Belly Time: 27 weeks, 4 days
Time since Rupture: 45 days
Countdown: 44 days
As of today, we have made it 45 days on bed rest, and have 44 to go!
This past week has gone by pretty quickly- having Thomas and my family here was a welcome distraction. It was very hard seeing them leave today; especially knowing that I won't see Thomas this coming weekend.
Our excitement this week included: pizza in the 'family room' on Wednesday, followed by contractions and a ridiculously strong muscle relaxer, a hospital cafeteria Thanksgiving meal with the fam on Thursday, Peanut disappearing in my belly and giving the nurses a scare Friday night, only to find out he was starting to turn, a mini-shower with my mom, Lauren, and Misti on Saturday, and the mass exodus of the family today.
I try to keep in good spirits, but every once in a while I end up throwing myself a little pity party. Tonight was one of those times. Even though I am here for the only reason I would be, it is still extremely hard to be missing out on the holidays. I feel as though I am missing out on a real pregnancy experience- I'm not getting my belly rubbed by strangers in Publix, or getting to swap stories with other moms I see, or having my students tease me about how big I'm getting, or getting the nursery ready, or shopping around town for baby clothes...
I am so thankful we are now on the downward slope. I hope this little guy will stay in until 34 weeks, so we can take him home sooner. I'm getting pretty homesick...
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Week 27 update
Belly Time: 27 weeks, 2 days
Time since Rupture: 43 days
Countdown: 46 days
Well, we have made it to 27 weeks! That is much further than I originally anticipated, although, I still hope we make it to 34 weeks. Next Wednesday, we hit 7 months, and I'll have another round of steroids to help his lungs develop.
This week we had our growth US, which are always a little more encouraging. Peanut is still growing very steadily, now at 2 lbs, 6 oz. We are very pleased to see this- at least we know the umbilical cord is doing its job!
I am still having some random bleeding, which we don't know the cause of, but they are still holding out on the exam- I hope nothing happens to cause them to want to do another exam.
I have also had some contractions this week, which is not what we want, at all. Since my sac is already ruptured, my body will progress to labor very rapidly if these get more serious. Our first plan of attack is to make sure I am plenty hydrated, so I'm trying to drink 4-5 liters of water a day. They have also encouraged me to take smooth muscle relaxers should I feel any contractions. Most of my contractions have been fairly mild- showing up on the monitors, but not something I really take notice of- but, Wednesday night I did feel some. I asked if I could take a half dose of the muscle relaxer, already having been warned by one of my day nurses that 100mg is extremely strong. My night nurse agreed to give me 50mg, as long as I would call her if I didn't feel them subside in about 30 minutes. I never made it to 30 minutes. The half dosage of muscle relaxer was enough to knock me out for almost 11 hours. I also had residual grogginess the entire next day. I told Thomas, if I must take them regularly, at least time will fly by, since I'll be asleep all the time.
We had a re-consult with the NICU this week, since Thomas is here. I knew that we had better odds at this point, but we also wanted to be aware of what complications we were looking at for a pPROM baby born in this time-frame. Amazingly, the odds of survival are COMPLETELY different at this point: We were told at 23 weeks, survival rate is less than 20%. Now, at 27 weeks, survival rate is 91%. I am greatly encouraged by this. We still have several concerns at this point- my fluid level is marked "severe", meaning Peanut may have mobility problems, some physical deformities, and, very likely, lung issues. I am praying fervently that I will re-seal. I know it can happen, and I feel like that would be the only way for Peanut to get the fluid he needs for his lungs and mobility. If you are following this, and have been praying for us, please ask specifically for my fluid levels to increase. Even if I don't make it to 34 weeks (which I hope I do) if Peanut has some time in there with adequate fluid levels, his lungs will have more time to mature, he shouldn't have any more heart rate dips from rolling over on his umbilical cord, and he should be able to flip from his breech position.
Please. Please be praying for this with me- I hate to think that this little guy is being squished because of my lack of fluid.
Time since Rupture: 43 days
Countdown: 46 days
Well, we have made it to 27 weeks! That is much further than I originally anticipated, although, I still hope we make it to 34 weeks. Next Wednesday, we hit 7 months, and I'll have another round of steroids to help his lungs develop.
This week we had our growth US, which are always a little more encouraging. Peanut is still growing very steadily, now at 2 lbs, 6 oz. We are very pleased to see this- at least we know the umbilical cord is doing its job!
