn to take care of, needed to pump every 2 1/2 hours, and all the usual fun. Despite the increase in our already OCD hand-washing routine, my mom and Kate also came down with the flu. As a 'Welcome to America' gift, we gave it to my husband when he arrived the following week. Everyone has since recovered. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">It's time to feed my sweet baby girl, so goodnight. I'll post the birth story soon. Thank you very much for the continued thoughts, prayers, and emails!</span></div>Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09209567864607495587noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807253899575656424.post-75480202198631837892012-02-04T13:30:00.003-06:002012-02-04T14:46:59.272-06:00quick Guinness update<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Guinness is a mystery. There is no explanation for his symptoms, and the vets in Bratislava have said the same thing as the vets in Dublin, they've never seen anything like this. Guinness had a VERY tough week. At one point, I didn't think he'd make it through the night. In true Guinness form, he'd made a bit of a comeback by the following morning. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">My husband visits him twice a day, as Guinness is still in the kitty ICU. He's also had several meetings with the vets. They've tried various medications, and have done a lot of tests. His liver function tests have been all over the place, and the leukocytes continue to be high. My husband requested that Guinness start a round of high-dose antibiotics, similar to what we did for him in Dublin. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">The staff seem to like Guinness. It sounds like he's a popular boy around the clinic. One woman told my husband that she has black cats at home, so she always takes time to play with Guinness at the clinic. He's being well cared for, but I can't wait for him to return home. I know my husband and Bella miss him terribly.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Continued good thoughts and prayers are appreciated. </span></div>Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09209567864607495587noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807253899575656424.post-75175339224012527392012-02-04T13:07:00.013-06:002012-02-04T14:47:59.689-06:0033.6 today! 7 weeks 1 day of hospital bed rest<div> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Wow, time has flown by. On one hand, I feel like I’ve been here F.O.R.E.V.E.R. And yet, it seems like just yesterday that I ruptured, and was faced with the very real possibility of delivering at 26.5. Thank you Magnesium Sulfate, antibiotics, and brilliant medical staff for not allowing that to happen. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">The BIG news is that this week (as of Tuesday night) I’m now allowed to walk. It feels amazing to be upright and out of bed. I compliantly did the PT bed rest exercises, but it’s just not the same as walking by myself, stretching my legs. I’ve been doing laps around L&D, and the staff reactions have been so encouraging. People seem genuinely surprised, and happy, that I’m up and about. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">The induction countdown has officially begun, and in some ways, is really bittersweet. I’m beyond sad that Baby B has to come early, that she will go to the NICU, and won’t be going home with me. Yet I also know that I made it so much further than expected. Just last night one of the doctors said that she’s never had a ruptured patient make it this long, so yeah, I guess we surpassed everyone’s expectations. Saying goodbye to Baby A is going to be really, really hard. This will be the last time my babies will ever be together, the last time I’ll be physically close to my baby boy. There is no way to express that level of sadness, of utter devastation. Yet, I’m excited to meet Baby B, and I have all of the normal, positive emotions associated with a very planned and wanted little girl. My sweet girl Kate is going to have a sister. WOW.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">I’m going to miss the hospital staff, A LOT. Many people have stated that they want to keep in touch, which will be lovely. It will be strange to not see the same people day after day. I feel like I finally understand how things work around here, even down to the staffing patterns, where supplies are stored, and good grief, why did it take six weeks to find out that there are curly fries in the café, hmm, probably better that I didn’t know that ;) </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">One of the big boss, administration types stopped by the other day, just to see how things are going. I told him how impressed I am with the hospital, the way things are done, and most importantly, the employees. I offered to write a letter, but really, how do you put into words the quality of care, the encouragement, and the friendship, displayed on a daily basis. There are no words to express my gratitude for the experience I’ve had over the past 7 weeks. Simple words on a page will never be enough. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">I’ve previously blogged about some of the kind things people have done, but in addition to the tangible items, the amount of support and kind words, haven’t gone unnoticed, or unappreciated. Whether privately in my room, during wheelchair rides, now walks, around the hospital with the nurses, people have been encouraging and kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There’s been a constant flow of “Wow. You look great. Wonderful to see you out.” Now, “Wonderful to see you UP.” Smiles, greeting of hello, and hugs. This hospital is truly unique. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Oh why not, here are some of the recent fun things. </span></p> <!--EndFragment--></div><div><br /></div><div> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">The unit secretary found out I like Mexican food. Hello HOMEMADE enchiladas, and a few days later, breakfast burritos. YUM. Oh my goodness. YUM.</span></p></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia60FKi9vjSi6M9KrwJ5UIzNcWwVY0yRQdst_OZuxhlawJtkwpffuzJL2O25693-sAPWp9x9n3gTOLJSfIS6fZjigW0E1VR1PKTYurRgz35Xzx16KkLiPkZaTYSKDszgxcX0Wz8zBUioHd/s1600/IMG_8831.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia60FKi9vjSi6M9KrwJ5UIzNcWwVY0yRQdst_OZuxhlawJtkwpffuzJL2O25693-sAPWp9x9n3gTOLJSfIS6fZjigW0E1VR1PKTYurRgz35Xzx16KkLiPkZaTYSKDszgxcX0Wz8zBUioHd/s200/IMG_8831.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705360320961419586" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhpUd9BXoCfupLE2wdh1ouwSjoq7QbDodE4c0SEM3j7jnBDFI0vkrpOo8lAkm5Z74xgTS-nKLR0dSsdp0yPLYK5ePHTGDw5vvgnRJu_dBxXKgX9uv1NWOz_Fp0qve6gi5iCU2GnQFvJgM/s200/IMG_8856.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705360435294581426" /></div><div><br /></div><div> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--><span style=" ;font-family:Cambria;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">More treats</span></span><!--EndFragment--> </div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmmEgH0c-YfFVxXwhmE84oNvfMTErPBn8vYTgUEN7CwuAyhmKnqtKQwG-_57V8QsMEI6eKzgnhySQaTG1ICjtgVdPwTWqUskGKuwNL7rCi4Kvcy7xTwdch4L1vpnsxbMiw11fOmtJ16Vj/s200/IMG_8734.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705359480868710418" /></div><div><br /></div><div> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">The March of Dimes/ NICU coordinator brought me lunch</span></p> <!--EndFragment--></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlXM2NgQswEoQ3Hs-JUprSTrDn8V2o69vBB_jYOq6mIOpgDZZSgSmlnpfp-w7Uq5otDQfz51nz_hcpY0yBbkd63OLP9oEK8MMcxw1thsL5kXOuXiwk7gX4LIpk6mzH3rBONnQB16sVUm8/s200/IMG_8605.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705359362593438050" /></div><div> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Flowers. Or as Kate calls them, “owers.”</span> </p> <!--EndFragment--></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEC_-msf9nQbsZHZD0l_2JIPfrC9vVNVQpXiIGycPAptRtQcgzl5HWEWmnFE48hDHWX92anwh1wzQWjVUPGPkuBxVaHHrZQwXlfXXXvoXAhogbcOwyQF4bBGdNBzpulpoKdvwn2N87U5C/s1600/IMG_8888.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 136px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEC_-msf9nQbsZHZD0l_2JIPfrC9vVNVQpXiIGycPAptRtQcgzl5HWEWmnFE48hDHWX92anwh1wzQWjVUPGPkuBxVaHHrZQwXlfXXXvoXAhogbcOwyQF4bBGdNBzpulpoKdvwn2N87U5C/s200/IMG_8888.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705359664541249314" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">A slice of cake from a going away party</span></p> <!--EndFragment--></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmTMyZVR3suUBXcqvcWWB9ou3vGJSkf96lp1cknOYjIWBTq1gdeh6ozeh6U3QshAhS1M3ahvg_rScvWUAPsWu8BpttWG-zgMuZ3lA_d7xuhRfadtwIFjQ_UxU8bqRoisJdR-92ZG4eN9k/s200/IMG_8739.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705359568243447458" /></div><div><br /> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Lip gloss </span></p> <!--EndFragment--></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHHdp1YqeRtuLC1V_ljECVZBuIAZLIvyP3Mjz5sgRNekFOc7hXFIL2quKCmCcHwqF4nJE8RRoLo5jfY9juoNmJUIxzMeXUmNaJqdT_-_FjDnVsg9rj03QadL-4rQp_9X6KSXtvQE8GtCu/s200/IMG_8503.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705359249737290834" /><br /><br /></div><div> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span style=" ;font-family:Cambria;">The NICU nurses are sending cookies to my room. They said they want a 5lb baby </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Wingdings;">:) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Please notice the grapes; I was trying to have a healthy bedtime snack.</span></span><br /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xQQMOAl3wD4fSaWnhP9EUJn11ijQTl9a1SXDiKx5zYyn4-y7gPXKlWjtr9oYmfTutegl9RC-fp1PoZ-RGyjXPltq7M2mipG31RMXPHdHTwAdB9hFZON-RTl7wehZpIxsJtkBqPph8rvT/s200/IMG_8837.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705359790038843250" /></div><div><br /> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">This morning I opened the door and found a banner across it, spelling my name with bright colors (sorry, no pic)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Yep, ALL of this from staff. </span></p> <!--EndFragment--><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">As for what’s happening medically, not much. I’m as stable as can be, perfect labs, and not contracting regularly. We continue to have BPPs twice a week. Yesterday Baby B was measuring at 4lbs (I think she’ll be a little over 5.) The plan is to discontinue the heparin tomorrow morning, and start low-dose Pitocin tomorrow night. Eek. </span></p> <!--EndFragment--></div>Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09209567864607495587noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807253899575656424.post-21853631564132797192012-01-29T18:05:00.004-06:002012-01-29T18:13:57.733-06:0033 weeks= 6 weeks 2 days of hospital bed rest<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">So, um, yeah, I had promised to update more frequently, and then, last week kind of fell apart. I waited, hoping it would get better, settle down, but alas….<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">On Monday, my high risk OB stopped by to tell me that she’d spoken to my perinatologist. He was out of the country on vacation when I ruptured, and my OB had consulted with both of his partners. Even though delivery was on the books for 34 weeks, and the literature states 34 weeks, and EVERYONE (including the two perinatologists) agreed that 34 weeks was the best option, my perinatologist suggested that we might try to get closer to term. My OB said that she planned to talk to him again, after he’d had a chance to talk to his partners, etc…</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">While we were talking, I found out that she hadn’t received the final report from U of M (NOT happy about that), which stated that they couldn’t rule out a small VSD on Baby B, and that a repeat echo should be preformed after delivery. She wanted to get it done right away.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 48px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpKxPgP6I9tdEf6uunJu8kBiXffJFMihdjMFJuv9mEN9d0ghMKsgWUQaMzv0zy6188aVjtnacZnBcUMBGbnkHmTTCfo2PdPNVZMtk0J_HNKad-ckYomPmLUG2d5J8NKYvXp1QfmdA-lYN/s320/IMG_8815.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703210290010132050" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">On Tuesday, one of the other high risk OBs in the practice stopped by. She said that in her opinion, we need to deliver at 34 weeks. It’s clearly in the literature, and what if we keep pushing, and then something bad happens, which it likely will. She said, “At this point, there are too many cooks in the kitchen” and there are already so many people working on this case, we need to draw the line somewhere, versus continuing to ask people for their opinions. She said we can ask 100 doctors, and we will continue to get different answers. There are too many variables in my case. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">On Wednesday, this hospital’s pediatric cardiologist and his team arrived in my room to do another fetal echocardiogram. After an hour of scanning, much of which the cardiologist did himself, it was determined that Baby B has multiple small VSDs (ventricular septal defects) and a possible bicuspid aortic valve. He said it’s not clinically significant and probably wouldn’t require treatment. After they left, nurse after nurse came in, teary-eyed, and offering hugs. Hmm, okay, now I was upset. Then my doctor came in, same thing. When she left, she said she was on her way to speak with the cardiologist, as he hadn’t entered his report yet. She promised to return in the evening.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Sure enough, she later came waltzing in the door. She said that she’s spoken to the cardiologist and he felt terrible for upsetting me. I told her that he hadn’t upset me; he basically told me it wasn’t a big deal. It was everyone else that seemed so concerned, which in turn, made me worry. So, as it stands, this is not a big deal and they will repeat the echo after delivery. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">And then there was delivery. I asked her the dreaded question, “If you were going through this, what would you do?” Answer, “I’d be done at 34.” Yep, signed, sealed delivered. That is all I needed to hear; I completely trust her. She was going to speak with a few of her partners, but in her opinion, 34 is it. We talked on the phone a bit later, and sure enough, two of her partners (both have super impressive backgrounds, and I’ve worked with both) said 34 weeks. My nurse overheard part of the conversation, which included one of the doctors saying that this case has too many unique circumstances, and that we shouldn’t push our luck. Going further is “begging for complications” and “setting ourselves up for disaster.” </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">One of the doctors who was consulted on the 34 week delivery plan stopped by the following day. She offered lots of hugs, and then I thanked her for her involvement in my case. Her background is very impressive (training at two world-renowned university hospitals on the east coast.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She has done a lot of research on my case, even though she’s not my primary, and I’m technically only her responsibility when she’s on call. In her opinion, delivery needs to happen at 34 weeks. This is “uncharted territory” in her words, and there is nothing in the literature about a demised twin, PPROM, and continuing to stay pregnant this long. Therefore, we need to play it safe and be done at 34 weeks.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">34.1 it is! </span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09209567864607495587noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807253899575656424.post-78932929317501220912012-01-29T17:59:00.007-06:002012-01-29T18:13:31.866-06:00Guinness is in kitty ICU (yes, really)<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">Continuing on with the week, on Friday I received a call from my husband. He’s still in Slovakia and had come home from work to find that Guinness was sick, very sick. It appeared that he’d had another episode (history in the cat file on the right.) When he hadn’t recovered by Saturday morning, my husband took him to a recommended vet. They didn’t have the facilities to keep him overnight, so they suggested another veterinary hospital. Guinness is now in the kitty ICU, receiving IV fluids and going through more testing. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">The clinic has visiting hours, so my husband was there to see him earlier today. He’s still not eating or drinking, but doesn’t appear to be as weak as he was previously. So far his leukocytes, AST, and urea have come back abnormal. They plan to keep him for more testing. My husband and Bella miss him so much. I'm so sad that I can't be there. </span></div><div> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">We’d appreciate some good kitty thoughts. I think we’ve had our share of bad news this year. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">This week has to be better, right? right?</span></p> <!--EndFragment--></div><div><br /></div><div>(poor quality iPad pictures of the brave boy)</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0E_9DDWmxtyoRLW7by6OKBgnOk4pVMZUYaOIk5IhjZ8O3AbUA6x7geYbZWMNLNjFXNAsdCvG3Gz7QpfuwZJCUZa6jeocw5YV2dguNogPek9IF8Z396hSgFii0ipOPdlPTutpUJ_VweWo_/s1600/photo+1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0E_9DDWmxtyoRLW7by6OKBgnOk4pVMZUYaOIk5IhjZ8O3AbUA6x7geYbZWMNLNjFXNAsdCvG3Gz7QpfuwZJCUZa6jeocw5YV2dguNogPek9IF8Z396hSgFii0ipOPdlPTutpUJ_VweWo_/s320/photo+1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703208456940860002" /></a><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIF9ZLEys3hBTJOfRQFdn7T9Ue0_QaI_UKQy_rk1qLMXdam91YXriyn9v3MDX-mBH99RQ8BHLmS5NMgS6AFoDTuruShvIJTBiIkUJ59dr5sO7Rh0YTkPtwHXBe0OrzAwafLnD14Ccmtf7/s1600/photo+5.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIF9ZLEys3hBTJOfRQFdn7T9Ue0_QaI_UKQy_rk1qLMXdam91YXriyn9v3MDX-mBH99RQ8BHLmS5NMgS6AFoDTuruShvIJTBiIkUJ59dr5sO7Rh0YTkPtwHXBe0OrzAwafLnD14Ccmtf7/s320/photo+5.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703208307863711842" /></a><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccuHck78LF_VrpXo3fAN6X-rbcWfayKPQLQXxHRCZv2udYQCV1GydKMhrW9GxYGe31VnXvuZXvrSCipxGAqIPjvagHEjH-xoDLrvni7eWvu_aUggXyyxHjfnBbWohXRxZqgYQ_tOV99sF/s1600/photo+4.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccuHck78LF_VrpXo3fAN6X-rbcWfayKPQLQXxHRCZv2udYQCV1GydKMhrW9GxYGe31VnXvuZXvrSCipxGAqIPjvagHEjH-xoDLrvni7eWvu_aUggXyyxHjfnBbWohXRxZqgYQ_tOV99sF/s320/photo+4.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703208142761104626" /></a><br /></div></div>Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09209567864607495587noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807253899575656424.post-87277480761853887012012-01-19T12:56:00.002-06:002012-01-19T13:03:38.594-06:00Ladies who lunch<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >My high risk OB, bless her, decided that I was stable enough to go downstairs to the cafeteria for lunch. Again, bless the woman. For the past two days, one of the nurses and an assistant, have wheeled me downstairs, at which time we’ve enjoyed a delightful lunch. The cafeteria is always full of hospital staff; it’s been a bit strange to see that many people in one place, a first in over 30 days. Yesterday the assistant commented that it was like sitting at the popular kid’s table in school, since so many people were coming over to say hello, and how nice it was to see me out. I saw people from every hospital department I’ve dealt with, including one of the OBs who was a bit surprised to see me downstairs. Dr. L, I promise, we had permission. Now, if I can just get permission to go down the street to Starbucks!</span></div><div> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">In other news, they doubled my heparin. I was at 5,000IU twice a day, now it's 10,000IU twice a day. It’s not a big deal aside from the fact that it stings, and now takes twice as long to inject. Unfortunately, this will also mean more frequent blood draws. </span></p></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwuKcsSaFHJFP0g5nXMwmFtxftH8bCER-nMdYsvTCqS7HOW0yyHk-ZjA3sBxEKIMTPFemc3S6ceqFXXGGe9gl3E1eIOIcXVtIqYymfBdnUp3HkAEPdmnPGcaCarP9rEViIYL9lUR7V8mM2/s1600/IMG_8718.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwuKcsSaFHJFP0g5nXMwmFtxftH8bCER-nMdYsvTCqS7HOW0yyHk-ZjA3sBxEKIMTPFemc3S6ceqFXXGGe9gl3E1eIOIcXVtIqYymfBdnUp3HkAEPdmnPGcaCarP9rEViIYL9lUR7V8mM2/s320/IMG_8718.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699419413526540642" /></a><div><br /></div><div> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">And as of today, we’re at 19 on the 19<sup>th</sup>. My nurse has been marking off each day on the calendar, and today she decided to do a countdown. So, as of January 19<sup>th</sup> I have 19 days left. I can’t believe I’m almost done!</span></p></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXNuFgdXMxhorq06qAuXi1hKini_-ZaH1pQcflpw42HjA-LCGz9n7yCDR8meTymY4SypriDarzpuhe5yPqBugTJN33lfpcGMhw_PNTmq_-2FDRAJWw20et726HMn0u42fIWRTLfECSHVU/s1600/IMG_8722.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXNuFgdXMxhorq06qAuXi1hKini_-ZaH1pQcflpw42HjA-LCGz9n7yCDR8meTymY4SypriDarzpuhe5yPqBugTJN33lfpcGMhw_PNTmq_-2FDRAJWw20et726HMn0u42fIWRTLfECSHVU/s320/IMG_8722.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699419272282751746" /></a><br /></div>Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09209567864607495587noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807253899575656424.post-3174160729830131642012-01-18T14:36:00.015-06:002012-01-18T15:04:38.639-06:001 month, 34 days, but who’s counting<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">I’ve now been in the hospital for a little over a month, 34 days to be exact. Surprisingly, particularly to me, I haven’t lost my mind, yet. It stays unbelievably busy here. I remember when Kate was born, my husband arrived the following day. Within the first hour of being at the hospital, he looked at me and asked, “Is it always like this?” Meaning, is it always so busy in your room. I don’t know what it’s like to have a normal, low risk <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ">b</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ">irth, or a normal </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ">pregnancy, but as a high risk patient, there is a constant flow of activity in my room. To be honest, since everyone is so wonderful, the company has been nice. However, it also leaves very little time for things like blogging. It seems that as soon as I open the laptop, someone is walking through the door.</span><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Updates:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Today I’m 31 weeks 3 days. I continue to have BioPhysical Profiles twice a week, always scoring 8/8. During </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">most recent ultrasound (yesterday), Baby B was estimated at 3lbs 6oz. I’m on the monitor for an hour, twice a day. Baby B’s heart rate and activity are great, contractions are minimal. Blood work continues to be perfect,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">and even better, has now dropped down to two pokes a week. I’m also down to vitals every four hours instead of every two. Hooray, I’m actually getting a bit of sleep at night.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">For the first few weeks, every morning when the doctors rounded, I would ask about the possibility of going </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">home; the answer was always the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I had to accept that I’m here for the duration, and they are continuing </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">to make it as pleasant as possible.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">A celebratory 30 week balloon and flowers, from my mom and Kate! Plus the constant flow of lattes from Starbucks and necessities from home.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAldlAiVfmQVUS7kX4PrYtv7ewGSnk-_TDRKuN7DI40UvrIl1K2SYaZrIXQ5-0mPXMwm4_2_6M0dBV4Y8i4_TKwGKta2sCJ7nLOWhb1mOM2BHr4OUqIWsDaPdnn3o8RnZLh9Njmwj4boKx/s200/IMG_8675.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699074322149755458" /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Surprise, and very appreciated, lattes sometimes make an appearance from the staff. Always decaf from the night nurses ;)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 166px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkgYYDFc6MoTAincU6iLvxN1UbpeKoBwP95NtdhIrxBOo8tW2KygOCIIg_-p-6g5W6g5VUEjjfm5enUq9J2wPynsNdg5HW0J13s4Zlx4VQkVxnp-fm5ph2mjHfDRk46XuYvBoehi8-5Cm/s200/IMG_8581.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699076893592140834" /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">One of the nurses paints my toes</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIN0cLu-nkWasZKHF0EPVnSrIgUpZV7ceqQoDfSQCrcVLt6DXBfn0SuFCnzWfN6NkJ-02BWwEYXLcUQCdAOicLbl54wixVZ1zwSYdoppRNcepr2PgRCbZPhrmWysTJkvNh4NKN4w4sSBaL/s200/IMG_8657.