Tuesday, day nine! What can I say? Not much changing... contractions were down yesterday so the Dr. lowered mag to 2.0 gram per hour. I honestly feel like this is some kind of chinese torture or something. One nurse gave me some hope and said that the magnesium in my blood is at a therapeutic level, or almost normal level, which means I have the same magnesium as any other person and that my body is stopping contractions now from the oral terbutaline? Not sure if I worded that right, but if that is the case, I would hope my Dr. would take me completely off the mag and cathether!!! We'll see what happens tonight. I guess I only had 4 contractions last night... and if I don't feel them or sleep through them, they aren't worried about it.
I have blood drawn every 6 hours to figure out magnesium level in body... so in 9 days (4 times a day) that is about 36 (44 if you count times it took a few times to find vein) blood draws... my veins look like I'm a heavy drug addict. They can only prick my right arm since the mag IV is in left arm... the poor nurse last night couldn't get blood for the life of her. I woke up and blood was squirting everywhere!! She eventually got the supervisor who found a good vein in my hand. ON the positive side... I am really getting over my needle phobia!!!!
The kids are doing good. Made it safely to AZ. I talked to them last night and they kept saying "how fun Mimi's house is". I'm afraid they may never want to come home. My mom goes back to work tomorrow. The preschool she works at, is allowing Keller and Saylor to both go while my mom works. I'm just so amazed at the kindness people are showing towards us at this point. I do not even know the owner of the preschool, but she is going out of her way to help us in time of need.
The nurse I had yesterday works tomorrow as well and put in a request to be my nurse. I pray it works out, because the nurses make ALL THE DIFFERENCE in the world!!!!! If it works out.... I'll be getting my hair washed... she is known to be quite talented in doing occupied bed hair washings!! It's the little things that make my day now:)
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
day 8
I knew today would be a little dismal since the weekend is over, starts a new week, kids are gone, kingsley back at work, still here tied down to a bed, etc.... But I am beyond thankful that the babies are doing well and still cooking. I'll be 34 weeks on Wednesday, so that is my small time goal.
I was weaned down to 2.25 on the mag sulfate last night and had some contractions (they seem to come on more at night). The Dr. had wanted the nurses to call him if there were more than 4 an hour, so I guess the night nurse put in a call. He just said to wait it out and leave the mag where it is. I'm thankful for that because this morning the contractions seem OK. I'm still having maybe 2 an hour, but I don't feel them (which means they aren't dialating me). Everything else is normal... blood pressure, heart rate, catheter output, vitals, etc.... much to be thankful for. I know things could be worse!!!
Here is a picture that my mom sent me that just made my day. Apparently saylor asked Keller to do her hair and he did with no objection. It's so cute to see them together. What I'd give to chase them around and tickle them and hear them laugh (or even fight) right now.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Day 7 down... REALLY???
Can it be 7 days?
Today was by far the best day since being admitted! My morning started out with my favorite nurse, "SS" bringing me in a super yummy blueberry sconce. I'm now addicted to them. She came in with a smile and had me laughing in minutes. Physically things are tough on a mental and physical level, but I'm just amazed with the out pour of people encouraging me via facebook, email, text or this blog. I read every comment and thank the Lord for the hands and heart that wrote each one. Thank you for caring about me, and the twins well being. Speaking of twins, they are well. Our little guy is just as active as can be and is frustrating many of nurses because they can't find his heartbeat and keep it on the monitor. He's running around 125 consistantly. Our little girl is much more docile and is content to lay still with monitor on and is in the 145-150 range. My blood pressure has been on the low side due to the magnesiaum sulfate IV drip, but not too dangererously low. They still check my reflexes and vitals to make sure I'm doing OK. The goal is to keep a certain amount of magnesium in my body to relax the muscles (primarily uterus) to keep from contracting. Too much would make me toxic, so that is the goal. Today I registered at having 5,0 in blood, which I guess is a good number to be at. So we've got the science down on that one.
After Church, Kingsley drove down to recreate a date in the room with a movie. He didn't know when he got here that he was solicited for some help in the cleaning area. He didn't bat an eye, but put on the gloves and shaved BOTH legs for me. I felt so helpless and he was so efficient to do a good job. I didn't even know how much if menat to me until i got under the sheets and felt so clean. He helped me brush teeth, etc.... he had great bedside manner and was loving (but I think secretly disgusted as well:)
Last night I had some minor dry heaving and nausea, which went away fast... but mixed with some contractions I was so worried my Dr. wouldn't turn down the mag IV. Thankfully (and I know from so many praying) the contractions did go down during the day and he lowered the mag drip AGAIN to 2.25. I know it's low, but at this point it's a hope in the right direction! I was quite excited. I have had a few more contractions tonight... nothing that would warrant a phone call into the Dr.
