The First 48

Thursday afternoon when I went to my weekly doctor appointment, she discovered a few things of concern on the sonogram and decided I needed to be immediately admitted to the hospital for closer evaluation.  One of the things that showed up was in the umbilical cord doppler test – this looks at blood flow patterns through the umbilical cord vessels for abnormal flow and there was an ever so slight break in this flow for baby A where is should be constant.  This can improve with strict bed rest but can also get progressively worse if not monitored.  Also, baby B had the amnion and chorion dissected, possibly from all the amniotic fluid pressure.  With these new findings as well as the cord marginal insertion issue and funneling, we all agreed checking myself in was the best option for the babies now that we’re at a viable gestational age.

The first night was rough; I had never spent the night in the hospital before.  But, all the nurses are nice and we are getting checked on every few hours looking for baby heart rates, my blood pressure, etc.  We did discover I started having slight contractions, so they’ve put me on terbutaline to stop those from happening.  Yesterday, there was no evidence of contractions, so I’m hoping this will stay the case. 

I’m measuring 24 weeks, 1 day today and our first goal is to get me to 28 weeks.  At 28 weeks, the survival percentage is over 80% and the chances increase they will not have any developmental delays.  After that milestone, we’ll take it week by week to see what happens…we’ll be estatic if we can reach the 34 week mark. 

Everyone has been so great about sending well wishes…that has really cheered me up and has kept me pretty optimistic.  I’ll try updating frequently so everyone knows what is going on as well.

Boy, Oh Boy!

This week was full of surprises…first, we found out we are having two boys, not a boy and a girl.  David now thinks his Daxx, Thor, Spike, Hawkeye and Magnum suggestions should be taken more seriously now.  Even more serious and scary though, was the doctor’s suspicion that we could be experiencing something called twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.  It’s very rare and very dangerous for both babies and we were completely devastated.  The following day, we went for a second opinion (imagine what those 24 hours must have felt like) and found out Twin A actually has marginal cord insertion – still something to be concerned about but not as life-threatening as the twin-to-twin transfusion.  The treatment for both however, is somewhat the same:  I’m on immediate bedrest for the rest of the pregnancy.  I’ll be closely monitored to see if Baby A still continues to grow – if not, we will have some serious problems.  Basically with this condition, the blood and nutrients take much longer to get to Baby A, so he is not growing as rapidly as Baby B.  Right now, since they caught it pretty early there is not too much of a discrepancy – Baby A is 7 oz and Baby B is 9 oz.  But, they are anticipating the discrepancy to become greater as the pregnancy progresses.

In the meantime, all I can do is stay off my feet.  I also have to eat more calories and double my protein intake to make sure both babies are getting what they need.  If anyone has some good movie/book suggestions, please let me know!  It is going to be a long few months…but, I will do whatever it takes to make sure Mason and Miles are as healthy as possible (those would be MY boy name suggestions)!

Baby Update

We went to the doctor today for another checkup and she said the babies couldn’t look better if they tried.  Twin A (girl) is now weighing at 4 oz and Twin B (boy) is at 5 oz.  Both were quite active and stretching their legs out — so cute.  Also, I have to go get some more bloodwork tomorrow to check for Spina Bifida.  So, if all clears there, that’s one less worry I have to obsess about.  I never realized just how stressful and worrisome having children can be — and that’s before they are out of the womb!   Another obsession I’ve had lately is my nutrition.  Am I eating enough healthy foods?  Am I eating too little/too much?  To put that worry to rest, my doctor told me an odd, but interesting tidbit of trivia.  Supposedly, pregnant women in Hitler’s concentration camps who were emanciated and starving delivered healthy babies only 8 oz less than the standard — although, the women themselves were so malnurished they did not have the strength to deliver.  My doctor reassured me I am definitely not starving.   Um….thanks?

My 1st M.O.M. meeting

I just got back from my very first MOM (mothers of multiples) meeting in Plano tonight.  I found it online and thought it might be a good way to get some extra tips, suggestions, advice, etc.  for the babies.  I was a little leary, I admit – although I can’t articulate a good reason why.  I guess I thought it might be pretty lame.  But, how wrong I was!  I dare say I was impressed.  From the moment I walked in, I felt right at home and everyone was so nice.  I met quite a few moms having twins and even talked to one mom having triplets!

