We finally got some encouraging news today for a change. Had an appt. with the MFM and my cervix remians closed!!! Yeah!!! He said there was no sign of bleeding and everything looked good so far. He also mentioned that this first week after having a cerclage placed was the most important week. I assumed from his comment that if the cerclage wasn't going to hold, we would of found out today or sooner. I'm taking it all as good news. He told me to keep doing what I'm doing which is basically nothing.
I was completely wiped out after getting up this morning and taking a shower. I had to rest before I could blow dry my hair and finish getting dressed. Yikes! I knew I would get deconditioned but I didn't think it would happen so soon. My BP was elevated at the MFM office but when I took it at home, it was better. Not sure if my BP machine is accurate or not but it always seemed to be. I think some of my high BP may be anxiety and a little "white coat syndrome". You can't help but worry that you're going to get bad news since that's mostly what Chris and I have recieved along this journey.
Next Tuesday we go for a cervical length u/s and then stop and see the MFM afterwards. He will decide then to release me to my OB and let them monitor my cervix but he wants me to have all my u/s's in his office so he can follow as well. I'm happy with this plan. It makes me feel like I've got 2 sets of eyes watching me and the baby.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Another rollercoaster ride to deal with....
It seems things have taken a drastic turn for us. We went last Tuesday for another routine u/s at the Maternal Fetal Medicine office. Baby looked good but my cervix did not. It was extremely short (0.7cm or mm) and 50 % effaced. We met immediately with one of the Perinatologists who explained how serious this was and what the risks and options were. We were shocked. The reality of losing this little guy hit home. I had an exam and there was no sign of any infection to explain it. It seems my cervix just thinks it's time to deliver. After a long discussion and some tears we opted for me to have a cerclage placed. I also started back on Prometrium supplements. I went to the WETU so they could monitor me for contractions which thankfully were not happening. The doctor was able to book my surgery for the following morning and we headed home. I also learned I was to be on bedrest till the baby comes. I took this one harder than my manager and coworkers but I know it's best for the baby.
The next day we headed off to the hospital. I cried several times before even getting to the OR. There was a 1-5% chance of a m/c from the cerclage procedure and that was all I could think about. Then I learned my best anesthesia option was a spinal. I freaked. I was going to be awake for the surgery. I was mortified that I would be helpless if something happened to the baby in the OR. It then took 4 or 5 sticks before they got the spinal needle in to the right place. It was hell but not quite the hell that was to come. I hated the way my legs felt. I couldn't feel anything but the entire ordeal was weird and I couldn't wait for it to be over. The doctor then came behind my drape and told me everything went as well as he hoped except I sustained a small vaginal tear. I could of cared less. The baby was ok. That's all that mattered.
I went to recovery and they brought Chris in soon after. I was transferred shortly after to the L&D unit to be monitored for preterm labor. I ended up being straight cathed which took away the pain I was feeling. My legs slowly returned and then the pain started. I ended up with crippling neck pain and then a headache. The nurse knew it was from the traumatic spinal and called anesthesia. They came to see me and finally agreed that's what it was although the first doctor didn't think so. They offered a blood patch which meant another needle in my back but the pain was so unbearable I agreed.
The epidural went in smoothly on the first try but when they injected the blood into the space, the pain in my neck area intensified so much I lost it. This was where the CSF loss was hitting so that's why it hurt there. They ask you to take as much pain as possible to ensure a good patch and I pushed it to the limit. I had to lie flat for 2 hours. I needed to pee so I used a bedpan. Another first. I felt so much better afterwards I was thrilled and we went home later that night.
I woke up later that night with a headache. By the morning I had the excruciating neck pain again. I wanted to cry. I didn't want anymore needles in my back, plus my back was really sore from all the puncture sites. I layed down flat and found it helped so that's where I've been since. The headache is getting better finally.
I've had some weird pains in my pelvis since the cerclage. Nothing lasting and nothing that would indicate labor. I'm worried I'm still effacing and trying to dilate. The doctor said he would be happy if I made it to 32 weeks. I'd like to see 34 weeks. I'm hoping the bedrest is the key. I go on Wednesday for a follow up appointment and pray we get some encouraging news for a change. I can't even look at my last set of u/s pics. It's too terrifying to think we could of lost him and could still lose him. I believe the joy of pregnancy is not in the cards for us.