I am still having some random bleeding, which we don't know the cause of, but they are still holding out on the exam- I hope nothing happens to cause them to want to do another exam.
I have also had some contractions this week, which is not what we want, at all. Since my sac is already ruptured, my body will progress to labor very rapidly if these get more serious. Our first plan of attack is to make sure I am plenty hydrated, so I'm trying to drink 4-5 liters of water a day. They have also encouraged me to take smooth muscle relaxers should I feel any contractions. Most of my contractions have been fairly mild- showing up on the monitors, but not something I really take notice of- but, Wednesday night I did feel some. I asked if I could take a half dose of the muscle relaxer, already having been warned by one of my day nurses that 100mg is extremely strong. My night nurse agreed to give me 50mg, as long as I would call her if I didn't feel them subside in about 30 minutes. I never made it to 30 minutes. The half dosage of muscle relaxer was enough to knock me out for almost 11 hours. I also had residual grogginess the entire next day. I told Thomas, if I must take them regularly, at least time will fly by, since I'll be asleep all the time.
We had a re-consult with the NICU this week, since Thomas is here. I knew that we had better odds at this point, but we also wanted to be aware of what complications we were looking at for a pPROM baby born in this time-frame. Amazingly, the odds of survival are COMPLETELY different at this point: We were told at 23 weeks, survival rate is less than 20%. Now, at 27 weeks, survival rate is 91%. I am greatly encouraged by this. We still have several concerns at this point- my fluid level is marked "severe", meaning Peanut may have mobility problems, some physical deformities, and, very likely, lung issues. I am praying fervently that I will re-seal. I know it can happen, and I feel like that would be the only way for Peanut to get the fluid he needs for his lungs and mobility. If you are following this, and have been praying for us, please ask specifically for my fluid levels to increase. Even if I don't make it to 34 weeks (which I hope I do) if Peanut has some time in there with adequate fluid levels, his lungs will have more time to mature, he shouldn't have any more heart rate dips from rolling over on his umbilical cord, and he should be able to flip from his breech position.
Please. Please be praying for this with me- I hate to think that this little guy is being squished because of my lack of fluid.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
I just wish there were definite answers
Belly Time: 26 weeks, 6 days
Since Rupture: 40 days
Countdown: 49 days
I'm the kind of person that reads the directions- even to something self-explanatory. I just like to know what I'm getting myself into. (Maybe I'm a bit of a control freak.) I think that is what's making this so hard for me- there are no guarantees or clear cut rules- Everything about pPROM depends on the individual. While certain factors place you more at risk for rupture, some people rupture 'just because'. I'm in that group.
Some days it's harder to keep my 'eyes on the prize' so to speak, but I'm trying. I know that Peanut is growing and responding to stimuli, so I really shouldn't complain. I think I'm going to have to start posting a complaint, so I can get them off my chest.
Moment of weakness: It really stinks that I'll be in the hospital for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and my birthday.
Since Rupture: 40 days
Countdown: 49 days
I'm the kind of person that reads the directions- even to something self-explanatory. I just like to know what I'm getting myself into. (Maybe I'm a bit of a control freak.) I think that is what's making this so hard for me- there are no guarantees or clear cut rules- Everything about pPROM depends on the individual. While certain factors place you more at risk for rupture, some people rupture 'just because'. I'm in that group.
Some days it's harder to keep my 'eyes on the prize' so to speak, but I'm trying. I know that Peanut is growing and responding to stimuli, so I really shouldn't complain. I think I'm going to have to start posting a complaint, so I can get them off my chest.
Moment of weakness: It really stinks that I'll be in the hospital for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and my birthday.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
I miss rain
Thomas is here for an entire week!
Unfortunately for Thomas, when he's here, I usually need him to run an errand or two for me, since I'm not allowed to go anywhere. At the moment, he is at Target.
I am now allowed "chair privileges", which means I can sit in the arm chair in my room for about an hour a day. From my chair, I can see the parking garage, some of the street, and the helicopter landing pad. Very exciting. Today, while sitting here, it started raining. I realized it's been over 2 months since I've been outside in rain... and I miss it. How sad, that I miss sloppy, wet weather.
