High Risk Pregnancies

[Brink]

Is anyone interested in joining a thread for high risk pregnancies? I know I love belonging to my due date thread, but there are so many things that are going on with me that just don't apply there. Everyone is terrific and supportive, but it might be nice to share our knowledge/thoughts/fears with others that are going through similar circumstances. I know we won't all have the same diagnosis, but I think we face many of the same obsticles (viable gestation, bed rest, hospitalization, premies, etc.)

Anyone interested?

Just to get the ball rolling: I am 13 wks pg with my second pg. Found out last week we are having twins. Found out yesterday they are monoamniotic. Meaning - they are in the same sac. All types of concerns regarding cord entanglement, twin-to-twin transfustion. Most babies don't make it, but the odds are improving with close monitoring. If we make it to 24 wks, I'll be admitted to the hospital for 24/7 observation and they will be delivered premature.

Again, I know we won't have the same issues, but maybe we can find some comfort in each other and hearing about positive outcomes when the odds are stacked against us (and our babies)!

OK - for those who want to post their info, I'll start a roster here.

ali_ohli
Me: Ali
DH: C
EDD: 11/09/07
Issue: Prior preterm birth at 22 weeks resulting in a loss; fibroids, incompetent cervix and bleeding issues.
Outcome: Henry Jay at 5:05 yesterday afternoon (9/11) after my water broke early Sunday morning. He's 18 inches and a whopping 4 lbs., 31 weeks

Brink
Me: Tina
DH: Dan
EDD: 3/19/07 (won't go past Feb 1st - 34 weeks)
Issue: Monoamniotic Twins (same sac - high risk for "cord accidents"), inpatient monitoring from 24 wks until delivery
Other Children: Aimee - 9/25/05
Outcome: Katie & Kristie - born 1/31/07 at 33wks, 2days - 20 days in NICU

Dizylizy
Me: liz
Dh: Peter
Married-11/8/03
DS-7/1/05, Harry, via emergency c-sec, 38 weeks wasn't to make it to 35 wks.
EDD #2-8-19-07


em1126
Me: Emily
DH: Mike
EDD: 6/3/07
Issue: Cleft lip and possibly palate
Other Children: none

flygirl
Me: Jen
DH: D
EDD: 10/23/07
Issues: Partial placenta previa; pre-eclampsia watch
Other Children: 4 furbabies

Jeggink
Me: Judi, 33
DH: DH, 34
EDD: 12/16/07
Issues: Previous loss due to chromosomal issue, partial placenta previa and possible cervical issues.
Other Children: Joseph, 9/23/04, born early due to PROM, Kayla born 11/27/06 at 19.5 weeks
Outcome: ALEXANDER JACOB, BORN 11/20 @ 10:50AM, 7 LBS 7 OZ, 21 INCHES LONG - 4 weeks early

Jenahdawn
Other Children: Katie Rose and Chloe Dawn - 9/27/06 (19 weeks)
Outcome: Lillian Grace born 11/18, 6lb 14oz and 18" long.

Me: Jenean
DH: Seth
EDD: 6/12/07
Issue: shortened cervix, preterm labor
Other Children: furbabies

Kates
Me: Kate
DH: Denis
EDD: 3/7/07 (won't go past Feb 21st - 38 weeks)
Issue: (pre-existing) Insulin-Dependant Diabetic.
Other Children: Grady - 9/21/04

Kimmiethebride
Me: Kim
DH: Ray
EDD: 3/31/07
Issues: Previous Loss @ 18w5d due to membrane rupture after amnio, Factor V Leiden & MTHFR Clotting disorders (which led to 2 sets of clot in my lungs post partum, on Lovenox, and finally... advanced maternal age - 41
Other Children: Angel Robert born too soon on 11/24/2006
Outcome: Pre-Eclampsia, hospital bedrest for 4 weeks, IUGR
Joshua Michael, delivered at 36 weeks via c-section, 4lbs,12oz, 19.6 inches long
5 days in Itensive Care Nursery (ICN)


LDS Angel 19
Me: Michelle, 23
DH: Aaron, 24
EDD: 7/27/07
Issues: Previous loss due to pre-term labor/incompetent cervix. Carrying twins this time.
Other Children: our angel Allison Grace, born too soon 6/17/05
Outcome- 63 days hospital bedrest
Delivered at 34 weeks and 3 days:
Megan Celeste, 3 pounds, 14.8 ounces, 17.25in
Natalie Grace, 4 pounds, 4.9 ounces, 16.75in
14 days in NICU


LynzeyAHL
Me: Lindsey 28
DH: Dan 25
TTC: haha SURPRISE
Issues: Diabetic sugar NOT in control
outcome: So far diet and pills but I'm all for insulin if it means better control and a 'normal' size baby.
Miss Kaitlyn made her arrival via scheduled c-section on 12/3 as planned. All the shots and doctors appointments were worth it

Micd
Me: M, 25
DH: D, 28
EDD: 6/21/07
Isssue: IUGR, echogenic intracardiac focus (calcium deposit on ventricle), high protein in urine - risk of developing pre-eclampsia


Sage
Me: Megan
DH: Scott
EDD: 3/02/07
Issue: Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS)
Other Children: Ashley - 8/18/05
Outcome: TTTS Survivors: Aidan (recipient) 5lbs, 11 oz, 5 days in NICU; Owen (donor) 5lbs, 7.5 oz, 8 days in NICU - born 2/1/07 at 35 wks, 6 days

Tgal
Me: Tara
DH: Chris
EDD: 12/21/07
Issues: Hypertension; Partial placenta previa; pre-eclampsia watch; Choroid Plexus Cyst detected on 18 week ultra sound and more than likely Gestational Diabetes (had it with dd, waiting for early 1-hr results).

Whitlockan
Me: A
DH: J
EDD: Z 3/21/2007
Issue(s): SUA (aka 2 vessel cord)
Outcome: Zachary Aiden, 3/24 @ 1:49 pm, 7 lbs 8 oz, 20 inches long


Always in our hearts......

Lorbo
Me: lori
DH: jimbo
EDD: 6/15/07
Issue(s): rh sensitization
DD-Brooke 1/03
DS-James 1/05

[Amie]

Tina,
I'm not PG but I wanted to wish you the best of luck! You have a stressful situation but it sounds like you have a great attitude!

Best of luck to you!!!

