Today we "graduated"!!!!!! YIPEEEE! We have surpassed the surgery mark as we are 26 weeks tomorrow. We continue on the stable path and we couldn't be happier.
We arrived for our appt and unlike last week we waited an extra 30 min to be seen. So I guess we made up for getting in early last week. Our appt actually went pretty quickly. Our ultrasound technician was pretty quick and she was new to us. We figure she was not as thorough as our other techs. Usually we get 3 measurements of each item and they take the best two. This sonographer just took one. This was dis concerning to me but I knew if the radiologist didn't like the pictures she would come and do some herself. She seemed pleased with the pictures and did not even need to meet with us.
We also had our medical student who's name escapes me join us again for our ultrasound. She showed up half way through and said she would escort us to Dr. Rand after our appt. It seems so weird because Im pretty sure we don't need an escort after being there for the last 10 weeks. know I have pregnant brain but I haven't gotten lost at UCSF since day 1. Maybe she just feels like she is helping us out so we go along with it pretty easily.
When we arrived in Dr Rands office we had to wait a few minutes as he had not arrived yet. We were sitting in the waiting room with another couple who didn't seem to be quite as far along as myself. Im not sure what they were being seen for since the fetal treatment center treats all fetal complications but the mom seemed to be awfully upset. The scheduling coordinator came out to let them know they were just waiting on the surgeon. The mom seemed to have been crying. I felt so bad for her. I wanted to give her a big hug. I had been there only a short time ago with the whole crying thing and I know how horrible the feeling is. As much as I wanted to jump for joy about our situation and how far we have come I felt horrible for them. I hope they get some comfort and healing for whatever it is that they are going through.
We met with Dr.Rand and he confirmed what we had seen in the ultrasound. Our Babies Fluid/bladders/kidneys/dopplers all look great and seem to be slightly improving for both girls!!! Such good news! Baby A's (DVP) deep vertical pocket was 10.10cm and baby B's was 5.18cm. All seems to be on the right track. Although anything can happen and I still need to be seen weekly/bi weekly here in Sacramento I feel good and hopeful for a positive outcome for our girls! We are very Blessed and couldn't ask for anything more than 3 healthy beautiful children. There is nothing I need or want more than that.
So, the near future starts with appointments back at Sacramento perinatology with Dr. Chyu. She has been working very closely with UCSF and they know her well. This makes me at ease because we have had some trust and promptness issues with Dr. Veille our previous perinatologist. UCSF has been such a safe haven for me that leaving them scares me. They were so awesome and told me to call anytime and if I felt that I needed to be seen by them I am welcome. They will make me an appt. anytime I feel I need one. I do have an appt to be seen by them in one month to check up on things but told me if everything is going well here that I could cancel. Also, on the flip side if Dr. Chyu feels uneasy or worried about any findings I can be referred back to UCSF momentarily.
Each week is small but huge progress for the development of the girls. I really want to get out the 20's and into the 30's. this will make me even more at ease. If I make it to 35-36 weeks will be huge for monochorionic twins Dr. rand tells us. They usually deliver about 34 weeks if the stars line up. So I will continue to rest as much as I can and fatten them up as best as I can.
Scott returns to work tomorrow and this leaves me with a little more work getting Cole ready but I know I can manage and I am lucky to be able to rest most of the day. I am starting to really feel big and some days I feel like my pelvis may rip in two and my belly button might split. Small potatoes compared to what we have been through so i cannot complain. Well, Scott hears me complain enough. LOL. I am not looking forward to the heat. The last weekend we had in the 90's was over the top. Probably because we went from the 50's to 90's. No easing into it or anything. Sheesh!! I think it may be a hot summer since our last tow were pretty mild. BUT I WILL get through it.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Friday, April 20, 2012
25 Weeks 0 days
We were able to squeeze another week of S.F. into about 3 hrs. We had our appt. at 10 am but we arrived about 9am. We were called back at 9:30!!! Yay!! After our ultrasound which is getting shorter every week it seems like since they know us so well, we went to the fetal treatment center to go over our results with Dr. Rand and his team. We had a fourth year medical student join us for our ultrasound and she walked us down to the FTC.
Scott and I were able to determine a few things in our ultrasound before Dr. Rand even started to explain to us our current situation. Being "experts" in sonography we saw that the DVP or amniotic fluid levels we have been watching closely have remained similar at 10.8 for A and 4.8 for B. Still too much for A but not concerning at this point. B is slightly improving over the last few weeks as we have slowly gained from around 2.8 to almost 5. This is great. We had nice bladders, stomachs, kidney function. We also had great dopplers and blood flow through the umbilical cord for each baby which is good. I think our AA (arterial anastomoses) is doing its job. They were clearly able to see that this week. YAY!!