What they do is start out with different forums and put you in to groups (expectant moms, new moms, moms of toddlers, etc.) and have a guest speaker come in that would target that group’s needs.  Our speaker tonight was a doctor who specializes in postpartum depression so she reviewed the signs to watch for, ways to get help, etc.  Great information that hopefully I will not need but you never know.  Afterwards, everyone met for dinner (might I add free dinner)  where you get a chance to talk to and bond with others that are either going through the same thing or have already been there.  Finally, they end with announcements of upcoming events and another guest speaker on a different topic that fits all the moms.   I really can’t believe how organized they were.  It was definitely a pleasant surprise and I can’t wait until the next meeting.

Mission Accomplished!

After a few weeks of calling random doctor’s offices, Walgreens, Krogers, and trying to decifer the Texas Dept of Health website to find out where all these mysterious doses of the H1N1 vaccine are hiding, I finally found a location that had it in stock AND was giving it out to the public with no appointment needed.  Of course, you had to be in one of the high risk categories, but no problemo there.  I couldn’t ask for anything more convenient:  the Star Medical Group was right down the street from work (about 1 mile), I filled out minimal paperwork, paid only $20, and waited for a total of 15 minutes before I got my shot.  In case anyone else is still looking, check out this website for Flu Shots of America.   Oh, and the best part? (Besides reducing risk of infection and possible death of course) is you get this very patriotic band-aid.

Now, on to other important missions…like, picking out baby names and throwing together a nursery in less than 3 months.

Double Blessings

Today is the first time in 2 months I’ve even thought about my blog…perhaps it’s because of that extra hour I don’t quite know what to do with.  In any case, I now realize just how long it’s been – shame on me.  So much is going on, and, if for some reason you don’t know, I did end up getting pregnant — with twins!  Now that I’m in my 14th week and officially into my second trimester, I will try to blog more often so those back home can read about our progress. 

All in all, the first trimester went great — I had zero morning sickness and probably gained about 8-15 pounds, depending on which scale you listen to.  I have been really exhausted, and I’m looking forward to seeing that subside.  I was weaned off some of the medicine and shots I had to take and even started the big baby name debate with DH.   We got our first trimester screenings back all within the normal range and even found out the genders – a little boy and a little girl.  My favorite first trimester moment though hands down was seeing and hearing the heart beats for the very first time.  I’ve never heard anything sweeter.  We even have a video of them moving around in my stomach at 10 weeks…I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve watched that video! 

We have so many sonogram pictures (one of the perks of seeing a doctor every week) but until I can figure out how to scan in the real deal, here’s an idea of what the twins may look like now at 14 weeks:

No (Bed)rest for the Wicked

Sorry, folks.  I know the subject line  is lame.  But, this is what happens when you are stuck to your couch for almost 4 days…you start coming up with little quips you think are funny that no one else probably will    

I wanted to write sooner than this but even being confined to your couch for several days, you can amazingly find ways to fill up your time.  I’ve filled my days with reading my Sookie Stackhouse novels, watching episode upon episode of  Weeds, watched at least 5 or 6 movies from Blockbuster as well as learn how to cook some great meals I know I’ll never make on FoodTV network. 

Here’s a quick recap of how the procedure went Thursday:  we arrived at Baylor at noon and although scheduled for 1:15, the doctor was running about 20 to 30 minutes late.  Normally not a big deal — that is, unless doctor’s orders were to drink about 28 oz of Gatorade on the way over because you need a full bladder for the procedure.  Not cool.  What was cool however, was the picture we received of the 3 embryos they implanted and they even let David look at them under a microscope (that is the only cool thing about this whole mess — you get to see the scientific side of conception most people never get to see).  The embryos were really good quality (7 and 8 count cells) and they were able to freeze 15 more (just in case we need them someday). 