[Tonysweetie]

I would love to join here. I just got told I'm considered high risk today. I thought I was 8 weeks 1 day but had to go to the ER last night with some minor spotting. THey did a beta drawl and an ultrsound and the baby is measuring smaller than we thought. It measures at 6 weeks 1 day. So 2 weeks behind. Since the spotting my dr. put me on bedrest for 2 weeks and I will be monitored with ultrasounds and b/c of the spotting they labled me "threatened abortion" so I'm little nervous but trying to stay calm. Good luck to you that has got to be sooo scary but I will pray everything will be fine!!! God Bless!!!

[Brink]

Amie - thanks for the well wishes. Is Amie your first name? If you noticed, my daughters name is Aimee.......

Tonysweetie - Good luck to you as well. I know it must be really hard to be on bedrest, but think how much it will be worth it in the end. I hope that little one sticks around. Keep me posted.

[Ericka_Jarett]

I'm no longer pregnant, but was high risk with previous infant loss probably caused by incompetent cervix, which was definately diagnosed in this pregnancy. My son came at 35w 6d just last Tuesday.

[Sully130]

Brink - Congratulations on your pregnancy. I know you must be scared, but it sounds like you have a fabulous attitude and from experience, I believe that makes all the difference in the world. It certainly can't hurt! I hope your babies make a healthy appearance into the world when the time is right.

You said this:
hearing about positive outcomes when the odds are stacked against us (and our babies)!
...so I thought I'd post.

It's funny to me... When I started my last pregnancy I was deemed technically "high risk" because I had had a miscarriage previously and an infant loss because of a freak genetic problem. Little did I know, I would soon learn what a real high risk pregnancy was all about. My water broke at 16w3d. I was told my child had a 5% chance (at best) of surviving. I was told I'd be luckier than lucky if he made it to 32 weeks and if he did, they'd deliver him right then. I prepared myself for the worst, but I tried to stay positive and focus on the chance (no matter how small) that he'd be okay.

The days turned into weeks, the weeks turned into months...and after lots of prayer, more than 30 ultrasounds and tons of NSTs, and 20 weeks of strict bedrest and a few weeks of light activity, my healthy son was born by induction at 38w5d. So yes, the positive outcomes do happen even in times of the worst kinds of adversity. You just have to believe. I hope you get your miracle too.

I hope others going through high risk pregnancies will post because I know it's hard feeling like you are the only one. It's nice to find support. Take care!

[lorbo]

i thought i'd add my last pregnancy for you...both of my pregnancies were deemed high risk immediately...due to antibodies, also known as sensitization-the whole rh - deal...where i was sensitized and baby/babies could be + and my immune system would try to kill off the baby's red blood cells. thankfully, DD was pretty much a normal-high risk pregnancy...amnio showed she was - and the peri docs backed off on their monitoring. with DS, there was always a instinct that he was going to be a problem. christmas week of 2004, his doppler levels were climbing-we did not do an amnio-because in the two years since DD's birth, perinats concluded that less invasive dopplers were just as effective as amnios and better for baby/mom. the following week, his dopplers were sky high and i was admitted to the hospital at 30 1/2 weeks, over new years weekend for steroid injections...and that monday, i was to have an in utero blood transfusion-with the knowledge that if DS's red blood count was horrible...they'd take him in a heartbeat. he was transfused and all was well for two weeks. i had an u/s on a friday and everything was fine-dopplers were climbing again...but i had two u/s a week. the next u/s-just 3 days later, showed fluid around his heart and some free floating fluid and my heart sunk-the tech didn't have to say a word...i felt like i'd been punched in the gut at that point. the peri told me about another transfusion and hospitalization. my doc tried to get me to go across the street to the hospital right away...but my mom was watching DD at home, i was supposed to go to work, i had to talk to DH, etc. i told the dr i was 7 minutes away, i needed to get stuff in order and i'd be back at the hospital in an hour tops. my ob/gyn showed up and talked to me...kept bringing up if i need to get that baby out, etc...at one point i said do you see yourself delivering this baby tonight or tomorrow...she said yes, and it sunk in...just 32 1/2 weeks along and DS was sick. the hospital's NICU is excellent...um, but they had an RSV infection and the head of it wouldn't allow DS in-probably a wise decision due to the congestive heart failure and ensuing respiratory problems. if my doc delivered at this hospital, DS would be taken away almost immediately and i wouldn't see him for weeks. i was sent to the city-about an hour away via ambulance, i was attacked by nurses, residents and docs immediately and was told how he seemed like a good size for his age-almost 5 lbs and how did i want him delivered-i chose vaginal...but the resident felt he wasn't dealing with the contractions well-i still question that...so i had an emergent c/s and DS was born at 1:24am on 1/18/05 4lbs 11oz-he spent 5 weeks in two NICUs-he was on a respirator for a few hours, he had a very large volume blood transfusion where he had a good deal of his own blood removed and replaced and several other transfusions, he had some breathing issues, feeding issues and bilirubin issues. i had him moved back to my supposed to be delivered at hospital when their NICU was reopened. he continued to fight my antibodies and had to be admitted to children's hospital for a bunch of small volume transfusions and few large volume transfusions over a long weekend about a month after he was released from his primary stay...lots of vitamins and doctor visits later...he was finally pronounced healthy. at his one year visit in January, his doctor concluded that DS was done being a preemie and he's a happy, healthy bouncing boy who's constantly in to everything-people shake their head when they hear me say i'd like another baby, and they mention-like the last one wasn't enough trouble...my response is and will always be he's the light of my life...his smile melts my heart each and every day. so that is the story of my high risk pregnancy, i hope this helps.

[myangelsvw]

Brink - I'm 12 weeks, also expecting twins (fraternal) and considered high risk due to a previous pre-term delivery of identical twins at 21 weeks. With the last pregnancy, we actually had a momo diagnosis for about 3 weeks, until we saw the peri, so I've done some reading and know what you're looking at. It's terrifying, I know, but your chances get better the longer you go, so every day is progress. As for me, at this point, I'm just taking it easy because it's still so early. Peri has recommended stairs no more than a few times a day and no lifting anything more than 10 pounds. That's fine with me because I wouldn't feel comfortable doing much more. We'll start weekly cervix checks in another month or so. If everything stays long and tightly closed, I could make it with no more than additional monitoring. Or, we could end up with anything from cerclage and bedrest to hospital visits, drugs and steroids. We don't know why I went into labor last time, so it's a little nerve-wracking waiting to see if the same problems develop again or not. Obviously, I'd love to make it to March (3/14 is 38 weeks), but my goal right now is 28 weeks, which is right around New Years. If we can make it that far, the babies would have a very good shot. It seems like a long time away, so I'm on the one-day-at-a-time plan, too.