The growth discordance is still hovering at around 24%. Last week it was 28%. So this is a good sign. Like I said last week, although >20% is abnormal we have two little girls who are overachievers. Baby A is 70th percentile for singleton babies and B is 38th percentile for singleton babies. B has also gained about 150 grams since last week. Im soooo proud!!LOL. Baby A weighs in at a whopping 2lbs 0ounces and B weighs in slightly behind at 1lb 8ozs.
We still need to get to a safer gestational age as the next few weeks are critical in terms of gaining weight, lung development etc. I think making it to 29 weeks will be a bigger sigh of relief for me. Although Im feeling optimistic making it to 25 weeks I would feel much better at the 30 week mark or even further of course. It was hard to imagine that 2 months ago I was hoping to make it this far. Im reaching for the stars now. We still continue to go to UCSF next week and then depending on our numbers we may "graduate" to biweekly appts at UCSF. Since surgery after next week is not a possibility and I have been stable they feel it would be ok to go to bi-weekly. This makes me very nervous yet happy at the same time. Im feeling uneasy about leaving my safety net at UCSF. I feel they are wonderful and know me better than anyone. I feel they have all the resources to take phenomenal care of my girls. Sutter is great don't get me wrong but they have not been following my care other than monthly since UCSF took over my weekly appts. Sutter has the resources to care for preemies but Im scared that they may miss something that UCSF would pick up on being experts in this particular condition.
I have voiced my concern over the perinatologist that I was seeing before S.F took over my care and Dr. Rand was able to call Sutter and get me an appt in May with the doctor he and I both prefer. I am willing to drive to Sacramento to see her. Easy peasy compared to driving to S.F. right?
I was told by Dr. Rand yesterday that this pregnancy will not be allowed to continue past 35 weeks. So, I am guaranteed to be delivered on or around June 30 if everything goes smoothly. Yikes!! Seems so early compared to 41 weeks with Cole. But making it to 35 weeks will be awesome considering a few months ago I nearly had TTTS. Baby B still has a smaller share of the placenta and most likely will at some point require more than it is willing go give her. We must watch this closely to determine the point where nourishment and oxygen in the NICU will outweigh the amount my placenta is giving her. Since Placentas are fixed and don't grow with the baby, she will demand more and more as she grows. Hopefully the AA we found will help to remedy her needs for more but this is not a guarantee. So, we watch and see...... more waiting.....more waiting.....ugh.. but no news is good news!!
So from here on out I am off work and trying to rest as much as I can to fatten the girls up because 1 day inside of me equals 3 less days in the NICU. Keep the prayers and wishes coming as they are working!!
Scott and I were able to determine a few things in our ultrasound before Dr. Rand even started to explain to us our current situation. Being "experts" in sonography we saw that the DVP or amniotic fluid levels we have been watching closely have remained similar at 10.8 for A and 4.8 for B. Still too much for A but not concerning at this point. B is slightly improving over the last few weeks as we have slowly gained from around 2.8 to almost 5. This is great. We had nice bladders, stomachs, kidney function. We also had great dopplers and blood flow through the umbilical cord for each baby which is good. I think our AA (arterial anastomoses) is doing its job. They were clearly able to see that this week. YAY!!
The growth discordance is still hovering at around 24%. Last week it was 28%. So this is a good sign. Like I said last week, although >20% is abnormal we have two little girls who are overachievers. Baby A is 70th percentile for singleton babies and B is 38th percentile for singleton babies. B has also gained about 150 grams since last week. Im soooo proud!!LOL. Baby A weighs in at a whopping 2lbs 0ounces and B weighs in slightly behind at 1lb 8ozs.
We still need to get to a safer gestational age as the next few weeks are critical in terms of gaining weight, lung development etc. I think making it to 29 weeks will be a bigger sigh of relief for me. Although Im feeling optimistic making it to 25 weeks I would feel much better at the 30 week mark or even further of course. It was hard to imagine that 2 months ago I was hoping to make it this far. Im reaching for the stars now. We still continue to go to UCSF next week and then depending on our numbers we may "graduate" to biweekly appts at UCSF. Since surgery after next week is not a possibility and I have been stable they feel it would be ok to go to bi-weekly. This makes me very nervous yet happy at the same time. Im feeling uneasy about leaving my safety net at UCSF. I feel they are wonderful and know me better than anyone. I feel they have all the resources to take phenomenal care of my girls. Sutter is great don't get me wrong but they have not been following my care other than monthly since UCSF took over my weekly appts. Sutter has the resources to care for preemies but Im scared that they may miss something that UCSF would pick up on being experts in this particular condition.