In health news, I was told by my weekend nurse that no one would know I was pPROM based on Peanut's monitor strip. She said he looked "beautiful".(Again, another person telling me this- I think I'm going to have a bumper sticker made-- one of those, slightly obnoxious, "My Child..." stickers.)
I have been doing fine the past few days- no bleeding!- The staff keeps telling me that boring is good, so I'll take boring.
Unfortunately for Thomas, when he's here, I usually need him to run an errand or two for me, since I'm not allowed to go anywhere. At the moment, he is at Target.
I am now allowed "chair privileges", which means I can sit in the arm chair in my room for about an hour a day. From my chair, I can see the parking garage, some of the street, and the helicopter landing pad. Very exciting. Today, while sitting here, it started raining. I realized it's been over 2 months since I've been outside in rain... and I miss it. How sad, that I miss sloppy, wet weather.
In health news, I was told by my weekend nurse that no one would know I was pPROM based on Peanut's monitor strip. She said he looked "beautiful".(Again, another person telling me this- I think I'm going to have a bumper sticker made-- one of those, slightly obnoxious, "My Child..." stickers.)
I have been doing fine the past few days- no bleeding!- The staff keeps telling me that boring is good, so I'll take boring.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
We've made it 5 weeks!
Belly time: 26 weeks,1 day Days since rupture: 35 Countdown: 54 days, 3 hours
I'm feeling a little better today. Admittedly, I was overtired yesterday and I know that had a negative affect on my outlook. I am trying to think more positively today- trying to count my blessings:
- We've made it long past the average for pPROM patients
- Peanut continues to do well on the monitor, showing both a good heart rate and brain activity
- Peanut has had the hiccups several times in the past couple of weeks, so we know he has been trying to practice breathing
- As far as we know, my cervix is still closed, which is our best guard against infection since the sac is compromised
A couple of things that have been cause for concern:
- Peanut has had couple of registered heart rate dips. They were both very minor, but of course we would rather not see any
- I have had some bleeding this past week. Apparently, it's not totally unusual, but none of the reasons for it are something we want. They don't believe it has anything to do with my placenta, which is very good, but they really can't rule things out unless I have another exam. We are trying to avoid exams at all cost- since I'm already ruptured, an exam could cause my cervix to open, contractions, or infection. We are praying that I won't have any repercussions should they have to do an exam.
Please be keeping us in your thoughts and prayers- this situation is completely out of our control so we need all the help we can get!
I'm feeling a little better today. Admittedly, I was overtired yesterday and I know that had a negative affect on my outlook. I am trying to think more positively today- trying to count my blessings:
- We've made it long past the average for pPROM patients
- Peanut continues to do well on the monitor, showing both a good heart rate and brain activity
- Peanut has had the hiccups several times in the past couple of weeks, so we know he has been trying to practice breathing
- As far as we know, my cervix is still closed, which is our best guard against infection since the sac is compromised
A couple of things that have been cause for concern:
- Peanut has had couple of registered heart rate dips. They were both very minor, but of course we would rather not see any
- I have had some bleeding this past week. Apparently, it's not totally unusual, but none of the reasons for it are something we want. They don't believe it has anything to do with my placenta, which is very good, but they really can't rule things out unless I have another exam. We are trying to avoid exams at all cost- since I'm already ruptured, an exam could cause my cervix to open, contractions, or infection. We are praying that I won't have any repercussions should they have to do an exam.
Please be keeping us in your thoughts and prayers- this situation is completely out of our control so we need all the help we can get!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Fluid Levels 26 Weeks
I had my Ultrasound this afternoon- I never know when they're going to call for me, so I was anxiously awaiting this all day.
Every other week, my US is just to measure fluid levels- I get to see a little bit of Peanut, but they aren't measuring his growth these weeks.
Today, I was very disappointed to see that I have lost fluid. Unfortunately, my fluid level was already very low. I know there's really nothing I can do about it, but I just wish I could make it better. Amniotic fluid is so important for many reasons, some of which I didn't even know before:
- fluid in sac allows baby to practice breathing; the more fluid, the more expansion of the lungs
- fluid allows baby to swim, building muscle tone and improving mobility
- fluid keeps meconium (fetal waste) level down, so baby doesn't get a lung infection
It's very rare for women to 're-seal' but that is the only way my fluid will go back up to a normal level. If I don't re-seal, and my fluid goes up, I will continue to leak and possibly even have gushes (almost like my water is breaking again). I am asking that everyone keep praying for this miracle- this would be the best possible scenario for both me and Peanut.