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699075756683189506" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">The cards and letters mean so much.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0WkUqm0nom9HruPtW0MjHucAVgDyUfNlDVDODthNKE53xX7KJ8KXXck0lTB1nZ5ceC0rjNd53V00vYg0LjuXpeP9i96QrRRUJamlBOilpV2cuBjp5Htf29bByTH79Ky1N0AP6qhI3usEU/s200/IMG_8514.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699074468583509362" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Fruit and treats from Harry & David, thanks D!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhXMK39Ux6W1CyLca_zRAs_rb81QiqXt7NcwXCpqeZFJGgzwp5RbQZxqWGnAltRnKvI3Bi5ma4swL1CkvgmMBGAiX1crvP1jtZUqk0qphdeV6YOk0xOJSI0wA1Z8PN1a4fLA8Vj30eBUo/s200/IMG_8540.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699074618010766674" /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Something for Kate. One of the nurses commented that Kate shouldn’t have to play on the cold, hard floor. She and her children brought in a rug for her to keep in her play corner. Kate adores it, and tries to pick up the “owers” (flowers) and “balls” (polka dots). </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzWa44wtCl-86kHPCXIw1S0dKlmD_1f5dK_LIXE0kvASE-PSffaHC1hVFIA-ia11pKDX48Zzb3Vioyx76d6o_2xbAmJl8ksJurOjQyfg58pveOVZtqh7U0GOhzMmvujL8izMElui1JwmW/s200/IMG_8580.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699075557349429394" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 128px; " /> <img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkCy2WMJlJPLE348H5z8Bh_k9Oc5ri5KUo8b7l8ZxiM9x_8LwERmSNaFmfLH73Vbr4YMzFfnwKQYCjF9QdGH-_jlBmO-_vTFds7YKDuavngzShS0NbSdlU1fPkaCbAGk-uIDvzvf8neYt/s200/IMG_8606.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699076788654153394" /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">The mother of one of my favorite nurses (M) makes hats for the NICU. M is sneaky and had asked me about nursery colours one day. I told her that we plan to use white and light pink, again. A few days later, she brought me this white hat with pink bunnies, made especially for Baby B…. (next to a pen for size comparison)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEmZM-RtThxosER7BfFaCC2VU1_Rw17zQ1kAiG6TnSfYuryLSJGAYqpluJBN8AXP64IZzyOznGhvDBC4KxpEYP60KdEaoT0LVDu5n1ygDWl6fOSbLmTOGzaNn7tGsp48K1DJvWvPl9nP8/s200/IMG_8573.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699074864068186114" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">The first week I was here, one of the nurses asked me what my favorite local restaurant is, and what I like to order. For my 31 week anniversary, the nurses surprised me with my favorite salad. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyX8CwtWAyWvgzraDrywjiFmIopYcJoT0Dh1ss-8TlED6nz6UxGFd0oNGYXbnawuuAUrE2s96TwuNKt6WM-_gzT7mVXg8cRPLfZJZH5jYDUx9JXToD2kdeHZITYqf3pNCjlctVHuZu-wuV/s200/IMG_8715.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699077485881095922" /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Thank you to everyone for the continued emails, texts, thoughts, and prayers. It all means so, so much!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">As for delivery, we are still looking at a 34-week induction. Not ideal, but so much better than what could have happened/ what they thought might happen. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">I really am going to make a concerted effort to update more often. I don’t have a journal, so this is the best place to keep track of the good, and the bad. As hard as it is to be away from normal life, and especially from Kate, there really has been a lot of good, and memories for a lifetime. </span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09209567864607495587noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807253899575656424.post-50289272719939946222012-01-01T22:02:00.009-06:002012-01-01T22:25:16.558-06:0017th day of hospital bed rest, and 29 WEEKS!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2oCqxrD2NpshPKKA2ECReha95K575XDgnxoWFG2ht406zuAgoWC1cZSfI3nV6XlK1yaYXklzZuExDoIoVoq01zCjP0GS08KNEMX32NgGwsZ46OjQM8ZyBNPFsVDJnqPrzx-_j-iq2PMar/s1600/IMG_8512.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 184px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2oCqxrD2NpshPKKA2ECReha95K575XDgnxoWFG2ht406zuAgoWC1cZSfI3nV6XlK1yaYXklzZuExDoIoVoq01zCjP0GS08KNEMX32NgGwsZ46OjQM8ZyBNPFsVDJnqPrzx-_j-iq2PMar/s320/IMG_8512.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692880634150775138" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Today I’m 29 weeks pregnant. I’m still 5 weeks from the goal of 34 weeks (they won’t let me go past 34), but 29 is A LOT better than where I was on admission, 26 weeks 5 days. EVERY day helps. </span></div><div> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Speaking of the NICU, I finally did the tour. The NICU team and neonatologist had been in to speak with me a few times, but I’d been avoiding the actual tour. A few nights ago when my nurse stopped by to take me for my coveted daily wheelchair ride, she announced that we were going to stop in the NICU before going anywhere else. I’ve always been very eye-rolly (is that a word) when women talk about wanting to be induced (for non-medical reasons) or whined about how uncomfortable they are toward the end (hey, that’s part of being pregnant), but spending time in the NICU only confirms the belief I’ve always had, that babies are meant to be born at 39-40 weeks, and wishing for anything earlier is selfish, plain and simple, selfish. Okay, I’ll save that rant for another post.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Moving right along, we’re continuing to pass our Tuesday and Friday BPPs (Bio Physical Profiles) with perfectscores 8/8. On Friday, Baby B was estimated at 2lbs 10oz, 40<sup>th</sup> percentile. We also have twice daily 1-hour non-stress tests. Everything looks great. The monitor occasionally picks up a few contractions, but I’ve only felt one.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaA_CzxPQqalQ0YrHY1sR0WEOeeNPnX9D3qnn6wcGpkx76lunzR7RFx1EqBT09AHwaj5h_L9KUcoTobtVuMsKezCrLpFGb8iqKlBs0x-FONE2czS226gjsDazFyzOG4HjxfGIt70urxP4k/s1600/IMG_8517.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaA_CzxPQqalQ0YrHY1sR0WEOeeNPnX9D3qnn6wcGpkx76lunzR7RFx1EqBT09AHwaj5h_L9KUcoTobtVuMsKezCrLpFGb8iqKlBs0x-FONE2czS226gjsDazFyzOG4HjxfGIt70urxP4k/s200/IMG_8517.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692880525988331506" /></a></p></div><div><div><br /></div><div>I also had the Glucose Tolerance Test on Friday, and passed. Yay.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmuITBtx5X0QtVqMhXe-D-agj3cA2B7gCg8vo7o-GR07jagBgLPOiKTBk42J9DpLclmTn5Zupc6PPHmfRzKWFOZp9U_ou5kCCjwrpvIBHORVHtZhyQLKLAptDeWJ1Ji-a7KjYjdeCGvWf/s1600/IMG_8495.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 104px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmuITBtx5X0QtVqMhXe-D-agj3cA2B7gCg8vo7o-GR07jagBgLPOiKTBk42J9DpLclmTn5Zupc6PPHmfRzKWFOZp9U_ou5kCCjwrpvIBHORVHtZhyQLKLAptDeWJ1Ji-a7KjYjdeCGvWf/s200/IMG_8495.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692880400394704434" /></a><br /><br /></div></div><div> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Most hospitals have rules regarding how often IVs have to be changed; the standard being every 72 hours. I’m not going to do the math, but I’ve had a lot of IVs during the past 17 days. I started with several, those were changed after 72 hours, then I was able to drop one, I’ve had one blow, a few that needed to be moved due to redness, etc. Between the almost daily blood draws and IVs, it’s getting harder and harder to start them and find good placement sites. On Thursday, the nurses started talking about a PICC line. On one hand, yeah, it makes total sense. On the other hand, ack. When the doctor on- call rounded yesterday, she decided to give me a break for the weekend. She said she’s not entirely comfortable with not having access (an IV), but we’ll wait until Tuesday and revisit the idea of a PICC. For now, I’m free….</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">That same doctor is probably the youngest, smallest, sweetest OB ever, and no, I don’t feel this way just because she offered to bring me a latte from Starbucks ;) She’s just very nice, and since I’m the most stable antepartum patient ever (at least that’s how I feel), we really don’t have much to chat about when she visits. So instead we talk about online shopping and the fact that I desperately need a haircut. My mom said she would ask her guy if he could make a house, err, hospital call, but if that doesn’t work out, Dr. Glorious said she could recommend someone. Sweet! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Did I mention that the fabulous nurse, M, who was with me when I delivered Kate, still works here? She’s been my nurse several times and it was so much fun to reminisce about Kate’s delivery. After Kate was born, M was the person who told me I was very polite, as I hadn’t screamed, called her names, used bad language, and always said please and thank you, and did it drug-free. A few nights ago, M was taking me for my wheelchair ride. She’d decided to take me to look at Christmas lights on the bridge on the backside of the hospital, used by the doctors to go back and forth between the clinic. L&D is a locked unit, and you have to be quick to get through the doors, or the alarm sounds. It seems that every time we pass through a door in the wheelchair, we set it off. M left me on the bridge, and stepped just inside the door to turn the alarm off. Of course, my high-risk OB came walking out of the other side, as I’m just sitting there in the wheelchair on the bridge. Many jokes about me trying to escape.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">We finally have some snow. I’ve never been in the Midwest during the winter before, and was starting to question the rumors I’d heard about harsh winters and blizzards (not really.) Well, winter is officially here, and we have snow. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Last night, the nurses had a potluck to celebrate New Year’s Eve, and imagine my delight when this was delivered to me. What a nice break from hospital food.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzTJDm_aUCOSUD0nvOMoW61lUmrnPbFgEHQpVIVfz-VkjF7o2GFkAu_MA4TcQqoJ3squ8NASgiT1goimbgc2NRQvXJMb_eCWFTuJFrBGfhrPX5SrpAt6LzWcWdU5JW7Ds4w0sMRifsghuI/s200/IMG_8506.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692882945028825506" /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Once again, they’ve surprised me with their kindness. I’m so lucky to be here.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Next goal, 30 weeks! </span></p> <!--EndFragment--></div>Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09209567864607495587noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807253899575656424.post-33505973231993561222011-12-28T15:34:00.000-06:002011-12-28T15:35:35.743-06:00My nurse just brought me a latte…<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uRc3ltb_6RYr1Ph9y6X9vey9CYsOHDnGIFQzq3d0sEGqKrmaRcxYwOLMSrkha4rMh-fGCt-iUxFZHWLhU6eTvjO40UBIsGtF2uWJom2sXX2PiQAnySxidacoNJNy7pwrFwX5b3v8epeC/s1600/IMG_8485.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uRc3ltb_6RYr1Ph9y6X9vey9CYsOHDnGIFQzq3d0sEGqKrmaRcxYwOLMSrkha4rMh-fGCt-iUxFZHWLhU6eTvjO40UBIsGtF2uWJom2sXX2PiQAnySxidacoNJNy7pwrFwX5b3v8epeC/s320/IMG_8485.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691295860653304178" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">So, I wasn’t going to do blog posts of all the wonderful things my nurses, doctors, support people, etc, do and say, that make hospital bed rest a bit more tolerable, but on a daily basis, I’m humbled by the generosity, and kindness, of my care team. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Their giving, thoughtful nature was evident immediately upon my arrival after the rupture. When I say I had a full room of people, I mean FULL of people. They were all there to do a job, but they worked so well with each other, displaying a working relationship I’ve rarely seen. And I would say that I’m a fairly harsh judge, due to the years I worked at a major university teaching hospital, one known for not only medical excellence, but outstanding patient care as well. I had amazing coworkers, who clearly cared for each other, and their patients. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I obviously hadn’t planned on this (the rupture and subsequent hospitalization) happening, and therefore hadn’t charged my phone or iPad before coming into the city to do some shopping. That night, one of the nurses came in and said that she and her husband had just purchased a new iPad, and that I was welcome to use it. WHAT?!?! Who offers a patient, a stranger, something like that? I told her that I had my own, but it wasn’t charged. Before I knew it, she was back with a charger; she had her husband bring it to the hospital for me to use. I also found out that the doctor on call was going to run home and grab her charger for me, if the nurse’s husband wasn’t able to bring theirs in. