I went home from the hospital on Saturday and am recovering well from the C-section. My mother is here for the rest of the week, which has been a big help.
While I was still in the hospital, we were able to go the the NICU twice a day. Since I have been home, we have been going each night. Last night, the nurse asked me if I wanted to hold Matthew. I was shocked and thought she meant in the incubator. I was thrilled to hear I could hold him skin to skin. They moved Andrew and the two boys are in one area together and she was also taking care of Andrew. I got to hold both boys for 30 min each. It was wonderful. Brent got to hold Anna Kate outside of her incubator while still supported. It was a great night!
All of the kids are still on C-pap. They are breathing room air, but it has a little bit of pressure behind it to help keep their lungs open and remind them to breathe. Andrew and Anna Kate had to be taken off milk yesterday because their stomachs were getting hard. They are also watching Matthew for a heart murmur and a valve that hasn't closed. The nurses tell us this is all very normal for preemies. We are thankful things have gone so well thus far!
Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the blog for some more pictures!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Happy Birthday-August 19, 2008!
Well, the short version is that the kids were born by emergency C-section on Tuesday at 2:22. It is ironic that this was the first day that the students were back at school and right at dismissal time!
It all happened very fast! The contractions had gotten back into a rhythm over the night-but weren't really painful. Then they changed my med back to the Magnesium that morning and the contractions didn't slow down and had gone from pressure to painful. So, they did an exam and by looking they thought they could see one of the babies sacs all around the cerclage. Brent was working in Clemson and they told me to call him or he might not make it. When they got me to labor and delivery the high risk doctor checked me again and I was fully dilated and she could feel a head. They then called it an emergency and told me my husband probable wouldn't make by the time they started. They wheeled me into the OR and then got the call that the NICU wasn't' ready for the babies and asked if we could hold off 15-30 mins. There was some disagreement and tension between the nurses and doctors. I had been praying for weeks that God would calm my heart and nerves when the time came-and he did! The all kept saying I was doing great and it was amazing how calm I was. God really give a peace that passes all understanding!
When they got me into the OR they did the spinal block-which wasn't fun. They laid me back down and started to do checks to see what I could feel. I kept saying-I can feel that etc.. They did a "test" without telling me and I quickly said, I just felt something scrape across my stomach. So within a minute they knocked me out. Brent had made it there, but wouldn't let him in because I had to be put to sleep.
The birth info is
Matthew Glen 2lbs 8oz, 15.25 inches, 2:22pm
Andrew Kyes 2lb 6oz, 15.20 inches, 2:23pm
Anna Kate 2lb 10z, 14 inches, 2:23pm
The doctors say the kids are all doing well. Both boys are off the respirator and are on a C-PAP And they think Anna Kate will be off in the next day or so. The next potential problem will be at 1 week old when they will do an ultrasound of the brain to see if there is any bleeding. Assuming, everything goes well, I asked the Dr about when they may come home. I told him I had heard it was normal for them to come home around their full term due date (Nov 7), He said that would probably be the latest they would come home and one or more of them may show signs of coming home in 7-8 weeks.
Right now, the Drs are saying I will go home on Sat. My Mother is coming on Sunday for a week to help me recover. We appreciate every one's continued prayers!
It all happened very fast! The contractions had gotten back into a rhythm over the night-but weren't really painful. Then they changed my med back to the Magnesium that morning and the contractions didn't slow down and had gone from pressure to painful. So, they did an exam and by looking they thought they could see one of the babies sacs all around the cerclage. Brent was working in Clemson and they told me to call him or he might not make it. When they got me to labor and delivery the high risk doctor checked me again and I was fully dilated and she could feel a head. They then called it an emergency and told me my husband probable wouldn't make by the time they started. They wheeled me into the OR and then got the call that the NICU wasn't' ready for the babies and asked if we could hold off 15-30 mins. There was some disagreement and tension between the nurses and doctors. I had been praying for weeks that God would calm my heart and nerves when the time came-and he did! The all kept saying I was doing great and it was amazing how calm I was. God really give a peace that passes all understanding!