[Brink]

Thanks everyone for sharing. It really does help to know that we are not alone.

myangelsvw - it sounds like we are on the same track from a timing perspective. Let's just hope you and I are both still pregnant in January. It's funny - I was thinking before about my baby being due in March and what a great month that was to be born. I can't believe that I am now just praying these two make it to January - seems like such a huge difference in time. Your right, every day for us is a milestone.

lorbo - I am so glad everything turned out well and your DS is doing well. It certainly helps to hear the stories about positive outcomes when the road was so hard.

Sully130 - I can't believe your water broke at 16wks and you made it that far. That is incredible. If your baby can survive with 5% odds, I sure hope these two can make it with their 50% odds.

Ericka_Jarett - so sorry to hear about your daughter, but also relieved that they were able to determine the cause and save your son. I'm sure he is the light of your life right now.

[Kimmiebride]

Count me in!!

Most of you know my story by now, but for those who don't, I lost our son last year at 18w5d due the rupture of my membranes after my amnio. Our son also had bi-lateral club feet, and that could indicate a number of scary things, so we opted for the amnio. My membranes weren't fused on the whole right side of the sack, so it was tricky to manuever to do the amnio, and the membranes ruptured about a day or so later.

I am currently 11w4d (measuring 12w), and we had our NT scan today. My risks for downs and trisomy 18 & 13 went way down based on the blood work and the nuchal measurement (1.7) so no amnio this time unless something really worries us in the level II u/s which we will have on 10/31. Like Sully says positive outlooks are so important, and sometimes it's so hard to be positive, and sometimes we just need to bitch about how unfair it can be with others who truly get it! With postive thoughts, prayers and special care, we can have our miracle babies in our arms!!
Kimmie

[Sage]

Hi! I'd like to join too. I'm 15w6d pregnant with identical twin boys. This is my second pregnancy--my first pregnancy was super easy, went to 41 weeks and was eventually induced and had my little girl, who weigned 8lb5oz. She's 13 months now. It was a very easy pregnancy, all things considered. This pregnancy has been a little more eventful!

Everything was going great until I had some sudden, heavy bleeding at 11 weeks. I had a really early miscarriage before I got pregnant with my daughter, so I was pretty devastated thinking we were miscarrying again, especially considering I was almost out of the first trimester. We went in for an ultrasound a day later to see what was going on, and got the surprise of our lives when we found out we were having twins! The bleeding issue resolved itself--apparently the placenta was still forming and it's possible that it didn't quite attach all the way in one spot, but it shouldn't cause us any more problems.

The twins are monochorionic-diamniotic (one placenta, two sacs), so the doctors are worried about twin to twin transfusion syndrome due to the shared placenta. I go in for monitoring every two weeks so far. My ultrasound yesterday showed that the twins are the same size, which is awesome, but that the amniotic fluid levels are different, which is not good. So, I'm high risk due to the possibility of TTTS, although I haven't been diagnosed with this yet. I'm still in the watching phase.

I also had some issues with one of the babies' nuchal folds being a lot bigger than the other's at 11 weeks. The doctors told me this can be an early indicator of TTTS, or else it could indicate downs. We did the NT ultrasound, and my odds of downs came back at 1 in 197 for each twin. My odds based on age alone were 1 in 588, so I was pretty disappointed in the results. Both of the twins nuchal folds were within the normal range, so I'm not quite sure what happened there. I'm trying not to stress about it because the one twin's nuchal fold was very small, and the doctors told me that the chance of having one identical twin with downs and one without are next to impossible b/c they have the same chromosomes. We're not going to do an amnio since the odds of miscarriage increase when you're pregnant with twins, so we'll just have to look for indicators through ultrasound.

So, that's my story! Glad this thread is around. I'm not quite sure what this pregnancy has in store for me yet. So far it's just involved a ton of doctor visits and ultrasounds.

[jenahdawn]

I'm joining. I've also go mo-di, but don't know the "flavor" yet. (It took three different US to find the membrane, but it was there!)

Was told at my last appt, because of family history, I'm higher risk to develop gd and high bp. (Thanks, dad and dad's side! YAY Genetics!)

Also had lots of bleeding already, so an eye is being kept on me, but otherwise, I feel good. And I'm hoping to stay that way!

I also had surgery back in January where it was discovered I had endometriosis, so the doctor was very happy it happened so quickly for us.

I don't do individual shout outs, nor do I respond a lot, but I will be reading and hoping for everybody!!!

[usafwife]

I haven't been diagnosed as high risk yet but do have risk factors for becoming high risk. I was on bedrest for a while with my first pregnancy due to severe swelling that would not go away with the usual "put your feet up and relax" routine. I also had severe HG and was on several meds to even allow me to be able to function in my day-to-day life.

This time around I've got thyroid issues (which one doc says makes me high risk especially because my levels weren't controlled when we got pregnant. I'd been hyper following the birth of my DD and found out I'm hypo at the beginning of this pregnancy) which could cause problems as the pregnancy progresses (it's already caused one problem), increased risk of the severe swelling again, and HG again with this pregnancy. Almost 3 wks ago I landed myself in the ER due to high BP and contractions after nearly losing my mom (was told it was a stroke only to find out about 15 hours later it was a ruptured cerebral aneurysm). I also had several wks (almost 7 wks) of constant spotting at the beginning of this pregnancy (which concerned me greatly since we'd already suffered one m/c previously) which was due to the thyroid problem.

Sully ~ I'm still amazement of your little baby boy. It gives me such strength to think of him and everything you went through to make sure you gave him the best chance at surviving. He definitely is a strong-willed little boy. I'm so happy for you.

[Brink]

Thanks for joining ladies, I'm sorry that we all have this in common, but at least we can share with each other.

I've never started a thread before - should we have some type of a roster of members? Would I just go back to the first post and insert everyone's info?

Welcome - Kimmie, Sage, Jena, USAWife

Kimmie - I read your post over in 35+ also. So glad to hear the NT results came back positive. You deserve a little relief.

Sage/Jena - Since both of you are Di-Mo - have you visited the following site: http://www.monoamniotic.org/ This site is dedicated to MoMo (which is me) and DiMo twins. There is a ton of information and the chat room there has so many success stories that it really gives you a lot of hope for a successful and long pg. I think you guys would fall into the "misdiagnosed" category. Those are people that originally were thought to be MoMo but instead ended up DiMo. I haven't visited it much, but I think they talk about TTTS and those types of things a lot.

