30 Weeks
It started like any other Sunday morning. But better. I actually slept through the night on Saturday night. I didn't get up and have to take a 3am dose of Procardia. I woke up without any contractions or discomfort. Hubby went to his part time job, and I got the kids ready for church. I had breakfast, took my Procardia, and off we went.
Then it all went down hill.
About 20 minutes into service, about 45 minutes after taking the Procardia, contractions started. Usually when I take my meds, I get about 2 1/2 to 3 hours of comfort before the contractions start up again, then I can take the pill again after I've reached the 4 hour mark. But these were pretty strong. I started texting my husband, I downloaded an app on my phone to track the contractions, I tried laying down on the pew, I got up and walked around, drank some water, emptied my bladder… everything they tell you to calm down the uterus.
Nothing was helping. In fact they were getting worse.
Within an hour, they were lasting 3 minutes, and about 30 seconds after one would stop, another would start. And they hurt. It was looking as though this might be it.
Again, still at church, I had to have my husband's cousin drive us home. Steve was there getting a bag packed for me, and we were off.
The crummy part was my family was all on their way over to celebrate my mother's birthday…
We got to the hospital and I could barely talk, let alone walk. Steve wheeled me up to Labor & Delivery, and they got me in a bed right away. After I was hooked up to the monitors, they couldn't seem to keep baby on, and the nurse kept adjusting the belts… it was so uncomfortable.
The monitor that displays contractions showed my "resting point" at 7-9, but my contractions were spiking at 75-80. Not exactly sure how that all works. But I know from having 3 babies, when the line reaches the top of the monitor screen, with less than a minute between them, it's not a good thing.
The doctor came in, did an ultrasound to find baby's placement (this doctor was a bit rough, and particular about the heart rate monitor registering 100%). Then she started squeezing and pushing my belling, and announced "Oh they're just Braxton Hicks, you're not going into labor." While I like the idea of NOT having a baby 10 weeks early, how on earth do you know that from squeezing my belly? Do you SEE the monitor? Do you SEE that I'm in pain.
It had been 3 hours since my last Procardia, so I was due for another. They checked me, and I wasn't dilating, which again was good, but I was in pain, and the contractions wouldn't stop. They gave me more Tributaline, like the last time. It. Was. Awful. I nearly blacked out, and baby's heart rate jumped really high. Like, 180 bpm high. Contractions stopped for about an hour. When they returned, they weren't as painful, but just as frequent.
They had done another fetal fiebernecton, which came back negative (yay). And as rude as the doctor was to me, she admitted me for the night because the baby's heart rate was taking a long time to slow down. So another hospital stay, and no sleep. Contractions all night long, and baby was really hyper.
In the morning, another doctor from the practice was in, she sent me home right away, announcing there was nothing they could do. I had to stay off my feet as much as possible, and take my meds on time, and wait it out.
I mean, if "fake" contractions are this bad this time around, what are the real things going to feel like?
Showing posts with label POTS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label POTS. Show all posts
Monday, March 17, 2014
Monday, February 24, 2014
3 Day Hospital Stay
26 Weeks, still
During my hospital stay, they injected me with Terbutaline. I'd had it before, but with my POTS, boy that sucked. Dizziness, and a hyper baby, made for an interesting evening. The nurses came in to my room every 20 minutes to adjust the monitors for baby's heart rate. They told me to sleep, but how in the world is a person suppose to sleep if they're being disturbed every 20 minutes. According to my Jawbone UP, I got 2 hours of sleep that night - 0 hours of deep sleep.
I was prescribed 3 days of Procardia, 4 times a day. It was suppose to help relax everything. I was also given 2 doses of a Steroid injection, to help baby's lungs develop.
Saturday I met with a Doctor from the NICU, to give us information about if I were to deliver in the next 2 weeks. She arrive initially when I was alone, and the minute she walked in the room and introduced herself, I started to cry. I couldn't handle this, not yet. I asked if she could come back, when Steve arrived. She agreed. So when he did come visit me, I had the nurse call her back. According to the hospital statistics, babes born at 25 weeks have an 89% survival rating, most of them going on to live normal healthy lives. They stay until their due dates, sometimes longer. But if I could make it to 26 weeks, the rate goes up to 93%, and higher each week after that, with less NICU time. I know families with Micro-premies, I've seen the good and the bad. I was scared. She tried to reassure us, if we could get baby to at least 32 weeks, with 1 more dose of the steroid shot, we'd have a perfectly healthy baby boy or girl coming home with us, with no more than a 2 week NICU stay. Of course, 34 weeks and on is better.
