Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Taking it day by day...

I went and saw Dr. Larson on Wednesday, December 23rd.  We talked about EVERYTHING that transpired over the last three days.  I was having  a really hard time combining Dr. Larson's approach to Mayo's approach.  Conclusion:  Dr. Larson bases his practice off of 40 years of practice.  Mayo bases their practice on most recent education, research, and studies.  It was up to me to choose which route to take. Mayo's 'conclusion' was there was nothing that could be done at this point and to go home and be as active as possible, as labor was inevitable.  Dr. Larson's conclusion that we should do everything in our might to try to halt further progression of my shortened cervix and contractions.  I chose Dr. Larson's approach.  What mother wouldn't do anything possible to have a successful pregnancy?  I sure as hell wasn't about to shrug my shoulders and go on with life pretending the last three weeks were nothing.  Three weeks ago, doctors were prepping me for delivery, and I'm still pregnant... I wasn't going to take the back seat and see what happens.  Prayers work, people!

Dr. Larson did an exam on me last Wednesday and he felt that I was stable enough to be home, on bed rest, for Christmas, and I would see him again on the 26th.  Appointment on the 26th also went fine, and I now see him every other day.  He has has a very low threshold for re-admitting me.  If it wasn't for hospital administration, I would be in the hospital on bed rest... and honestly, hospital bed rest is a lot easier than home bed rest!  I don't have a nurse button at home!  Donny is great, but there's just some things that don't cross from nursing staff to your husband... 

At this point, we are taking it day by day... and sometimes my emotions and anxiety are taking it hour by hour.   As of today, I am 24 weeks and 5 days.  Most people just say how many weeks they are... I will also throw in what day too... because every. day. is. huge.  

We are in good viability right now for the girls, but obviously they need to stay in as long as possible.  We are not expecting to make it to term, and we have victory weeks.  Week 25 will be a huge victory, as survival and long-term issues decrease significantly in week 25.  Week 26-27 their lung function will be developed enough that they won't need as much breathing support.  

Are we prepared for the road ahead of us?   I don't think anyone can be, whether we have a 100 day NICU stay, 10 day NICU stay, or no NICU stay.... I don't think anyone can be prepared for twins... but the reality of it all is the fact that we are ready to do whatever we need to do to get our babies home by April, so I can start pulling out my hair as I stare at our screaming little miracles.  


5 comments:

  1. Oh wow Katie. You guys are amazing. You have so much strength. Keep taking it day by day, you'll be at 25 weeks in no time!

    When my nephew was in the NICU, the nurses told us, "He'll never remember this and you'll never forget it." It is so hard right now, but keep those positive thoughts and prayers going. Your girls couldn't ask for better parents. We're thinking of you guys every day.

    ~Genny & David

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    1. Thanks Genny! I love hearing NICU success stories!!

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    2. So glad you're celebrating 25 weeks!!

      When my nephew was born, the docs were worried that a stroke had done some damage to the language center of his brain. He's 3 now and talks non-stop! Nothing is ever absolute and babies are sooo elastic and resilient.

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  2. Love and prayers Katie!! You got this!!

    Holly

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