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.
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