By Sunday morning, the contractions had almost dissipated, only a few here an there, mostly when baby was really active. I met with the Fetal Monitoring Specialist. He was a ton of fun (sarcasm). Again, this was something I needed my husband there for. Thankfully my nurse was in the room with me for support. It's not his job to sugar coat anything, I need to know the risks. But goodness, is it MY FAULT that I had hyperemesis from day 1? Do you really think a woman choses to feel like crap, puking 15+ times a day, not being able to eat or drink anything for months, and have to walk around with 4L of IV fluids for weeks? Oh, and the blot clot causing the PICC line to need to be removed was absolutely preventable…. Yeah, totally my fault. Then he gave me a hard time about not getting genetic testing done. We didn't get it with the other 3, so why would I do it this time? Why add the stress of a possible positive test (which doesn't mean anything's wrong, just that they're a chance). He actually tried to get me to do the test that day. We said no. (Side Note: I'm sure he's a well respected doctor and know what he's doing, but his bedside manner was atrocious.)
They needed to keep me for 24 more hours, to complete my procardia doses, and to observe baby for 24 hours after my steroid injection. I also had to wait for ultrasound.
I was looking forward to this ultrasound. Hoping that we could get some proper measurements of the baby, since we really couldn't at my office visit a couple of months ago. Baby was finally cooperating. He/she was about 10 inches long, 1Lb and14oz. Strong heart beat, active, tons of hiccups (which everyone said is REALLY GOOD). Baby's adjusted due date: April 15. Got some great facial pictures: his/her hand by it's face, and a couple of 3D images of it's face.
I even found out what we were having. Steve told me I could, but I have to keep it to myself. I told him I needed to know who I was praying for, not just baby, but by it's name. My secret, but I'm so glad to know.
I was discharged after I got back to my room. I wasn't put on strict bed rest, but told I needed to remain as sedentary as possible. I needed to eliminate all stress (did I mention I already have 3 kids?) and rest as much as I can. The Fetal Monitoring specialist came to see me again before I left (yay). Both he (and the NICU doctor, and my nurses, and every OB I saw this weekend) told me to ask for as much help as possible. Get someone to bring us food, run errands, watch the kids so I can nap. I hate asking for help, because the last time we did, no one helped...
Dr. S. said he expects to see me again in 6 weeks. Not for an appointment, but because he doesn't think I'll make it that far. Pastor and his wife prayed over us, spoke the Word for an April baby. I have faith in that, but as long as baby comes after March 4, I know he/she will be OK.
During my hospital stay, they injected me with Terbutaline. I'd had it before, but with my POTS, boy that sucked. Dizziness, and a hyper baby, made for an interesting evening. The nurses came in to my room every 20 minutes to adjust the monitors for baby's heart rate. They told me to sleep, but how in the world is a person suppose to sleep if they're being disturbed every 20 minutes. According to my Jawbone UP, I got 2 hours of sleep that night - 0 hours of deep sleep.
I was prescribed 3 days of Procardia, 4 times a day. It was suppose to help relax everything. I was also given 2 doses of a Steroid injection, to help baby's lungs develop.
Saturday I met with a Doctor from the NICU, to give us information about if I were to deliver in the next 2 weeks. She arrive initially when I was alone, and the minute she walked in the room and introduced herself, I started to cry. I couldn't handle this, not yet. I asked if she could come back, when Steve arrived. She agreed. So when he did come visit me, I had the nurse call her back. According to the hospital statistics, babes born at 25 weeks have an 89% survival rating, most of them going on to live normal healthy lives. They stay until their due dates, sometimes longer. But if I could make it to 26 weeks, the rate goes up to 93%, and higher each week after that, with less NICU time. I know families with Micro-premies, I've seen the good and the bad. I was scared. She tried to reassure us, if we could get baby to at least 32 weeks, with 1 more dose of the steroid shot, we'd have a perfectly healthy baby boy or girl coming home with us, with no more than a 2 week NICU stay. Of course, 34 weeks and on is better.