David was able to come in the room with me as long as he wore his “bunnysuit”.  Seriously, it’s called a bunnysuit.  And, it looks as funny as it sounds, especially when it takes both the embryologist and a nurse to help him in it.  Although, I was slightly disappointed to see it doesn’t look like an actual “bunnysuit”.   In my opinion, hospitals could swing a couple extra bucks for bunny ears.  At least give your patients one more good laugh right before surgery.  

The whole procedure took 10-15 minutes and then it was just a matter of being in recovery for awhile before going home to start my 4 day of bedrest regimen.  So, although I’m feeling better now, I’ve still had a few “ups and downs” — it’s been really difficult to sleep for more than a few hours at a time, I’ve gained at least 6 pounds this week b/c of all the meds but look like I’m 4 months pregnant, and I’ve had some wicked cramps a few times which I’m hoping is just the embryos attaching themselves.  A few other more “downs” but not worth sharing.  I’m trying to remain as positive as possible that this has worked and if it has, it has certainly been worth it.

The one thing I didn’t know about this IVF procedure was how much my stomach would fill with fluid — I’m a little nervous about going back to work looking like a balloon, not to mention my pants do not fit anymore!  I think I may have to make an emergency run tomorrow and go shopping for a few maternity clothes.  Apparently, I’ll be like this for awhile and if pregnant, the swelling will not go down for 6 weeks and will actually get worse!  I wish I would have known so I could have planned a little better.  Luckily, I work with some pretty amazing people so I know I shouldn’t have to be too embarrassed.  It is what it is! 

I look forward to things being “back to normal”.  My normal will be continuing daily progesterone shots, taking an estrogen patch and starting daily injections for my thyroid condition I’ll have to continue throughout my  pregancy if this takes.  But, I miss interacting with people and just being able to do little daily errands and even miss cleaning my house (post operating instructions have been no cooking, no cleaning, no laundry, no exceptions). 

Thank you again to everyone who has written me and worried about me– I’m fine, actually great — and writing about this has helped in so many ways.  If this has worked, I’ll let everyone know…if I don’t mention anything, you’ll know the alternative.  Just know I’ve appreciated the support and even if this doesn’t work, I’m so glad I’ve opened up a very personal part of my life to so many.  And, now that I know I can handle this process, when we are ready, we’ll try again if we have to.

An 8-cell embryo (although not our 8 cell embryo)

IVF Progress So Far

Thank you to everyone who has been so positive, supportive, and wishing me well during this journey.  I wanted to write a little something to keep everyone updated on my progress so far.  This post originates in a blog (www.calling4calliope.wordpress.com) and feeds into Facebook so if the spacing is off in FB, I apologize.  I don’t know how to fix it.

Monday the 3rd, we went in for the egg removal — it took much longer than expected.  We arrived at 5:45AM, I went under around 7AM, and did not wake up from anesthesia until almost 10AM.  I was told the typical procedure lasts about 30 minutes so I was surprised that it had taken so long.  Upon waking up, I felt some pain in my adominal area (to be expected I suppose) and felt a wave of nausea washing over me.  Lucky for me, the nurse provided some morphine and something for the queasiness and I was feeling a little better rather quickly.  They wheeled me back into recovery where I sat for about an hour before being discharged and able to go home.  Unlucky for me, the movement from the wheelchair and into the car proved too much too soon and I immediately got sick once I was inside the truck.  David had the foresight to bring a hospital bag for me to get sick in just in case, so although unpleasant for me, I am happy to report the truck is a-ok.  I am pretty sure that had something to do with the anesthetic.  I have also since found out usually they do not use a general anesthetic for this procedure, so I’m still trying to find out how that decision had been reached.  Even the anesthesiologist seemed surprised when she came to see me and was told what she had to do.  Very strange.  However, I have to admit, if given the preference, I would have liked to have been completely “out of it” anyways!

Once home and the morphine wore off, I experienced some swelling in my stomach and it felt as though someone kicked me in the ribs a bunch of times and left me with internal bruising (not sure how else to describe it but I think the comparison is fairly accurate).  Breathing proved difficult and it was really hard to move around.  We almost thought about calling the doctor to see if this was normal but I decided against it.   Needless to say, it was difficult to sleep and it didn’t help to have a 17 pound cat jump on my stomach at 4AM.  