Tonight there are still a few more contractions.... but I don't think enough to call Dr. I just PRAY PRAY PRAY they lessen to the point I can get the IV and catheter out... so I can walk and regain some energy for WHAT IS REALLY TO COME!!! I belive babies are both head down.... but at this point... they can cut me open and I won' t care:)
Anyway, I'm off to bed. I just wanted to thank those who encourage me with comments, emails, just prayers.... you have no idea how they have impacted me at this time. Again I know that life isnt' resolved aroudn me and my family, kids, lives births, but I'm thankful for a forum where I can say thank you for being my friends.... people that impact my life continuously. I love you all.
Today was by far the best day since being admitted! My morning started out with my favorite nurse, "SS" bringing me in a super yummy blueberry sconce. I'm now addicted to them. She came in with a smile and had me laughing in minutes. Physically things are tough on a mental and physical level, but I'm just amazed with the out pour of people encouraging me via facebook, email, text or this blog. I read every comment and thank the Lord for the hands and heart that wrote each one. Thank you for caring about me, and the twins well being. Speaking of twins, they are well. Our little guy is just as active as can be and is frustrating many of nurses because they can't find his heartbeat and keep it on the monitor. He's running around 125 consistantly. Our little girl is much more docile and is content to lay still with monitor on and is in the 145-150 range. My blood pressure has been on the low side due to the magnesiaum sulfate IV drip, but not too dangererously low. They still check my reflexes and vitals to make sure I'm doing OK. The goal is to keep a certain amount of magnesium in my body to relax the muscles (primarily uterus) to keep from contracting. Too much would make me toxic, so that is the goal. Today I registered at having 5,0 in blood, which I guess is a good number to be at. So we've got the science down on that one.
After Church, Kingsley drove down to recreate a date in the room with a movie. He didn't know when he got here that he was solicited for some help in the cleaning area. He didn't bat an eye, but put on the gloves and shaved BOTH legs for me. I felt so helpless and he was so efficient to do a good job. I didn't even know how much if menat to me until i got under the sheets and felt so clean. He helped me brush teeth, etc.... he had great bedside manner and was loving (but I think secretly disgusted as well:)
Last night I had some minor dry heaving and nausea, which went away fast... but mixed with some contractions I was so worried my Dr. wouldn't turn down the mag IV. Thankfully (and I know from so many praying) the contractions did go down during the day and he lowered the mag drip AGAIN to 2.25. I know it's low, but at this point it's a hope in the right direction! I was quite excited. I have had a few more contractions tonight... nothing that would warrant a phone call into the Dr.
Tonight there are still a few more contractions.... but I don't think enough to call Dr. I just PRAY PRAY PRAY they lessen to the point I can get the IV and catheter out... so I can walk and regain some energy for WHAT IS REALLY TO COME!!! I belive babies are both head down.... but at this point... they can cut me open and I won' t care:)
Anyway, I'm off to bed. I just wanted to thank those who encourage me with comments, emails, just prayers.... you have no idea how they have impacted me at this time. Again I know that life isnt' resolved aroudn me and my family, kids, lives births, but I'm thankful for a forum where I can say thank you for being my friends.... people that impact my life continuously. I love you all.
Day 6...
It's still hard for me to believe I am here!!! I am thankful that my little babies are inside cooking away, but never did I expect to be in bed unable to move for a week (or more). I'm so thankful for all the nurses and staff here though. They are so compassionate and caring and make this difficult trial more bearable!!!
So the update. Day 6. The Dr. came in and saw that my contractions were down, so he lowered the mag to 2.5!! I know it's not much, but it's SOMETHING!!! It's one step closer to getting catheter out and IV out so that I can atleast walk and move again!!! Today was probably the BEST day I've had here yet, simply because God brought in a nurse that will forever have a special place in my heart! She is the mother of triplets (saylor's age, and a 17 month old baby) and is a Christian. After talking about mutual friends, she may be visiting our church. We even have the same pediatric opthamologist. God knew I needed a special person on Saturday, and he sent her. She has such a caring and compassionate heart. Every time she walks through the door I get excited because she makes me laugh or smile in some way. We realized we actually met over 5 years ago when I sat in on a friend's labor and she was the nurse at the time! We've shared more intimate moments than most friends would in a lifetime (bed pans, sponge baths, emptying catheter, etc....) She even sat down and prayed with/for me. Words can't express my gratitude. I couldn't be more thankful for the day or what God has blessed me with today. She truly TRULY was an answer to many of your prayers. Making the friendship really does makes the ENTIRE stay here worthwhile (catheter and all). SS... if you are reading this... thank you, I appreciate you more than you will ever know!
