I followed up with my OB today, as I was instructed after being discharged from the ER. A quick pelvic exam showed my cervix is nice and closed and there was no active bleeding. He did see some old blood, but nothing much to write home about. The nurse attempted to find the heartbeats with the portable doppler but had no success. At one point I thought I heard one, but it might have been my own heartbeat. Just to play it safe, they did an ultrasound.
Twin A is measuring 2 days ahead with a heartbeat of 157. Twin B is measuring 1 day ahead with a heartbeat of 163. They barely saw the SCH. My cervix measured nice an long and closed, just like in the ER. After a few more measurements, she was done and I got redressed. The OB came back in and said it's definately a partial placenta previa and told me I am on pelvic rest until it revolves. I asked if this is common in multiples and he said yes, due to the fact that there are 2 placentas in the same amount of space. The good news is that more often than not, seeing a previa this early is kind of good because they tend to resolve more than the ones you see later in pregnancy. He also warned me I may bleed off & on until it does resolve. I asked if I was still okay to work and he said yes as long as I take it easy when I can. He wants me to watch for cramping and to stop my activity if I start having bad cramping that doesn't go away. I see them again next week for a routine appt and my NT scan.
I opted not to tell my mom I was in the ER. She would have panicked and insisted on being there. With the fear of miscarriage, that's the last thing I want. Part of me regrets not telling her because I dont think she appreciates what we are going through. She thinks this is just a regular pregnancy, with the exception of 2 babies. She doesn't even attempt to understand the concept of measuring them in weeks & days vs months. DH did tell his parents, because he went out of town with his dad on no sleep after our ER trip. His mom text me today to see how I was feeling, check in about the appt I had and to tell me she loved me. Maybe it's the pregnancy hormones, but that really got to me. Maybe I have more mommy issues than I thought.
We are still planning to announce the pregnancy this weekend. I'm doing work on Friday, to mark 13w. I'm bringing in cookies and leaving a sign with them in the breakroom. I'll post a picture when I do it. We're telling the rest of DH family when we see them for a family party Saturday. Still not sure how we're gonna do that. I have one more aunt/uncle to tell from my family, but we never see them so it'll probably be a text so they don't see it on facebook first. Facebook maybe we'll do sunday. I'm scared to come out, but I think it's time. Aside from the bleeding/previa, we've had great ultrasounds and the babies look good. Time to share them with the world.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Not how I wanted to spend my Friday night
Yesterday was an uneventful day or the most part. My plan was to go grocery shopping, as I'd been putting it off for a few days. I've noticed that normal daily activities get me tired some days, so I've been spreading them out and resting a lot. I've also been reading a book about multiple pregnancies, since a lot of the baby books don't get too much info about diet and things like that when there's more than one baby. It's called When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads, by Barbara Luke. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-youre-expecting-twins-triplets-or-quads-barbara-luke/1103372880?ean=9780061803079 It's a lot of information, but a very good read. Their diet recommendations inspired me to grocery shop.
Since I've been feeling pretty good, my plan was to make a real dinner. I haven't been cooking much, aside from what I can toss in the crockpot. So for dinner, I made Italian breaded chicken and gnocci with spinach. It was delicious. After that, DH and I just watch TV and relaxed. Which really means I watched TV and DH fell asleep on the couch. I was going to have a little ice cream, and DH was trying to talk me into getting some for him before he fell asleep. As I was laying on the couch, I started to not feel so great, so I abandoned the ice cream idea to just stay put on the couch. About 9:30, I woke DH up and suggested we go to bed, as he was sleeping anyways. I headed upstairs to get ready for bed as he turned off lights and made sure the cats had food and water. That's where things started to go wrong.
I've been on vaginal antibiotic cream at bedtime for the past week because the swab they did at my first ob appt came back positive for bacteria. My last dose should have been last night, so I went to the bathroom to get it over with. When I was done peeing for the 400th time that day, I wiped and noticed bright red blood on the toilet paper. My heart stopped. It was like a light period and sure enough when I checked the toilet, there was blood in the water as well, but no clots. I pulled up my pants, forgoing the antibiotic, and called DH, trying to remain calm. By the time I told him I was bleeding, I was crying. He asked me when I meant that I was bleeding and I ran through the situation. He reminded me that we had been told that if the SCH bled, it might look worse than it is, and that it didn't mean a miscarriage. I reminded him that the didn't see the SCH anymore on this past week's ultrasound. I questioned if we should page the OB and DH agreed we should.