I have voiced my concern over the perinatologist that I was seeing before S.F took over my care and Dr. Rand was able to call Sutter and get me an appt in May with the doctor he and I both prefer. I am willing to drive to Sacramento to see her. Easy peasy compared to driving to S.F. right?
I was told by Dr. Rand yesterday that this pregnancy will not be allowed to continue past 35 weeks. So, I am guaranteed to be delivered on or around June 30 if everything goes smoothly. Yikes!! Seems so early compared to 41 weeks with Cole. But making it to 35 weeks will be awesome considering a few months ago I nearly had TTTS. Baby B still has a smaller share of the placenta and most likely will at some point require more than it is willing go give her. We must watch this closely to determine the point where nourishment and oxygen in the NICU will outweigh the amount my placenta is giving her. Since Placentas are fixed and don't grow with the baby, she will demand more and more as she grows. Hopefully the AA we found will help to remedy her needs for more but this is not a guarantee. So, we watch and see...... more waiting.....more waiting.....ugh.. but no news is good news!!
So from here on out I am off work and trying to rest as much as I can to fatten the girls up because 1 day inside of me equals 3 less days in the NICU. Keep the prayers and wishes coming as they are working!!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
23 weeks 6 Days
Tomorrow is our 24 weeks NO 'Birthday' day. Whoop whoop!! We are still pregnant and still able to say that things are going well. I normally wouldn't use the word well but I feel like today was a good day and I am feeling optimistic. I have spent a lot of weeks leaving S.F. feeling disappointed and scared. This was the first time I feel things may hopefully continue on a path of stability for us.
We made it to S.F. in the rain with 1 hr to spare. We also pulled across the bay bridge to some sunshine. We decided to head to the beach to hang out for a few minutes to enjoy the fresh air and warm sun. We saw lots of families running around on the beach and chasing after their dogs. It was nice to see.
We then headed to our appt and made it with about 15 min to spare. We were called early and were seen by the same sonographer we have seen the last 3 times we have gone. This was very convenient because she seems to know us well and seems to need less time to figure out where things are. She is pretty familiar with who is who and what is what. I also felt a little more relaxed and really tried to tell myself that "it will be ok, I have done everything I can, things are out of my hands, etc. etc. to keep me from getting so nervous and crying during the ultrasound. It seemed to work and I actually didn't get dizzy or lightheaded lying on my back the entire ultrasound. Scott and I being the experts we have become in sonography saw that Baby A's fluid (bigger baby) was 10.89 and Baby B (smaller baby) was 4.8. This is fantastic news. We still have polyhydramnios (excessive fluid) in A baby but B had slightly improved from last week. Even though Baby A has polyhydramnios it is not excessive enough at this point to need any intervention. Also, Baby B holding steady at 4.8 keeps us from needing laser surgery again this week. We did not do any measurements this week since that was done Fri. We will revisit this next week.
We talked to Dr. Kim today as our normal Dr. was out. She seemed very knowledgeable about our case as well. All the doctors meet every tuesday to go over all patients ultrasounds. She seemed very optimistic about how things are going for us and how she anticipates them continuing. She expects that when we return next week that we will continue to be stable and may even "graduate" out of coming every week and coming every 2 weeks. This is awesome but also a little scary because there is some comfort in going every week. Usually if TTTS is going to rear its ugly head it will by the 26 week mark. We will be at the 25 week mark when we go next week. We found out that surgery is not done after 26weeks because this is the point when babies eyes become unfused in utero and they have the ability to blink. The laser used in surgery can damage the eyes if used after the 26 week mark. Obviously anything can happen but we may have some things on our side at this point I like to think.
I am still concerned with the unequal placental share between the girls and the fact that Baby B is 28% smaller than her sister. According to Dr. Kim that although >20% difference is significant, the girls fit the growth chart at 64% and 32 % respectively. This is also in terms of singleton births. So what this means is that Baby A is bigger than 64/100 singleton babies and Baby B is bigger than 34/100 singleton babies. This is really good for twins as she puts it. She also says it is good in terms of A being an "overachiever" because she is above the 50th percentile for singletons. Since she is an overachiever it makes sense that Baby B is 28% smaller. Thats my girl!!!