When they got me into the OR they did the spinal block-which wasn't fun. They laid me back down and started to do checks to see what I could feel. I kept saying-I can feel that etc.. They did a "test" without telling me and I quickly said, I just felt something scrape across my stomach. So within a minute they knocked me out. Brent had made it there, but wouldn't let him in because I had to be put to sleep.
The birth info is
Matthew Glen 2lbs 8oz, 15.25 inches, 2:22pm
Andrew Kyes 2lb 6oz, 15.20 inches, 2:23pm
Anna Kate 2lb 10z, 14 inches, 2:23pm
The doctors say the kids are all doing well. Both boys are off the respirator and are on a C-PAP And they think Anna Kate will be off in the next day or so. The next potential problem will be at 1 week old when they will do an ultrasound of the brain to see if there is any bleeding. Assuming, everything goes well, I asked the Dr about when they may come home. I told him I had heard it was normal for them to come home around their full term due date (Nov 7), He said that would probably be the latest they would come home and one or more of them may show signs of coming home in 7-8 weeks.
Right now, the Drs are saying I will go home on Sat. My Mother is coming on Sunday for a week to help me recover. We appreciate every one's continued prayers!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Making Progress
Well, although the had to up the dosage, the pump seems to be working. Today the High Risk group turned my care back over to my regular OB. So, that is good news. There was actually some talk of letting me go home. But, Brent and I decied that was not a god idea and my OB agreed that it is just safer to stay here.
I had been put back on IV fluids the last few days, but they stopped those today. So, it looks like I might get out of this hospital gown into my own clothes! Every little thing helps. If I am still here, we have another ultrasound scheduled for next Monday. At that time, they will check the kids' growth. Several people have asked for updated pictures. The have all been camera shy the last several ultrasounds. I am hoping to get some pictures next week that I can post. They say the bigger they are, the harder it is to get a good profile shot.
Brent and I will probably schedule a tour of the NICU in the next few days. The strongly suggest checking it out. I was too scared before. But, when I talked to my Dr. today, she said it may be reassuring because there would be a lot of babies in there that were born before 28 weeks.
It is hard to believe that tomorrow will be two weeks since we got here. Let's all keep praying that we are here for at least another two!
I had been put back on IV fluids the last few days, but they stopped those today. So, it looks like I might get out of this hospital gown into my own clothes! Every little thing helps. If I am still here, we have another ultrasound scheduled for next Monday. At that time, they will check the kids' growth. Several people have asked for updated pictures. The have all been camera shy the last several ultrasounds. I am hoping to get some pictures next week that I can post. They say the bigger they are, the harder it is to get a good profile shot.
Brent and I will probably schedule a tour of the NICU in the next few days. The strongly suggest checking it out. I was too scared before. But, when I talked to my Dr. today, she said it may be reassuring because there would be a lot of babies in there that were born before 28 weeks.
It is hard to believe that tomorrow will be two weeks since we got here. Let's all keep praying that we are here for at least another two!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Back on the Pump
Well, it seems that my emotions have settled down since my last post. That is a huge blessing! I was a wreck for a few days and the nicer people were to me, the worst it seemed to get. I appreciate everyone’s kind and supportive words. I have had several visitors and appreciate everyone taking time out of their busy schedule to stop and visit. It has made the time go by faster!
The last several days have been good overall. I have had a few times where the contractions picked up to every 3-4mins and they had to give me additional meds to calm them down. I have found that it is more of an art than a science when trying to stop the contractions. I had a different doctor on rounds this morning and he wasn’t to try a new approach. Today, they stopped the Magnesium and started me back on the terbutaline pump. So, we will see how that goes! I haven’t had many contractions in the last several hours. However, all the meds have caught up with me and I have been groggy and nauseous most of the day. I am so thankful I wasn’t sick all of my pregnancy. Despite feeling not that great, it is nice to not be tied down with all the IV tubes. So, we will pray that the pump will work for a while and give me a break from the Magnesium.