When the on call OB called me back (there's only 2 in the practice), I ran through the situation. He felt that it was probably the SCH, and that since I was already 12 weeks, that the babies should be fine. He also confirmed that this more than likely wasn't due to weaning the progesterone because their placentas should be doing the work now. He did offer to have me go to the ER for an ultrasound, for peace of mind. DH agreed we would go to the closer community hospital vs the one I work at. My hospital is a trauma center, so the wait time would be greater on a friday night. The OB said he'd check in with the attending so he would know what's going on. We got redressed, jumped in the car and were off to the hospital.
It felt weird to go in a car. Honestly the only time I've ever gone to the ER was by ambulance. We made it in about 15 minutes, and got checked in right away. They triaged me and asked a bunch of questions mostly regarding the bleeding and my extensive med list. At that point, I warned them if they took my blood pressure, it would be really high because I was so worried. Sure enough, it was 177/100. I don't think it's been that high ever. They put me back in the waiting room, until the lab tech called me. As part of triage, they draw labs before you see the Dr. It turns out that my phlebotomist is on respiratory therapy school and does his clinicals in my unit. He was a good stick, got it on the first try and back to the waiting room I went.
An ER tech finally brought us back to a room, had me change into a gown and said she'd send in the Dr. I think we saw him within 20 minutes or so. He asked lots of questions, seemed kind of skeptial of the meds I'm on from the immunologist and a little arrogant. He said I'd get an ultrasound, but he also wanted to do a pelvic exam to check the bleeding. My ER nurse was fantastic though. Nice and funny. The Dr finally came back, and DH stepped out. The exam was uncomfortable (and I'm still sore today), but quick. He said he just wanted to check the bleeding to be able to report back to the OB. Next was ultrasound, but we waited a long time for that. I think they finally took me between 1:30 and 2 am.
My ultrasound tech was just as fabulous as my nurse. As soon as she started, she showed me the babies and said both of them were moving and had heartbeats. What a relief!!!!!!!! I thought I would cry. They both measured one day ahead still, with strong heartbeats of 163(A) and 157(B). She found that my SCH is, in fact, still there right between the placentas. She also found that part of Baby A's placenta is overlying my cervix, a partial placenta previa. She said it's possible the bleeding could come from either the SCH or the placenta. My cervix was nice and long at a little over 4cm, and tightly closed. Thank God.
I was taken back to my little ER room and a lab person came in saying we needed more labs. I wasn't happy about getting stuck, but got that over with. I was told all we were waiting for was the radiologist to read the report and give the info to the ER Dr. Around 2:45 another lab person came saying now they wanted to check my electrolytes. Both DH & I were like, no, you can't keep sticking me. They talked to my nurse and came back saying they could use blood already in the lab. Finally, the Dr came back and told us what the ultrasound tech already told me. He confirmed the SCH and the placenta previa, and said that my OB wants pelvic rest and to take it easy this weekend. He also wants to see me Monday. His final recommendation was to give me Rhogam. My blood type is O negative and DH is A positive. I knew I'd get rhogam at some point because of this. When the rH factors don't match, my body can create antibodies against DH's blood which is dangerous for future pregnancies. They wanted to give it because we don't know if the bleeding was from the SCH, which is my blood, or the placenta, which could be DHs blood type.
The nurse came in, gave me my shot then left to make sure they were sending me home. She came back with my discharge instructions and we were on our way home. We made it home by about 3:30. I feel bad because DH had planned to go on a day trip today with his dad to WI and needed to be at their house at 7am, meaning he'd have to leave by 6. Poor guy got maybe 2 hours of sleep. Hopefully he slept in the car on the way up. As for me, my plan is to take it as easy as possible. I'm still bleeding and having some cramping, but they said that was normal. I've emailed Dr. KKs office too to let them know what happened and that I am holding my lovenox until I talk to them monday. That's the standing rule. bleeding =no lovenox or baby aspirin. I am trying my best to stay off google. The ER Dr said it's possible that as there is continued growth, that the placenta can migrate upward. So I'm praying for that, and expecting that the OB will send me to the MFM sooner than we thought.
