Waiting game...while on bedrest.

A quick update for my "fans". :) As of Wednesday, April 21, I was put back on modified bedrest. My blood pressure skyrocketed over the past two weeks. So, the docs told me I could not return to work and I had to rest, with my feet up, as much as possible. They gave me two options 1) I could go home and rest immediately, or 2) I could go to the hospital and check in to have my blook pressure monitored. I, of course, chose the home option. The docs set me up for a follow up appointment on Thursday and said that there was a 99% chance I'd be headed to the hospital for delivery...preeclampsia. I asked if I could go back to work to "close up shop". They agreed I could, if I did it in a timely fashion. It was hard to shut everything down and hand everything off again, but I knew it was best for baby and me.

Many prayers were said overnight, across several states and of course God put His hand on me and brought my blood pressure down from 156/103 to 117/81 on Thursday. I've been good ever since. The doc asked if I wanted to schedule an induction so that I would be guaranteed an epidural. They wanted to schedule me at 37 weeks. I declined. Why induce (contractions are much, much harder) only to have an epidural. I decided to wait and let my body do what it needs to and take the pain (with the help of narcotics).

This week begins my 36th week - I can't believe it. There were so many ups and downs throughout this pregnancy and if I think about it, I can recall those fears I had back in week 24 or having a preemie. Anabelle was born at 36 weeks and 6 days. I wonder when this baby will be here? They checked to see if I was dilated last Thursday...that was a big mistake. I don't know what I was thinking. After indicated that I was dilated to a 1, the doc and nurse left the room and I began to bleed all over. I'm an idiot. I forgot to remind them of my sensitive cervical polyp. The bleeding ended by the next morning, but dang it! Every time I start to get my hemaglobin up a bit, I lose blood and down it drops, which forces me to take the nasty iron supplements. Fool, fool, fool. I know better now.

I haven't been sleeping well AT ALL...and I don't seem to remember this insomnia from the first pregnancy. I'm up at 2 a.m. every night now, unable to go back to sleep because of my achy body. I take a nap every day and it seems to help...but sadly, I'm still crabby. :) I do think that it's God's way of preparing me for little sleep in the future. I don't believe that it's any different from what other pregnant women experience (i.e. I'm not special).

I still have my biophysical ultrasounds twice a week to measure fluids, heart rate, breathing, and movement. Baby always passes its test quickly.

We've got pretty much everything ready to go for the delivery and return home. That takes a lot of stress off of me. Anabelle is all moved into her new "meadow" room. She loves it. The closets are organized, the baby clothes are washed and put in the drawers, a cupboard is cleaned out for formula, bottles are washed and ready to go. We feel much, much more settled.

Thanks, once again, for all of you who've said prayers for my family. It certainly works and I am so grateful.

I promise to update more frequently...really, I will. It's now just a waiting game. :)

Sarah

GOOOAAAALLLLLL!!!!!!

We have officially reached our 32-week goal! I can't believe how far we've come in whaf feels like a very short time. Now, my time on bedrest seems like a blur. Since I last blogged, I've had four biophysical ultrasounds, one growth ultrasound, and an OB consultation. All is progressing well! As of Thursday, April 1, my placenta has moved more than 3 cm away from my cervix, thereby eliminating the need for a c-section. My chances of experiencing another bleed have all but diminished. Baby is growing very well. He/she is currently in the 80th percentile for growth. I finally look pregnant. :) Although, and I am NOT bragging-just astonished, I still weigh 10 lbs. less than when I first became pregnant. Crazy.

The only thing of interest/concern right now is that I have hard contractions in the latter part of the day. My doctor said that it was a clear indication of my body telling me I've done too much that day. She told me to simply listen to my body and react appropriately. One day two weeks ago, I was in Home Depot with my mom and Anabelle. We'd only been there about 10 minutes but I ended up having to sit down and rest on some boxes off in a corner...it was either that or a riding lawn mower! :) So, I have good days and bad. On the bad days, I try to sit as much as possible (per doc's orders) and help my body get through the day. I've been doing rather well over the past few days so that's good.