By Sunday morning, the contractions had almost dissipated, only a few here an there, mostly when baby was really active. I met with the Fetal Monitoring Specialist. He was a ton of fun (sarcasm). Again, this was something I needed my husband there for. Thankfully my nurse was in the room with me for support. It's not his job to sugar coat anything, I need to know the risks. But goodness, is it MY FAULT that I had hyperemesis from day 1? Do you really think a woman choses to feel like crap, puking 15+ times a day, not being able to eat or drink anything for months, and have to walk around with 4L of IV fluids for weeks? Oh, and the blot clot causing the PICC line to need to be removed was absolutely preventable…. Yeah, totally my fault. Then he gave me a hard time about not getting genetic testing done. We didn't get it with the other 3, so why would I do it this time? Why add the stress of a possible positive test (which doesn't mean anything's wrong, just that they're a chance). He actually tried to get me to do the test that day. We said no. (Side Note: I'm sure he's a well respected doctor and know what he's doing, but his bedside manner was atrocious.)
They needed to keep me for 24 more hours, to complete my procardia doses, and to observe baby for 24 hours after my steroid injection. I also had to wait for ultrasound.
I was looking forward to this ultrasound. Hoping that we could get some proper measurements of the baby, since we really couldn't at my office visit a couple of months ago. Baby was finally cooperating. He/she was about 10 inches long, 1Lb and14oz. Strong heart beat, active, tons of hiccups (which everyone said is REALLY GOOD). Baby's adjusted due date: April 15. Got some great facial pictures: his/her hand by it's face, and a couple of 3D images of it's face.
 |
| Deep in Though |
 |
| Frowny Face |
I even found out what we were having. Steve told me I could, but I have to keep it to myself. I told him I needed to know who I was praying for, not just baby, but by it's name. My secret, but I'm so glad to know.
I was discharged after I got back to my room. I wasn't put on strict bed rest, but told I needed to remain as sedentary as possible. I needed to eliminate all stress (did I mention I already have 3 kids?) and rest as much as I can. The Fetal Monitoring specialist came to see me again before I left (yay). Both he (and the NICU doctor, and my nurses, and every OB I saw this weekend) told me to ask for as much help as possible. Get someone to bring us food, run errands, watch the kids so I can nap. I hate asking for help, because the last time we did, no one helped...
Dr. S. said he expects to see me again in 6 weeks. Not for an appointment, but because he doesn't think I'll make it that far. Pastor and his wife prayed over us, spoke the Word for an April baby. I have faith in that, but as long as baby comes after March 4, I know he/she will be OK.
Monday, January 20, 2014
And POTS Returns
19 weeks
Had a bit of energy this week... I decided to try to make dinner myself.
BIG MISTAKE!
While attempting to put a pot of taco meat on the table to make tacos for the kids, the room started spinning. I had enough time to get the pot on the table and get into the living room before things went dark.
I don't know how long I was out, only a few minutes I think. But I stayed on the floor for a while, with my feet up. Suddenly baby was moving frantically. I was so scared. Thankfully my nurse was on her way. My blood pressure was 85/55, heartbeat slightly irregular. Definitely a NCS/POTS episode. I hadn't had one in months, and this was the worst. I had to take antibiotics when I got the blood clot a few weeks ago, and from what friends and doctors told me, antibiotics can mess up the system, even weeks later… yay.
Kate told me to take it easy for the next day or so, since I'd be seeing the doctor that week. She gave me my 3rd shot - she was right, one hip hurts more than the other!
At my appointment, I was informed that I'd probably have to go back on the IV. Probably not long term, not yet at least. But enough to get me rehydrated.
I'd gained 1 pound at my appointment, a good sign. But liquids are still a big issue, and I'm still getting sick daily. With Thanksgiving this week, I really just want to rest and enjoy time with my family... maybe some time at Mom & Dad's will get me back on my feet.
Monday, December 9, 2013
Taste Buds Changing
Week 7
Due to my POTS, my doctor told me that it was OK for me to have caffeine. The average pregnant woman is allowed 12oz of a caffeinated beverage each day. Because of my low BP and not being able to take my meds, I was allowed to double that.