Since I've been feeling pretty good, my plan was to make a real dinner. I haven't been cooking much, aside from what I can toss in the crockpot. So for dinner, I made Italian breaded chicken and gnocci with spinach. It was delicious. After that, DH and I just watch TV and relaxed. Which really means I watched TV and DH fell asleep on the couch. I was going to have a little ice cream, and DH was trying to talk me into getting some for him before he fell asleep. As I was laying on the couch, I started to not feel so great, so I abandoned the ice cream idea to just stay put on the couch. About 9:30, I woke DH up and suggested we go to bed, as he was sleeping anyways. I headed upstairs to get ready for bed as he turned off lights and made sure the cats had food and water. That's where things started to go wrong.
I've been on vaginal antibiotic cream at bedtime for the past week because the swab they did at my first ob appt came back positive for bacteria. My last dose should have been last night, so I went to the bathroom to get it over with. When I was done peeing for the 400th time that day, I wiped and noticed bright red blood on the toilet paper. My heart stopped. It was like a light period and sure enough when I checked the toilet, there was blood in the water as well, but no clots. I pulled up my pants, forgoing the antibiotic, and called DH, trying to remain calm. By the time I told him I was bleeding, I was crying. He asked me when I meant that I was bleeding and I ran through the situation. He reminded me that we had been told that if the SCH bled, it might look worse than it is, and that it didn't mean a miscarriage. I reminded him that the didn't see the SCH anymore on this past week's ultrasound. I questioned if we should page the OB and DH agreed we should.
When the on call OB called me back (there's only 2 in the practice), I ran through the situation. He felt that it was probably the SCH, and that since I was already 12 weeks, that the babies should be fine. He also confirmed that this more than likely wasn't due to weaning the progesterone because their placentas should be doing the work now. He did offer to have me go to the ER for an ultrasound, for peace of mind. DH agreed we would go to the closer community hospital vs the one I work at. My hospital is a trauma center, so the wait time would be greater on a friday night. The OB said he'd check in with the attending so he would know what's going on. We got redressed, jumped in the car and were off to the hospital.
It felt weird to go in a car. Honestly the only time I've ever gone to the ER was by ambulance. We made it in about 15 minutes, and got checked in right away. They triaged me and asked a bunch of questions mostly regarding the bleeding and my extensive med list. At that point, I warned them if they took my blood pressure, it would be really high because I was so worried. Sure enough, it was 177/100. I don't think it's been that high ever. They put me back in the waiting room, until the lab tech called me. As part of triage, they draw labs before you see the Dr. It turns out that my phlebotomist is on respiratory therapy school and does his clinicals in my unit. He was a good stick, got it on the first try and back to the waiting room I went.
An ER tech finally brought us back to a room, had me change into a gown and said she'd send in the Dr. I think we saw him within 20 minutes or so. He asked lots of questions, seemed kind of skeptial of the meds I'm on from the immunologist and a little arrogant. He said I'd get an ultrasound, but he also wanted to do a pelvic exam to check the bleeding. My ER nurse was fantastic though. Nice and funny. The Dr finally came back, and DH stepped out. The exam was uncomfortable (and I'm still sore today), but quick. He said he just wanted to check the bleeding to be able to report back to the OB. Next was ultrasound, but we waited a long time for that. I think they finally took me between 1:30 and 2 am.
My ultrasound tech was just as fabulous as my nurse. As soon as she started, she showed me the babies and said both of them were moving and had heartbeats. What a relief!!!!!!!! I thought I would cry. They both measured one day ahead still, with strong heartbeats of 163(A) and 157(B). She found that my SCH is, in fact, still there right between the placentas. She also found that part of Baby A's placenta is overlying my cervix, a partial placenta previa. She said it's possible the bleeding could come from either the SCH or the placenta. My cervix was nice and long at a little over 4cm, and tightly closed. Thank God.