Good luck everyone - let's hang in there until the end!

[Brink]

I forgot to mention - I received my rented doppler in the mail today. The twins hearbeats are 145 and 149. That sounds low compared to many other h/b that I hear about - but since they are consistent, I'm not going to worry too much.

Have a great night everyone!

[Kimmiebride]

Tina glad to hear you got your doppler, and some peace to hear their heartbeats!! I don't think we need a roster... we have enough stuff to worry about - no need to have to worry about updating and all that jazz. Just makes more work for ya, and you don't need that...
Ok, 10 more weeks!! Here's hoping it flies by uneventfully for all of us!!
Kimmie

[jenahdawn]

Brink,

I've essentially stopped reading stuff on the internet. And in books (unless I need a definition) because it makes me worry too much. And you don't get a lot of happy stories out of it. I'm almost 18 weeks and I'm trying not to worry or think about anything until the Magic 24! And I found not reading everything is helping me. Besides, until 24, whatever is going to happen is going to happen. After 24, something could be done about it.

It's the only way I can save my sanity between appts! (My next appt is 2 weeks from today and the 20 week US is 2 weeks and 2 days away!)

[Brink]

jenahdawn - for the most part I agree with avoiding the internet. The only thing I will say about that site is that it appears to be very different from all the rest. It is a site for women that have found nothing but bad news on the internet and need a place to share the actual facts and the success stories rather than the doom and gloom. It was the only place that I was able to find information on Momo twins that was positive and it helped me a lot. Obviously up to you if you choose to visit, but I just wanted to let you know there are many positive things there that might make you feel better.

Also - congrats on your 18 weeks. I know every day is a victory!

[jenahdawn]

Also - congrats on your 18 weeks. I know every day is a victory!

Thanks. I'm just getting anxious to feel kicks. My doc said he wouldn't be surprised if I didn't until 20. (I feel them shifting, if that makes sense, more of a "Oh, this was a soft place, must make it hard now!" feeling.)

[katmg]

I wouldn't consider myself "high-risk" per se, but I had to have a cerclage due to an incompetent cervix and did have some spotting issues early in the pgncy that they were afraid meant another m/c. Luckily, I am now 25 weeks and everything seems to be going fine. Hopefully, my doctor will remove the cerclage at 36 weeks and I'll go from there!

I'm wondering how you are handling questions from other people. I get a lot of questions like, "So how's everything going so far?" Do these acquaintances/coworkers really want a blow by blow on my cervix? I'm not sure they *need* to know that kind of information so I typically just tell them, "things are going fine now." It just seems weird to lie about what has been, at times, very stressful. I also feel like it does a disservice to other women to perpetuate the idea that pregnancy is easy and that every pregnancy ends in having a healthy baby. Do you tell other people about the issues with your pregnancy or do you just let it slide?

[Sage]

I agree with Kimmie on the roster thing--I'm sure we can all keep track of each other!

Brink - Thanks for the reference to that website, it's a great resource. I am ALL over the internet looking up stuff. I've also been on the TTS Foundation's website--they have a good message board too with a lot of information and positive outcomes, although there are definitly sad stories there too.

Jenahdawn - So have your twins shown any signs of TTTS? I'm thinking not since you haven't mentioned it. I hate that I'm kind of in this ambiguous area with it--don't have it, but watchful monitoring. Ugh! I wouldn't worry about not feeling them move yet...this is your first pregnancy, right? I didn't feel my daughter until I was about 21 weeks. I'm 16 weeks now and I think I just started feeling movement, although I'm really not confident yet that it's actually them and not just in my mind.

Katmg - Welcome! I am like an open book - I swear I just tell everybody who asks how I'm doing the whole story. I guess I don't want anyone to be surprised if things start to go wrong. Especially here at work - I have a very demanding job and I felt like I needed to prepare people that I'm going to be out a lot for ultrasounds, peri visits, and bedrest is a possibility. I would just tell people whatever you feel comfortable. It is hard to know that boundary of how much to tell, especially when something is so much the focus of your life right now.

Things with me are going good--there's not much to do until my next ultrasound on the 27th. The only thing I have been doing is trying to eat well and gain some weight! I'm also trying to drink two Ensure high protein drinks a day - some doctors think this is helpful if you're at risk for TTTS. Apparently the high protein helps prevent malnutrition and some doctors think this can help ward off TTTS. From what I've read, it could be a total crock but the TTTS Foundation supports this theory, and you know, I just am happy to be doing something rather than just waiting, since I feel like everything is totally out of my hands. It feels good to be in control of something, even if it does nothing to change my circumstances.

[Brink]

Telling others - I've been pretty open. If I'm talking to strangers, I just say, yep, twins! But if it is to anyone that I know, I usually say "we are having twins, but they are high risk - so we'll see". If they ask more, I tell them, if not - we just move on. I have some friends that want to gloss everything over and they say "oh, don't be worried, they'll be fine" and I stop them. I think it is all individual on how you deal with it. I can't walk around pretending that everything is fine. I think I have a pretty good attitude about it all, but a realistic one. When I talk about the babies, it's always with an IF I make it to 24wks, not a WHEN. I think that way I'm protecting my heart a little bit. I was telling a friend the other day that if they don't make it - it is really important to my well being that I view it as "I lost a pregnancy", not "I lost my babies". I don't know if that makes sense to anyone else, but for me that is how I have to deal with it.

Jena - I know what you mean by the "shifting". I have been feeling that for about a week now. I didn't feel anything with my prior pg until about 18 wks. Between this being my second pg and there being two of them in there, I felt them between 13-14 wks. Now I get worried if I don't feel them (that's what my doppler is for!).

Sage - I've heard the same thing about the ensure drinks. I've been having at least one per day. It's so funny - my babies are also at risk for TTTS, but with the cord issues, that is just not something I have even started to worry about. I figure if they can stay in there another 10 wks without compressing their cords, then I'll worry about TTTS. But, at our last visit they were measuring exactly the same size, so I guess that is good news.

My next appt is the 25th with a new specialist closer to home. I sure hope I like this one.

[usafwife]

Thanks. I'm just getting anxious to feel kicks. My doc said he wouldn't be surprised if I didn't until 20. (I feel them shifting, if that makes sense, more of a "Oh, this was a soft place, must make it hard now!" feeling.)