Even in the summer, I have the coldest office at work. So pre-pregnancy I was have 3 or 4 cups of hot tea every day.
Around the 7 week mark, my beloved tea started to taste... off. I knew there was no way it could be bad, tea lasts forever, right? And I'd been drinking the same tea the week before. So why does it taste off? Adding lemon, honey or more sugar didn't help.
So not only am I nauseated, but now my favorite beverage tastes yucky. Great.
And then I got sick after I (finally) finished a cup. I think I'm done drinking tea for a while.
I usually have a sweet tooth, but sweets taste too sweet. I'm usually a Pepsi person, but this baby prefers Coke. My husband thinks that maybe this baby will FINALLY get me to try a piece of beef (which I've not eaten since I was 15). At this rate, who knows.
They say that you will crave what your baby needs. All I want is... well, nothing.
Due to my POTS, my doctor told me that it was OK for me to have caffeine. The average pregnant woman is allowed 12oz of a caffeinated beverage each day. Because of my low BP and not being able to take my meds, I was allowed to double that.
Even in the summer, I have the coldest office at work. So pre-pregnancy I was have 3 or 4 cups of hot tea every day.
 |
| My Favorite Mug |
Around the 7 week mark, my beloved tea started to taste... off. I knew there was no way it could be bad, tea lasts forever, right? And I'd been drinking the same tea the week before. So why does it taste off? Adding lemon, honey or more sugar didn't help.
So not only am I nauseated, but now my favorite beverage tastes yucky. Great.
And then I got sick after I (finally) finished a cup. I think I'm done drinking tea for a while.
I usually have a sweet tooth, but sweets taste too sweet. I'm usually a Pepsi person, but this baby prefers Coke. My husband thinks that maybe this baby will FINALLY get me to try a piece of beef (which I've not eaten since I was 15). At this rate, who knows.
They say that you will crave what your baby needs. All I want is... well, nothing.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Why...
I turned 30 on August 7.
I found out I was pregnant on August 14. Even on my birthday, I knew.
I knew something wasn't quite right. Why was I so tired? Why was I so weak? Why was I feeling sea-sick while standing still? The answer became clear after I took that lovely at home test.
To be honest, as much as I wanted one more baby, I wasn't ready. My husband was transitioning into a new job, we were entering into a new season in our life. Heck, our 3 children were now all in school. It took a few days for it to sink in: Here I am, 30 years old, having what will probably be my last baby.
Exciting and frightening all at the same time.
Of course, I had to call my doctor right away. I was diagnoised with POTS earlier in the year, and after having 3 babies while dealing with NCS, I was scared to think what these added conditions might do to the pregnancy.
At 8 weeks pregnant, I went to the doctor, and came back with a prescription for Zofran, which had worked wonderfully with my first pregnancies. I mean, for them, I was sick for a couple of weeks, max.
So why wasn't it doing anything? Why was I still so nauseous? I mean, I wasn't getting really sick yet, just here and there, but I was so nauseous I couldn't eat anything, and drinking anything made it worse...
It became quite clear, early in this pregnancy, that this was not going to be "normal".
What is hyperemesis gravidarum?
Depending on what resources you look at, some will list it as "Morning Sickness lasting through the entire pregnancy." Others will list it as "Severe." But what make HG what it truly is, is when a woman is dehydrated and losing weight in the pregnancy, putting herself and her baby at risk. Only 0.5%-2% of pregnancies will receive this diagnosis. And yes, the condition can be life threatening. Which is why moms need to know that "really bad morning sickness" is a big deal, and not to be taken lightly: if you go a day without being able to keep any food or drinks down, call your OB! And if someone tells you to "toughen up," remember, it's all about the baby!
So, why am I writing this?
Because, hyperemesis gravidarum is not widely know, and hardly understood. Many women who suffer from it often don't get the support they need, from the people around them, and sometimes even their physicians.
Why did I wait so long to start writing?