I was taken back to my little ER room and a lab person came in saying we needed more labs. I wasn't happy about getting stuck, but got that over with. I was told all we were waiting for was the radiologist to read the report and give the info to the ER Dr. Around 2:45 another lab person came saying now they wanted to check my electrolytes. Both DH & I were like, no, you can't keep sticking me. They talked to my nurse and came back saying they could use blood already in the lab. Finally, the Dr came back and told us what the ultrasound tech already told me. He confirmed the SCH and the placenta previa, and said that my OB wants pelvic rest and to take it easy this weekend. He also wants to see me Monday. His final recommendation was to give me Rhogam. My blood type is O negative and DH is A positive. I knew I'd get rhogam at some point because of this. When the rH factors don't match, my body can create antibodies against DH's blood which is dangerous for future pregnancies. They wanted to give it because we don't know if the bleeding was from the SCH, which is my blood, or the placenta, which could be DHs blood type.
The nurse came in, gave me my shot then left to make sure they were sending me home. She came back with my discharge instructions and we were on our way home. We made it home by about 3:30. I feel bad because DH had planned to go on a day trip today with his dad to WI and needed to be at their house at 7am, meaning he'd have to leave by 6. Poor guy got maybe 2 hours of sleep. Hopefully he slept in the car on the way up. As for me, my plan is to take it as easy as possible. I'm still bleeding and having some cramping, but they said that was normal. I've emailed Dr. KKs office too to let them know what happened and that I am holding my lovenox until I talk to them monday. That's the standing rule. bleeding =no lovenox or baby aspirin. I am trying my best to stay off google. The ER Dr said it's possible that as there is continued growth, that the placenta can migrate upward. So I'm praying for that, and expecting that the OB will send me to the MFM sooner than we thought.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
11w5d
I had another appt with Dr KKs office today. Today was a big lab draw day, including my NK cells and cytokines. I should have some of the labs back this week, the rest will be early next week. I had an ultrasound too. Both babies are measuring 11w6d, A's heart rate was 163 and B's was 157. The best news is that my SCH is officially gone! Because of that, I have been given the greenlight to start weaning off the PIO! I start every other day dosing today through sunday then I stop completely. I can't believe it. My bloodflow resistance did increase, but not too far away from where they want it, so starting sunday I'll start 2x a day lovenox. They also said my cervix was measuring the smallest is has before, but the NP thinks it was just a weird measurement thing and said not to worry, we will check it again next week. All in all, it was a good appt today.
I've been feeling pretty good. Tired, but I think that's normal. The only complaint I really have is constipation. I'd be a happy happy woman if that could get resolved.
I've been feeling pretty good. Tired, but I think that's normal. The only complaint I really have is constipation. I'd be a happy happy woman if that could get resolved.
Friday, September 13, 2013
Fear
After our appointment with the OB on Tuesday I told DH how it felt weird to be a regular pregnant person. I honestly settled into the idea. Not being a diagnosis or a protocol, and just be pregnant. Today, however, I emailed the NP at Dr. KKs to ask about my labwork from this week. My NK cells are still elevated and now my TSH is low. I've also seen a couple dips in my estrogen and progesterone, but she explained that's fine because we did some weaning. So of course I've questioned the NK cells. I've done 2 rounds of IVIg and am on a decent dose of prednisone, yet my labs barely budge. It makes me question the efficacy of the treatment, and why am I putting myself through it if it doesn't seem to be doing much. Her arguement is that we don't know what my levels would be if I wasn't on it. I also questions the thyroid labs. She advised me to continue my current dose of synthroid and later explained that she wants me to do that because my FreeT3 is also low. Of course, because I do not deal with a lot of thyroid issues in the area of nursing I am in, I hit up the google. Big mistake. Both hyper and hypothyroidism can cause miscarriage. It's bad enough that my hair is falling out at an alarming rate (which is why I thought to ask her to check it in the first place) but now I'm gonna worry even more that I'll miscarry. Just when I think I'm getting comfortable, like we can start considering telling everyone, something like this happens. I'm sure I won't stop worrying until they are in my arms, and even then, I know I'll worry more. I'm also noticing some cramping. I can't decide if it's in my head because of the fear of miscarriage or if it's real. I'm just gonna drink some water and pray it goes away.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Mixed feelings
I know I haven't updated in awhile. Last week was kinda busy. Friday was my final appt with my RE. Our ultrasound went well, babies look good. Baby As heartbeat was 156 and B was 166. I signed my releases for my records to be sent to my OB, got hugs from everyone and had to promise to visit. My labwork looked good, so I emailed that information the the NP for Dr. KK. I spent the rest of the day preparing for my brother and sister in law's baby shower the next day.
