Dr Gooch, my OB, walked in this morning with an announcement of "I have good news and bad news." My heart sank. Being almost 32 weeks pregnant with triplets bad news is, well, really bad. But it turns out she should've said she had good news and slightly challenging news.
The good news is my pre-eclampsia has stabilized. My protein levels actually went down from my last test (now 1.1 g vs. then 2.5 g) , my bloodwork is all normal, and my blood pressure is staying pretty darn low.
The challenging news is that since I've stabilized, they want me to stay pregnant longer. This is wonderful for the babies since every day in the womb is worth many days not spent in the NICU. However, it is a bit challenging for me to give up a 'goal', to give up being allowed home, and to give up not having to stay pregnant where every day has become less and less comfortable.
Ultimately, I'm going with the 'good news'. Because it is nice to have stabilized and to be able to offer the babies a healthier chance at birth.
They are running my bloodwork more often and keeping their eye specifically on two kidney parameters and once either of those hits their limit, then they'll take the babies out. My first blood work is this Wednesday, so there is a very slight chance the Friday c-section could still happen, but I doubt it.
Wouldn't it be fun if we made it until 10-10-10?
Think of it this way... Now you get to think like a 'regular pregnant mom'. You know, the bit where you wonder every day for weeks... is this it? Am I in labor? Should I go to the hospital now? The due date was 5 days ago... will this kid EVER be born. LOL.
ReplyDeleteWe know you can do this even if it makes you want to start screaming in frustration because even with regular pregnancy they take up so much room... and you had mentally prepared for a certain time. The last weeks are just plain uncomfortable.
We need to start thinking up little treats for you for every day after next Friday that the babies continue to perk along inside. Hard work for you, but sooooo worth it in the end.
Yes, I think some perks are in order. Now to think of some...
Being pregnant longer is definitely a good thing with triplets...especially for the triplets. You are a good mom and you will hang in there patiently for them. It won't be too much longer, no matter what. Hope your back is feeling better and you have lots of books to read and movies to watch. You probably have other "perks" in mind, too. :) Tonight you can cheer on the Packers!! Enjoy...get those babies revved up to be good Packer fans. Take care. Hoping all goes well.
ReplyDeleteMary
Joey - I know you're very goal oriented, but in this case, sounds like your AR is to just keep growing babies.
ReplyDeleteYay on your lower protein numbers and bp!
Betty
10-10-10 would be fun....but i still want to share a birthday with them!
ReplyDeleteno matter when they come, they will be well loved and prayed for.
cousin jenny
Yes, it's a good thing to have a little more "baking" time, even though you are uncomfortable. Will continue to pray for the good numbers.
ReplyDeleteAunt Rosemary
T-- You are so awesome. Let me know what you come up with!!
ReplyDeleteMary -- these kids will definitely be Packer fans! They've already watched 3 regular season and 3 pre-season games with me. *grin* Just like my mom did with me!
Betty-- I think that's what took a while -- wrapping my head around the fact I had to give up that goal. Like Jeff said, in some ways, I had Christmas Eve delayed because I'd started planning what I was going to do when I got out of the hospital. But any time I can keep 3 babies out of the hospital by staying here myself is a really good thing.
Jenny -- Thank you!! Your love and prayers mean so much to all of us. Those little encouragements are what help me get through the day.
Rosemary -- Baking time is good! I'm just going to keep focusing on that.
I can understand the slightly mixed emotions of a changed "due date". Our doctor gave us an estimated date of Sept 22, then Trina did so well it got bumped to Oct 1st. I grateful for the extra baking time, but once you have a certain day in mind, it can be difficult to let it go. So few things are concrete in multiple pregnancies. :)
ReplyDeleteI know that you are disappointed with the due date change, but I you want to do what is best for the babies. The longer you can delay will mean that they will be able to come home sooner. You rest and try to stay as comfortable as possible.
ReplyDeleteAunt Darlene
Hang in there girlie! You & the babies are in a win-win situation! You will have plenty of time at home girl and may even find yourself wishing for the days of being back in the hospital! "-) I did on all 3 of my SINGLE births!
ReplyDeleteMich "-)
My oh my, those little ones are being so cooperative-hope it follows suit after they are born ;) Sounds like you have the right attitude.
ReplyDeleteHappy thoughts and prayers always coming your way.
With love,
Aunt Anne
Robbie-- That is so true! But I'm committed now to lasting as long as I can. Good luck on Friday. I'll be thinking of you two.
ReplyDeleteDarlene -- It was just hard to wrap my mind around at first, but I just know extra days will help my babies. Comfort is kind of a relative concept these days. *grin*
Mich -- LOL! I need to keep that in mind. Being bedbound and a little bored is a luxury I soon will be wishing for!!
Anne -- Wouldn't that be wonderful if they stayed so cooperative? A gal can dream.
Thinking of you! You must be so excited, I can't wait to see your little bundles of joy. Maybe I can come visit.
ReplyDeleteHugs and cheers!
Angie
Hugs! It's tough being in a race where the finish line keeps moving.
ReplyDeleteJust keep reminding yourself, as you squirm and try to find a comfortable position, that every day in the womb is worth three days in the NICU. And this is the most peaceful your life will be for about 18 years after the kiddos come home from the hospital. :-)
Angie - That would be fantastic if you could visit! Spring/Summer of next year would be best because the babies will be a much more 'fun' age, more interactive.
ReplyDelete3 days in the NICU times 3 babies, no less! Versus just one of me in the hospital. And I'm lucky to not be hooked up to wires, etc. I'm on bedrest, but still allowed into the restroom & shower. I may be sore & achy sometimes, but it will be so worth it!
I hadn't even thought of NICU being times 3 babies... Going to agree with everyone and hope you go as long as you can Joey :-) Glad all your test results are looking good!!
ReplyDelete10/10/2010 sounds like a very good stretch goal. Because you already reached your first goal.
Keeping you in my prayers Joey!!
Michelle
Thanks, Michelle! I did meet my first goal, so surely I can't meet my next one. I just have to keep thinking a few days at a time. *grin* Truthfully, I know I have no control in the situation, but thinking positive keeps my stress levels down, which is very important.
ReplyDelete