I was released last night at about 9 pm. I would have been able to leave earlier, but they wanted me to get the Rhogram shot (because I have O neg blood type) before I left and there was some miscommunication with the pharmacy about whether I would need blood taken before they would send up the shot- which in the end, they didn't need (because they could use the vials that were taken earlier in the day). Along with my Rhogram IM shot, I also got the second dose of the Betamethasone steroid IM shot for lung development (which needed to be given 24 hours after the first dose). Thank goodness the PIO shots I had up to 12 weeks made me a pro at getting shots in the bum- I hardly blinked at the injections.
I feel great physically, and haven't had any contractions since I was weaned off of the magnesium sulfate. There still hasn't been official word as to why they think I had the contractions- especially since there there no other indicators for pre-term labor- the doctors/nurses all said on paper I look fabulous- all my numbers look great. I know I am no doctor, but I do know my body and my job/lifestyle better than everyone else- and I think this past week really took a toll on me- I stayed up late the two nights prior, didn't drink as much water as I usually do, had long days at work all week, among other stressors (including a classroom full of hyped-up-on-Christmas 5 and 6 year olds, buying a new vehicle, a late night baby class besides getting ready for the holidays myself). I feel deep down that this was an isolated incident and a hard hitting reminder that I need to get back to making a better effort to limit everything I do, despite having that in-the-2nd-trimester-golden-period where I have the energy level of pre-pg me.
That being said, I am unsure of what the future holds for me. I am still waiting for follow-up information from my OB (he's in surgery today). I was told differing opinions from just about every nurse/resident/midwife/doctor that came into my room yesterday. My official discharge papers has the section marked that includes: continue normal activities during the day while the minimal activity/bedrest/work restrictions section is not marked. I was told to follow up with my OB at our already scheduled appointment December 30th- but I need to figure out what's happening with me and work before then.
I mentioned already that one nurse said we shouldn't travel for the holidays- which I am ok with, and we're not planning to do now (also because of the foot of snow that is expected during the time we should be driving the 4 hours). A NICU nurse had stopped by and gave my husband a tour of the NICU- she called today and is of the opinion that I should be on complete bedrest from here on out. She's planning on calling every few days to check on me. But she's not my doctor. I am really frustrated about this for a few reasons: it seems like she is taking it upon herself to tell us what to do- to my knowledge she did not get any of our information and does not know about any of my past pregnancy information, all she is aware of is that this is an IVF twin PG and that I stayed overnight with contractions at 26 weeks. I know she sees the worst of the worst situations, but I trust my OB's advice over everything else. We chose him because he is laidback- I'm not a very laidback person and I needed that from my OB to balance me out.
OF COURSE I want to do what is absolutely best for our babies- I think that should go without saying- but I don't necessarily think complete bedrest is what is absolutely best for them right now- especially since through it all, the two of them and their uterus environment were and continue to be in great shape. I really think this was an isolated incident. 12 weeks of bedrest means financially we won't be able to have enough to even buy diapers with the additional 6 weeks of unpaid leave I'd have no choice but to take. It also means I'd only get 6 weeks with them after they are born, as opposed to the 12 I'm hoping for. It also means their momma is going to be under a great deal of stress- and that's no good for all of us either!
So here I sit, waiting for my OB's nurse to call so I can get an idea whether I should be on bedrest, go to work tomorrow, plan on being done with work, or returning on January 4th. Not knowing is driving me insane.
*Please, no negative comments regarding my post- this is my place to vent and get it all out there, and I really don't need more stress to add to an already difficult situation.
15 comments:
Hubby's note:
She did AWESOME at the hospital.
So glad you are home and resting before the holiday. The snow moving in is likely to slow a lot of people down. (I'm in MN, btw)
It's hard to know who to listen to in situations such as this. At 32 weeks I had very low amnio fluid and the sonographer thought I'd be admitted to deliver (she was surprised to see me the following week). The Ob nurse suggested modified bedrest, while the Ob doctor blew off bedrest and suggested I drink a lot of water. Talk about confusing! It sounds like you trust your Ob and he's taking good care of you. Follow your gut and everything will be fine.
Take care and Merry Christmas.
Ha, OK, I was checking to see if you updated and I thought by the title that it was the same one from yesterday (I'm not smart). SO I've been wondering about how you were doing all day.
Anyhow, I'm glad you are home! I do think it is kind of surprising that no one can give you a straight answer on activity level ... but I would probably take that as good news. If someone was super concerned, I'm sure they would restrict activity level immediately.