At times it can be frustrating working with many different doctors and nurses who all have a different approach and style. But, it has really taught me not to put my faith in man and man’s wisdom, but to trust that God will direct all their decisions. As I look at the clock, I realize I have been here 10 days. Let's pray for at least another 10!
The last several days have been good overall. I have had a few times where the contractions picked up to every 3-4mins and they had to give me additional meds to calm them down. I have found that it is more of an art than a science when trying to stop the contractions. I had a different doctor on rounds this morning and he wasn’t to try a new approach. Today, they stopped the Magnesium and started me back on the terbutaline pump. So, we will see how that goes! I haven’t had many contractions in the last several hours. However, all the meds have caught up with me and I have been groggy and nauseous most of the day. I am so thankful I wasn’t sick all of my pregnancy. Despite feeling not that great, it is nice to not be tied down with all the IV tubes. So, we will pray that the pump will work for a while and give me a break from the Magnesium.
At times it can be frustrating working with many different doctors and nurses who all have a different approach and style. But, it has really taught me not to put my faith in man and man’s wisdom, but to trust that God will direct all their decisions. As I look at the clock, I realize I have been here 10 days. Let's pray for at least another 10!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
We made it to 27 weeks!
We have passed the 27 week mark ! Today has been a pretty good day. The contractions have slowed down with the addition of a low dose of terbutaline. And, although I have slept a lot, today hasn’t been as much of an emotional roller coaster. That has been my biggest personal struggle over the last few days. Being out of control of my emotions is not something I am used to. It is hard to not be able to stop from crying when in your mind and heart you feel you are at peace. But, God teaches us things in every circumstance and I am sure I will come out stronger because of it! I appreciate everyone’s prayers and know that they are being heard. One of the teachers in my school said they were all praying for me and that I was almost a celebrity in their church! While that made me laugh, I know that there are many people praying for me these babies and I take comfort in that. We are blessed to have everyone’s support!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Waiting on God's timing
Well, it has been quite some time since I updated. Those of you who know Brent, know he doesn’t know how to turn the computer on-never mind update the blog! I kept thinking I would update after the next appt. Well, much has happened since the last update.
I went to the doctor on July 30. We decided to try me on the terb pump. I had been hitting my contraction limit of 5 per hour and they didn’t want to keep me on motrin because of a potential risk to the babies. My cervix was a little shorter, but still looked good. I started the pump on Thursday and all was going well. I had an appointment on Monday, August 4 for a growth ultrasound. That morning I didn’t have a good monitor strip and they had me remonitor due to the number of contractions I was having. I finished my second monitor strip at 2:00 and had a Dr. appt at 3:00. The ultrasound went well. All three kids weighed aprox. 2lb and were all measuring on target for growth. However, my cervix had shortened a lot since my last visit five days ago and I was feeling the contractions. They decided to admit me to the hospital and consider giving me steroid shots to mature the babies lungs. I was 26 weeks 2 days.
Mon day night was a scary time. They admitted me and at first I figured it would be like the last time I was in. They didn’t know what they would do regarding medication and my pump was almost empty. So, they sent Brent home to get some meds (the pump is done by a different company) in case we needed them. While he was gone, they started me on Magnesium and then told me I couldn’t eat incase they had to do emergency surgery. They were having a hard time getting the contractions under control and if one of the kids was in distress, they would do a C-section. They put me on the highest dose of Magnesium they could, and checked me out. I wasn’t dilated, so that was a good.
We didn’t leave the Dr office till after 5:00pm. When we thought we were settled in for the night, one of the neonatologists from the NICU came by to talk to us. He discussed the survival rate of babies born at 26 weeks as well as the potential complications and life long difficulties babies who are born that early may experience. Despite how early they would be, he told us the survival rate was 85%. He also told us about a lot of other potential complications. It was a lot to think about and pray about after he left.