Kingsley also brought the kids by today. Mom and dad came too. It was so fun to see them all. The kids were still a little nervous with all the machines and mommy laying down half dead in bed. They both atleast hugged and kissed me. They made me little crafts (with mimi's help) which I proudly display by my TV. It was the last time I'll see them before the twins arrive, so it was a bittersweet visit. I know they are in good hands and are well taken care of, but it's so hard for me not to see them everyday.
UPDATE:
I started having contractions when everyone was here and so they left. I then got nauseated and dry heaved a little. The contractions came and went and I just prayed they would go away. They did minimize .... so I'm praying when I see the Dr. tomorrow he'll still drop the mag down to 2.25!!! Thank you for caring and for praying for us. I'm so blessed to have such a big family and network of friends who care. I love you all.
Friday, January 23, 2009
day 5
Waking up today was hard because I thought "no no no I can't still be here... Not another day of this".. But here I am! God provided what I needed at that moment... The newborn baby cried from next door! It brought tears to my eyes and I thought "ok I can do this one more day"!
I had no contractions all night but the oral terblatine speeds up the heart and kept me awake most of the night! I awoke this morning and had my catheter leaking... Or so I thought! My nurse checked it with the nitro strips and it turned bright blue (which usually means amniotic fluid!) she called the dr right away... After surgery he came up and did an ultrasound. There appears to be plenty of fluid around both babies... He did an internal with nitro stick and it came back yellow... No fluid!!! Answer to prayer! It could be the position of babies heads pushing down on the catheter causing it to leak! Who knows? All I can say is that the spongebaths were wonderful when compared to laying in your own urine constantly!!!! LOL!!! The nurses are great... But reality is I'll have to deal with it!!! After seeing all is well and contractions were down he lowered my mag drop from 3.0 to 2.75! Not much but I'll take it!!! Please pray contractions don't start up again!
That is the news of the day! My incredibly wonderful mother has been so busy keeping house and caring fir Keller and saylor! She never ceases to amaze me and has such a caring and helpful spirit! I can't imagine what I'd do without her right now!!!
I am looking forward to lunch! I have a whole new appreciation and compassion for people in the hospital tied down.... Maybe it'll be my ministry once I get out of here!
I had no contractions all night but the oral terblatine speeds up the heart and kept me awake most of the night! I awoke this morning and had my catheter leaking... Or so I thought! My nurse checked it with the nitro strips and it turned bright blue (which usually means amniotic fluid!) she called the dr right away... After surgery he came up and did an ultrasound. There appears to be plenty of fluid around both babies... He did an internal with nitro stick and it came back yellow... No fluid!!! Answer to prayer! It could be the position of babies heads pushing down on the catheter causing it to leak! Who knows? All I can say is that the spongebaths were wonderful when compared to laying in your own urine constantly!!!! LOL!!! The nurses are great... But reality is I'll have to deal with it!!! After seeing all is well and contractions were down he lowered my mag drop from 3.0 to 2.75! Not much but I'll take it!!! Please pray contractions don't start up again!
That is the news of the day! My incredibly wonderful mother has been so busy keeping house and caring fir Keller and saylor! She never ceases to amaze me and has such a caring and helpful spirit! I can't imagine what I'd do without her right now!!!
I am looking forward to lunch! I have a whole new appreciation and compassion for people in the hospital tied down.... Maybe it'll be my ministry once I get out of here!
day 4
well I am a bit drugged up but will try to give an attempt on an update! This morning my contractions were back around 7-8 minutes apart! It was frustrating and we have so many people praying over these little ones! We did taper off on contractions to a point our dr was content with so he said next we we start oral ternulitane! We'd keep me on those for 48 hours before weaning mag levels down! Our hope is my body got it's rest and can function without the mag! Worst case is my body is dependent on it and I could be here in hospital another 4. Week!
Kids are good! The came to visit me and we amazed by it all! I think of them constantnly and how amazing it is of my mom to bend over backwards to help us!!! Kingsley thinks she is a superwoman! I do too!!
I'm too out of it to remember anything else... A few very unpleasant sponge baths.... And other things I won't mention! All all blew have great nurses here!