I wouldn't worry about not feeling kicks/movements from them yet. I didn't feel DD move (or at least that I could be sure was her and not something else) until I was between 18 and 20 wks.

I'm wondering how you are handling questions from other people. I get a lot of questions like, "So how's everything going so far?" Do these acquaintances/coworkers really want a blow by blow on my cervix? I'm not sure they *need* to know that kind of information so I typically just tell them, "things are going fine now." It just seems weird to lie about what has been, at times, very stressful. I also feel like it does a disservice to other women to perpetuate the idea that pregnancy is easy and that every pregnancy ends in having a healthy baby. Do you tell other people about the issues with your pregnancy or do you just let it slide?

I've gotten the questions from friends and family that know about what happened that night. I just tell them that I'm taking things easy, trying to keep my stress level down, and we will see the doc says when we go. Not every pregnancy is easy, that's for sure. A few of my friends and most immediate family know about my thyroid condition and that it could mean problems as we go along. Most know that I didn't have an easy pregnancy with DD (extremely sick, severe swelling) and they just hope that things are better this time around. I've been told to let the hospital personnel know if we have any problems while we are there during this pregnancy. And I make sure that I have my medical records with me so that if anything did happen we have them with us along with my OB's numbers.

[Brink]

usafwife - that's a really good point about having your medical records with you. I was advised to find all of the hospitals between home & work that have a level III NICU just in case something happens. If there are two hospitals within the same driving distance, I want to make sure I'm at the right one!

[jenahdawn]

Sage, at my last US (12 weeks), they were measuring 12w and 12w1d, and the doctor didn't seem worried. Though, after 20 weeks, he's going to have me monitored more frequently just to be sure. Since he hasn't said anything and doesn't seem worried, I can't worry.

I don't have records with me (as the only time between now and when they come will be the weekend before Thanksgiving 2 1/2 hours away~~~Thanksgiving and Christmas will be at our house because I don't want to travel two weeks in a row, and by Christmas time, the doctor doesn't want me traveling (30-32 weeks) BUT...my husband is fully aware (as are both sets of parents) that my doc's number and hospital ER (triage) number are programmed into my phone and will be in my husbands phone soon.

Otherwise, when I get up (in the middle of the night, after sitting for a while, if I am taking a bath) and my ankles and tops of my feet feel prickly and kind of itchy. Not swollen, but prickly and itchy. Anyone else?

[jenahdawn]

Also, does anyone else have goals for their pregnancy? I know some of them I can't really control, but I have goals, beyond getting past 24 weeks (doctor's first goal)

So, with a 2/22 due date, but he (doc) won't let me go past 2/8:

1. PAST my husband's birthday (1/9, doc thinks late January, I'm okay with that)

2. At LEAST 5 lbs each at birth.

3. Take them home with us when we go home!

4. Keep stress down (I've already discovered contractions don't feel good)

Anyone else have goals they would like to share?

[Brink]

jenahdawn - I haven't felt anything with the prickly feet. I didn't with my last pg either, so I don't know where that is coming from.

Goals - I hadn't really thought of them all at once before - kinda scary to put them down - here goes.....

December 1st - hoping to be admitted to the hospital (babies will be just over 24 wks).

January 1st - Really hoping I am still pg (babies will be 29 wks).

My Birthday - January 29th - the babies would be 33wks and the maximum they will let me go is 34, so that is pretty much my ultimate goal - to have these babies born on my birthday.

Going home with the babies is too far out of possibility for it to actually be a goal, so I'll say - no more than 2 weeks in the NICU is my goal.

Weight - I would be happy with 4 lbs each and every ounce over that is a win.

Good topic. It's funny how your perspective changes. Most pg women think - I really hope I don't have to stay in the hospital and I hope my babies don't have to be in the NICU. I am praying that I get to spend at least 10 weeks in the hospital and that my babies make it to the NICU. Funny how a week can change all perspectives.

[jenahdawn]

B~I also get amused when I see threads (just the titles, I've never read them) about people concerned with child spacing (Well, I hope, if I have a c-section, to have 1-2 minutes inbetween...)

I figured, it was way too easy for us to get pregnant (sorry for anyone who had a struggle, but we're all here now!), I was due for a bit of an interesting time.

My mantra: I will do whatever's best for them. (If that means I am in the hospital on bedrest for Christmas, then I am in the hospital on bedrest at Christmas...among all the other "fun" things that could happen)

[Brink]

My first pg with my daughter was so easy. Completely textbook (except the delivery which ended up c-section). She has been the perfect baby. Sleeps through the night since she was 8wks old. Rarely cries, etc. I told people all along that were jealous of her that I would eventually pay. I just didn't know how true that was.

[Kimmiebride]

I wish everyone's pregnancies could just be easy... My first seemed easy, no sickness, felt great right up until the end... at 18 weeks. Then I had all these complications to make it worse... blood clots, and several hospitalizations. At least we know about my clotting problems for this pregnancy, and I just have to take two shots a day to the stomach. A small price to pay for a hopefully happy outcome. I have way more doctor visits, and am being seen by the perinatologist since the beginning. It's stressful, but I think if I was classified as "normal" again this time, I'd lose my mind with worry in between visits. I have thought about getting a doppler, but haven't gone ahead yet. Feeling the tiniest bit of movement every once and a while which is reassuring. Can't wait for big fat kicks in the gut! My mom always says, "God never gives you more than you can handle..." but sometimes I wonder. I just want one healthy baby that I get to bring home and raise, and for me to be healthy too. Does that seem like too much to ask?? :)
Kimmie

[pixiecat]

Hi ladies -
I feel bad for lurking so I wanted to say hello and to tell you that you are all very inspiring! Brink is a friend from the Sept 05 mamas thread and we are all pulling for her and the babies over there too!

Just wanted to let you know that many prayers and good thoughts are coming your (and your babies') way.

[klm2klh]

Just wanted to wish you all good thoughts and healthy pregnancies.

I had a high risk pregnancy - also twins (fraternal), and started experiencing preterm labour at about 28 weeks. I was due in late March and always assumed that I would deliver in March and then all of a sudden I was hoping to make it until then end of January.

I survived almost 10 weeks of bedrest & hospitalization and ended up being induced at 37 weeks due to high blood pressure. I delivered 2 healthy baby boys (5 lb. 12 oz. and 5 lb. 14 oz).

We had many scares along the way including the possibility that one of our guys wasn't growing properly. I know what many of you are going through and just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you all.