So all in all I left feeling better than I did when I arrived for the first time. I hope this continues! We still have a ways to go to get to a safer gestation but I am hopeful and thank god that we have been this blessed because after talking to a lot of moms in similar situations we have been pretty lucky thus far. We have yet to need any intervention and this helps to decrease possible complications or preterm delivery. Yay!! We still have two healthy little girls that I need to fatten up in the weeks to come. In the next four weeks they should double their weight.
I also went to the Sutter Memorial NICU yesterday for a tour just in case we deliver before 30 weeks to see what it was all about to ease some of my fears. I was able to see 2 babies that were born at 500 grams and 23 weeks gestation. The other was born at 27 weeks and weighed 800 grams. Although they were super tiny they looked good and the Nurse said they were doing well. Although this was hard to see and I hope we never even see the NICU, it was reassuring that they were doing well at such a young gestation and had the best care possible.
After going to L&D on Tuesday night and experiencing the symptoms I had I have decided to re-evaluate the amount of work I am doing and to really adjust my schedule to possibly stay home or work very part time. I have mulled this over in my head for awhile now and I think this may be for the best.
I want to thank Scott and my parents for their continued help as I become more and more couch/homebound. Scott has really been working hard to make sure Cole and I have all we need and I really appreciate it. I also want to thank everyone who has offered to help us out. We have great friends and family and it is times like this that make that even more apparent. :)
We made it to S.F. in the rain with 1 hr to spare. We also pulled across the bay bridge to some sunshine. We decided to head to the beach to hang out for a few minutes to enjoy the fresh air and warm sun. We saw lots of families running around on the beach and chasing after their dogs. It was nice to see.
We then headed to our appt and made it with about 15 min to spare. We were called early and were seen by the same sonographer we have seen the last 3 times we have gone. This was very convenient because she seems to know us well and seems to need less time to figure out where things are. She is pretty familiar with who is who and what is what. I also felt a little more relaxed and really tried to tell myself that "it will be ok, I have done everything I can, things are out of my hands, etc. etc. to keep me from getting so nervous and crying during the ultrasound. It seemed to work and I actually didn't get dizzy or lightheaded lying on my back the entire ultrasound. Scott and I being the experts we have become in sonography saw that Baby A's fluid (bigger baby) was 10.89 and Baby B (smaller baby) was 4.8. This is fantastic news. We still have polyhydramnios (excessive fluid) in A baby but B had slightly improved from last week. Even though Baby A has polyhydramnios it is not excessive enough at this point to need any intervention. Also, Baby B holding steady at 4.8 keeps us from needing laser surgery again this week. We did not do any measurements this week since that was done Fri. We will revisit this next week.
We talked to Dr. Kim today as our normal Dr. was out. She seemed very knowledgeable about our case as well. All the doctors meet every tuesday to go over all patients ultrasounds. She seemed very optimistic about how things are going for us and how she anticipates them continuing. She expects that when we return next week that we will continue to be stable and may even "graduate" out of coming every week and coming every 2 weeks. This is awesome but also a little scary because there is some comfort in going every week. Usually if TTTS is going to rear its ugly head it will by the 26 week mark. We will be at the 25 week mark when we go next week. We found out that surgery is not done after 26weeks because this is the point when babies eyes become unfused in utero and they have the ability to blink. The laser used in surgery can damage the eyes if used after the 26 week mark. Obviously anything can happen but we may have some things on our side at this point I like to think.
I am still concerned with the unequal placental share between the girls and the fact that Baby B is 28% smaller than her sister. According to Dr. Kim that although >20% difference is significant, the girls fit the growth chart at 64% and 32 % respectively. This is also in terms of singleton births. So what this means is that Baby A is bigger than 64/100 singleton babies and Baby B is bigger than 34/100 singleton babies. This is really good for twins as she puts it. She also says it is good in terms of A being an "overachiever" because she is above the 50th percentile for singletons. Since she is an overachiever it makes sense that Baby B is 28% smaller. Thats my girl!!!
So all in all I left feeling better than I did when I arrived for the first time. I hope this continues! We still have a ways to go to get to a safer gestation but I am hopeful and thank god that we have been this blessed because after talking to a lot of moms in similar situations we have been pretty lucky thus far. We have yet to need any intervention and this helps to decrease possible complications or preterm delivery. Yay!! We still have two healthy little girls that I need to fatten up in the weeks to come. In the next four weeks they should double their weight.
I also went to the Sutter Memorial NICU yesterday for a tour just in case we deliver before 30 weeks to see what it was all about to ease some of my fears. I was able to see 2 babies that were born at 500 grams and 23 weeks gestation. The other was born at 27 weeks and weighed 800 grams. Although they were super tiny they looked good and the Nurse said they were doing well. Although this was hard to see and I hope we never even see the NICU, it was reassuring that they were doing well at such a young gestation and had the best care possible.