In the afternoon, I got a call from the NP. She wanted to tell me to stop my estrogen patches, and to decrease my crinone to every other day for 3 doses. That makes tomorrow my last crinone. I'm so excited. We will check my levels and go from there. I'm assuming the PIO will be next. It'll be so nice not to have to be stuck anymore! She also thinks my ultrasound and the babies' growth sound good, so she wanted me to start every other day lovenox.
I had also asked her about not doing 2 ultrasounds a week, since I had seen the RE that day, and am seeing my OB today. It turns out that works well for her, and as long as the growth is good, we don't have to do an ultrasound with them. As it turns out, they have been having issues trying to figure out coverage for ultrasounds lately because the one tech is on vacation and the other was just killed in a car accident. The news caught me off guard when she told me, I wished my condolences and asked who it was. It turns out that it was the one I had for my first ultrasound. It's so sad.
The shower on Saturday went well, aside from some family drama. I think everyone had a good time. Honestly, I think I'm still tired from it. But that might just be a first trimester thing. I've also noticed my nausea has increased in the mornings the past couple days. Still no throwing up, horray!! Today is my first OB appt. I don't really know what to expect but DH is going to meet me there after work since I'm having an ultrasound and he hasn't met the Dr. I'm excited to see the babies again.
In the afternoon, I got a call from the NP. She wanted to tell me to stop my estrogen patches, and to decrease my crinone to every other day for 3 doses. That makes tomorrow my last crinone. I'm so excited. We will check my levels and go from there. I'm assuming the PIO will be next. It'll be so nice not to have to be stuck anymore! She also thinks my ultrasound and the babies' growth sound good, so she wanted me to start every other day lovenox.
I had also asked her about not doing 2 ultrasounds a week, since I had seen the RE that day, and am seeing my OB today. It turns out that works well for her, and as long as the growth is good, we don't have to do an ultrasound with them. As it turns out, they have been having issues trying to figure out coverage for ultrasounds lately because the one tech is on vacation and the other was just killed in a car accident. The news caught me off guard when she told me, I wished my condolences and asked who it was. It turns out that it was the one I had for my first ultrasound. It's so sad.
The shower on Saturday went well, aside from some family drama. I think everyone had a good time. Honestly, I think I'm still tired from it. But that might just be a first trimester thing. I've also noticed my nausea has increased in the mornings the past couple days. Still no throwing up, horray!! Today is my first OB appt. I don't really know what to expect but DH is going to meet me there after work since I'm having an ultrasound and he hasn't met the Dr. I'm excited to see the babies again.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Changes and Anxiety
I've been uninspired as to what to write lately. Things are still going good. I got a break from Dr. KK this week, as long as I promised my RE would do a progesterone & estridiol level check. I'm relieved to not make that trip this week. I'm still apprehensive about having that other ultrasound person, but, it is what it is. At least I get to see my lil ones again. This Friday is my last appointment with my RE. I'm having really mixed feeling about it. I know that it's a great thing. Things are going well, and it's time for me to see the OB. But I've been with them for over a year now. It'll feel weird not to see my nurse and the rest of the staff. My nurse wont even be there Friday. She does want me to come visit with my big belly, so I'll have to do that, at a time when they don't have patients of course. I wouldn't want to make anything worse for someone having a hard day.
My anxiety has been through the roof lately regarding this baby shower for my brother and sister in law. I'm still on restricted activity so I have to depend on DH for a majority of the hard work. My mom seems to feel that her job is to just throw money at everything, versus actually doing some work. Granted, she also thinks it's a good thing that I'm restricted. Part of me is still angry that I got bullied into hosting this thing. I know we should do something, but the way it was gone about was wrong. There was no respect or sensitivity. I'm just glad it'll be over soon. I love my family, but this has been quite a challenge.