[Brink]

Kimmie - I didn't realize you were getting two shots per day in your belly. I don't think that is something I could ever get used to, but I guess we do what we have to. I have a doppler and really like it. I rented one with my last pg too (and that one was normal). It always made me feel better on the days when I had overdone it or was feeling icky. I could check her for myself and know that everything was ok. I'm trying not to use it too much with this pg, since it is tempting to check them constantly. I'm trying to limit myself to every other day. I too am waiting for the big kicks - although the quieter my babies are, the better.

Pixiecat - thanks for saying hi - you guys in my September 05 thread are the best!

Klm2kh - so glad to hear your boys are ok. I'll have to get some advice from you on how to survive 10 wks in the hospital and not go crazy!

Feeling kinda icky tonight. I've been really short tempered with everything this evening. My dogs are bugging me, my daughter is whining and I have a tummy ache (which I think is just gas issues- TMI). I'm just ready for the day to be over so I can go to bed! This is really not like me, so I think I'm just over tired and tomorrow I'll feel good again.

[la_bride_2004]

18w5days

I think this is where I belong. After the loss of a twin at 7 weeks, a cerclage and being hospitalized for a kidney infection/kidney stone (I may be again in a day or 2- my infection is back and due to drug allergies I need to be on IV antibiotics), I am now high risk. I may have permanent kidney damage- verdict is still out. Because they can't keep the infection down, I know that also raises my risk of pre-term labor.

It also took us nearly 3 years to get pregnant, a round of IVF, FET, 2 rounds of injectibles, surgery for my husband, and 3 early miscarriages. Not sure what to say; it just hasn't been an easy ride.

I'm also fairly certain I never want to do this again. I have never been in more pain in my life than from the stones and the infections. I worry all the time about the drugs in my system and the harm I may be causing our baby. Anyone else feel this way?

Lastly, I too am at a loss as to what to tell people. People always ask "so, do you have morning sickness?" like that's the only possible ailment. I wish it were that simple. Getting through each day is the most I can do right now.

[Sage]

Wow, this thread has gotten busy! Brink, I think our daughters are on the same wavelength tonight. Mine woke up in the middle of the night, which she never does, and I'm having a ton of trouble falling back asleep. It's funny how you're so used to getting up in the middle of the night when they're first born, but then once they start sleeping through the night it is so hard to get up! Hopefully it will come easy again when the twins are born.

jenahdawn - That's awesome your twins are measuring so close. The extra monitoring is nice b/c we get to see the twins so much, but it's also stressful b/c I'm always panicky right before I go in that something's wrong. I'm glad your docs have not been worried--the first peri I saw was a total stress-case and I think it set the tone for me to be worried about everything. I have a new peri now who's much more positive about everything, so I think that will really help me start to relax.

kimmie - gosh, I can't believe you have to have two shots in the stomach every day!! You really are a trouper. I'm sure it will all be worth it in the end when you have your babe in your arms!! I'm excited for the big kicks too--it is a very reassuring feeling. I cannot even imagine what it's going to feel like to have two babies in there kicking.

la_bride - I'm so sorry about the loss of one of your twins. That must have been so hard, and I can't even imagine how you're feeling. And the kidney problems on top of everything else are not helping at all, I'm sure. I'm sorry it has been such a tough ride for you--it's really not fair that getting and staying pregnant is so hard for some and so easy for others. Hopefully we'll all be able to support each other through the next few months and there will be happy outcomes for all of us!

Goals - I really haven't even thought about goals, honestly. I've been so in the moment with this pregnancy--I'm basically operating on a two week time schedule and I don't think I've really thought about what happens beyond the two week periods before my next ultrasounds. Thinking optimistically, I'd like to get to at least 36 weeks, have the twins weigh at least 6 pounds each, no NICU time and have a vaginal birth. Not sure if this is possible, but trying to be optimistic here. It's so hard to even picture having a baby early--like I said earlier in the thread, my DD was induced at 41 weeks and weighed 8lb5oz. So it's really hard for me to picture going early and having a tiny baby.

[cr8zyforaf]

I also just wanted to pop in - Brink is my Sept 05 mommy buddy.

You women are so strong!! I will continue to think good thoughts and pray for all of you!!

[jenahdawn]

Kimmie: "God never gives you more than you can handle..." but sometimes I wonder.


Mother Teresa used to say, "God only gives me what I can handle...I just wish he didn't trust me so much." :)

I start to get freaked right about now. (2 weeks after the last appt, 2 weeks before the next) Not freaked, maybe anxious.

My doctor is fantastic. He's a resident (3rd year) and there are a group of 4 very experienced doctors who manage/supervise them. They are in the hospital I will deliver at and, literally, down the hall are the perinatologists. Also, the hospital is the first in the country to receive...I don't remember what it was called, an award for pre and post natal care (either late last year or early this year), so I am quite confident in them. It's just ME I worry about!

[Tonysweetie]

Wow all of you are truly amazing! Even though as of right now I'm not going through a lot of this stuff but I am on bedrest with little bleeding. I'm just praying it doesn't get any worse and goes away so I can get back to normal and hoping this little one keeps growing. I had an ultrasound yesterday at 6 weeks 6 days and the baby's heartrate jumped from 128 bpm last week to 160bpm yesterday. I was thrilled! I'm still waiting on the doctor to call me and let me know the results of the u/s. I'm praying everything looks fine!

My goals: To make it to full term. At least 37 weeks! Have easy labor, under 4hours, and have an epi. and have a vaginal birth and the baby to weigh at least 6-7 lbs. and have no health issues! I also and hoping me and baby do well and not have any probelms and get to come home shortly, within a few days. Lets just hope this happens!

[Brink]

la bride - What a rocky road you have been on. It must be really hard to juggle the feelings of happiness over being pregnant, the loss of a twin and the kidney issues. I certainly hope there isn't any permanent damage and that you and your baby are very healthy. I can't comment on the affects of drugs. With my type of high risk, there are not any drugs involved at this point. I can see where the concern is. It's like - which is the worst of two evils??????

Cr8zy - thanks for saying hi!!!!!!!

Jena - Here's to hoping your next 2wks fly by. I'm surprised they are only checking you every 4 wks. I thought that most high risk pg's were checked every 2 wks. Maybe that's just me because of the cord issues.

Tonysweetie - so sorry you are on bedrest. I hope your visit here with us high risk ladies is a short one and your pg gets back on the "normal" track.

Feeling better today. I definitely ate something bad yesterday. I ended up checking the babies h/b before bed just to make sure it wasn't them. Their h/b's were up about 10 beats from the day before. But, they were in the 150's so, I think they are just fine.