After going to L&D on Tuesday night and experiencing the symptoms I had I have decided to re-evaluate the amount of work I am doing and to really adjust my schedule to possibly stay home or work very part time. I have mulled this over in my head for awhile now and I think this may be for the best.
I want to thank Scott and my parents for their continued help as I become more and more couch/homebound. Scott has really been working hard to make sure Cole and I have all we need and I really appreciate it. I also want to thank everyone who has offered to help us out. We have great friends and family and it is times like this that make that even more apparent. :)
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Hospital Visit 23 Weeks 4 Days
We enjoyed a view of Room 13 last night at Sutter L&D from about 4pm to 10 pm. I was sent to L&D by my primary OB for some testing as I was having some dis concerning symptoms. On Monday night I began to feel some contractions and some shortness of breath that I thought was not normal. I am pregnant with twins and getting bigger everyday as I am sure some shortness of breath is common. Same with Braxton Hicks contractions. The issue was that I was short of breath just having a normal conversation. I felt like my 2 year old was sitting on my chest and I needed to take a deep breath every few sentences and all I was doing was talking. Also, combined with the contractions I was worried about the girls and specifically Baby A and her polyhydramnios ( excessive fluid). I was worried that it may have gotten worse and this was causing contractions and pushing on my lungs. I wanted to get checked out just to make sure everything was okay.
I called my regular OB the morning after the incident. She was not available in the morning as she usually has her scheduled C sections at this time. her assistant told me I could come in at 2:45 or if I was having contractions I should just go to L&D. I was no longer feeling any of the contractions so I thought going to L&D was unnecessary. I also was not at work because I though i would need to get in first thing in the am. So, I decided to just tell her assistant to have her call me and we could discuss it over the phone. I went to work and figured things were ok. I was talking with a co-worker and he was noticing that I was short of breath. He was like "sarah, you need to call your doctor." I said I did and was waiting to hear back. After some prodding from co-workers I decided to call UCSF and let them know what was going on. I figured if they thought it was serious enough they (being the experts) would tell me what I should do. They told me to be seen for sure either by my high risk perinatologist or my primary OB. I took the advice and called Dr. Veille who is my high risk Dr. here on Roseville. I informed the front desk person of my symptoms and she went to tell the Dr. and put me on hold. She then returned to tell me that Dr. Veille said if I was having shortness of breath that I needed to go to the ER. The ER, Really??? Come on now!! For those of you who know me well would know I will not do that . Plus if you are over 20weeks pregnant the ER looks at you like a leper and sends you to L&D first chance they get. I decided to call Dr. Juhn (primary OB) back and ask for the 2:45 appt I was offered this morning. I was able to get it and was much more inclined to do that than go to the ER where they know nothing about me and my situation.
Needless to say after talking to all my Dr.s who apparently don't talk to each other and I constantly play middle man. I end up in L&D anyway. My primary OB was concerned about my shortness of breath while at rest and the contractions. I was sent to L&D for a 12 Lead EKG, Doppler ultrasound on my legs to determine if I had a blood clot (which can cause shortness of breath), and to monitor contractions, HR, and movement of the girls. After 6hrs in L&D and all my test were complete I was told I could go home and we had no answers to my symptoms. It is possible that it is stress and anxiety related. maybe I push myself a little too much or just everything that has been going on is getting to me and my body is saying "whoa" time to slow down and take it easy.
After battling with the bed rest vs. non bed rest issue for a week I think this incident was the icing on the cake. I don't think I need to strap myself to a bed but Im thinking at home rest might be a better option. The health of my girls is top priority. I am going to S.F tomorrow and after I talk more with them and get this weeks ultrasound results I will have a more clear picture of what I need to do I think. Hopefully we will continue on the path we have been on for the last 6 weeks. These next few weeks seem so crucial. Being born at 25 weeks vs. 29 weeks seems to have a huge impact statistically on survivability and health. Im hoping and praying the next 6 weeks pass quickly and uneventfully. I know with twins visits to L&D like the one last night are more common but I would like to avoid that if possible.
Hope everyone had a good Easter. We enjoyed a lovely Brunch and egg hunt at Michelle and Jeremy Lawson's house. Cole got lots of goodies and was spoiled with love and treats.
I will let you know how our appt goes tomorrow. keep those Prayers coming. We sure appreciate the love and support!
