Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Day 20

Well, I almost can't believe it. I've survived 20 days of hospital bed rest. It has gone surprisingly fast, and I am still sane. Imagine that.


{this is on day 2 after they let my head up a little}

I plan on keeping a daily journal of my exciting hospital adventures. I  know one day I will want to look back and read my thoughts and experiences from this unique time in my life. Since I am 20 days behind already, I thought I would do a quick re-cap of my hospital stay so far.

Week 1:

The first day was rough. At my doctors appointment we discovered that my cervix was .9 cm in length (average is above a 3 cm) and that I needed to be admitted to the hospital for the duration of my pregnancy. I was 23 weeks 6 days. 

I was given an IV (barf) and then hooked up to several drugs, one being Magnesium, which is horrible. It is used to reduce the chances of cerebral palsy in the baby once born. Unfortunately, the side effects for me are nasty, including intense headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, extreme hot flashes, and nausea. To top things off, they had my bed tilted so my head was below my feet, an old method used in hopes of keeping the baby in...literally. I was also not allowed to get up, so the trusty bed pan became my BFF. Lovely.

Once the contraction medications kicked in, everything calmed down and I was transferred to a different unit for patients on maternity bed rest.

I love my room!

My window is huge and I get plenty of sunlight pouring in. I have a sofa and chair for my guests, and the most amazing nurses.

Week 2:

Week two was very uneventful. I established a routine and had plenty of visitors. I learned that I can not nap during the day or I won't sleep at night, and that I am never hungry. I was taken to labour and delivery with a scare of contractions, but was returned several hours later still pregnant. Thank goodness.

Week 3:



Week 3 was a doozy. We discovered my bags of water is bulging out of my cervix . Not good news. Although my water is still in tact (not broken) I am now at a higher risk for infections and delivery. I am also dilated to a 3. If I start to contract or dilate more, then they will have to deliver. 

In my first pregnancy, I had a classical c-section (meaning my uterus was cut vertically) so a repeat c-section is necessary. The classical c-section also puts me at an increased risk for my uterus rupturing. Knowing this information, intense labouring is not allowed. 

Lastly, we discovered that my placenta is located on the front of my uterus and is overlapping my previous c-section scar. We are concerned that my placenta has grown into the scar of my uterus, meaning that at delivery I will need a hysterectomy. We won't know for sure until they open me up and take a look.

I also passed a kidney stone, ouch. I had my doctors convinced that I was in labor and going to deliver within the day, but luckily, it was only a kidney stone. It hurt so bad and I hope to never go through that again! 

I think that's it...phew! What a week :)

21 comments:

  1. What a week you had!!! Praying for you and thinking of you often. Glad I can follow along on this blog as well as your design one :)

    XO
    Anna

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  2. Hey, Danielle! I'm so sorry you're gong through this! It sounds like you have such a good attitude about it all, though. I hope things go well for you and aren't too uncomfortable. I'm sure you have a lot of people looking out for you, but let me know if there's anything I can do for you!

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    1. ugh. *going, not gong. I wish you could edit comments.

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  3. This is craziness for you, but you are a trooper! Way to go! This baby will be well worth it al no doubt. I think about you lots and pray for you daily! Love ya!

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  4. I can't believe what you're going through! I feel so bad that I haven't made it up there yet, but I'm glad they're taking good care of you and I hope you keep baby in as long as possible! We're praying for you and your family!

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  5. Wow I can't believe what you're going through! You are keeping up such a great attitude during all of this- he will be worth it!

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  6. My goodness you have been through the ringer already. What a trooper! I had to be on magnesium after I delivered my first, due to my pre-e and HELLP syndrome. That stuff is the DEVIL! I have never felt worse in my entire life. Between the mag and my blood pressure being over 200, I literally asked the nurse if I was going to die...I was convinced! I am so glad to hear that thinks have become less eventful for you! Prayers for many more weeks on hospital bed rest. That sounds funny doesn't it....

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  7. Great idea to keep this journal/blog. You are such a trooper! We are all cheering for you from afar! God bless you and the baby -

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  8. you have a lot on your plate sweet girl. Take care of yourself and that little baby! It's great that you are able to keep busy with blogging. I'm praying for your family.

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  9. Dano... you and your family are an inspiration to us all.... You are in our prayers every day.... Hang in there babies!
    We sure do love you all....
    hugs to you~
    xoxoxo
    Baldrys

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  10. You are such an amazing mom!! Sending you lots of prayers and hoping that sweet baby stays put! :)

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  11. Pass the Kleenex! You've got a lot of cheerleaders out here for you & Baby O. Happy 27 weeks Danielle!

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  12. You are a trooper!!Praying for you and so glad you started this blog to keep us updated on you and baby boy!

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  13. I don't know whether to cry, or cheer for you! You are amazing...so strong and positive, and what an amazing gift you are giving your son!! thinking of you every day, and so glad to keep up with your progress over here!

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  14. A big, warm hug to you for juggling so much at one time! You are definitely a trooper and with that sunshine-y attitude of yours, you will come through with flying colors! You are beautiful, strong, and amazing—what a wonderful role model for your babies :) Keeping you in my prayers from now until you have that sweet baby boy.

    Yolanda
    www.aaronandyolanda.com

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  15. So glad you started this blog. Praying for a safe delivery (many days from now) and healthy baby!

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  16. You poor dear. Keep up the good thoughts and know that many prayers are coming your way! You do look great by the way!

    xoxo
    Karena
    2012 Artists Series

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  17. Stay strong Dan! So much I want to say, but don't know how to say it.
    Having a hysterectomy has been the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with. I hope that you don't have to go through it. Or maybe I am just a baby about it.
    I thought they could sew up your cervix??? Maybe that's no longer an option?
    Hang in there. I really wonder why some of us (who really want children) have to work so hard to get them! We are praying for you!

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    1. Unfortunately, it's too late to sew my cervix. With the information that we know now, we probably should have sewn it closed at 12 weeks.

      Although we would love more children, we are not planning on having anymore after this. Regardless if I have the Hysterectomy or not, we have decided that carrying babies is just not for my body!

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    2. I came across your blog online, and I am currently 27 weeks preg. on bed rest. My cervix is at a 0.9 -1.2 ranges. I am also funneling. I was wondering how far along you made it? Email me Allisonchristin@hotmail.com

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  18. Oh my goodness Danielle! I can't believe everything you're having to go through! You are such a strong woman and you have an incredible family. Baby boy Oakey is going to be so lucky to have a mom like you. You're already sacrificing for your kids before he's even born. Completely inspiring! Hang in there!

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