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">The nurses find ways to make everything better, even with a simple smile, or a wink. My first visitor was a nurse. She worked in my high risk OB’s office when I was pregnant with Kate, and when she heard that I’d been admitted, she asked if she could come in and visit. Several other nurses have stopped by to say hello, just because they happened to be at the hospital (picking something up, teaching a class), and wanted to run up and see how I was doing, or as some have said, see if I am still pregnant. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">The doctors are wonderful, too. You’re supposed to see whoever is rounding that particular day, but in addition to seeing that doctor, my doctor makes a point to stop in as often as possible, just to check in. Her colleagues have been wonderful, and I’m glad they were made aware of my case, before any of this started. Not only have I received a high level of care, I’ve also received a lot of hugs and comforting words. As with anything, I have favorites, but all of the doctors are great, and if worse came to worse, I’d honestly feel comfortable with anyone from that department at delivery. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">All of the lactation consultants at this hospital are also RNs. There’s one in particular who worked with Kate and I, extensively, both while we were here for delivery and for weeks afterward. She doesn’t work at this location very often anymore, but when she was here and saw my name on the board, she came into my room. She didn’t know why I was here, and we hadn’t talked in over a year, but she must have known it was a bad situation. She walked in, hugged me, and just cradled my head, as I broke down and sobbed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She ended up visiting with me for hours, and made sure I had her cell number. She also knows that my mom has Kate, and that my husband is overseas, so she offered to be with me for delivery, and said to call anytime, day or night. As if that weren’t enough, she and her husband came to see me on Christmas Eve, and brought me a gift. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">The charge nurse has been wonderful, too. She has spent a lot of time in my room, just talking, and seems to know all of the right things to say to someone in my situation, which as no one has to point out, but sometimes do, is extremely rare. She also took on the responsibility of calling the local funeral homes to ask questions about making arrangements for Baby A, so that I wouldn’t have to. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">One of the first days I was here, my doctor came bouncing in with Christmas decorations, and decorated my room a bit. She also brought in some books for me to read, books that she chose based on my interests. Even Santa stopped by last week, bringing a small gift for Kate. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I could give example after example of what my care has been like, the attitude of the staff, the way they’ve tried to include me in things (a staff potluck on Christmas Eve, coming in to paint my toes) just so I’d have a few minutes of normal. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">And that brings me to today. I think word has spread through the floor that I love Starbucks. Daily, one of the nurses or doctors offers to bring me a latte (not a small offer since there’s no Starbucks in the hospital.) My day nurse and I were talking about Starbucks and coffee in general. She offered to run downstairs to the espresso cart to get me a drink. I repeatedly told her it wasn’t necessary, but she insisted. She just brought me a latte, and refused payment. P, it’s my treat next time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">If anyone has ideas of things I could do for the staff, to show my appreciation, please let me know. I have a basket of Lindt truffles and other candy out for them, but I’d like to do something else, something more tangible. They deserve it! </span></p> <!--EndFragment--></div>Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09209567864607495587noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807253899575656424.post-26331060339798954172011-12-23T18:23:00.003-06:002011-12-24T12:12:13.356-06:00Guess where I’m spending Christmas, and hopefully the next seven weeks?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">December 14, I had an appointment with my high risk OB. Her plan, at that time, was steroid shots (for Baby B’s lungs) at 34 weeks, amnio to check lung maturity at 35 weeks, then schedule the c-section depending on the amnio results. She’d also met with her department to discuss my wishes with them. Basically, that I don’t care what the department policy is, or who’s on call, I want her at delivery. Everyone was in agreement that under the circumstances, that was okay. The meeting also brought them up to date on my case and history, information that would prove invaluable in the coming days.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Two days later, last Friday night, at 26 weeks 5 days, I was at the mall with my mom, grandmother, and Kate. All of the sudden, I felt my water break. Blood, amniotic fluid, and a mad dash to the hospital. I’d called ahead and they were expecting me in L&D. I had a room full of people, starting lines, asking questions, making phone calls, blood work, ultrasound, the works. The ultrasound showed that Baby B had a good fluid level and strong heartbeat, and it appeared that it was Baby A’s sac (the “non viable baby” as he’s called, tears) that had ruptured. Then the contractions started.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I was put on a very high dose of Magnesium Sulfate. I’d heard of this med before, but wow, nothing compares to the experience. To be honest, the details of last weekend are a little fuzzy; that is a strong drug and I was so, so sick. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Imagine the worst flu you’ve ever had, hot flashes, inability to control your limbs, light sensitivity, vomiting. Yeah, that’s Magnesium Sulfate. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Back to Friday. So yeah, I was now contracting every two minutes and SCARED. It takes A LOT to scare me, especially in a medical setting. I was terrified, shaking, and even tearful. I know 26 weekers can survive, but I really wanted 35 weeks, and still do. While they worked on me, they had the NICU team come in. After speaking with the neonatologist, I thanked him and said I hoped to not see him for 8 weeks or so. The look of disbelief on the staff’s faces was too much. They said they were just hoping for 48 hours at that point, enough to get the steroid shots in for Baby B’s lungs. I also found out they chose the Mag Sulfate because it offers “neuro protection” and because I was on heparin. I couldn’t believe this was happening, most of the time, I still don’t.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Over the weekend they tried to make me comfortable and prepare me for the worst. I am happy to say that I was able to get the two doses of Betamethasone (for lung maturity) and eventually the contractions stopped, so I was weaned off of the Mag, though not before becoming violently ill Saturday night. They did blood work several times a day to test my Mag levels, which I later found out were sky-high. In addition to the contractions, infection is a major concern. The sac that provided a barrier of protection is gone, so I’m getting Erythromycin and Amoxicillin every six hours, vitals every two. The other big concerns are cord prolapse and placental abruption, though one doctor said the risk of abruption goes down after 24 hours of PPROM, so I’m way past that. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">After passing the initial 48 hours, people seemed to relax a bit, and then it was time to make longer plans. My perinatologist is out of town, but my high risk OB spoke with his partner. The perinatologist said that he absolutely wouldn’t let me go past 34 weeks. Her response to him was that she was just trying to get me to 30 at this point. I’m sure I was visibly disappointed when she told me that, and I mentioned that I’d hoped for 35. She said no, but that if I make it to 30, we can set new goals. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Strict hospital bed rest is hard. And before I explain, I KNOW I’m in the best place, and I KNOW that every day I’m here, is a day Baby B is not in the NICU, but yes, this is tough, so now I’ll whine, a bit. For the first several days I had multiple IVs, a catheter, 24 hour monitoring of Baby B, and zero privileges. As in, you do not get up from bed for any reason, none. Want to brush your teeth, the nurse brings your toothbrush and a Styrofoam cup. Need to go to the bathroom, voila, the foley catheter is already in. Want to stretch your legs, too bad, you’re hooked up to the sequential compression device, which inflates every five seconds, yes, I counted. Little by little, the doctors have “liberalized” my privileges. I’m now catheter free and depending on which doctor is rounding, I get sitting showers of either 2, 5 or 10 minutes. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">The loss of independence has been hard, very hard. I’m used to doing things myself, when I need to. If I go to the bathroom, I have to ring for the nurse, then have monitoring upon returning to bed. My meds are brought in on a schedule. Food is eaten in bed. I’m dependent on everyone for everything. That is hard.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Kate is doing well, under the circumstances. We are VERY lucky in that this (PPROM) happened here. My mom and Kate are close, so she’s enjoying her time with Nana. They visit often, but it’s difficult. She’s too young to understand, and this is a scary place for kids. We’re getting the room decorated and hopefully with more time, she’ll become more comfortable. I’ve just never had to be away from her before, so this is tough.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I’ll be updating the blog a lot more often. As of today, I’m 27 weeks 6 days, and still planning for a 2012 delivery!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Thank you for your continued support and prayers. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Wishing you a very Merry Christmas! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--><p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09209567864607495587noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807253899575656424.post-26531947946136300412011-12-22T15:35:00.001-06:002011-12-22T15:37:19.540-06:00Very sad update<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I apologize for taking so long to update. I wish I could go back and do things on my schedule, but I was trying to be sensitive to other people, and give my husband time to inform people of our devastating news, versus having them read it on the blog. It turns out that he did notify everyone; they’ve just chosen to remain silent, whatever. I have MUCH bigger concerns at this point.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Our sad news, we lost Baby A in November, during my 22<sup>nd</sup> week of pregnancy. The grief is overbearing at times, but I have to be strong for Baby B. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She is doing very well, continuing to get at least one ultrasound a week and looking great.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">And for the next blog update, you won’t believe where I’m spending Christmas. </span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09209567864607495587noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807253899575656424.post-25454885413882858402011-11-11T16:22:00.001-06:002011-11-11T16:29:29.313-06:00another appointment, another diagnosis<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">No, unfortunately I’m not joking. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">On Tuesday I saw my regular perinatologist. The detailed u/s showed some growth discordance.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">On Wednesday I drove to the University of Minnesota. After another detailed u/s, the new perinatologist and I had a nice chat. He’s a Washington native, too, and very nice. He said he agreed with the original diagnosis, but “we’ll let the cardiologist confirm it.” We discussed delivery and while he wasn’t thrilled with the idea of me delivering locally then transferring the baby, he said, “We’ll keep our options open.