I called my regular OB the morning after the incident. She was not available in the morning as she usually has her scheduled C sections at this time. her assistant told me I could come in at 2:45 or if I was having contractions I should just go to L&D. I was no longer feeling any of the contractions so I thought going to L&D was unnecessary. I also was not at work because I though i would need to get in first thing in the am. So, I decided to just tell her assistant to have her call me and we could discuss it over the phone. I went to work and figured things were ok. I was talking with a co-worker and he was noticing that I was short of breath. He was like "sarah, you need to call your doctor." I said I did and was waiting to hear back. After some prodding from co-workers I decided to call UCSF and let them know what was going on. I figured if they thought it was serious enough they (being the experts) would tell me what I should do. They told me to be seen for sure either by my high risk perinatologist or my primary OB. I took the advice and called Dr. Veille who is my high risk Dr. here on Roseville. I informed the front desk person of my symptoms and she went to tell the Dr. and put me on hold. She then returned to tell me that Dr. Veille said if I was having shortness of breath that I needed to go to the ER. The ER, Really??? Come on now!! For those of you who know me well would know I will not do that . Plus if you are over 20weeks pregnant the ER looks at you like a leper and sends you to L&D first chance they get. I decided to call Dr. Juhn (primary OB) back and ask for the 2:45 appt I was offered this morning. I was able to get it and was much more inclined to do that than go to the ER where they know nothing about me and my situation.
Needless to say after talking to all my Dr.s who apparently don't talk to each other and I constantly play middle man. I end up in L&D anyway. My primary OB was concerned about my shortness of breath while at rest and the contractions. I was sent to L&D for a 12 Lead EKG, Doppler ultrasound on my legs to determine if I had a blood clot (which can cause shortness of breath), and to monitor contractions, HR, and movement of the girls. After 6hrs in L&D and all my test were complete I was told I could go home and we had no answers to my symptoms. It is possible that it is stress and anxiety related. maybe I push myself a little too much or just everything that has been going on is getting to me and my body is saying "whoa" time to slow down and take it easy.
After battling with the bed rest vs. non bed rest issue for a week I think this incident was the icing on the cake. I don't think I need to strap myself to a bed but Im thinking at home rest might be a better option. The health of my girls is top priority. I am going to S.F tomorrow and after I talk more with them and get this weeks ultrasound results I will have a more clear picture of what I need to do I think. Hopefully we will continue on the path we have been on for the last 6 weeks. These next few weeks seem so crucial. Being born at 25 weeks vs. 29 weeks seems to have a huge impact statistically on survivability and health. Im hoping and praying the next 6 weeks pass quickly and uneventfully. I know with twins visits to L&D like the one last night are more common but I would like to avoid that if possible.
Hope everyone had a good Easter. We enjoyed a lovely Brunch and egg hunt at Michelle and Jeremy Lawson's house. Cole got lots of goodies and was spoiled with love and treats.
I will let you know how our appt goes tomorrow. keep those Prayers coming. We sure appreciate the love and support!
Saturday, April 7, 2012
23 weeks 0days
Well that was an exhausting day. We left for S.F. at 5:15am and got home about 8pm. Ugh!! No time to even enjoy the city. We did get to have a small excursion to Crepevine which was pretty nice. It is a crepe restaurant that was recommended. The owner and her twin sons run it. So funny huh? The owner was over the moon when she found out we were having twins. It was cute.
So, long story short we are still blessed and in the "stable" zone. We had our first appt for an ultrasound at 8:45 am. Since it was a Friday and a holiday weekend I was not able to eat since the night before. They wanted the surgical team on standby in case I needed surgery. This way they could get it done before everyone went on the holiday weekend because if I needed it (worst case) I wouldn't be able to wait the weekend for it. Normally, I go on a Wednesday or Thursday and if I need surgery it can be done on the next day. This week was different because they like for me to see a specific sonographer who is the best. She also is getting to know us quite well as you can imagine. This is helpful because she is very familiar with all my previous appts. She was only working Friday this week. The perinatologists have Fridays off from seeing patients. So, our Dr. would be called in from home if need be. Luckily for us and him we all got to go have the weekend to enjoy with the knowledge that things are ok for now.
As soon as I had my ultrasound the Dr. told me I could eat. Thank goodness. I slammed a nutra grain bar I had on standby because this momma and her babies were starving by 10:30am. I was then able to go to the fetal treatment center to go over the results with my perinatologist Dr. Larry Rand by conference call since he was at home. The "stand by" surgeons were called off and Im sure they were happy too.
