"IT'S NOT THE LENGTH OF THE GESTATION, IT'S THE EXTENT OF THE ATTACHMENT."


Saturday, July 30, 2011

In The Hospital, On Bedrest

On Wednesday, I went to my regular OB visit. I had an ultrasound done where we got to see the Mister hide his face with his fist. When prodded, he only raised the other arm in defiance. He did not want his picture taken :-)


I then proceeded to get another (weekly) P-17 injection (to prevent preterm labor) and dropped off a urine sample. My urine contained protein in it so my doctor sent me home with a couple of jugs to collect my urine for 24 hours. On Thursday, I returned my sample to the lab where they also drew blood.


On Friday, I returned back to the doctor for a follow up visit and to check on my blood pressure. My doctor was worried that because of the protein levels in my urine that it could lead to pre-eclampsia. So checking on my BP was just a precaution. A couple of days before it was 120/80 so I wasn't the least bit concerned. Apparently my doctor knows what she's talking about because when I went in for the follow up visit, my blood pressure was up to 140/93, my urine still contained elevated levels of protein and I had gained 8 pounds in a matter of 2 days- that's insane! I haven't been swollen or puffy in the least so I don't know where all the hidden weight is.


Immediately my doctor made me go home and pack my bags and sent me to L&D. Usually Mr. H goes with me to all my appointments but on Friday morning he had taken his Dad to a Senior Retreat at the YMCA- something they do every Friday. I tried calling him but couldn't get a hold of him. I ended up leaving a message on his phone in which I was sobbing uncontrollably, so I sent him a text as well. At the time of my message, he was swimming with his Dad but once he got it he came rushing to me immediately and met me at the hospital for check-in. He's been by my side as well as my family and friends.


I got here yesterday at 1pm. They've taken my blood a couple times, put in a locked IV, are currently running another 24-urine culture, taken my temp, checked my blood pressure and are constantly monitoring Mister's heart rate and activity. He is doing great! It's me they're worried about. At the u/s on Wednesday he was measuring at 4 lbs. 1 oz. which I thought was just fabulous. However, now that I know he will be born early, I worry that he's too small to enter this world. My doctor suspects he'll be born around 34 weeks gestation, which is a week and a half away! Until then, I will remain on bedrest until further notice. There is no set date on which he will be here, we'll just continue to take it day by day and if he starts to go in distress, then he'll be delivered.


I've heard many success stories about babies being born at this gestation. I know having the steroid injections to strengthen his lungs is a plus and being here in this safe place is the best thing for us. It just hurts my heart to know that he'll have to spend time in the NICU. I don't worry for myself, I worry for him. I just feel like my body has failed my children again. This is not the birth story I dreamt of, but I suppose what matters most is that he's healthy, viable, safe, thriving and ALIVE. Nothing else really matters, nor does it ever go the way we plan them.


Please know that I'm not complaining, I'm just worried and I feel unprepared for all of this. Our induction date wasn't scheduled until September 14th at 11:45am and in a matter of moments the tables have turned and I'm feeling a little anxious. I thank God everyday for this miracle baby and I know how lucky and blessed I am (we are) to even have made it this far in the pregnancy. Right now all I can do is trust that "this is exactly where we are meant to be" even if I don't understand or like it.


Thank you for reading and for being here for me,


~Monica

18 comments:

M4 said...

You're positivity is inspiring! You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers! Good luck!

Anonymous said...

God be with you!

Suzanne & Andrew Dupuis said...

I am thinking about you, and praying for you! My sister's water broke at 32 weeks... and she delivered a healthy baby girl at 4lb 9oz. She spent only 3 weeks in the NICU!!! I have faith in your doctors!!! Everything will turn out right! Your little man needs you to be healthy and strong and if that means him coming earlier than expected, than that is ok!! you ARE an inspiration to us all! We love you and wish you the best!!

Sophie said...

Thinking of you all/praying for you. Your little man is lucky to have a mama like you. Hang in there. Hugs.

~S said...

Oh, I'm so sorry! I haven't read blogs in FOREVER, but happened to check in today. I don't know if you remember me or not, but I used to write indianaopenwindow...my daughter, Grace, was born at 24 weeks and passed away a week after birth. I had a TAC placed, and then had three years of infertility. I delievered my son a year ago at 33 weeks. Anyway, I just wanted you to know that I was thinking of you and your little one. I know it's scary, but you guys are doing to do great. Our little guy spent 3 weeks in the NICU, and he would have been home sooner if it weren't for a very VERY rare complication after delivery. He's now happy, healthy, and running everywhere. If there is anything I can do to ease your mind, please let me know. I still have my old email indianaopenwindow at yahoo dot com Best wishes!!

Cindi said...

I've been following you for a VERY long time, and have been thinking good thoughts and praying for you on this journey. There is no doubt in my mind that things will work out just fine...sometimes life just takes a few unexpected turns. It sounds like you have a lot of faith in your medical team, and that's extremely important right now. Follow their directions, and you'll be delivering a healthy, gorgeous son!

emily said...

Sending preyers and postive thoughts your way....

Anonymous said...

Monica,
Sending prayers your way. I totally understand your being nervous. You are in good hands and in the best place possible. Enjoy these last few weeks of your precious baby on the inside! Can't wait to see his sweet face!
Katie
my3sons

Kristi said...

I agree, it's not ideal, but you and baby will be monitored closely. Keeping you in my thoughts.

Allie said...

Thinking about you and praying for you daily. You are an amazing woman!

Coleens Recipes said...

How are you doing today Monica? I think about you SO often and I'm sending prayers your way. Stay strong.

Misc Momma said...

I'm sorry this isn't the ideal situation you hoped for. Nothing ever goes as planned, that's for sure! Thinking and praying for you!

Celia said...

My bubbies was in the NICU. It's a little bit of an emotional ride, but it's so worth it when you get to take him home. I know you can do it. Take care of yourself.

Hennifer said...

Oh Monica! I'm so sorry for this surprise lobbed your way. I think that you are doing everything right and your doctor is taking good care of you. I know nothing can really make you feel at ease until you have him in your arms but I will continue to believe you will both get through this just fine.

And for what it is worth lots of mamas get pre-eclampsia and you have not failed.

Thank you for taking the time to update!

meemawfish said...

I am praying for you and the little mister. Hope everything goes great and you are definately in the safest place possible.
XOXO
Meemaw

Virginia said...

You haven't failed, truly. You are both still healthy and alive--nothing else matters. Hugs to you and hang in there!

AbsoluteMommy said...

I'm praying for you and hoping that both of you are a-ok. I'm praying for you both. Your health is just as important. You are so positive and it will help guide you on your somewhat interrupted journey. I'm saying a prayer that 34 is your magic number. God bless.
Megan

Rachel said...

I missed this update until I saw the next one. I'm so sorry that all this happened, but I'm glad you are doing better now.