Well, actually, I didn't. I just waited to publish. HG can be very dangerous, for mother and baby; my husband and I waited until we had a few ultrasounds in to make sure the baby was OK before we went public with my pregnancy. (We got a lot of flack from some people, mainly our prayer warrior friends, for not telling them sooner. Sorry - you can blame Steve!) But at 20 weeks, we saw our precious baby and knew it was OK to share our news.
What will you be reading?
Well, I'll probably start with some older writings, giving a background and my experiences the first 20 weeks, then catch up to where things are now.
Being of the Christian faith, prayer has been a large part of my journey. I'm told daily "We're praying for you," and often I feel bad when I say my condition hasn't improved. In my moments of weakness, I cried out "Why am I going through this? Is this just another attack, is something great coming that the enemy doesn't want me to do? Or is there a lesson that I need to learn? And God's response to me has been "Yes, something great is coming. And yes, there is a lesson; but it's not for you to learn." I don't know what that means. Perhaps someone will come in to my life that I will guide through this. Maybe my daughters will also develop this condition.
Or maybe there is some mom out there right now, scared and confused, feeling alone and disregarded because of their "morning sickness" that just won't go away. Fellow mom - you ARE NOT alone!
I found out I was pregnant on August 14. Even on my birthday, I knew.
I knew something wasn't quite right. Why was I so tired? Why was I so weak? Why was I feeling sea-sick while standing still? The answer became clear after I took that lovely at home test.
To be honest, as much as I wanted one more baby, I wasn't ready. My husband was transitioning into a new job, we were entering into a new season in our life. Heck, our 3 children were now all in school. It took a few days for it to sink in: Here I am, 30 years old, having what will probably be my last baby.
Exciting and frightening all at the same time.
Of course, I had to call my doctor right away. I was diagnoised with POTS earlier in the year, and after having 3 babies while dealing with NCS, I was scared to think what these added conditions might do to the pregnancy.
At 8 weeks pregnant, I went to the doctor, and came back with a prescription for Zofran, which had worked wonderfully with my first pregnancies. I mean, for them, I was sick for a couple of weeks, max.
So why wasn't it doing anything? Why was I still so nauseous? I mean, I wasn't getting really sick yet, just here and there, but I was so nauseous I couldn't eat anything, and drinking anything made it worse...
It became quite clear, early in this pregnancy, that this was not going to be "normal".
What is hyperemesis gravidarum?
Depending on what resources you look at, some will list it as "Morning Sickness lasting through the entire pregnancy." Others will list it as "Severe." But what make HG what it truly is, is when a woman is dehydrated and losing weight in the pregnancy, putting herself and her baby at risk. Only 0.5%-2% of pregnancies will receive this diagnosis. And yes, the condition can be life threatening. Which is why moms need to know that "really bad morning sickness" is a big deal, and not to be taken lightly: if you go a day without being able to keep any food or drinks down, call your OB! And if someone tells you to "toughen up," remember, it's all about the baby!
So, why am I writing this?
Because, hyperemesis gravidarum is not widely know, and hardly understood. Many women who suffer from it often don't get the support they need, from the people around them, and sometimes even their physicians.
Why did I wait so long to start writing?
Well, actually, I didn't. I just waited to publish. HG can be very dangerous, for mother and baby; my husband and I waited until we had a few ultrasounds in to make sure the baby was OK before we went public with my pregnancy. (We got a lot of flack from some people, mainly our prayer warrior friends, for not telling them sooner. Sorry - you can blame Steve!) But at 20 weeks, we saw our precious baby and knew it was OK to share our news.
What will you be reading?
Well, I'll probably start with some older writings, giving a background and my experiences the first 20 weeks, then catch up to where things are now.
Being of the Christian faith, prayer has been a large part of my journey. I'm told daily "We're praying for you," and often I feel bad when I say my condition hasn't improved. In my moments of weakness, I cried out "Why am I going through this? Is this just another attack, is something great coming that the enemy doesn't want me to do? Or is there a lesson that I need to learn? And God's response to me has been "Yes, something great is coming. And yes, there is a lesson; but it's not for you to learn." I don't know what that means. Perhaps someone will come in to my life that I will guide through this. Maybe my daughters will also develop this condition.
Or maybe there is some mom out there right now, scared and confused, feeling alone and disregarded because of their "morning sickness" that just won't go away. Fellow mom - you ARE NOT alone!
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