The only other thing I've got floating in my thoughts is that I most likely will not be able to have an epidural during delivery. I have to be off of my Lovenox for 24 hours before they can give me one. So...if I go into labor or my water breaks, I'm screwed. If, by chance, I make it long enough for them to induce labor - I will be able to have an epidural. Chances are slim - so I've got to have the right mindset for doing this the "au naturale" way. HA!

Thanks for all of your continued prayers. I'll keep you posted on appointments and any new news.

Sarah

Ups and Downs

Hello everyone!

It's been some time since I last wrote. Since then, time has flown - but not without a few ups and downs. I went back to work on 3/1 - I only made it four hours before I was throwing up in the bathroom. I was also on the verge of tears from the moment I'd woken up. I think it was all due to anxiety. My job is great - I think it was just a new transition again. As the week went by, I got a little better each day.

Baby is doing wonderfully. He/she is growing at a great pace and movements are right on track. Of course it has very long legs and long arms. Go figure... :) Big Sister Anabelle keeps asking if she is a big sister yet. At night when we say our prayers, we have to say God Bless Big Sister...no more calling her Anabelle. She's very excited about the baby's arrival - so are we!!

Today is the beginning of my third week back to work and I'm back "in the groove" of things. A kind coworker brought in a cot for me - I set it up in the empty office beside me. I use it (per doctor's orders) when I need to lay in my side for 5 or 10 minutes to take the pressure off my cervix. Other than that, all is well at work.

I had one major bump in the road last week. On Sunday (3/7) I awoke to more bleeding. This time it was significantly less - but still worrisome. Bryon and I headed off to the U of M Riverside Medical Center. They admitted me for the day and I was discharged later that night. Thank goodness there were no orders for bedrest or any other restrictions. This time, the diagnosis was that the polyp bled.

I had my scheduled appointment on Monday (3/8). I had an abdominal ultrasound. I'd hoped my placenta moved up more, but it didn't. I was at .5 cm away from my cervix and now I'm at .6 cm. I have to reach 3 cm before they'll discontinue plans for a c-section. They also decided that I'd have to begin twice weekly biophysical ultrasounds. Hopefully they'll be a quick in and out appt. I don't have to see a doctor, they just have to quickly measure a couple of things (e.g. fluid levels, heart rate, etc.). Twice weekly is pretty tricky when Anabelle can't come with. I have to find someone to watch her for that short time on Thursdays and Fridays. But, I'm thankful that they are keeping such a close watch over me. The doctor also set up another appointment for me with the U of M Center for Bleeding and Clotting. They want me to meet with their specialist so he can become familiar with my case should we need him during or after delivery. Another specialist, another lengthy conversation about the complexities of my body. But again, I am extremely thankful to have this network of individuals who can help me. It just wears on me mentally sometimes.

We're busy getting the house ready for a new member. Bryon has a honey-do list a mile long. It's so nice outside though, I tend to put my duties off and go for a slow walk down the street and back. Anabelle decided we'd go bird watching yesterday - she brought along her Minnesota Bird Book. I still have much to do...I can really get going once my mom comes up to paint the mural in Anabelle's new room. She's got four walls to paint. Anabelle had decided she wants a mountainscape, a lake with a kid fishing, a forest, a meadow, and a rainbow somewhere in the mix. I don't envy my mom - that's quite a challenge. Once we move her into the new room, we'll be able to take all the baby stuff (crib, dresser, bouncy seat, car seats, swing, cradle, bottles, clothes, toys, books, more and more and more) out of storage and get them washed and in place.

It will all come together - even if it's not done in the time frame I'd like.

I start week 30 tomorrow...we're getting much closer and we couldn't be more thankful and excited.