Sorry if this post was a bit of a downer- I am pretty discouraged this afternoon.
Every other week, my US is just to measure fluid levels- I get to see a little bit of Peanut, but they aren't measuring his growth these weeks.
Today, I was very disappointed to see that I have lost fluid. Unfortunately, my fluid level was already very low. I know there's really nothing I can do about it, but I just wish I could make it better. Amniotic fluid is so important for many reasons, some of which I didn't even know before:
- fluid in sac allows baby to practice breathing; the more fluid, the more expansion of the lungs
- fluid allows baby to swim, building muscle tone and improving mobility
- fluid keeps meconium (fetal waste) level down, so baby doesn't get a lung infection
It's very rare for women to 're-seal' but that is the only way my fluid will go back up to a normal level. If I don't re-seal, and my fluid goes up, I will continue to leak and possibly even have gushes (almost like my water is breaking again). I am asking that everyone keep praying for this miracle- this would be the best possible scenario for both me and Peanut.
Sorry if this post was a bit of a downer- I am pretty discouraged this afternoon.
Glucose Test
Belly Time: 26 weeks Days since rupture: 34 Countdown: 55 days, 11 hours
I had my glucose test this morning-- My nurse came in at 6:30am and had me drink a syrupy, juice-like substance. Apparently, they test everyone between 26 and 28 weeks, but they were concerned about me, since I haven't gained enough weight (in their book). Luckily, everything came out fine!
We did have a little monitor scare last night- Peanut (per usual) was very active and danced away from the monitor again. He went on and off very quickly, but in the meantime they were still getting a much lower heart rate (mine). At first, they didn't know it was mine and my nurse was rushing around trying to reposition me (thinking he had rolled over on his umbilical cord). She ran and grabbed a separate monitor for me and after the doctors reviewed the strip, they said it was just me they were picking up, not a major dip in heart rate for Baby. Whew! I had a few minutes of panic there- that's the kind of thing that they make you deliver for-- it's all about keeping baby safe.
I should have an Ultrasound soon, so I will post again after that- today is a fluid update.
I had my glucose test this morning-- My nurse came in at 6:30am and had me drink a syrupy, juice-like substance. Apparently, they test everyone between 26 and 28 weeks, but they were concerned about me, since I haven't gained enough weight (in their book). Luckily, everything came out fine!
We did have a little monitor scare last night- Peanut (per usual) was very active and danced away from the monitor again. He went on and off very quickly, but in the meantime they were still getting a much lower heart rate (mine). At first, they didn't know it was mine and my nurse was rushing around trying to reposition me (thinking he had rolled over on his umbilical cord). She ran and grabbed a separate monitor for me and after the doctors reviewed the strip, they said it was just me they were picking up, not a major dip in heart rate for Baby. Whew! I had a few minutes of panic there- that's the kind of thing that they make you deliver for-- it's all about keeping baby safe.
I should have an Ultrasound soon, so I will post again after that- today is a fluid update.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Cards today!
Received a package in the mail today from my sister-in-law, Misti. Included were some precious cards from my nieces:
My first 3 weeks at Hotel Winnie Palmer...
Belly Time: 25 weeks, 6 days Days since rupture: 33
Peanut and I have been here at Winnie for 3 weeks-
in the past month, since my rupture, he has gained approximately 1 pound!
I am so happy he has had more time in my belly to grow stronger. We are praying that he will stay in until he hits 34 weeks- it's possible that we could take him home 2 weeks after birth if we make it to that benchmark.
I will try and update at least every Wednesday, so I can post the results of my Ultrasound!
Last week:
Peanut's little feet!
Peanut and I have been here at Winnie for 3 weeks-
in the past month, since my rupture, he has gained approximately 1 pound!
I am so happy he has had more time in my belly to grow stronger. We are praying that he will stay in until he hits 34 weeks- it's possible that we could take him home 2 weeks after birth if we make it to that benchmark.
I will try and update at least every Wednesday, so I can post the results of my Ultrasound!
Last week:
Peanut's little feet!
By the way: "Hotel Winnie Palmer" is what all the nurses call my room. Thomas, my mom, and sister have done their best to try and make the place look 'homey'. According to the staff, it looks more like a hotel than a hospital.
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