The next day we headed off to the hospital. I cried several times before even getting to the OR. There was a 1-5% chance of a m/c from the cerclage procedure and that was all I could think about. Then I learned my best anesthesia option was a spinal. I freaked. I was going to be awake for the surgery. I was mortified that I would be helpless if something happened to the baby in the OR. It then took 4 or 5 sticks before they got the spinal needle in to the right place. It was hell but not quite the hell that was to come. I hated the way my legs felt. I couldn't feel anything but the entire ordeal was weird and I couldn't wait for it to be over. The doctor then came behind my drape and told me everything went as well as he hoped except I sustained a small vaginal tear. I could of cared less. The baby was ok. That's all that mattered.
I went to recovery and they brought Chris in soon after. I was transferred shortly after to the L&D unit to be monitored for preterm labor. I ended up being straight cathed which took away the pain I was feeling. My legs slowly returned and then the pain started. I ended up with crippling neck pain and then a headache. The nurse knew it was from the traumatic spinal and called anesthesia. They came to see me and finally agreed that's what it was although the first doctor didn't think so. They offered a blood patch which meant another needle in my back but the pain was so unbearable I agreed.
The epidural went in smoothly on the first try but when they injected the blood into the space, the pain in my neck area intensified so much I lost it. This was where the CSF loss was hitting so that's why it hurt there. They ask you to take as much pain as possible to ensure a good patch and I pushed it to the limit. I had to lie flat for 2 hours. I needed to pee so I used a bedpan. Another first. I felt so much better afterwards I was thrilled and we went home later that night.
I woke up later that night with a headache. By the morning I had the excruciating neck pain again. I wanted to cry. I didn't want anymore needles in my back, plus my back was really sore from all the puncture sites. I layed down flat and found it helped so that's where I've been since. The headache is getting better finally.
I've had some weird pains in my pelvis since the cerclage. Nothing lasting and nothing that would indicate labor. I'm worried I'm still effacing and trying to dilate. The doctor said he would be happy if I made it to 32 weeks. I'd like to see 34 weeks. I'm hoping the bedrest is the key. I go on Wednesday for a follow up appointment and pray we get some encouraging news for a change. I can't even look at my last set of u/s pics. It's too terrifying to think we could of lost him and could still lose him. I believe the joy of pregnancy is not in the cards for us.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Plugging along...
I've been laying low for the most part. Still in disbelief this is really happening! I've come down with another cold again only this time it's in my chest. I missed 2 days of work so far. I think I'm feeling better today, just a little tired. Went for my 3rd OB appt. today and I met one of the new OB's in the practice. He was nice but I expected him to be more friendly since he's on the younger side. The first thing out of his mouth was about my weight which didn't score any points with me. He asked me what my goal was with my weight. I told him I reached my goal today. And I did. I really don't want to gain any more weight although I know I will. I guess my new goal is to not gain more than 10 more lbs. He told me I could diet just not an extreme diet like Atkins or no carbs. I need to watch the portions and watch the fried foods. And I need to move more except I feel like I go from one cold to another and I am just completely wiped out especially after a day of work.
Not sure if I've felt him move in there. Occasionally I feel something but it can't tell for sure it's the baby. Hopefully it will get more obvious very soon. We are going for another u/s next week on Tuesday. Hopefully all will look well again. I haven't bought anything yet. I'm still too scared. Maybe after this u/s I'll feel more confident. I want to make sure he's growing on target. There's still so much that could go wrong, it's frightening.
We've come up with a name for him but I'm not sharing just yet. I have told some work people and everyone so far loves it. I want to be the one to tell family so I must be careful who I tell and when or else someone who likes to blab will be on the phone telling everyone before we get the chance.....just like they told everyone we were having a boy before we could tell anyone. You know who you are.
Not sure if I've felt him move in there. Occasionally I feel something but it can't tell for sure it's the baby. Hopefully it will get more obvious very soon. We are going for another u/s next week on Tuesday. Hopefully all will look well again. I haven't bought anything yet. I'm still too scared. Maybe after this u/s I'll feel more confident. I want to make sure he's growing on target. There's still so much that could go wrong, it's frightening.
We've come up with a name for him but I'm not sharing just yet. I have told some work people and everyone so far loves it. I want to be the one to tell family so I must be careful who I tell and when or else someone who likes to blab will be on the phone telling everyone before we get the chance.....just like they told everyone we were having a boy before we could tell anyone. You know who you are.
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