Kids are good! The came to visit me and we amazed by it all! I think of them constantnly and how amazing it is of my mom to bend over backwards to help us!!! Kingsley thinks she is a superwoman! I do too!!
I'm too out of it to remember anything else... A few very unpleasant sponge baths.... And other things I won't mention! All all blew have great nurses here!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Leaving for the Hospital
Here are a few pictures my mom took before I left for the hospital. I figured I'd be back that night, but she had a gut feeling I would be in for the long haul.... why is it that mom's are always right????? Anyway, I was having a contraction in one picture.... then needed some help getting up in another. I look at the pictures and think "what I'd do to be sitting on that couch again"... someday...
My mom just stopped in with the kids and it brightened my day. To hear them fight over my jello was music to my ears. My always helpful mother got my computer all hooked up so I don't have to use my cell to get on the blog and online. It was so good to see the kids. I miss them so very much. Both were apprehensive but intrigued by all the medical equipment. I explained every tube, needle, monitor, catheter, etc.... I may have little Dr.'s on my hands:) I'm glad they weren't too scared to hug and kiss on me. I think Kingsley is more scared to kiss on me at this point:)
Thanks again to everyone who is remembering us in their prayers. I know everyone has trials in their lives and this trial is so minimal to others, but I thank you for you support and prayers. God has been so good to us, and we are blessed beyond measure.
day 3
well today has been quite an adventure so far! I had my first ever sponge bath! It was quite awkward and humbling to say the least! And it didn't help to have 2 young beautiful nurses!!
Let's see... Update: I was able to sleep 4-5 hours with a forced sleeping pill. I did wake up every hour due to 30 min checks for fluid around lungs... Drawing blood finding babies hb etc! It. Last night one of my closest friends stopped by with her 2 girls and of was such a treat! Took my mind off watching the clock...Got to laugh and be entertained by the kids! Then kingsley cancelled his night clients to come sit with me which meant so much! We had a mini date (with many interruptions)... He rented a movie and brought me a protein shake (liquids only diet). It was nice having him here and go through this process as a team! And of coarse all the nurses loved him! Keep telling me that I found a good one! I'd have to agree!
Medical stuff: I am still on highest level of magnesium sulfate drip 3.0/ hour and it does seem to be working ( or maybe it's everyone praying)! My contractions last night were 17-19 min apart and today at noon they have been 30 min apart! My dr doesn't want to check cervix bc it is soft and could really start active labor! The magnesium accumalating in my body is at a high but safe level... 6.1!!!!! It was 4... Then 5.5 then 6.1....6.2....6.1 again! If it gets between 7-8 they gave no choice but to decrease my mag drip for my own safety! That will be the true test on whether my body is dependent on mag drip to keep contractions minimal or if my body has adjusted and can maintain little contractions without help from drip! So things are good for now! Babies are active with good hb... The drip hasn't effected them much! The catheter is still in issue but they can't make it any more comfortable because our little girl likes to push on it with her head! Her first toy!!!
I am beyond blessed to have my mother here to take care of Keller and saylor ( and Kingsley) ! Kids adore her and Kingsley mentioned he's never seen our house so CLEAN!!! LOL... she is truly an amazing help and HUGE blessing to us at this time.
Let's see... Update: I was able to sleep 4-5 hours with a forced sleeping pill. I did wake up every hour due to 30 min checks for fluid around lungs... Drawing blood finding babies hb etc! It. Last night one of my closest friends stopped by with her 2 girls and of was such a treat! Took my mind off watching the clock...Got to laugh and be entertained by the kids! Then kingsley cancelled his night clients to come sit with me which meant so much! We had a mini date (with many interruptions)... He rented a movie and brought me a protein shake (liquids only diet). It was nice having him here and go through this process as a team! And of coarse all the nurses loved him! Keep telling me that I found a good one! I'd have to agree!
Medical stuff: I am still on highest level of magnesium sulfate drip 3.0/ hour and it does seem to be working ( or maybe it's everyone praying)! My contractions last night were 17-19 min apart and today at noon they have been 30 min apart! My dr doesn't want to check cervix bc it is soft and could really start active labor! The magnesium accumalating in my body is at a high but safe level... 6.1!!!!! It was 4... Then 5.5 then 6.1....6.2....6.1 again! If it gets between 7-8 they gave no choice but to decrease my mag drip for my own safety! That will be the true test on whether my body is dependent on mag drip to keep contractions minimal or if my body has adjusted and can maintain little contractions without help from drip! So things are good for now! Babies are active with good hb... The drip hasn't effected them much! The catheter is still in issue but they can't make it any more comfortable because our little girl likes to push on it with her head! Her first toy!!!