I'll do my best to update my blog more regularly over the next two months. There will be much action....as always.

Goodbye Bedrest!!

Tooncey was my constant bedrest companion. She was THRILLED!!! I'll be sure to spend extra time snuggling her.

Here are a couple of photos of my dorm room. I had most everything I needed within arms reach or just a few steps away. Work area, microwave, fridge, multi-functional table, etc....

In the photo above, Anabelle insisted she was sick and had to stay in the hospital with me. :)

I can't believe I'm done with this scary episode. I'm still trying to wrap my brain around it. I still don't understand why the hospital doctors (5-6 of them) all agreed that there would be no chance of resolution, that I would absolutely have to remain on bedrest for several months. Who knows...I guess I won't spend a lot of time thinking about it. Instead, I'll enjoy life from a different view - not just from my bedroom.

You are not going to believe this...THE PREVIA RESOLVED!!! What was once a complete previa (indicated on the ultrasound three weeks ago) is now a marginal/partial previa. That means that my placenta isn't even touching my cervix - it's moved up to .5 cm away from my cervix. So...my placenta moved over 2.5 cm in three weeks and still has a few weeks to continue moving "up". I still have the polyp but my new WONDERFUL doctor ensured me that it was the previa that bled and not the polyp and that I have nothing to worry about regarding the polyp. She told me that if my placenta continues to move up another 2 or 3 cm (which she is confident that it will), I will be able to have a typical delivery - no c-section...and here's the kicker - I will go full term and will only have to go in when I go into labor!! No scheduled early delivery! Fully developed baby on the way!! AND....I've been lifted off bedrest!!!!!!! She told me I could immediately resume my normal activities and after a week, I can contact my HR person and head back to work (March 1)!!! Unreal!! A complete 180 from what I was told. Now, I have to say that I did have a complete previa, which caused the hemmorhage, and would've been on bedrest anyway. So, I can't say that treatment up to this point has been wrong. It was just that the Abbott docs dictated what would definitely happen and gave me no hope of resolution. which is why I immediately transferred my care to others. Upon meeting my Dr. Yamamorah, she told me that she'd already spoke with Dr. Rose and they were planning to work together throughout the rest of my pregnancy. She also noted that she was Chief Resident at the time Anabelle was born and that she was involved in our delivery!! Bryon actually remembers her being in the room!! I, on the other hand, was a little preoccupied and didn't register any faces. :) So...it's actually someone who's dealt with me before. I'm just amazed. Dr. Yamamorah advised me to take it slow over the next week to regain the strength I've lost over the past weeks. I'll definitely do that - I'm not going to risk it. She said that I could have a bleed again but since the previa is resolved, it's highly unlikely but could still happen as my placenta continues to move up. I do have some restrictions, similar to any pregnant woman. I have lifting restrictions and have to take breaks as necessary. No straining of any kind allowed. I'll still be on alert but I'm so excited to be able to be up and around and downstairs and outside and to the hair salon and pedicure salon...I could go on and on.

THANK YOU to everyone who has offered prayers ,kind words, and encouragement; supplied the Madson house with items to make my bedrest easier; provided the Madson's with delicious food or gift cards; watched Anabelle; picked Anabelle up from daycare; etc., etc. I know I'm forgetting something...but honestly, I'm just looking around the room and deciding what I'll do next...because I can!!!

I will continue to post messages on here after major appointments to let you all know how we're progressing and after the long-awaited day when our new, fully-developed, little squirmy baby has joined our household.

God is good...very good.

Answers and a plan?

Finally! Tomorrow I have an ultrasound at 8:45 with a follow-up consultation. I've transferred my care to the U of M Maternal Fetal Medicine staff. I actually am scheduled to see one of three doctors my beloved Mayo doctor recommended. Dr. Yamamorah was a resident at Mayo and worked with Dr. Rose. I'm thrilled because I feel she will consult him with any questions she has and will keep him apprised of the situation - as will I. I would love to hear the words, "Your previa is resolved."