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Then it was off to pediatric cardiology for another fetal echo; this time, on both babies. The new pediatric cardiologist came in to look at the pictures, then we went to talk. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">There is a FOURTH diagnosis. Double Outlet Right Ventricle (DORV). So, now we’re dealing with DOVR, TGA, VSD and PS. Devastating news. The newer Arterial Switch Operation is completely off the table, not even an option. The course of action now is an injection of Prostoglandins immediately after birth. Within a week, placement of a BT Shunt (3 weeks in the hospital.) She said these kids have major issues with suck, swallow breathe and reflux, so he needs to demonstrate that he can gain weight and hydrate. He’ll be followed closely by cardiology and at some point, have the Rastelli procedure (she said likely between 5-8 months). They’ll build a Gore-tex conduit in the heart, which of course brings another set of issues, introducing a foreign material, which the body fights, plus the conduit has to be replaced as he grows and with buildup. Estimated hospitalization time for this is 4 weeks. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I asked about causes and she said nobody knows. I told her that I’d heard there’s a higher incidence in IVF babies and twins. She said that was true. I also told her that I’d read things online such as poor maternal nutrition, alcohol use during pregnancy, diabetic mother, etc. She said none of that is true and that I certainly wouldn’t find it in medical/ cardiology literature. As for how common something like this is, she said, “About 10 cases a year.” DORV is very rare. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">The cardiologist wants additional chromosome testing, ultrasounds of the head and kidneys, and a few other things, right after birth. She also said the lungs can be compromised, so throughout life, the slightest runny nose means a trip to the pediatrician, concerns about RSV, etc. Six and a half hours later, I left. Then drove the four hours back, in the first snow of the year. Don’t I have all the luck?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Yesterday I was a confused mess. I called the original pediatric cardiologist and he met with me within hours. The discussion was very informative, and he clarified the need for additional chromosome testing (which hadn’t made any sense to me since the amnio was normal.) Apparently there are some cardiac lesions that are associated with chromosome issues that aren’t included in the amnio. He named one in particular, which sent me marching upstairs to my perinatologist’s office (they’re in the same hospital.)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">My perinatologist’s nurse showed me the test results, negative. She also said my doctor was in, if I wanted to see him. I waited for him to finish seeing patients, then he and I sat down for another long, very helpful discussion. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">This morning I left a message for my high risk OB’s nurse, and had asked that she call me. My doctor called instead; she’d just read the reports from the U. We had another long talk. She also informed me that she’d spoken with the neonatologist and he said that if I wanted to deliver there, he was okay with it. One of her partners brought up the issue of transferring the baby to Minneapolis, in February, the concern being weather/ blizzard related. Of course with the new diagnosis, my doctor doesn’t think anyone will be comfortable with delivering locally <span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">:(</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">So, where does this leave us? Well, obviously in the hands of some fantastic doctors. My high risk OB, original perinatologist and original pediatric cardiologist have to be some of the most caring, compassionate providers I’ve ever met. Ever. Of course we are devastated, beyond words, devastated. For now I’m scheduling appointments with other providers, researching like mad, and making a quick out of state trip for additional opinions. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Baby A is a very sick little boy, and we could use all the good thoughts and prayers you have. </span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09209567864607495587noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807253899575656424.post-61978536052930380082011-11-07T11:24:00.001-06:002011-11-07T11:25:46.798-06:00First appointment in Minneapolis is scheduled<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">I received a call from the University of Minnesota. It seems that both my perinatologist and pediatric cardiologist contacted them. U of M wants to see me ASAP, so they have me scheduled for an ENTIRE day of appointments later this week. Repeat fetal echo, another detailed U/S, meeting with another perinatologist, another pediatric cardiologist, then a meeting with the “team” to discuss the delivery plans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She said they want to discuss the delivery plan since I’m “getting so close.” Err, I’m only 21 weeks, and considering my goal is 38 weeks (though probably not very realistic), I don’t feel that I’m getting close, at all. Oh well. The appointment is scheduled and this will be the first of many ‘leave the house by 5am, drive 4+hour’ appointments. </span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09209567864607495587noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807253899575656424.post-59495913320657850142011-11-04T15:27:00.001-05:002011-11-04T15:27:57.137-05:0020 weeks 2 days, appointment with my high risk OB<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">On Wednesday I saw my high risk OB. It was a fantastic appointment. Labs and blood pressure are perfect! We discussed the appointment with the pediatric cardiologist and the previous appointment with the perinatologist. After telling her some of the highs and lows of the appointments, she shared some personal experiences, which helped TREMENDOUSLY. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I nervously sat in the chair as I told her of my desire to deliver at her hospital, with her. Much to my surprise, she didn’t say no. Things could still change (much depends on the next fetal echo), but she’s going to move forward as far as discussing it with her partners and speaking with the head of neonatology. Last time I went into labor, and delivered, in the middle of the night, she wasn’t on call. I fear that will happen again, so she’s going to request permission to deliver me, even if she’s not on call. She doesn’t think this will be a problem since they’ve granted special requests for her to deliver other doctors and nurses, in the past. Plus, she’s basically the head of the department, so hopefully speaking with her partners is just a formality. She also wants the neonatologist in the OR when I deliver, so she needs to get his okay too. The BIG problem with all of this is that she’s going to be out of town for most of February (medical conferences). The timing couldn’t be worse.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">She has concerns about preterm labor and said that she’ll likely give me steroid shots to mature the babies’ lungs, in case they come early. As for now, everything is stable and she doesn’t need to see me for two weeks. She gave me a big hug and I seriously left my appointment with a bounce in my step, for the first time in weeks. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Then I hit reception…</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I told the new receptionist that I needed to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hopeful in two weeks. She told me it wasn’t possible; she was booked throughout the month, and asked who my second choice would be. My jaw dropped. Second choice? Um, no. I explained to her that I was high risk, and only wanted to see my doctor. The other receptionist overheard this and told the new girl to speak with my doctor’s nurse. The new receptionist said she’d do that, but told me to keep a second choice in mind. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:27.0pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">At 8:30am yesterday morning, my doctor’s nurse called. The receptionist had spoken with her, she then talked to Dr. Hopeful, and Dr. Hopeful told her to fit me into her schedule in two weeks AND book my next SIX appointments. HOORAY!!!!!!! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">As completely awful as this is, and it is AWFUL, I have such amazing doctors!</span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09209567864607495587noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807253899575656424.post-48342642157000706522011-11-03T13:24:00.003-05:002011-11-03T13:33:44.272-05:00First fetal echocardiogram, first appointment with the pediatric cardiologist<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Tuesday started with the echo. For over an hour and a half, I was on the table while the tech took hundreds, yes hundreds, of images of Baby A’s heart. It is clear that something is wrong, and the tech was an angel, absolutely as sweet as could be. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">After that, I walked across the hall to meet the pediatric cardiologist. Everyone always asks, “Will someone be joining you?” “No, it’s just me.” A sure sign you’re about to get bad news, and that most people don’t go through this alone. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Unfortunately, the perinatologist’s diagnosis is correct, and lucky us, not one, but three heart defects. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Transposition of the great arteries (TGA)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Pulmonary Atresia/ Stenosis</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Ventricular Septal Defect </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">The pediatric cardiologist drew pictures and diagrams, as we talked. Fortunately I know a bit more than the average bear about normal heart anatomy, so we were able to move through that portion rather quickly. As usual, causes were discussed. As usual, it comes down to a slightly higher risk of heart defects in IVF babies, twins, and sometimes really bad things just happen. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Moving on to the “what does this mean” portion of our discussion… </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">He started by saying that this is much more complicated because I’m pregnant with twins. They are very concerned about preterm birth, since I delivered a bit early with Kate, and twins generally come even earlier. The “goal”, in his opinion, is to get me to 35 weeks, anything after that is a big bonus. If I can make it to 35 weeks, they should be able to do open heart surgery within a few days of birth, as scheduled. Otherwise, we’ll have some NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) time before surgery.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">The best-case scenario is that they’ll be able to do a newer (about 20 years old) procedure called the Arterial Switch Operation (ASO). He said they “think” this operation will ultimately provide the best quality of life, best long-term outcome for TGA patients. Unfortunately, since we have some other issues, the ASO might not be possible, in which case they’ll do an older procedure (plus end up building an additional structure with a foreign material), known to have more subsequent long term effects, additional open heart operations, and possibly leading to a heart transplant one day. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">One of my major concerns is being on pump during surgery, as I know many adults have said they’ve never felt the same after being on the heart lung machine. We discussed the consequences, long term effects (not well studied in children), etc. This is one of the times I really, really wish I hadn’t worked in cardiac surgery. I know what it’s like to be in the OR, what it’s like to see a patient’s sternum cut open, to go on bypass, etc. Very different when it’s your child, your newborn. He completely agreed. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">We discussed hospitals and surgeons at great length. The bottom line is that bad things can happen anywhere, and things can go downhill quickly in any OR, which I know. It’s important to me that we have a surgeon with a lot of experience, not someone who sees maybe five TGAs per year. He gave me the names of surgeons at Stanford, Boston Children’s, CHOP in Philadelphia, and a few others. Location wise, a hospital in Minneapolis would be ideal, as it’s only 4+ hours (each way) from where I just leased a townhouse (days before the initial diagnosis). There are three options in Minneapolis (U of M, Children’s and Mayo). The pediatric cardiologist doesn’t think that one is better than the others, though he personally knows the surgeons at U of M and is still on clinical staff there. The fetal echo films were already en route to U of M as we were speaking, though they can be sent anywhere, if we choose to go to a different hospital. They are making arrangements for me to meet the “team” at U of M sooner than later, in case of preterm labor, and in case I don’t think it’s a good fit, we’ll have time to go elsewhere.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Another topic I brought up is delivery. I’ve been told repeatedly that I need to deliver at a major cardiac center, which I completely understand the rationale behind. However, knowing that the baby has a severe VSD (which buys some time), and other circumstances, I asked the cardiologist about delivering locally, as originally planned. He said the “team” wouldn’t like it (which I know), but due to our unique circumstances, he’d push for it, if the VSD is still large, and everything else looks stable. Before the judgment starts, please know that I’ve put a lot of thought into this, and I know the risks. That said, I’m trying to figure out how to divide myself three ways, add in that I have a very sensitive, almost 16 month old, who’s already been through a lot over the past few months. I’d like her to have stability as long as possible, before her world is once again turned upside down. The other factor is that often times, TGA is not diagnosed in utero, so it’s a big surprise after delivery, chaos ensues getting the baby transferred, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In my case, everyone will know ahead of time, plans can be in place, and if we do end working with U of M, a medical transport from here to there is not a huge undertaking. Plus, I still have time to think about this and change my mind. He repeatedly said he doesn’t envy us, or the decisions we have to make. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">The plan is to repeat the fetal echo between 28-30 weeks. He said he’s always available, if I have any additional questions or need anything. Three hours, well spent!</span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09209567864607495587noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807253899575656424.post-15291820360053852162011-10-27T10:43:00.004-05:002011-10-27T10:46:06.950-05:00Amnio results, and another appointment with the perinatologist<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">Yesterday I had a 45 minute consultation with my perinatologist; we discussed a variety of topics and went over the test results.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">I’m thrilled to announce…</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">amnio results on both babies: normal</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">22q deletion (ordered on Baby A): normal</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">infectious disease blood work (rubella, toxoplasmosis, etc): negative</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">test for the 100 most common mutations of Cystic Fibrosis: negative </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">The majority of my questions can only be answered by the pediatric cardiologist (appointment next week), but it was helpful to talk to my doctor. I’ll type up a full recap at some point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">Thank you so much for the lovely comments and support. It really does help! Anonymous, watch your mailbox :)</span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09209567864607495587noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807253899575656424.post-71971831648644278002011-10-22T10:37:00.003-05:002011-10-22T10:44:06.216-05:00Not the post I wanted to write (very long)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">Once again, I apologize for not updating earlier; it’s been a really difficult week. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">Last Thursday (9ish days ago), I arrived at my ultrasound and appointment with the perinatologist, ignorant, at best. I expected the standard detailed ultrasound, confirmation of genders, and had then planned to spend the remainder of the day with relatives visiting from out of town. That’s not what happened. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">The ultrasound started as usual, lots of measuring little bones, counting bones in tiny pinkies, looking at the organs, and yes, confirming genders.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">Baby A is a BOY!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">Baby B is a GIRL! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">Thinking back, I do remember noticing some blood flow irregularities on Baby A’s scan, but each time I’d start to concentrate on what I thought I saw, the tech would move the transducer, begin to talk about other organs, etc. I did say something about the lack of space, which she said was due to a contraction. She followed that by saying it wasn’t a big deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was surprised by the clarity of the ultrasound. She said they are the newest and best machines in the world, and went on to say how lucky the hospital is to have three of them, words that would later haunt me. An hour later, it was time to do the first cervical length ultrasound. It was like an IVF appointment all over again. She had to redo it later, since I was having another contraction. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">My perinatologist entered the room, started scanning me again, looked at the hundreds of images the tech had taken, then said that he was “concerned about Baby A’s heart.” At first I wasn’t worried, then more people entered the room, and my doctor said he would explain what was happening, and draw me some pictures. A nurse walked over and asked if there was anyone she could call. Then I knew, it was serious. The tears started to fall. Pictures were drawn, more scanning, then the recommendation of an emergency amniocentesis, on both babies. I called my parents to let them know what was happening, and ask for prayers. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">More people entered the room, supplies were brought in, and I was prepped for the amnio. Having worked in surgery for so long, I carefully watched my doctor sterilize my stomach. Good technique. The amnio hurt (probably the 1000s of heparin injections and subsequent scar tissue), but was over fairly quickly. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In addition to the amnio, he ordered several blood tests. They are testing for “anything and everything” at this point. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There were questions about whether Cystic Fibrosis runs on either side of our families, to my knowledge, it doesn’t. They are testing that too. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">Then it was time for more discussions. It all seems like yesterday, but also so long ago, so I’ll try to remember what was said. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">I will not be allowed to deliver at my chosen hospital, or with the high risk OB I want, and have worked with during both pregnancies. The baby will need open heart surgery within days, if not hours of birth. This followed by weeks, maybe months, in intensive care. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’ve been referred to a pediatric cardiologist, and he will do additional testing, and provide more information. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I see him on November 1. They didn’t want to schedule anything sooner, since the babies are still so small. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">I’m not going to identify the defect, until it’s confirmed by the pediatric cardiologist. When I ask the perinatologist what could have caused it, he said there’s a higher risk in IVF babies, twins, and sometimes just really bad luck, and that we’ll never know which one it was. I’ve also learned that there’s a higher rate of this defect in Caucasian males, versus females. My doctor spent over four hours with me, which was nice, though this is definitely a very serious condition, because four hours with a perinatologist is unheard of. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">The following Monday, I had an appointment with my high risk OB. She walked into the room and just hugged me. The appointment was a lot of hugs, and a lot of tears. I’ve lost weight, and she said that while she understands that I don’t have an appetite, it’s dangerous to lose weight, especially with multiples. She suggested liquid protein shakes, anything to get some calories.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">When I told her that the perinatologist said I wouldn’t be able to deliver with her, she confirmed it. I have to be at a university hospital with a pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon. She said if the baby were to be born in this area, they’d fly him to the other hospital (a 4+ hour drive). </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">Even though I’ve always known her to be very pro breastfeeding, she recommended that I not even try this time. I had so many problems with Kate, and with a critically ill baby, it will just be too much stress. Plus, there’s no way to run in and out of the intensive care unit to feed the other baby. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">During the appointment, she asked if I’d started searching for a nanny, yet. She said that if I write something up (job description, situation), she’ll make sure it’s posted in the NICUs. She said even if we don’t get an active NICU nurse, they usually stay in touch with former coworkers, and someone might be looking for a part-time job. She said especially in this situation, who better than a NICU nurse as our nanny. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">Obviously it’s for the “team” at Children’s and the University to decide, but she thinks they’ll want me to move to the hospital at 34 weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Again, it’s up to the other specialists, but I’ll probably start regular appointments with the “team” before Thanksgiving. Wonderful, 4+hour drives, in the Midwest, in the winter. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">My high risk OB does an ultrasound every other week. I told her that I just wanted her to do the scan, and tell me that she doesn’t see what the perinatologist saw. She said his machine is much better, and that he sounded “very sure” of the diagnosis when he called her. Again, a lot of hugs, a lot of tears. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">Preliminary amniocentesis results (FISH) </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">The initial amnio results were scheduled to be back on Monday, but I had to wait until Tuesday. The MFM nurses were out (one had a family emergency) and my doctor was in another city learning to do “in utero transfusions on twins.” On Tuesday I met the genetic counselor to discuss the results. The initial amnio tests chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, Y. So far, everything has come back normal, and there is definitely both a boy and a girl. The genetic counselor said the results (minus the gender results) could still change, but generally they don’t. We should have the remaining results next week. My doctor ordered an additional test called 22q; it’s not back, either. For now, it looks like this is ‘just’ a life-threatening heart defect. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">I will keep you updated as I get more information. Prayers and good thoughts are very much appreciated. I’m still in shock.</span> </p> <!--EndFragment-->Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09209567864607495587noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807253899575656424.post-8372628034174488492011-10-12T21:08:00.004-05:002011-10-12T21:14:47.661-05:00Kate’s first trip to the ER<div> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Last Saturday (err, 2 Saturdays ago), Kate woke up from her afternoon nap crying and wanting to snuggle, which is not normal behavior for my on-the-go explorer. After 30 minutes of off and on sobbing, and wanting to be held, I started looking for an urgent care clinic in the area. My mom happens to live in an adorable little town, which is unfortunately, in the middle of nowhere. Having no luck finding an urgent care clinic, and with Kate’s pediatrician over an hour away, plus her hatred of the car, plus it being a Saturday, we took her to the ER. