Monday, February 9, 2009
February 9, 2009
Sure enough, Monday night started just like all the previous nights. At my one hour night monitoring my contractions would show up as 4-5 minutes apart, then go to 2-3 minutes apart. The bleeding was the same, and the baby was not showing any distress on the monitor. I was so tired of the pain and just plain exhausted from not getting a good night sleep yet, I asked my nurse for 2 Oxycontin ( I had only been taking 1 at a time before this night), 2 Ambien (which I had only taken on the first night) and 100mg of Visseral (which is the anxiety/muscle relaxant that was the only thing that was calming my contractions). I went to bed about 9:30ish, hoping the medications would allow me a good night sleep.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
February 8, 2009
On Sunday night my contractions were so painful that I couldn't talk while I was having one. They were 3-4 minutes apart. The bleeding had increased, and I thought for sure something was about to happen. Of course, as soon as John goes home something happens. I called my nurse in and told her that my contractions were more painful and I had more bleeding than I ever had. She hooked me up to the monitor again and called the hospitalist who was on call. When the Doctor got there she checked me, but thankfully I was still 75% effaced and only a fingertip dilated (or 1cm). I apologized and told her I really thought something was happening. She told me this was how it was going to be for the next 6-7 weeks, and unless I had a gush of blood or my water broke, I would probably go to term with daily/nightly events similar to tonight's. I called a very relieved John and told him that it was nothing, just like all the other nights it had been nothing. We were both really weirded out by the whole situation because the contractions I was having felt like the ones I had when I was in active labor with Carter. However, I am no doctor so I just tried to accept what they were saying to me.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Just some THANK YOUs!!
We cannot thank everyone enough for taking the time and making the trek(s) to visit us during that first week! It was so comforting to know we had such a supportive family base to help us with the huge adjustment we were about to embark on. We are especially grateful for all the help we received in regards to taking care of Carter. I can't even imagine what we would have done if we still lived in San Diego. It was so nice to know he was spending time with his Aunts and Uncles (even great aunt and uncle), Cousins, and Papa. He was well taken care of...and considering he was sleeping in his own crib and not needing a bottle, you all did better than John and I do!! Again, we are so thankful for all the love you have shown our "not so little man"...and yes, we've gotten him some bigger clothes and none with snaps at the crotch. Can you say 2t?!
Oh, and Uncle Doug, we promise we did not instruct Carter to poop 3 times for you!! Had I talked to him before hand, I would have told him to go easy on you...but then again, I think it's cute that he wanted you to change him so much. In Carter's world, poop is an activity of endearment, I mean he poops for me all the time :)
Stefanie, Dave, and Kason--Thank you for keeping me company on Sunday after John left! It was soo good to see you two ( I mean its been what, three years!!) AND finally meet Kason. Talk about a beautiful baby boy! And mmmmm the cookies were delish...emphasis on the word 'were' because they are all gone!
Rachael-- Thank you for the Frap, it hit the spot. After a week of no starbucks, I was dying!! It was fun catching up
Also, a BIG thank you to everyone who sent flowers!! Every nurse that comes into my room comments that it smells like a flower shop. They are all beautiful and they make me smile daily. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Oh, and Uncle Doug, we promise we did not instruct Carter to poop 3 times for you!! Had I talked to him before hand, I would have told him to go easy on you...but then again, I think it's cute that he wanted you to change him so much. In Carter's world, poop is an activity of endearment, I mean he poops for me all the time :)
Stefanie, Dave, and Kason--Thank you for keeping me company on Sunday after John left! It was soo good to see you two ( I mean its been what, three years!!) AND finally meet Kason. Talk about a beautiful baby boy! And mmmmm the cookies were delish...emphasis on the word 'were' because they are all gone!
Rachael-- Thank you for the Frap, it hit the spot. After a week of no starbucks, I was dying!! It was fun catching up
Also, a BIG thank you to everyone who sent flowers!! Every nurse that comes into my room comments that it smells like a flower shop. They are all beautiful and they make me smile daily. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
6-7 WEEKS!!! Ugh!
After being handed the prognosis of a 6-7 week stay in the Antepartum unit of Sacred Heart, I was a bit discouraged; ha, ha, actually very discouraged! Not because I wanted the baby to be born early, but because the thought of being in the amount of pain I was in and having to endure endless painful contractions for the next 6-7 weeks, AND being away from my two boys sounded unbearable. The doctors were convinced that, absent a complete abruption, I would continue to have painful constant contractions but I would make it to full term.
Once the initial shock and panic over the thought of sitting on my butt for weeks subsided somewhat, I sent John back to Moscow to pick up some items (okay, two duffel bags full) to make my stay a little easier to stomach. My room was stocked with every law book and corresponding study aid that I owned, real clothes, actual underwear (after 4 days I was missing them..) gummy bears and DVDs. I made myself a schedule for my classes (of which I am only taking half a load), a schedule for my day and even I completed Carter's Christmas gift he is giving to his grandparents (it's coming, I promise!).