Sounds like you handled it all very well!
Just think - your babies already are keeping you on your toes! (Or off, I suppose, depending on your point of view.)
Have a relaxing Christmas!
- Bethany
I'm sorry that NICU nurse is being frustrating...I can see how that could be a bit annoying...
I'm anxious to hear what your doctor says!!
First of all, J is SO cute.
Second,I'm so glad to hear that you and the babies are home and doing better. Whew!
Third, that nurse just sounds like a self gratifying busybody. Like she gets off on taking the initiative to direct you... I agree, still with the guy with the MD.
Hang in there, I'll be thinking of you.
I meant STICK with the guy with the MD.
I wish we could edit our comments...
Ugh you poor thing.. Limbo sucks. Hopefully you will get some answers from your ob very soon.
And remember, everyone has their own opinions on what to do, but it's ultimately up to you and your doctor, no one else ;) and again, trust your instincts. Do what you feel is right.
If that ends up being done with work, you'd be surprised at how much your finances change to meet your needs. And you'd also be surprised at how flexible HR can be. I can't believe that even though I have way less money coming in I am actually still socking away savings. And if it means going right back to work, I am sure you will get some help! If not by your kids but by other teachers or parents. You just need to do what you feel will be best for the babies :) And you have the support of so many people one way or another :)
I too freaked out about the diaper situation. I can't believe how expensive they can be! For that reason alone I am going to do a lot of cloth diapering. I'm not this eco-friendly granola chick as you know, so it has nothing to do with being environmentally sound. It may be a different story if I was having one. Of course, this doesn't mean that I won't use disposable from time to time ;)
Take care of those babies and yourself :) I'm here for you!
So glad you're home and all's well. In all my reading, all I came across was anecdotal reports (ie people's stories) of how bedrest helped them with their preterm labour. In the US, everyone seemed to be on nifedipine, bedrest, occasionally terbutaline. In Canada, they really don't seem to do much of that for anyone. If, like happened to you, you go in with contractions, they'll use the meds to stop them and buy 24-48 hours for the steroids to kick in. (I think that's with worse PTL than you might have had, since your cervix didn't change). I don't know that me staying home for 6.5 weeks lying on the couch actually did anything to get me to this point either, but it did relieve some of my anxiety. The loss of income sucked, but we'll be fine without it.
I'd think the most important thing will be for you to pay attention to your body (which you're apparently doing very well, in order to have picked up on this stuff early like you did). And reduce your stress and take it easy. By the time you go back after Xmas break, you should be around 28 weeks, which is a huge milestone for the babes. If you're drinking water and trying to minimize your activity at work, and it's less stressful for you to be there than to be at home worrying about your mat leave and your finances, then I'm hoping that's what your OB will recommend. I think your body will very quickly tell you what's working and what isn't.
Best of luck getting it figured out soon!
Katie, I am glad you and the babies are home. I know this has been a really stressful couple of weeks for you and I think you could be totally right that you have just overdone it.
Take it easy over the holidays. Don't worry too much about the bedrest situation. IF your OB was super concerned about this situation, he would have made it known and would have probably gotten spoken up.
Someone once told me "Don't Borrow Trouble." I know, PTL symptoms isn't necessarily borrowing trouble. I guess my point is not to put too much stock in the NICU nurse's concerns.
Thinking of you & Jake. Big HUGS!
I'm so glad you are home safe and that you are all fine and healthy! I think you are correct, you know your body. I wouldn't go on bed rest but I would take it easy and when you feel like you had enough, rest. Everyone has an opinion and if we listened to everyone, we would live in a bubble! :)
Merry Christmas!
I'm glad you're home. I hope you are able to relax and enjoy your Christmas!! (((HUGS)))
You poor thing, you are going through so much!
Not that you asked for advice, but it might be a good idea to go ahead and look into a credit card that has no interest for one year while you still have an income stream, that way if worst comes to worst, you will have a backup.
Also, I agree with a commenter above, you will be surprised at how your financial needs are met.
I'm sure the NICU nurse means well, but trust your doctor and trust yourself. The two of you and your husband are the only ones that know your case in and out!
Wow, sorry you had such a stressful and scary week right before Christmas. At least as a teacher you get a little vacation during this time. I used to teach Kinder so I know that resting and teaching don't go together!
Good luck!!!! I am so happy the babies are doing well!!!
I am so glad you are home!!! I have been thinking of you.
I hope that things are still going well. I'll be praying for your bedrest to be delayed as long as possible. You are doing a great job of keeping those babies healthy and strong!
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