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">As we waited (all of five minutes) for the doctor, I started to question whether the ER was necessary. Maybe she was just having an off day, and I was over-reacting. Then I remembered something Kate’s Irish pediatrician had once said. “You know your child better than anyone else. If you think something’s wrong, bring her in, and I’ll figure out what it is.” The only thing that made sense was an ear infection, and sure enough, it was an ear infection. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Now, I know I’ve been out of the U.S. for several years, but look at this thing. How cool is that? </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6GAyH1pH7OwKc24GSu5o5kz7W_qB0okQFz_IrGsnf9bZo19UmKYeF1qRYbZd6yazLHfabny2EklXKSbQQledoz6eFW6SE_l3echD1s76oXGYI2mGB8IxoOulYyQrehyhUO8be6AhyB8GD/s320/IMG_8051.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662793302443576626" /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">To get Kate’s prescription, I walked into the lobby of the hospital, put a code in this machine, and voila, Amoxicillin. We had a Pyxis machine near the ORs at my old hospital, but that was for our staff to use. High fives to whatever brilliant soul invented InstyMeds and saved me a trip to the pharmacy. </span></p> <!--EndFragment--></div> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">To the staff at the local hospital, you were awesome. Thank you for seeing us so quickly, and being so patient and kind to a very upset, screaming Kate. Yes, dear Kate comes completely undone every time she’s approached with a forehead thermometer. She about lost her mind when the nurse tried to put the pulse ox on her toe, and she was understandably inconsolable while we held her down to have her ears examined. Again, thank you for a great ER experience (as good as an ER experience can be), and thanks for the gifts for Kate (small bunny and stickers). As great as you were, we hope to never see you again.</span></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIBprVnyPhT4lSl7Sif5J7J-0Pghl45T_eT3j9iDVvnilwyOwE1jTOJTT22jhcpRZq-CJr69A_hGXNeUcltVikQGLebx12RpeThGI_PWnCNodxeUIZAONVSsBYtCdA7yjVeIPjK0GvcYA/s1600/IMG_8056.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 246px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIBprVnyPhT4lSl7Sif5J7J-0Pghl45T_eT3j9iDVvnilwyOwE1jTOJTT22jhcpRZq-CJr69A_hGXNeUcltVikQGLebx12RpeThGI_PWnCNodxeUIZAONVSsBYtCdA7yjVeIPjK0GvcYA/s320/IMG_8056.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662793127000018370" /></a>Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09209567864607495587noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807253899575656424.post-69181122330130529572011-10-12T21:05:00.003-05:002011-10-12T21:08:31.823-05:0016 week appointment<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">I am so far behind. Shame on me for updating with a 16 week appointment, when I’m now 17 weeks 2 days.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">As usual, the appointment started with the nurse going over a few things; then she mentioned that since I’d just had the detailed ultrasound two weeks ago, my doctor would just listen to the heartbeats with the Doppler. When she entered the room, my doctor told the medical student to go get the ultrasound machine. Yay. Both babies looked great, moving all over. In other news, my doctor said she’s fine with me discontinuing the Crinone at this point, so if the perinatologist is okay with it (I see him tomorrow), I’m done. Blood pressure and labs continue to be great!</span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09209567864607495587noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807253899575656424.post-70732967895588963582011-09-28T12:00:00.024-05:002011-09-28T12:29:59.656-05:0014 week appointment and med update<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">(apologies for the formatting issues, I've been fighting with Blogger for over an hour, and I give up)<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Since I’m now 15 weeks 2 days, I thought I should probably update with the 14 week appointment. Where does the time go?!?!<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">First a med update:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">12 weeks 6 days: done with estrogen tablets</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">14 weeks 3 days: done with Gestone (progesterone in oil)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Yes, this nasty stuff</span></p><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 171px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibU2bhu4LmuZrwyw80-rW0iNkmK09_nnRGfE_I2b2MCIVp1T10_knFT7tEEcYiyO1Y2SG0OwI8Xjg3A04POqW5oXSgOGlExVMnIUt1reOSZoEwziiyE1CiZqK5bKbgeT42Lzi21JH5OE8o/s200/IMG_7972.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657456964924486130" border="0" /><div style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br />15 weeks 1 day: done with Prednisone (may the puffiness in my face soon disappear)</span><br /></span></div><div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Crinone, you are next to go (hopefully within 2 weeks)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Okay, 14 week appointment…</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Baby A: </span></p> <!--EndFragment--><div><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 162px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORQ_8sjBCoCt1L3MeeSQak7tp88r_qVstqS2eQOPbweiiX3aLI4pVXJn0hDO5duY63GD_K6_t-57H1qsWNrs6yqHgIGxjzsDz_vtk6h_5aPi0JhB-Ansn2_BPM1H_X2RgVJYhBymCM4Fm/s200/twins+9%253A19%253A11_09.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657456469981972386" border="0" /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Baby B:</span></div><div><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 155px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDupsB2Tqs_NIZ6GykAgym_DkMDRqhxX5dW2lsX3RXU3N5JVw89dRwH15ceDsaLdpBikSM35UvWR8IQWabKcsa5270nwekS5y4blngTUlWVwvM3aIqEmHmMdbo10hnnBE0tyLgo9thXLR7/s200/twins+9%253A19%253A11_10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657456591655832850" border="0" /></div></div><div style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">The ultrasound tech confirmed genders on both, and after discussing it with my husband, we will be sharing the news. I want to wait a little bit longer and have a few more ultrasounds (just to be sure). Also, after talking to some friends about what happened last time, the consensus is that some people are just rude and will therefore make inappropriate comments, but that’s certainly not a good enough reason to spoil the fun for everyone else. So yes, a gender announcement within two-ish weeks!<br /><br /></span></div><div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">My doctor seems very pleased. My labs are great, BP was 106/68, and she checked my ankles for swelling, none. The medical student that was with her decided to use the Doppler to check the heartbeats and had I not JUST come from a 30 minute ultrasound, I would have been terrified; she couldn’t find Baby B’s heartbeat. Baby A was fairly easy to find, Baby B was, as usual, all over the place and impossible.<span style=""> </span>Finally my doctor took the Doppler and even she was only able to find Baby B for a couple of seconds (not even the 6 seconds necessary to get a decent count). </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">She’d already received the ultrasound pics and report. Baby A is measuring at 17%; Baby B is measuring at 12%. She said she’s not concerned since they’re within 5% of each other.<span> </span>I did mention the perinatologist’s comment about wanting the babies out by 38 weeks. She said that they would absolutely be out between 37-38, probably closer to 37. There's just too much that can go wrong past that point and particularly with my risks, they're better out than in. Overall, a great appointment. I see her again on Monday.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--></div>Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09209567864607495587noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807253899575656424.post-19650279454006868892011-09-18T11:03:00.004-05:002011-09-18T11:09:20.696-05:0013 weeks 3 days, first appointment with the new perinatologist<style>@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">On Thursday, I had my first appointment with the new perinatologist. Things started as usual, going over medical history with the nurse, and then an ultrasound.<br /></span></p><p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">All but one picture I was given are 3-D, so if you find it creepy, sorry. The ultrasound tech guessed the gender of one of the babies, though it’s still really early, and honestly, after a comment we received when we shared Kate’s gender, I’m not sure if we’re going to tell this time, or not.<br /></span></p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Babies: both are measuring well, within 2 days of each other (very important) and their heartbeats are great.</span></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSvp_Vt9XNmFqqEcQ8FEVo-NUJjvxl6LkXuXeJ5K1_oJGNFxx5SZSgLH9C3HVo4wtSUKH5WzgiSgxmxvsBAem9jCyd_Nf75qYGO1LUvI_442DmlIF4vLmYwYnDzTDgPMn2W2h21JDBOnJ/s1600/ATHY_CHRISTINA_1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 142px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSvp_Vt9XNmFqqEcQ8FEVo-NUJjvxl6LkXuXeJ5K1_oJGNFxx5SZSgLH9C3HVo4wtSUKH5WzgiSgxmxvsBAem9jCyd_Nf75qYGO1LUvI_442DmlIF4vLmYwYnDzTDgPMn2W2h21JDBOnJ/s200/ATHY_CHRISTINA_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653731059733946146" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWVeiuieiW9n_EdriXAE_UuRjdagZ-CSbpLZYzG2u6TKfYwQnh-dC0HJT1K4tx08u6lIw9ZfcH6D9lUaXZLYyDnqVOoQc2Taxj9HqaHml7EQguz15CLU33SQBNA_o4U6ifqydJn2lH6JE/s1600/ATHY_CHRISTINA_6.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 145px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWVeiuieiW9n_EdriXAE_UuRjdagZ-CSbpLZYzG2u6TKfYwQnh-dC0HJT1K4tx08u6lIw9ZfcH6D9lUaXZLYyDnqVOoQc2Taxj9HqaHml7EQguz15CLU33SQBNA_o4U6ifqydJn2lH6JE/s200/ATHY_CHRISTINA_6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653731179163975154" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span> <style>@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">The perinatologist was impressive.<span style=""> </span>We covered a lot (most of it was him asking questions and going over the game plan, though he continuously asked me if I had questions, too). Basically every risk with a singleton pregnancy is multiplied 4-5 times with twins. So while there was a great risk of fetal demise with Kate, it’s even worse this time. He wants the twins out by 38 weeks (he said especially because they are IVF twins, which I need to get more clarification on, since I’ve never heard of that before). Though he doesn’t expect me to make it to 38 weeks, anyway. He’ll do the anatomy scan and look for chromosomal issues at my next appointment (17 weeks) and at the 21 week appointment, he’s going to do a fetal echocardiogram. Apparently IVF babies have a slightly increased risk of cardiac issues, again, multiplied risk with twins.</span></p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">At 32 weeks, if not before, I’ll start BioPhysical Profiles (non stress tests and ultrasounds) once or twice a week. I had them with Kate, and actually found it somewhat comforting to be monitored so closely. </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">As for travel, the short answer is no. He said that while he doesn’t know what kind of care is offered in Slovakia, he does know what’s offered in the U.S., and it would be too risky for me to travel. We talked about it in detail, but yeah, short answer, I’m not going to Slovakia. He said he “highly recommends against it.” So that’s that.<br /></span></p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Tomorrow I see the high risk OB again, and I’m interested to hear her opinion after reading the perinatologist’s report. </span></p>Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09209567864607495587noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807253899575656424.post-79431381706644423652011-09-11T11:17:00.005-05:002011-09-11T11:25:24.314-05:0012 weeks 5 days, visit to the ER<style>@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">first Rhogam shot for this pregnancy </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">first, and hopefully last, ER visit for this pregnancy</span></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9dbcTv8F_9aDe1D7M2VCd1ZJRV1V0bTbUZ3VAVQKzTqyDvOYPgpVjRKBEkAVTBzyX5pIYMvUAPyvJ18eQD0FTCQkk82aoLgftOzRnUiMYAdtCRvJ7-9P_3CZl3KxasbRx3GCp3PR98OPR/s1600/IMG_7839.