In an effort to focus on the good, and try not to be so stressed, I borrowed this survey from another blog.
Next Appointment: Sept 7th, 9 weeks. Final RE appt. First OB appt Sept 10th
My anxiety has been through the roof lately regarding this baby shower for my brother and sister in law. I'm still on restricted activity so I have to depend on DH for a majority of the hard work. My mom seems to feel that her job is to just throw money at everything, versus actually doing some work. Granted, she also thinks it's a good thing that I'm restricted. Part of me is still angry that I got bullied into hosting this thing. I know we should do something, but the way it was gone about was wrong. There was no respect or sensitivity. I'm just glad it'll be over soon. I love my family, but this has been quite a challenge.
In an effort to focus on the good, and try not to be so stressed, I borrowed this survey from another blog.
How far along? 8w5d
Size of Baby: raspberries!
Total Weight Gain/Loss: I've been about the same, with a fluctuation of a lb or so either way
Maternity Clothes: I ordered my first pair of maternity jeans, and a few longer tank tops. so far most of my clothes still fit. My pre pregnancy jeans fit wierd from losing weight though, so I caved and got maternity that fit.
Sex of Baby: Don't know. I used to think one of each, then I thought 2 boys. Now I'm back to one of each or 2 girls lol.
Belly Button In/Out: In
Stretch Marks: No new ones, had them when I went through puberty though.
Labor Signs: Nope
Movement: nope
Sleep: Maybe a few hours at a time. I've been having to get up a couple times a night to go tot he bathroom
Cravings/Aversions: cravings-carbs and green olives. Aversions- none lately
Symptoms: Back pain, hip pain, fatigue, frequent urination, cramping/pressure in the ute area, breakouts
Feeling: excited, nervous
Best Moment this Week: My husband got to hear the heartbeats at our last appointment and I'll graduate from my RE this Friday
What I Miss: Sleep, not being so tired. Not being restricted on my activity
What I am Looking Forward To: our next ultrasound
Milestones: everyday is a milestone, its always the furthest we've gotten
Baby Milestones: Now she weighs in (yay!) at about .04 ounces and measures about .63 inches. This week, she's growing about a milimeter each day. You can't feel it yet, but she's moving those arms and legs like crazy! Her fingers and toes are now only slightly webbed, and her tail (yes, she had one) is gone. Fun fact: your baby's taste buds are now forming.
Size of Baby: raspberries!
Total Weight Gain/Loss: I've been about the same, with a fluctuation of a lb or so either way
Maternity Clothes: I ordered my first pair of maternity jeans, and a few longer tank tops. so far most of my clothes still fit. My pre pregnancy jeans fit wierd from losing weight though, so I caved and got maternity that fit.
Sex of Baby: Don't know. I used to think one of each, then I thought 2 boys. Now I'm back to one of each or 2 girls lol.
Belly Button In/Out: In
Stretch Marks: No new ones, had them when I went through puberty though.
Labor Signs: Nope
Movement: nope
Sleep: Maybe a few hours at a time. I've been having to get up a couple times a night to go tot he bathroom
Cravings/Aversions: cravings-carbs and green olives. Aversions- none lately
Symptoms: Back pain, hip pain, fatigue, frequent urination, cramping/pressure in the ute area, breakouts
Feeling: excited, nervous
Best Moment this Week: My husband got to hear the heartbeats at our last appointment and I'll graduate from my RE this Friday
What I Miss: Sleep, not being so tired. Not being restricted on my activity
What I am Looking Forward To: our next ultrasound
Milestones: everyday is a milestone, its always the furthest we've gotten
Baby Milestones: Now she weighs in (yay!) at about .04 ounces and measures about .63 inches. This week, she's growing about a milimeter each day. You can't feel it yet, but she's moving those arms and legs like crazy! Her fingers and toes are now only slightly webbed, and her tail (yes, she had one) is gone. Fun fact: your baby's taste buds are now forming.
Next Appointment: Sept 7th, 9 weeks. Final RE appt. First OB appt Sept 10th
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