Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Keep Baby Inside. No Bleeding. (Hospital Update #3 - Day 5)

I just noticed that my last update says $2, not #2.  Oh well...I'm on meds.

I am pleased to announce that I am now only getting my blood drawn every 12 hours!  WooHoo!  I was on every 6 to check my Magnesium levels and boy is my right arm bruised.  They're only allowed to stick that arm because the IV is in the left.  I don't have cooperative veins.  They're small.  They roll around.  This has been quite fun.  4 different nurses had to stick me twice to actually find blood.  The best one was at 3:30 in the morning.  She turned all of the lights on in the room first, then took a half an hour to stick me twice and keep moving the needle around inside my arm.  It was lovely.

Last night they called the lab tech to take my blood instead.  It turns out that I taught both her daughter and son!  Funny.  I would say small world, but my school is very Philipino and nursing is the #1 most popular profession, so whenever I see a Philipino nurse I check their name tag.

*     *     *     *     *
Medically, I don't have a good update, but not a bad one either.  I'm still bleeding although it's not flowing at all. I find it when I have a BM (bowel movement - I'll just say that one once...).  They can't find a source or cause of the bleeding which is mostly good, but of course this still concerns them.

My contractions have been pretty consistent.  My high is still 6-7 an hour but I have periods with much fewer also.  They are not painful at all, but some cross the line into slightly uncomfortable.  I do feel almost every one.  This means they might decide to put my Magnesium back up (we lowered it because I was pretty stable and it was making me a sick zombie).  

I also started steroid shots today.  I'll get one today one tomorrow.  (Butt shots.  Ow.  I avoided those with my IVF.)  The steroid will help the baby's lungs mature in case he is delivered early.  

*     *     *     *     *

School is all set which is a huge relief.  I felt like I was abandoning all of my kids...just after I really started to get to know them.  But I found a great sub who is going to write all of the plans so I'm off the hook!  And I can feel confident that they are still getting a great education.

My puppy is a bigger worry/stressor.  We've been taking her to day play since Mr. GG doesn't have a lot of time to spend with her in the evening.  Usually I get home around 4...  He doesn't get home until 6 and then he comes to see me.  She's also spending half the week at my sister's with her cousin Roxy : ).  But I know that if I am released to go home (to strict bed rest), I won't be able to have her around all day. She's too rambunctious.  So I guess we will just stick with the day play and then when Mr. GG is home it will be ok.  I miss her : (.  I hope she doesn't think I've abandoned her!

*     *     *     *     *
By my count I'll be 24 weeks tomorrow, but by the hospital's, it's on Friday.  Either way...24 is big.  Viability!  (Although I've learned a lot more about this in the last week and a baby can be viable before 24 AND 24 still has very discomforting odds.)  The goal written on my "Labor and Delivery Plan" (hah) is "Keep Baby Inside.  No Bleeding."  That's what I'll be working on for the time being.

Thanks for all of your support!

16 comments:

  1. I'm glad that the baby is still inside, and it sounds like you have a very proactive team working to help you. I'll keep my fingers crossed that the bleeding and contractions continue to slow.

    Reading this post, I'm surprised at how busy everything sounds. When you said you were in L&D, I imagined worry-filled, but mostly boring days. Hunting for good veins at 3:30 in the morning is not fun, but it certainly sounds far from boring.

    I hope you have time to rest and that everyone is able to help you reach your goal.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thinking of you and the baby. Please stay put for a while longer little one!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh my, what a stressor. You are in my thoughts. I'll keep checking back for updates

    ReplyDelete
  4. Glad to hear the baby is still inside and it sounds like they are doing all they can to make sure things stay that way and treat whats going on. Glad to hear on the side note that you were able to take care of school and workout something for your dog since I know from your posts it was a cause for concern. Hopefully you won't be in there too long and the bleeding stops soon.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh so stressful. Stay snugly little one and grow grow grow!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Love that L&D plan! I'm thinking of you so much today and hoping things quiet down soon! Everyone has said to me, every day baby is still growing inside is a major victory. Hope you're taking time to high five your little boy every morning and every night for hanging in there with you! :) Lots of love!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wow, that is wonderful that they have steroids to help mature the babies lungs before 24 weeks. It's so nice to hear that there is something that they can do that early, and that they are doing everything to help you and your son.

    I'm so sorry about all the pokes, it sounds like torture. It's all for a good cause and you guys are going to be just fine. I'm so glad you are so close to viability and they are all keeping such a close eye on you. :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. So glad 24 weeks is tomorrow! Wonderful milestone.

    I was on mag during delivery and afterwards due to pre-eclampsia so I can sympathize. So sucky!

    Hang in there. Hugs!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Stories like yours make me happy I have good veins. If they have you on an IV you should be getting enough fluids, but I have been told that part of the reason I have good veins is because I drink a ton of water.

    Stay in her belly baby!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm actually on fluid restriction because of the Magnesium! I have a constant IV drip and then I'm allowed something like 750ml per day. They have to try to avoid a pulmonary edema...which would be bad...

      Delete
  10. So glad to hear you're stable and that they're puncturing you less. The 3 am one sounded AWFUL, ugh.

    Your pup will be fine--sounds like she's in great hands.

    Thinking of you!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Phew! So far, at least :) I am so glad that your little man is sticking around Uteville for some free nights (which hopefully turn into weeks and months!).

    ReplyDelete
  12. Ok ok. Let's look to Friday for 24 weeks. Keeping you in my thoughts.

    Wouldn't it be awesome if your hubs could sneak your puppy in for a visit????

    ReplyDelete
  13. I've been thinking of you, thank you for the update. Glad to see that baby is having time to get stronger and that you've got the teaching figured out. As for the dog - remember that they live in the present and she'll be thrilled to see you next time she does. :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh mrs GG I am so glad to see this update. Hope they continue to keep that little guy continues to thrive inside you and they can control/stop the contractions. Puppies are so tough!!! But don't worry, they just love play care :)

    ReplyDelete