There's NO place like home!

Since I could not get the internet to work in the hospital, here is a day by day run down of everything that happened the past two days.

The Good News and the Bad News
Thursday, May 8, 2008

My ultrasound (u/s) was scheduled at 1:30pm. At 1:50 I was called into the room. I told the tech what was going on and she said she’d measure my cervical length trans-vaginally. I told her about the fFN test I was going to also have and I could not have any gel before the test. She called up to the birthing unit and the midwife said “she’s exactly right, send her up and we'll take care of it now.” So, up to the birthing unit I went. I waited some more, then was called in about 2:30. The midwife with a very cute Irish accent was with a patient in labor so I had to wait. While I was waiting in triage they put me on the monitor. This little girl was VERY active, more than she ever is! At about 3pm the Irish midwife came back and did the fFN. I then went down to ultrasound to finish that up. The tech had to take 3 different measurements (she kept checking w/the radiologist to make sure they had what they needed). I did ask her if she thought it was in fact a girl. Well, she confirmed again that we have a beautiful baby girl. She told me my cervix was measuring 2.4cm, which is short. But she didn't think they would keep me overnight...

After the u/s I went back up to the birthing unit to await my results. Melissa, my nurse was great. Not too long later the Irish midwife came in and said “well, there’s some good news and some bad news.” The good news is that the fetal fibronectin test came back negative! This means that the possibility of me going into pre-term labor with in the next 2 weeks is very low. The baby also had a strong heartbeat (140s-150s), is very much so head down (I could see her bouncing off my cervix during the u/s), and most importantly my cervix is closed.

The bad news is that not only is my cervix short (I guess normal is around 5cm?) but it’s “funneling.” This is how I understand it, your cervix should be flat on both sides. Well, a funneling cervix looks like a thimble. The closed part is facing out but the opening is facing the baby. For some reason my cervix is starting to open from the inside. Not cool. They do not know why this is happening, especially since I carried Cam to term.

She then dropped the bomb that I would be spending the night. I needed to get off my feet and get this baby girl off my cervix in hopes it may repair itself. I wasn’t allowed to go home and get clothes or Steve. We’re still down to one car since Steve’s truck is STILL being looked at.

I am now hanging out in the birthing unit, a windowless cave. The nurses have been great, the Irish midwife is amazing.

The midwife tried to get in touch with the high risk doctor, but wasn’t able to. Yep, I am now considered “high risk.” They’re trying to decide whether or not to give me steroids. Since I am only 23w they aren’t sure if it will actually help. The steroids are usually given around 24w-28w. Right now I am exactly 23w. Around 8:30ish the midwife, and an OB, Dr. D (I think she is one of the Hospitals OBs and not a doc at SSWH). They all decided (they talked to Dr. O’B, the high risk specialist) that it was a good idea to give me the steroids. This is to mature the baby’s lungs faster, if she decides to come early. I will stay here at least until Saturday and have the 2^nd round of steroids Friday night. I am going to meet with Dr. O’B Friday morning to review my u/s, maybe have another u/s and see if it is getting any worse or if the bed rest is helping. My fave midwife said she will probably have a neonatologist come and speak with me, just incase.

The nurse (Carolyn, so sweet) warned me that the steroid shot in the arse would sting and burn. UMMMM, I thought some wild animal was trying to eat me. It freaking hurt so bad and I do consider myself to have a some what high tolerance of pain. It not only hurt when she did it but for a good 5min. after. Friday nights shot is going to be torture now that I know what to expect.

Steve went home after the shot to stay with my precious little boy. I miss him so much. Hearing him say “mommy, mommy” over the phone is breaking my heart. Hopefully 10mgs of Ambien will just knock me out!

Better News Today
Friday, May 9, 2008

I talked to Steve after he dropped Cam off at daycare. He said he didn’t cry, fuss or anything. This is good because he hasn’t been since March. I just want to hug and kiss him!!

My meltdown started early today. Everything happened so quickly, it is sinking in fast now though. My baby girl could very well come early. I am on bed rest and will be for the remainder of this pregnancy. Cam will go to daycare next week b/c they have a spot. After that we’re on our own until June 15^th when his summer session start. There aren’t any spots before then. I have no idea what we will do but we’ll figure it out. Somehow we always do!

At 8:00am my favorite Irish Midwife came in again, during my epic meltdown. She went over the plan for today (meet w/high risk doc, have another u/s, steroids tonight).

I still cannot get this damn wireless internet to connect to the Hospitals wireless network. I.am.going.thru.withdrawals….

Around 10:30ish Dr. O’B came in with one of the midwives I had met before and my nurse Jamie. Dr. O’B said my cervix is short, but definitely closed. It is funneling but not so much that it is opening up my cervix. Good news. I will get the second shot of steroids tonight and be on modified bed rest (not forbidden from leaving my bed, I can get up but no picking up Cam, walking too much, doing laundry or cleaning the house... etc). I have been having mild contractions that they’ve picked up on the monitor, about one contraction every 1-2/hours. Not so bad that I’m going to need drugs to stop them though.

I will go back to the office on Wednesday for another ultrasound and to talk with the midwife (one I have not met). The midwife will be in touch with the high risk doctor as to a plan. We’re not out of the woods yet, but it is a lot better than we had thought. They gave me the option of going home tonight after the shot….hell ya!!

Cam is doing ok at daycare. His favorite teacher said he is playing but will stop and call for me. Of course, this sent me into tears yet again. I cannot wait to hold and smooch that little man!!

Papa will pick him up around 3 and go to his house. Nana will put him to bed so Steve can stay up here while another animal bites my arse.

The shots have to be given 24hrs apart which will be 8:50pm. My night nurse, Pat has also been great. On that front, I've had nothing but caring and awesome nurses.

A little after 9pm Pat came in to give me the shot. Here's an awesome tip for you and if you have to give the shot. Have the patient wiggle their toes before, during and after the shot is given. What a freaking difference. Pat said she learned that trick during nursing school. It relaxes the muscle so it goes in smoothly. MUCH BETTER!! Of course, it still burned like hell, but didn't burn and hurt like before.

The midwife was with a patient in labor (the poor thing pushed for 3hrs) but came in after. We went over the plan (modified bed rest, u/s and appointment on Wednesday). We left the hospital around 10pm.

My baby boy was sleeping peacefully.