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9dbcTv8F_9aDe1D7M2VCd1ZJRV1V0bTbUZ3VAVQKzTqyDvOYPgpVjRKBEkAVTBzyX5pIYMvUAPyvJ18eQD0FTCQkk82aoLgftOzRnUiMYAdtCRvJ7-9P_3CZl3KxasbRx3GCp3PR98OPR/s200/IMG_7839.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651137208787062786" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfCPliTjjB6ohJl6U-eFhlztFfp6IubfT9KZCIo7F5J9BQQDVm9ZUpIkG_vF5Q5nYXb_eo81rcJSEdalWNYgvna7t9y23PoTWAEyfwwwcXeT2HYK732d2iaN0bvVB9gFkkwqd-7ToaPGI/s1600/IMG_7840.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 43px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfCPliTjjB6ohJl6U-eFhlztFfp6IubfT9KZCIo7F5J9BQQDVm9ZUpIkG_vF5Q5nYXb_eo81rcJSEdalWNYgvna7t9y23PoTWAEyfwwwcXeT2HYK732d2iaN0bvVB9gFkkwqd-7ToaPGI/s200/IMG_7840.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651137353357647682" border="0" /></a><br /><br /> <style>@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">So, I’ve been really bad about updating the blog, but once again, I’ve been plagued by first trimester cramping and spotting. For weeks I excused the cramping as uterine stretching, and it most likely is. Well, the other night the spotting increased, then bleeding, then intense cramping. By yesterday afternoon it was just too much.<br /></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">And once again, the hotel shuttle driver to the rescue (It was just about time for Kate’s nap, plus my husband had packing to do, so it was easier to go alone). I just have to say once again, I adore the staff at the hospital I go to; EVERYONE I dealt with yesterday was professional and kind.<br /></span></p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">My first nurse had also done IVF, so I think she took a special interest in me. She was beyond sweet and attentive. When I was being wheeled to ultrasound, she said to be sure to push the call light when they brought me back, so she could check on me right away. I was wheeled back to ultrasound and very relieved to hear the words, “There are two heartbeats.” Both babies are measuring well.</span></p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Baby A: 6.3cm, measuring 12 weeks 5 days, heart rate 157 bpm</span></p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Baby B: 6.4 cm, measuring 12 weeks, 5 days, heart rate 161 bpm<br /></span></p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">The ER doctor recommended “total rest” until I see the perinatologist on Thursday. He also thought I should have a Rhogam shot, which I agreed with, but he wanted to discuss it with the OB on-call, first. I knew it was going to be a long wait as he walked out the door and I heard them call the first of MANY traumas.<br /></span></p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">I waited, and waited, and waited. The night nurse came back to tell me there was a problem in the pharmacy, and they “hoped” to have the Rhogam ready around 8pm. When she finally came to give me the shot, she apologized profusely for the delay. My response was, “Meh, it’s the ER, it’s life, it happens.” She said she wished everyone was as understanding.<br /></span></p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Arrived in the ER: 3:15pm</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Discharge papers printed and brought in: 4:58pm</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Walked out of the ER: 8:46pm</span></p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">It was a long evening, but the absolute most important thing is that both babies are alive and well. </span></p>Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09209567864607495587noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807253899575656424.post-13493338335716108372011-09-02T16:03:00.009-05:002011-09-02T16:16:11.308-05:0011 weeks, nuchal scan<div> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">On Monday I had another big appointment (sorry it took so long to update, busy week).</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">First I had a meeting with the genetic counselor. She gave me several options for testing, including integrated versus sequential, and CVS, and an amnio, and more blood tests. I was already scheduled for the nuchal, not because we would have terminated had there been a problem, but because I’m a type A, organizer, planner extreme and if there were an issue, I would have had time to prepare and get the best specialists on board, etc. Anyway, I'm just not comfortable with the more invasive testing, given the miscarriage risk. I went ahead with the nuchal, as planned, though I learned that the blood test portion isn't really relevant because they can't tell what percentage of the numbers are coming from which baby. Interesting.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">The genetic counselor also asked if I knew the conception date. I told her yes, that it was an IVF pregnancy. She asked if I'd had "real IVF." Err, yes, it *seemed* fairly real at the time. She said that a lot of women come in and say they've had IVF, meaning IUI. Wow. I seriously can’t imagine having a medical procedure performed and not knowing the proper name of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">In other news, we talked about my upcoming appt with the new peri and she said he likes to follow his IVF patients very closely. Which might translate into, I'm not going to Slovakia. We have a lot to talk about. It sounds like between the new peri and my maternal fetal medicine doctor, I'll be in every other week until 20 weeks, then weekly. Wowza.
<br />
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">The ultrasound portion was fabulous. The tech spent a lot of time on each baby (neither was cooperating). And maybe this is normal for the U.S. (if so, I’m insanely jealous), but they had a huge flat screen monitor on the wall, so it was very easy to see what she was measuring and all of the details. Another woman was training to be board certified in the nuchal scan, so she came in after the test and spent another 30 minutes practicing with the ultrasound and taking pictures. During some of the first round of photos, Baby A reached up and wiped his/ her hand across its forehead, as if to say, too many pictures. Kate did the same thing during her nuchal scan. So cute! <!--EndFragment--></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">The nuchal number was normal for both babies. Full report to follow.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">At 11 weeks:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> Baby A: measuring 11 weeks 0 days, CRL 4.08cm, heart rate 176</span></p></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsTZAhulis8TMRq583YNcrPzZHIynru1HDjjIB6ShyphenhyphenF1ivCu9gBJGXYP_fcTi3TKe0aiKHSdYKf_IixBFxLgzTSj1HIDzXQT4360ol8TxggjRt86nsPvApPVA89Cv3j2e3eqbUGH12Evq/s1600/ATHY_CHRISTINA_2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsTZAhulis8TMRq583YNcrPzZHIynru1HDjjIB6ShyphenhyphenF1ivCu9gBJGXYP_fcTi3TKe0aiKHSdYKf_IixBFxLgzTSj1HIDzXQT4360ol8TxggjRt86nsPvApPVA89Cv3j2e3eqbUGH12Evq/s320/ATHY_CHRISTINA_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647871024865597138" /></a><div>
<br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Baby B: measuring 11 weeks 2 days, CRL 4.51cm, heart rate 171</span></div><div> <!--EndFragment--><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgDe55WPF_DXSdXGcEhedE5O3fwpvLjqW3TiYpex74_XymfNRCViGdkDnBUJw8_P4YclwwbVgJ2O6sGxViCAqWXcJ4zzh1wCRXIsJqbcKyPVgMBNo_lrRXh5bshdwhUjJp8lsHBPpgrHv/s1600/ATHY_CHRISTINA_3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgDe55WPF_DXSdXGcEhedE5O3fwpvLjqW3TiYpex74_XymfNRCViGdkDnBUJw8_P4YclwwbVgJ2O6sGxViCAqWXcJ4zzh1wCRXIsJqbcKyPVgMBNo_lrRXh5bshdwhUjJp8lsHBPpgrHv/s320/ATHY_CHRISTINA_3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647870934288819490" /></a>
<br /></div></div><div>
<br /></div><div> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">I’m concerned about the difference in CRL, but the ultrasound tech said it wasn’t a big deal. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Follow up: Yesterday a woman from the hospital left a voicemail for me stating that she had the results, and gave me 45 minutes to call her back before she was to leave for the day. Unfortunately I didn’t get the message until really late last night. Why she didn’t call my cell phone is a mystery. Anyway, I called this morning and of course she’s out until Tuesday. The good news is that the results were faxed to my high-risk OB. One brief message and returned phone call (within 20 minutes), and though she hadn’t read the full report, said that everything looks “great.” Great, coming from her, will more than get me through the weekend. Thrilled.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--></div><div>
<br /></div>Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09209567864607495587noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807253899575656424.post-12175570321654422542011-08-26T10:28:00.001-05:002011-08-26T10:31:57.448-05:0010 weeks, second U.S. appointment<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I saw my high risk OB on Monday, and haven’t updated the blog, because I wasn’t sure what to share, how much to share, etc, until some decisions had been made. Since several days have passed and nothing has been decided, here is an update, and if you feel so inclined to offer a suggestion, I’d love to hear/ read it.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">First, a few highlights from the visit. I got a big hug and very warm welcome back. I just feel so comfortable with this clinic. They are all wonderful, from the receptionists to the nurses to the doctors to the lab techs. Just great, great people.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">So, my doctor said that the chance of a c-section goes way up with a twin pregnancy, so to prepare for that. I told her that I was prepared for a c-section last year and look how that turned out, so this time I might take a Lamaze class instead ;) She did an ultrasound in the office (sorry, no pictures were printed). Both babies looked great. Baby A was sleeping. Baby B was dancing all over the place as usual, leading to a discussion about their genders. So far, the general consensus has been one girl and one boy. My doctor agreed, for the sole reason that Baby B was so active. It will be interesting to find out if everyone is correct.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Okay, onto the bad news….</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">My doctor doesn’t want me to travel, specifically, outside of the U.S. Not only do I have all of the high risk issues I had during my pregnancy with Kate, but now I have all of the risks and potential issues that come with a twin pregnancy. To add even more fun to the mix, they also found that I have a Factor V Leiden mutation, which is honestly not a big deal, since I’m already on the recommended treatment (heparin and baby aspirin) for one of the autoimmune issues. My doctor is most concerned about premature rupture of membranes, cervical shortening, preterm labor, and also the ethical issues of whether a 20, 22 week pregnancy would even try to be saved in certain countries (most likely not). At least here, she would do her best to get the babies to viability, so they’d have a chance at survival.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">She went on to say that if this were a fourth baby and I had no history of preterm labor, she’d have no problem with me traveling and returning to the U.S. within a reasonable timeframe. While I was getting dressed after the appointment, she consulted with a colleague, who completely agreed with her, particularly since it’s an IVF pregnancy. We’ve worked too hard to take risks, seems to be the standard opinion.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">As of now, I’m scheduled for the nuchal scan and to meet with a genetic counselor on Monday. They’ve also scheduled an appointment with yet another perinatologist in a few weeks. Of course the earliest he could see me was the day after I’m supposed to fly from DC to Slovakia.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Needless to say, I haven’t been getting much sleep, stress is at an all time high and I honestly don’t know what to do. </span></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09209567864607495587noreply@blogger.com6