I'm driving myself. Bryon will meet me at the clinic (5 minutes away from his office) and will walk me in and park the car. He'll stay for the appt. and then get the car, help me walk out, and I can get home by myself....maybe taking the scenic route. :) I wonder how tired I'll be after my big adventure out into the real world? Not much effort involved in getting up to go to the bathroom....

I'd appreciate any prayers and good thoughts you can spare.

I will update my blog upon my return from my appointments.

Good people surround me

All has gone smoothly this past week. We continue to adjust day by day. TThe newness of it all has begun to wear off. Sure...I can see changes in all of us. Anabelle struggles with the random meltdown - which we rarely experienced before all this happened. Bryon falls asleep so hard at night that he snores loudly - which only happens when he's exhausted. I'm having difficulty with aches and soreness from laying all day and I'm not sleeping all that well at night. What can I expect though, I'm not burning off any energy during the day. But, as a whole, I'll speak for our entire family, we can't complain. I've had no further issues and baby movements are excellent.

I'm still working with the U of M to get my follow up appointment scheduled. I'll get my first whiff of fresh air since my ride home from the hospital two weeks ago. One question I plan on asking is that if a blood transfusion is anticipated, can I bank my own blood? I did some research and found that they let women bank their blood if their hemoglobin is 11 and on the rare occasion they let a level 10 bank. My level is 10. I mean, let's face it, I take a potent cocktail of meds each morning and night. While in the hospital, the nurses weren't allowed to touch one of my meds because it was labeled "hazardous". So, what would "clean" blood do to me during a transfusion? I need my toxic blood. And...yuck, I really don't want someone else's blood. Unless...Bryon and I are the same blood type. Think I could get him to pony up? He's not real keen about needles. I still remember when I was getting my epidural during the last delivery, he was supposed to sit in front of me and hold my hands as I leaned over on a tray. Instead, he turned green/gray and laid his head on the tray. I was giggling so hard that I was scolded because they were trying to carefully place a needle in my spine. His queasiness only led to a nurse following him with a rolling chair for the remainder of the delivery. She was behind him every moment. Ah....good times. :)

Bryon's mom - Jane, came up on Thursday night and stayed Friday. She worked sooooo hard to do the things around the house. She also spent hours just sitting with Anabelle doing every craft you can think of - fingerpainting, cutting, gluing, coloring, etc. Anabelle told me though that Grandma Jane "needs practice" to color as good as she can. :) I think the two of them had a really great time together and I truly appreciated all of her efforts. It's just really nice to have family around.

Of course I knew I'd forget somebody when thanking neighbors (a.k.a. my EP family) in my last email. I neglected to thank Linda for hauling over an extra bed and all the fixings for it. Again this week, several meals were delivered by my kind neighbors. Holly dropped off some chicken noodle soup too for lunch. My brother Brandon and his long-time friend Jeff stopped by. I had spoken with Jeff in years and he was full of good stories - very fun. Yesterday, Anabelle scored after the mail was delivered! She had a fun valentine package from Grandma Clocks (my mom - she started calling her Grandma Clocks because my mom has chiming clocks in her house which Anabelle just loved), she got a card from (follow me on this one) Bryon's high-school friend's mom, Iris Goodnature - she got her very own Pizza Hut gift card. :) She also had two boxes delivered from Amazon.com. We didn't know who sent them until she opened them. She received fun shrinkydinks and her own walkie-talkies! Very fun! They were from my coworker Shibani. How extremely kind and thoughtful of her! A very fun surprise. My aunt Kim was also extremely kind and generous to send us kind words and a gift card for our favorite takeout restaurant - Pei Wei's. It's Asian cuisine. Yum.

Plain and simple....people are so generous and thoughtful. When I get up and out of here (with a new, healthy, wiggly baby in my arms), I'm going to find a way to show my immense gratitude - besides words.