This week we had the full ultrasound with measurements of each baby to determine growth between the two. We also has a 2 hour echocardiogram ultrasound at 1pm to make sure heart anatomy and function continue to be healthy. We learned that the DVP (deep vertical pocket) or fluid level for Baby A (bigger baby) is still polyhydramnios or excessive at 10.8 and Baby B (smaller baby) DVP is holding steady at 3.8cm. Both babies have bladders and they are normal. This is fantastic. If they could not find a bladder on Baby B we would have had to have the surgery. PHEW!!!! The polyhydrmanios is not an issue as I stated in my last post for Baby A but we need to keep an eye on it for preterm labor and or difficulty breathing for me. So far, my cervix is nice and thick (TMI I know) but this is good.
As far as growth is concerned they have moved slightly up from 25% 2 weeks ago to 28% this week. Although this seems disconcerning the doctors assure me that it is no cause for concern at this point because both babies are still growing. Baby A is 1lb 9oz and baby B is 1lb 2oz. 2 weeks ago baby B was 12 oz so a growth of 6 oz in 2 weeks. This is good. We must continue to see them both grow and when Baby B stops growing and or decreases in size she must be delivered. This is where she reaches the point that the placenta is no longer nourishing her. Our hope is this is later rather than sooner. GROW baby GROW!!! Im hoping I am doing my part.
I went to a nutrition class last week for pregnant moms with multiples and they say I should eat about 3700 calories a day. HOLYCRAP!! thats a lot. Im sure I'll manage!! LOL. They say you should gain 24 lbs by 24 weeks. WOW. Thats next friday and I have not hit that mark yet. Ill work on it this weekend. hehe.
Our Echos went well other than I wanted to shoot our sonographer. He was horrible. I told him before we started that I will pass out lying flat on my back for to long. So could I please move to my side unless he needs me on my back for certain measurements. He kept me on my back for about 30 min and I finally said Look, I need to lay on my side for awhile. I was sweaty, hot, nauseated and near syncopal!! He was pushing soooo freakin
Since it was Good Friday we got lucky enough to get stuck in the Holiday traffic heading out of the city. That was not fun. But we managed to make it home in time to snuggle with Cole before he fell asleep. My favorite part of any day.
So that is where we are now. I also saw my regular OB on Thursday and She and UCSF have very differing opinions on bed rest. My OB really wants me on strict bed rest and feels that if I cannot stick to it at home that she can admit me to the hospital and this way I have no choice. UCSF is very against this opinion and after long discussions on pros and cons I have decided that modified bed rest is what I will do for now. I am going to try not to take Cole to to many party's or functions as this wipes me out all by myself chasing after him. I will let some household duties go or Scott will be nice enough to help more than he already does, which is quite a lot. I just feel that the experts in field win out in their argument against bed rest. There may come a time when UCSF decides it would be beneficial but at this point they feel it will not help and could be detrimental in terms of blood clots/atrophy, and mentally and physically hard on me. My OB feels that although there are no studies that suggest it helps that it may. Since I am not in pre term labor there is no indication for it. I am obviously torn because I want what is best for the girls but I feel stuck between an rock and hard place. These opinions are not even close to similar. One says admit me and strap me down and the other says daily activity is fine??? What do you do? Well I'm just going to meet them in the middle and do hardly anything at all. Then we will hopefully keep trucking along to a safer and safer gestational age for the girls to be born healthy with little to no NICU time.
Next week we hit the 24 week mark which is termed "Viability." This is awesome to hear that if they are born they have a chance. Obviously 24 weeks is not ideal and each week increases our girls chances for a healthy birth. Weird when I think about where I was at 24 weeks pregnant with Cole. It was November and he was born in March!! Seems drastically different. Hopefully we can make it into weeks 30 and beyond. Hard to wish your baby can be born at 30 weeks but I'll be excited to see June come and still be pregnant. Thanks to all for the well wishes and for following our journey. This blog has been quite cathartic for me and it helps to keep all those who care in the loop. Hope everyone has a Happy Easter!!! Enjoy Spring break.
-Sarah
So, long story short we are still blessed and in the "stable" zone. We had our first appt for an ultrasound at 8:45 am. Since it was a Friday and a holiday weekend I was not able to eat since the night before. They wanted the surgical team on standby in case I needed surgery. This way they could get it done before everyone went on the holiday weekend because if I needed it (worst case) I wouldn't be able to wait the weekend for it. Normally, I go on a Wednesday or Thursday and if I need surgery it can be done on the next day. This week was different because they like for me to see a specific sonographer who is the best. She also is getting to know us quite well as you can imagine. This is helpful because she is very familiar with all my previous appts. She was only working Friday this week. The perinatologists have Fridays off from seeing patients. So, our Dr. would be called in from home if need be. Luckily for us and him we all got to go have the weekend to enjoy with the knowledge that things are ok for now.