On Tuesday morning they moved me from labor and delivery to a high risk room and reduced my Magnesium level from 3grams per hr to 2 grams per hour because my blood work came back with levels that were borderline high. They also decided to give me the first of the two steroid shots to help mature the babies lungs. They also told me to plan to be in the hospital till the babies come.
I am still on 2grams and I am really kind of groggy. I am contracting 6-8 times per hour and although they aren’t painful per se, they are getting stronger. They said they will continue with the Magnesium as long as they can and as long as I don’t start bleeding or leaking fluid.
We are praying that the contractions will not change my cervix any more and that they will be able to “stay put” for several more weeks. Each day is precious and we know that God will not allow them to come before the time he has determined.
We appreciate everyone’s prayers and support. The meds. are making me really weepy and groggy. So, I am not doing much e-mailing or talking on the phone. Brent is going to work during the day and staying with me at night.
I think that is everything for now. I just remind myself what an awesome gift God is giving us and that He is in control. I am reminded of the words of the hymn “Day by Day”:
Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find, to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He Whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best—
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.
Every day, the Lord Himself is near me
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,
He Whose Name is Counselor and Power;
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
“As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,
”This the pledge to me He made.
I went to the doctor on July 30. We decided to try me on the terb pump. I had been hitting my contraction limit of 5 per hour and they didn’t want to keep me on motrin because of a potential risk to the babies. My cervix was a little shorter, but still looked good. I started the pump on Thursday and all was going well. I had an appointment on Monday, August 4 for a growth ultrasound. That morning I didn’t have a good monitor strip and they had me remonitor due to the number of contractions I was having. I finished my second monitor strip at 2:00 and had a Dr. appt at 3:00. The ultrasound went well. All three kids weighed aprox. 2lb and were all measuring on target for growth. However, my cervix had shortened a lot since my last visit five days ago and I was feeling the contractions. They decided to admit me to the hospital and consider giving me steroid shots to mature the babies lungs. I was 26 weeks 2 days.
Mon day night was a scary time. They admitted me and at first I figured it would be like the last time I was in. They didn’t know what they would do regarding medication and my pump was almost empty. So, they sent Brent home to get some meds (the pump is done by a different company) in case we needed them. While he was gone, they started me on Magnesium and then told me I couldn’t eat incase they had to do emergency surgery. They were having a hard time getting the contractions under control and if one of the kids was in distress, they would do a C-section. They put me on the highest dose of Magnesium they could, and checked me out. I wasn’t dilated, so that was a good.
We didn’t leave the Dr office till after 5:00pm. When we thought we were settled in for the night, one of the neonatologists from the NICU came by to talk to us. He discussed the survival rate of babies born at 26 weeks as well as the potential complications and life long difficulties babies who are born that early may experience. Despite how early they would be, he told us the survival rate was 85%. He also told us about a lot of other potential complications. It was a lot to think about and pray about after he left.
On Tuesday morning they moved me from labor and delivery to a high risk room and reduced my Magnesium level from 3grams per hr to 2 grams per hour because my blood work came back with levels that were borderline high. They also decided to give me the first of the two steroid shots to help mature the babies lungs. They also told me to plan to be in the hospital till the babies come.
I am still on 2grams and I am really kind of groggy. I am contracting 6-8 times per hour and although they aren’t painful per se, they are getting stronger. They said they will continue with the Magnesium as long as they can and as long as I don’t start bleeding or leaking fluid.
We are praying that the contractions will not change my cervix any more and that they will be able to “stay put” for several more weeks. Each day is precious and we know that God will not allow them to come before the time he has determined.
We appreciate everyone’s prayers and support. The meds. are making me really weepy and groggy. So, I am not doing much e-mailing or talking on the phone. Brent is going to work during the day and staying with me at night.
I think that is everything for now. I just remind myself what an awesome gift God is giving us and that He is in control. I am reminded of the words of the hymn “Day by Day”:
Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find, to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He Whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best—
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.
Every day, the Lord Himself is near me
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,
He Whose Name is Counselor and Power;
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
“As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,
”This the pledge to me He made.
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