I am beyond blessed to have my mother here to take care of Keller and saylor ( and Kingsley) ! Kids adore her and Kingsley mentioned he's never seen our house so CLEAN!!! LOL... she is truly an amazing help and HUGE blessing to us at this time.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Day 2 in hospital update
first of all... Thank goodness for technology! It has kept me sane in the last 24 hours!!!
So Sunday night Kingsley and I head out on a date... I had a major migraine and swelling! I woke up Monday feeling feverish and nauseated! I ate a piece of toast but vomitted most of the morning! I had dr appt ties morning but decided to call him anyway! He said to cone in today (Monday) instead of Tuesday. Kingsley and I head down to the hospital. I started feeling contractions on the way down! We got here at 3:00 but waited 90 min! By that time contractions were every 5 min! They were hurting so we told front desk lady we were heading over to labor and delivery! We get signed into triage and they monitored me and contractions were every 3 min! Dr immediately odered a shot of tribulatine (sp?) to stop labor... But it didn't work so they administered another shot... Still didn't work. Dr came in to check me and I was 50% effaced and 2 cm dialated. He wanted to admit me and start a magnesium sulfate drip right away! At 9pm we started with 2.0 mg an hour but contractions were 6 min apart... So at 2am they upped I'd to 2.5...but still only held contractions to 8 min apart! 3.0mg hour is highest dr wants to go since I'd can make me extremely toxic! I am on 3 now with contractions 12 min apart! The mag drip relaxes every muscle in body and makes toy nauseated and feverish! It has started to lower my blood pressure as well (80/41) the babies heart rates are dripping as well. They had to insert a catheter 4 times) to regulate urine output from drip! That hurt worse than almost anything I've ever experienced! It's still not in right and is an unbearable pain! They come in every two hours to drawblood to check magnesium in my system... 6 is limit and my last result was 5.5. The dr also came in this morning to discuss dangers to babies and me. If born now they will be in nicu fir 6 weeks with iv and feeding tubes! He then ordered 2 steroid shots of beta methazone to boost their lungs by a week. It hurt bad but not nearly what the catheter pain is like ( like kidney stones nonstop). I'll get two more of those shots tomorrow! I am on liquids only due to nausea from mag drip! The nurse comes in every 30 min to check fluid around my lungs and reflexes! This has been quite an ordeal! Thank you to everyone who has supported, prayed for and encouraged me. This is a very difficult time physically, mentally and emitionally.
So Sunday night Kingsley and I head out on a date... I had a major migraine and swelling! I woke up Monday feeling feverish and nauseated! I ate a piece of toast but vomitted most of the morning! I had dr appt ties morning but decided to call him anyway! He said to cone in today (Monday) instead of Tuesday. Kingsley and I head down to the hospital. I started feeling contractions on the way down! We got here at 3:00 but waited 90 min! By that time contractions were every 5 min! They were hurting so we told front desk lady we were heading over to labor and delivery! We get signed into triage and they monitored me and contractions were every 3 min! Dr immediately odered a shot of tribulatine (sp?) to stop labor... But it didn't work so they administered another shot... Still didn't work. Dr came in to check me and I was 50% effaced and 2 cm dialated. He wanted to admit me and start a magnesium sulfate drip right away! At 9pm we started with 2.0 mg an hour but contractions were 6 min apart... So at 2am they upped I'd to 2.5...but still only held contractions to 8 min apart! 3.0mg hour is highest dr wants to go since I'd can make me extremely toxic! I am on 3 now with contractions 12 min apart! The mag drip relaxes every muscle in body and makes toy nauseated and feverish! It has started to lower my blood pressure as well (80/41) the babies heart rates are dripping as well. They had to insert a catheter 4 times) to regulate urine output from drip! That hurt worse than almost anything I've ever experienced! It's still not in right and is an unbearable pain! They come in every two hours to drawblood to check magnesium in my system... 6 is limit and my last result was 5.5. The dr also came in this morning to discuss dangers to babies and me. If born now they will be in nicu fir 6 weeks with iv and feeding tubes! He then ordered 2 steroid shots of beta methazone to boost their lungs by a week. It hurt bad but not nearly what the catheter pain is like ( like kidney stones nonstop). I'll get two more of those shots tomorrow! I am on liquids only due to nausea from mag drip! The nurse comes in every 30 min to check fluid around my lungs and reflexes! This has been quite an ordeal! Thank you to everyone who has supported, prayed for and encouraged me. This is a very difficult time physically, mentally and emitionally.
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