My daughters first birthday party is this weekend. At least I have something to help take my mind off of making it another week. Come on week 15!

[Brink]

Jena - I know you are trying to avoid the internet, but I did go onto my monoamniotic site and looked for info regarding frequency of visits for DiMo twins. The TTTS foundation recommends checking them every two weeks. I certainly don't want to alarm you, but do you think you could talk to your doctor and insist on more frequent screenings?

[jenahdawn]

(It's Jenah)

There's nothing that can be done until 20 or 24 weeks anyway.

Starting with my next appt (20 weeks) he's going to have me monitored every 2 weeks.

[Brink]

Jenah (sorry about that)- sounds like you and your doc have it figured out. Glad to hear you will get to see the babies every 2wks very soon. If nothing else, it will help the anxiety in between visits. I forget, do you know if they are boys or girls?

[jenahdawn]

That's part of the next appt! (As I call it, finding out the flavor of our babies!)

My doc treated me for nearly a year before I got pregnant (for other issues), he knows me quite well, enough to know to not worry me because I panic and stress and get nervous and that's the last thing he wants. It's not that he keeps info from me, he just has learned how to ease me into it. (It helps that my husband goes to every appt, too)

[Brink]

How is everyone feeling today?

Not much going on around here. I am just waiting for my appt. with the new specialist next week. I also am trying to get an appt. with a different specialist so that I can interview both of them and determine which one I like better. With this pg, I guess it is really important to see if they agree with certain studies and courses of treatment. It's scary to think that the decision I make about who my dr. is could mean life or death for these little babies.

I haven't felt them move today, which scares me. I'm trying not to get worried since at 14 wks, I won't feel them consistently anyway. These are the times when I have to use restraint to not pull my doppler out everyday.

[Sage]

Hi all, not much is new with me. My next ultrasound isn't until next week, so I'm hoping everything is going along well this week. I've started to notice some significant movement, especially from Baby B who is higher. In fact, it feels like a good kick even though I don't see my belly move or anything. It's so strong I even wonder if it's actually the baby since I think it's kinda early to be feeling such a strong jab. I asked my regular OB about it last time I saw her and she said it could be the baby or it could be my uterus stretching or whatever. I'll ask the peri about it next time I see him.

Brink - Wanted to say good luck with your interview with the new specialist. I agree that it's really important to find someone compatible with you. I think I said earlier that I went to the first high-risk doc when I had my bleeding episode (the day we discovered we were having twins), and she got me and DH all worked up about TTTS, down syndrome, the works.... It was so stressful. My regular OB saw me a few days later and referred me to a different high-risk doctor who is a MUCH better fit for me. Just as knowledgable, but way more positive and available for questions, etc. So I think it's really good you're interviewing to make sure you've got the best fit for you.

Also, wanted to say that I bought the Boost high protein drink at the grocery store the other day instead of Ensure b/c it was on sale, and I think it tastes SO much better. It's less thick so it's not as hard to drink. I think the chocolate is the best flavor even though I'm not a huge chocolate person. Okay, now I feel like an old lady talking about Ensure vs. Boost. :) Hope the rest of you are doing well!

[Kimmiebride]

man, am I ever cranky today. I think I want to rip everyone's head off... i am usually relatively patient with people, but I volunteer for this organization, and have spent a lot of time on a project that people completely disregarded deadlines for. I am just so pissed at them for making my life hell because they were "busy." As if I wasn't busy too...

ok, end of rant. Nothing to do with high risk, but just how I am feeling today!
Kimmie

Must add that as I was responding a really good friend who is on the same board said she wanted to take me to dinner to thank me for all the work I did. awwww... very sweet. Hope I can get over the crankies and have a nice dinner!

[Brink]

Sage - thanks for the tip on Boost. I'll have to try it. I've been having 2 ensure drinks per day - it would be nice to have something else too.

Kimmie - people can just be so rude! I'm glad that at least you get to go out to dinner with someone who appreciates your work.

Checked the babies h/b this morning. They are still around 145, so that is good.

I'm off to do some shopping - my one year old's b-day party is tomorrow!

[Tonysweetie]

Brink: I hope your daugther has a great birthday!!!! Sounds like fun. Good luck with your interviews. I'm sure you'll make the right decision in whatever one you pick. :) God Bless!!!


Not much going on with me today. DH is pulling me off bedrest tonight to take me out to eat. I'm so excited! lol. It's amazing what things you learn to appriciate once you can't do it anymore.

I'm a little worried about this infection I have. When I was in the ER last week (for bleeding) the Dr. there told me I have BV (Bacterial Vaginosis) and I was given MetroGel to cure it. It was a 5 day antibotic. Well I finished it about 3 days ago adn I can still feel the symptoms. I know if BV is left untreated it can lead to preterm labor or miscarriage or lowbirth weight. So course I'm scared trying to get ahold of my doctor to call me in another prescription. I called the office this morning and they said they would take care of it and when I called my pharmacy earlier they said my dr. hasn't called it in yet. So I call my Dr. back and they are closed for the day. So now I have to wait until Monday. In the meantime I'm scared something is going to happen. I do have a little bit of the cream left I thought about going ahead and using it over the weekend until I can get into the Dr. on Monday but I probably shouldnt' since my Dr. didn't tell me too. What's a girl to do????

[Brink]

Tonysweetie - I don't know anything about BV - but my guess is that if it is left untreated for a long time, it would be an issue. I can't imagine a couple of days making a difference. If so, you would think the dr. would have made a bigger deal of it, right? Like I said, I don't know anything about it, just trying to put your mind at ease. Yeah for getting out of the house!

[Sage]

Hi all, it's been kinda quiet in here lately. Hope everyone is doing well!

I had my ultrasound this morning and it went really well. They didn't measure the babies size, which seemed a little weird to me, but they told me that they look the same and don't appear to have changed much since my last visit. Bladders, hearts, and everything looked normal. There is still a difference in the amniotic fluid levels, but they said it was only a slight difference. And, they said the fluid levels aren't really a case of one having too much and the other not enough--instead, one has a normal amount and the other has a little excess. So, that made me feel better about the whole thing.

I go back in one week in order to keep monitoring them closely. The only thing that bummed me out is that my peri didn't recognize me. He asked me who my regular peri was, and I was like "...uh, you." And then he laughed and said, "I know that but when do you see him next?" And I was like, "...uh, I see you on Oct. 3rd." It was awkward and I think he was totally covering that he didn't remember me. I've only seen him one other time, so I guess I shouldn't be too upset, but it's kind of nervewracking to know that the doctor who's supposed to be looking out for your best interests doesn't even know you're his own patient. Ugh.

