Hi all,
Overall, things are good. My cervix looked better today than it did on Friday, so the meds worked. Unfortunately, I can't stay on that particular tocolytic any more or we risk losing fluid again. So, we're moving on to another one -- nifedipine. The side effects of this one look less than fun -- especially since the previous one wasn't actually supposed to make me light headed and wonky and it did anyway. This one actually has "light headed and wonky" on its list of side effects. (I'd really like to see the term "wonky" on an official list of side effects, wouldn't you?)
The boys both look great. They both passed their biophysical profiles -- muscle tone, practice breathing, etc. They had a growth scan and are both a little on the small side (about the 30th percentile), but still OK. They're estimated to be within 3 grams of each other! They do this a lot. When they do the NST, the machine keeps beeping and saying that both heartrate monitors are on the same baby because their heartrates stay so consistently together. But, really, they're not. They just seem to pace each other. It's bizarre.
Yay for 29 weeks tomorrow!
This weekend I basically stayed on the sofa in various rooms. Lying down, the contractions were minimized. But, whenever I stand up, they hit again. Sigh. Guess we know what that means -- time to lie down.
The MFM is giving me a day to see how work feels. I'm going to attempt to work one more day tomorrow and see how it goes -- mostly because I need to talk to some people and get things figured out for the rest of the semester. I have a feeling once I start this new med I'm not going to be able to do much, anyway.
The part of my brain that is completely fried by these meds (which is most of it) is looking forward to stopping work. I swear, I truly can't think clearly. But, the remaining part of my brain is feeling anxious about what will happen with my students for the next 3 weeks. In reality, it's a very small amount of time left in the semester and there are some options that aren't so bad. I just feel kind of crappy about having to do it.
But, I'd do anything for these boys so if lying on my side for the next two months (thinking positively) is what I need to do, then that's what we'll do. I don't know how long they'll have me on the new med. Not sure if it's long term or just until things calm down a bit. I go back to the MFM either Thursday or Friday for another check.
On a happy note -- our cribs showed up today! As did the snap-n-go double stroller! Amazingly generous family members have our car seats (both infant and convertible) on the way as well. We are so truly lucky to have so many people who love us and our little boys. Our living room is starting to look like an Amazon and Target warehouse!
Thanks to all for thinking about me and checking in! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.
So relieved that your cervix is looking ok and that you're boys are doing great :)) Work will always be there and you're right - your boys are the most important thing. During my first pregnancy, I got really sick with a viral thing and my OB told me to stop work immediately to rest (b/c I was near term and working long hours)... but I stuck back to my office to get more work done... looking back on it, I was craaaazy !! They didn't need me when I was gone and easily found someone to do my work... I can't believe that I risked our daughter for work !! Yay for the cribs arriving :)) xoxo
ReplyDeleteDo you know what - it is excellent you are worrying about your students and work but it took you three long years to have these boys and students and work will always be there! You have to start putting yourself first as hard as that may be!
ReplyDeleteIt's so exciting to start getting all of the gear! I hope those boys stay put for a while longer!
ReplyDeleteI hope the day at work goes well, and that you feel at ease not working the next three weeks. You are right that healthy babies are way more important!
yay for 29 weeks! and sorry to hear that you're feeling a bit woozy/wonky/light-headed. fingers crossed the new meds work better and even though those signs are listed as side-effects..that you don't get them.
ReplyDeletei can't wait to see pictures of the cribs, stroller etc.
and i know it's hard, but try not to worry too much about your students. i worried about finishing up in the middle of a term, but really, once you're not there and they become someone else's responsibility, a huge weight lifts off your shoulders and you can relax more. *big hugs*
Really glad to read this update, sorry about the side effects from the meds though. I hope it help your boys to stay put until it's time. Take care!
ReplyDeleteYour students will be fine-- this time is all about your boys, so don't even let yourself feel guilty. It's okay to put your and their health first!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're doing better lying down and on the meds. I don't know if you read Such a Good Egg's blog, but she spent several weeks on bedrest before delivering her healthy twins a 35 or 36 weeks. I'm sure she'd be happy to talk with you about her experiences if you want to reach out.
29 weeks! Great! So glad those boys stayed put over the weekend and they're looking healthy. I can imagine how aggravating, isolating, maddening sitting on your butt all the time is {I know I would go crazy!}...but, whatever you need to do to keep your sons inside brewing as long as possible. Wish I could come give you some entertainment! Hope you get things sorted out at work and at least don't have to worry about that. Hang in there, R, and stay put, cute boys!
ReplyDeleteDo not worry about the students. They will be FINE. Just stay lying down so the boys can cook a few more weeks! And Yay for 29 weeks!
ReplyDeleteYour concern for your students speaks to how great of a professor you are, but they will be fine. I know, first hand, how that goes, but in reality you are probably more concerned than your students will be about the class. I hope they boys continue to stay where they belong for the time being. Take care...
ReplyDeleteI hope that work goes okay today, take care of yourself and those little growing boys. I hope the new med does not produce bad side effects, you never know how your body is going to react. I'll be thinking of you! Hang in there little ones!
ReplyDeleteWonderful news :) I hope that things continue to go well, your students will do fine without you if need be, and those 2 precious bugs will appreciate all your resting. I love the HBs are in sync, and "wonky" as a side effect is great lol
ReplyDeleteHappy 29 weeks!!! Hope work went ok today. I know you are a very dedicated teacher but you're right, there are only a few weeks left and some very capable people there to help cover. Take care of you!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you and the boys are doing better! I hope that work went well today!
ReplyDeleteYeah for 29 weeks & the boys looking great. Hope you are able to rest as much as possible. I am glad that the drs are keeping such a close eye on everything for you.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to let you know I was on nifidipine for about 5 weeks. I was diagnosed with an irritable uterus & this helped so much! And I did not experience any side effects so I hope it treats you with the same kindness. I hope you feel the same relief that I did!
Thinking of you.
Just stopping by to say hey and get caught up on how things are with you. Glad you are doing OK and are at home. Read several other posts around fFN (is that fetal fibronectin)? When I worked MFM they were doing these a LOT, especially on those with PPROM. Seemed like false positive rate could be high at times? I hope that's the case here. At any rate, I'm thrilled you and the babies are OK and at 29 weeks!
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and your boys! I love your attitude - whatever you need to do to keep those little guys inside you - I know you'll do! Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteWow! 29 weeks is almost 30 weeks!!! So happy for you guys! I know how much you love your students and your job but I'm sure they understand how important this this, ya know?
ReplyDeleteTip: Try and save the BIG plastic bags most of the baby gear comes in....makes it easy to pack up to store for the future while protecting it...