John went home on Sunday afternoon (Feb 8th) to study for his Calculus exam on Tuesday morning. He was quite nervous about leaving me in Spokane in the event I went into labor. I tried to reassure him that labor was a very long process (24 hours with Carter), and if I started to dilate I was would be sure to call him so he could make it before I went into active labor. And in the event the abruption became severe, it would be an emergency c-section and the doctor told us at that point he wouldn't be allowed in the delivery room anyway. Still a little nervous, John made it back to Moscow and I attempted my first few hours of being alone.
Once the initial shock and panic over the thought of sitting on my butt for weeks subsided somewhat, I sent John back to Moscow to pick up some items (okay, two duffel bags full) to make my stay a little easier to stomach. My room was stocked with every law book and corresponding study aid that I owned, real clothes, actual underwear (after 4 days I was missing them..) gummy bears and DVDs. I made myself a schedule for my classes (of which I am only taking half a load), a schedule for my day and even I completed Carter's Christmas gift he is giving to his grandparents (it's coming, I promise!).
John went home on Sunday afternoon (Feb 8th) to study for his Calculus exam on Tuesday morning. He was quite nervous about leaving me in Spokane in the event I went into labor. I tried to reassure him that labor was a very long process (24 hours with Carter), and if I started to dilate I was would be sure to call him so he could make it before I went into active labor. And in the event the abruption became severe, it would be an emergency c-section and the doctor told us at that point he wouldn't be allowed in the delivery room anyway. Still a little nervous, John made it back to Moscow and I attempted my first few hours of being alone.
Monday, February 2, 2009
February 2, 2009
I woke up on February 2, very happy that I didn't have to share a Birthday :) However, I was still having contractions that were beginning to be very painful and I developed a really sore spot at the top of my tummy. Dr. Watts checked me in the morning and thankfully there was no cervical change. He upped my Mag drip and sent me down to Maternal Fetal Medicine & the high risk doctor for an ultrasound to see what was going on inside my belly. The Mag really started to kick in that morning and I was feeling really really out of it. When we got to MFM for the ultrasound they put my gurney in the hallway for an hour wait and I ended up being burned by the fluorescent lights because the Mag made my skin so sensitive. (when I returned from the ultrasound it looked like I had been tanning!).
At the ultrasound my belly pain started to get significantly worse, and the contractions were becoming stronger and stronger. Up to this point I had yet been given anything for pain, but I was pretty much screaming for something for the pain...and instead I was given an anti-anxiety medicine (gee, thanks). During the ultrasound, the doctor was able to determine that I had a partial placenta abruption. (but we already knew this from a previous ultrasound in Moscow) My bleeding wasn't very much and the abruption didn't look that big, so the doctor was puzzled as to why I was in so much pain. He sent me back to my room, with a prognosis of complete bed rest for the remainder of this pregnancy.
At the ultrasound my belly pain started to get significantly worse, and the contractions were becoming stronger and stronger. Up to this point I had yet been given anything for pain, but I was pretty much screaming for something for the pain...and instead I was given an anti-anxiety medicine (gee, thanks). During the ultrasound, the doctor was able to determine that I had a partial placenta abruption. (but we already knew this from a previous ultrasound in Moscow) My bleeding wasn't very much and the abruption didn't look that big, so the doctor was puzzled as to why I was in so much pain. He sent me back to my room, with a prognosis of complete bed rest for the remainder of this pregnancy.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Superbowl Sunday Night
As I was flown from Moscow to Spokane I was still contracting every 2-3 minutes. The EMT's and nurses kept asking me if my water had broken or if I "felt wet" down there. Awkward. Luckily my water didn't break nor was I wetting my pants! It was an agonizing 20 minute flight though because I really had to go to the bathroom BAD. It was the first thing I did when I got to my room at Sacred Heart!
When I got settled into my room and hooked up to monitors and an IV, my boys arrived from Moscow. Carter was stomping (aka walking) around the whole room trying to get into every drawer and open every door. It was cute to watch, but not quite a hysterical as when he found the speculum (aka the duck) at the doctor's office and was carrying it around when the nurse came into the room!
The monitors showed I was still contracting regularly, but when Dr. Watts checked me I had not made any additional cervical change. I was given a steroid shot to help mature the baby's lungs in the event he did decide to come early. Dr. Watts explained to us that I would be kept on the Mag drip long enough for me to get the second shot of the steroids...so a total of 48 hours from the first shot. And if I was still contracting after the 48 hours, they would take me off the Mag and essentially let me go into labor. There was not much else they could do as the Mag drip was their last option.
The Magnesium Sulfate was not having much of an effect on my contractions, but made me feel really out of it and that my veins were being warmed. But at that point it wasn't too bad. Little did I know that would drastically change in a few short hours.......
When I got settled into my room and hooked up to monitors and an IV, my boys arrived from Moscow. Carter was stomping (aka walking) around the whole room trying to get into every drawer and open every door. It was cute to watch, but not quite a hysterical as when he found the speculum (aka the duck) at the doctor's office and was carrying it around when the nurse came into the room!