Tuesday I went in to the doctor and this is in fact normal, although it was not a relief to hear what I was feeling on a scale of 1 to 10 was probably a 2 or 3 and could reach a 10 before the egg transfer.  On the upside of all of this, they extracted 20-25 eggs (which is really good) and 20 are in the process of being fertilized.  (Don’t worry: they only implant 2 or 3 and freeze the rest – I am not trying to outdo Octomom!)  Today (Wednesday) I tried to go to work but the drive in brought back the nausea and I pretty much had to turn around and come right back home.   Tonight, I have a little discomfort but not as much as earlier and boredom has already kicked in.  How I am going to survive four days of bed rest is beyond me but I will try my best! 

Tomorrow we arrive at Baylor around noon and the procedure is 1:00-1:15.  This is also anticipated to be about 30 minutes but I’ll have a few hours of recovery time.  Please keep me in your thoughts and keep sending baby wishes my way!!

Upcoming IVF Treatment

Today marks 2 days before the IVF surgical procedures I’ll have next week, starting bright and early Monday morning at 6:30AM.  I’ve been pretty open and honest with people about the procedure (because really, what is there to be ashamed of?) but just haven’t really written much in my blog about it.  I’ve been keeping most of the daily details written in a journal, safely stuffed beside my nightstand.   I’ve found this to be a great comfort to write down my thoughts and hopefully, one day, it will serve as a memento of all I’ve went  through to have a son or daughter of our own.   For those that may not know, this has actually been a 3 year ordeal — years filled with doctor appointments,  dealing with flex accounts and insurance companies,  and trying other less invasive measures like fertility drugs, injections, and multiple  IUI’s  all to no avail.  I am really crossing my fingers that this time the outcome will be a positive one.  Frankly, I just am not sure how much more my sanity and our pocketbook can endure. 

Now that I got back from the doctor again this morning, I’m starting to get nervous about what’s to come.  I cannot decide what I am more nervous about:  the egg extraction, egg transfer, daily injections of progesterone (you should see the needles) or the 2 weeks I’ll have to wait to find out if all of this has been worth it.   Surely though, I’m thinking at this point even if this IVF round doesn’t work, I will still have proved to myself I could do this (which I thought impossible just several weeks ago) and when we’re ready, maybe we can try again.  It is actually quite amazing what one is willing to endure when you want something bad enough. 

I do feel really lucky to have the opportunity to try this and to have such great family and friends that have been so supportive of us on this journey.  For those interested, I’ll try to update the blog this week to let everyone know how I’m doing.  It will help that I’ll be on 4 days bed rest starting Thursday and will be stuck at home going stir-crazy and will need something to occupy my time (besides those great Sookie Stackhouse books Maranie let me borrow)!  Who knows?  Perhaps in a few more weeks I’ll be giving baby updates to everyone as well!  Please keep your fingers crossed for us!

When Good Dogs Go Bad

Thanks everyone who read my blog and sympathized with my tramatic experience yesterday!  I left work early today to go to the Animal Shelter and file a citation on the neighbor.  I was torn on what do do until DH told me as he left for work this morning and passed her house, the front door was wide open (meaning she had let her dog run loose again).   I was not convinced yesterday she was truly “sorry” but soon she will be.

Animal control will keep trying to go to the house until she’s home and issue her a citation for “Dog At Large”.  She’ll have the opportunity to pay the fine or deny it –if that is the case, we’ll have to go to court and let a judge decide.  It’s hard to believe she would not admit to any wrong-doing but then again, based on her actions, she’s not the brightest.  They’ll also be requesting proof of up-to-date vaccinations and quarantine the pup for 10 days to monitor it and make sure it doesn’t have rabies if they won’t cooperate.

As for my leg, today it’s bruised, swollen, and a little sore.  I couldn’t get into the doctor since their office was closed due to the power outage, but I’ll be making my way tomorrow to get it checked out before heading to Chicago.  While the lady at the shelter said I shouldn’t have to worry about rabies, I should worry about a possible infection.

Other than that, just a regular day in the ol’ neighborhood.