As soon as I had my ultrasound the Dr. told me I could eat. Thank goodness. I slammed a nutra grain bar I had on standby because this momma and her babies were starving by 10:30am. I was then able to go to the fetal treatment center to go over the results with my perinatologist Dr. Larry Rand by conference call since he was at home. The "stand by" surgeons were called off and Im sure they were happy too.
This week we had the full ultrasound with measurements of each baby to determine growth between the two. We also has a 2 hour echocardiogram ultrasound at 1pm to make sure heart anatomy and function continue to be healthy. We learned that the DVP (deep vertical pocket) or fluid level for Baby A (bigger baby) is still polyhydramnios or excessive at 10.8 and Baby B (smaller baby) DVP is holding steady at 3.8cm. Both babies have bladders and they are normal. This is fantastic. If they could not find a bladder on Baby B we would have had to have the surgery. PHEW!!!! The polyhydrmanios is not an issue as I stated in my last post for Baby A but we need to keep an eye on it for preterm labor and or difficulty breathing for me. So far, my cervix is nice and thick (TMI I know) but this is good.
As far as growth is concerned they have moved slightly up from 25% 2 weeks ago to 28% this week. Although this seems disconcerning the doctors assure me that it is no cause for concern at this point because both babies are still growing. Baby A is 1lb 9oz and baby B is 1lb 2oz. 2 weeks ago baby B was 12 oz so a growth of 6 oz in 2 weeks. This is good. We must continue to see them both grow and when Baby B stops growing and or decreases in size she must be delivered. This is where she reaches the point that the placenta is no longer nourishing her. Our hope is this is later rather than sooner. GROW baby GROW!!! Im hoping I am doing my part.
I went to a nutrition class last week for pregnant moms with multiples and they say I should eat about 3700 calories a day. HOLYCRAP!! thats a lot. Im sure I'll manage!! LOL. They say you should gain 24 lbs by 24 weeks. WOW. Thats next friday and I have not hit that mark yet. Ill work on it this weekend. hehe.
Our Echos went well other than I wanted to shoot our sonographer. He was horrible. I told him before we started that I will pass out lying flat on my back for to long. So could I please move to my side unless he needs me on my back for certain measurements. He kept me on my back for about 30 min and I finally said Look, I need to lay on my side for awhile. I was sweaty, hot, nauseated and near syncopal!! He was pushing soooo freakin
Since it was Good Friday we got lucky enough to get stuck in the Holiday traffic heading out of the city. That was not fun. But we managed to make it home in time to snuggle with Cole before he fell asleep. My favorite part of any day.
So that is where we are now. I also saw my regular OB on Thursday and She and UCSF have very differing opinions on bed rest. My OB really wants me on strict bed rest and feels that if I cannot stick to it at home that she can admit me to the hospital and this way I have no choice. UCSF is very against this opinion and after long discussions on pros and cons I have decided that modified bed rest is what I will do for now. I am going to try not to take Cole to to many party's or functions as this wipes me out all by myself chasing after him. I will let some household duties go or Scott will be nice enough to help more than he already does, which is quite a lot. I just feel that the experts in field win out in their argument against bed rest. There may come a time when UCSF decides it would be beneficial but at this point they feel it will not help and could be detrimental in terms of blood clots/atrophy, and mentally and physically hard on me. My OB feels that although there are no studies that suggest it helps that it may. Since I am not in pre term labor there is no indication for it. I am obviously torn because I want what is best for the girls but I feel stuck between an rock and hard place. These opinions are not even close to similar. One says admit me and strap me down and the other says daily activity is fine??? What do you do? Well I'm just going to meet them in the middle and do hardly anything at all. Then we will hopefully keep trucking along to a safer and safer gestational age for the girls to be born healthy with little to no NICU time.
Next week we hit the 24 week mark which is termed "Viability." This is awesome to hear that if they are born they have a chance. Obviously 24 weeks is not ideal and each week increases our girls chances for a healthy birth. Weird when I think about where I was at 24 weeks pregnant with Cole. It was November and he was born in March!! Seems drastically different. Hopefully we can make it into weeks 30 and beyond. Hard to wish your baby can be born at 30 weeks but I'll be excited to see June come and still be pregnant. Thanks to all for the well wishes and for following our journey. This blog has been quite cathartic for me and it helps to keep all those who care in the loop. Hope everyone has a Happy Easter!!! Enjoy Spring break.
-Sarah
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