The monitors showed I was still contracting regularly, but when Dr. Watts checked me I had not made any additional cervical change. I was given a steroid shot to help mature the baby's lungs in the event he did decide to come early. Dr. Watts explained to us that I would be kept on the Mag drip long enough for me to get the second shot of the steroids...so a total of 48 hours from the first shot. And if I was still contracting after the 48 hours, they would take me off the Mag and essentially let me go into labor. There was not much else they could do as the Mag drip was their last option.
The Magnesium Sulfate was not having much of an effect on my contractions, but made me feel really out of it and that my veins were being warmed. But at that point it wasn't too bad. Little did I know that would drastically change in a few short hours.......
Superbowl Sunday (also known as My Birthday)
February 1, 2009 = 29 weeks gestation.
In true John fashion, we HAD to have a Superbowl party. I mean, I'm sure it was 100% because it was my birthday and the football game was secondary...yeah, right! We had a "Fried Food Frenzy," with guests who were classmates in our respective graduate programs. It was a pregnant lady's dream...fried pickles, french fries, onion rings, chicken wings, etc. Everyone brought their favorite food to fry, and we had quite the variety of interesting and new treats.
About 20 minutes into the party I mentioned to John that I felt funny. I wasn't feeling contractions, just some weird pressure "down there." John demanded I go to Gritman right way...actually, it was after he told me I was NOT going to have an early baby. I resisted, hating the be "that pregnant lady" who is at the hospital for every funny feeling, but after talking to my mom and even waiting an hour after she told me to go in (sorry, mom), I gave in and had a friend take me so that John could continue being the chef (or fryer boy), and so he would have the ability to come to the hospital should he need to. I was sure this was all a false alarm.
When I got to Gritman they hooked me up to the monitor, and again I was contracting every 4 minutes. The only difference, this time I was already on Procardia and it was apparently not working this time. I was given the three shots of Tributilene (my pharmacist mother is cringing over my pharmacological spelling) and instead of stopping the contractions, it acted like Pitocin and increased them to 2-3 minutes apart, and then 1-2 minutes. The nurses called the on-call Doctor, who just happened to be in the same practice as my Doctor so he knew all about me, and he tore himself away from the game to come check on me.
When he got there he did an ultrasound and checked my cervix. The ultrasound showed significant funnelling (not good!), and I was 70% effaced and a fingertip dilated! He called the hospitalist OB at Sacred Heart and informed him of my condition. Together they decided that because of the progress I had made and the fact I was only 29 weeks, I needed to be at Sacred Heart in Spokane ASAP in case this progressed into active labor. I was hooked up to Magnesium Sulfate (more on that later!) and air lifted to Sacred Heart via airplane. Oh, at some point during the chaos I managed to call John and let him know what was going on. He and Carter came to the hospital just as the Doctor was informing me that I had secured myself a trip to Spokane. John left immediately to try and beat me up there. ( I won, though!)
In true John fashion, we HAD to have a Superbowl party. I mean, I'm sure it was 100% because it was my birthday and the football game was secondary...yeah, right! We had a "Fried Food Frenzy," with guests who were classmates in our respective graduate programs. It was a pregnant lady's dream...fried pickles, french fries, onion rings, chicken wings, etc. Everyone brought their favorite food to fry, and we had quite the variety of interesting and new treats.
About 20 minutes into the party I mentioned to John that I felt funny. I wasn't feeling contractions, just some weird pressure "down there." John demanded I go to Gritman right way...actually, it was after he told me I was NOT going to have an early baby. I resisted, hating the be "that pregnant lady" who is at the hospital for every funny feeling, but after talking to my mom and even waiting an hour after she told me to go in (sorry, mom), I gave in and had a friend take me so that John could continue being the chef (or fryer boy), and so he would have the ability to come to the hospital should he need to. I was sure this was all a false alarm.
When I got to Gritman they hooked me up to the monitor, and again I was contracting every 4 minutes. The only difference, this time I was already on Procardia and it was apparently not working this time. I was given the three shots of Tributilene (my pharmacist mother is cringing over my pharmacological spelling) and instead of stopping the contractions, it acted like Pitocin and increased them to 2-3 minutes apart, and then 1-2 minutes. The nurses called the on-call Doctor, who just happened to be in the same practice as my Doctor so he knew all about me, and he tore himself away from the game to come check on me.
When he got there he did an ultrasound and checked my cervix. The ultrasound showed significant funnelling (not good!), and I was 70% effaced and a fingertip dilated! He called the hospitalist OB at Sacred Heart and informed him of my condition. Together they decided that because of the progress I had made and the fact I was only 29 weeks, I needed to be at Sacred Heart in Spokane ASAP in case this progressed into active labor. I was hooked up to Magnesium Sulfate (more on that later!) and air lifted to Sacred Heart via airplane. Oh, at some point during the chaos I managed to call John and let him know what was going on. He and Carter came to the hospital just as the Doctor was informing me that I had secured myself a trip to Spokane. John left immediately to try and beat me up there. ( I won, though!)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