Other than that, things were really good. I've totally started feeling the twins move a lot, which is really fun. Baby B gives me some really strong kicks. Baby A's are more subtle b/c he's lower. At least I think that's what's going on!

Well, hope the rest of you are doing well. Would love to hear some updates on how everyone's feeling.

[Brink]

Sage - glad to hear your u/s went well today. Frustrating about the dr's. I always think the same thing - they should recognize me AND remember all my details!

We had our meeting with the new Peri today. I think I like him. He has a long list of credentials and currently has two other patients with MoMo twins. The visit was rather short as he wants me to come back in two weeks for a really detailed u/s. But, we did see the babies today and he said they looked great. They didn't measure size or anything like that, but he did say..........they are boys! The odds of them being boys is really low. I only had a 1 in 60,000 chance of having MoMo (monochorionic/monoamniotic) twins and of those that survive, only 15% are male. I originally thought we were having a boy but talked myself out of it in the last couple of weeks because of the stats. I guess we should always trust our instincts.

So, I go back on October 12th for the detailed review. He did say that so far the cords looked good. Let's just keep our fingers crossed that these two boys stay on their own side of their room! Oh, and I forgot to mention - he said one of them was kicking the other one in the "you know what". Looks like they are a handful already!

[sunmoonstars75]

I come in here with a heavy heart. jenahdawn went into labor on Tuesday night, and there was nothing the doctors could do to stop it. She gave birth to two beautiful little girls yesterday morning at 6:25 am and 6:35 am. They looked like two perfect angels. She and her family are grieving terribly right now, so please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

[lawgirl4]

jenahdawn - I know that no words can help during this difficult time... I just wanted to let you know my thoughts are with you and your family.

[Sage]

Jenahdawn - Oh my God, I am so, so, so sorry. I wish I knew what to say. Please know that I'll be thinking and praying for you and your family.

[Kimmiebride]

Oh, Jenahdawn!! Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. When I lost my son at 18w5d, I found great comfort in the late-term, stillborn and infant loss group on CC. Sadly, there are many ladies there who feel the same pain. I found it helped me greatly to be able to talk and vent there. Be gentle with yourself, and I pray for peace to wrap around you.
Kimmie

[katmg]

Jenahdawn - I am so, so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[jenahdawn]

Just pasting because I can't go through it again.

The hardest part is that it's still considered a miscarriage or "spontaneous abortion" at 19 weeks. (Well, ONE of the hardest parts.)

We got home a few hours ago. He's sleeping behind me and I'm bawling.

Tues night I started having contractions. I was dialated to 2 cm. After 2 hours, I was at 3 cm and was moved "upstairs" to L&D.

6:15 am Wed, Sept 27, my water broke. By 6:30~ish, my beautiful baby girls were here. Katie was 7.8 oz and 22cm long (8 3/4 inches) and Chloe was 6 oz and 20 cm (8 inches) long. And they were absolutely perfect.

This afternoon, we gave our little angels away so their ashes can be spread over a flower garden so everyone can appreciate their beauty.

But I just want them in our arms again.

Recovering mentally, emotionally AND physically....this is the worst pain anyone can ever feel and the one thing I hope no one else ever has to.

We were told to wait 6 months before trying again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Because of the size difference, the doctor and I talked about how it looked the the beginnings of TTTS (It may not SOUND like a big difference when reading it, but it was a BIG difference) and how I want to think of it as someone else ("upstairs" if you will) decided that it would have been very hard and the outcome would have been bad, so they ended it early for us. This way, it was nothing wrong with them, nothing wrong with me, it was just a cruel chance.

It still doesn't help with the guilt.

I wish everyone well.

[Brink]

Jenah - I can't even begin to imagine your pain. I am so sorry for your loss. I know there isn't anything we can say to make the pain any easier, but know that you can always come here and have a place to vent/cry or whatever you need. Try as hard as you can not to feel guilty, it wasn't your fault!

Take care and many hugs to you from my family. My DH also sends his sympathy.

[usafwife]

Jenah ~ I've already posted this in our group thread but I just wanted to express my sympathy again to you and your family. Please do not blame yourself in any way. It isn't your fault. I know it's hard not to feel guilty or blame yourself as I did that following the miscarriage we went through.

{{{HUGS}}}

[Sage]

Jenahdawn - I can't even imagine what you're going through. The names you chose for your girls are beautiful. Please, please try not to make yourself feel guilty. Especally if it was TTTS, there is no way you did anything to cause it. It is just a horrible, horrible thing that can strike a mo-di or mo-mo identical twin pregnancy at any time, unfortunately. This was not your fault. Please try to hang in there and know that we are all thinking of you and here for you.

Brink - In the midst of all this sad news, I realized I didn't say congrats to you on the boys. I think boys will be great, although I'm biased b/c that's what we're having too. I'm glad the visit with the new specialist went well and that the twins are looking good.

[Brink]

16 weeks today!!!!!

I love counting off the weeks every monday. I know it doesn't mean we are going to make it, but at least we beat the odds a little longer. Only 8 more weeks until they are "safe". I can't wait until my next appointment so I can see if their cords are still looking good. I'm also starting to worry about TTTS and hope we avoided this one.

Sage - thanks for the congrats on the boys.

[Sage]

18w3d

Yay for 16 weeks, Brink! I love having the appointments often, too--it can provide a lot of reassurance when you're dealing with all these unknowns. Although I still get nervous the day before. This time I only have to wait a week in between ultrasounds, so that's great. I go in on Wednesday morning, so hopefully everything will be looking good. Gosh, I hope you've avoided TTTS too--you have enough on your plate with the cord issues!!

Hope everyone else is doing well.

[Sage]

18w5d

Had kind of a rough ultrasound this morning...I was officially diagnosed with having Stage I of TTTS. I burst into tears right there when the peri told me--I guess I really had my hopes up that we would avoid this even though the signs have been there.

Right now, they will just keep monitoring me with weekly ultrasounds. If I progress to a Stage III, they'll start medical interventions which could include serial amniocentesis or fetal laser surgery.

The good news is that neither twin appears to be in any distress from it so far. My donor twin still has a visible bladder and has room to move around, both babies' hearts look good, etc. There's about a 7% size difference between the two but the peri said they don't get too concerned until the size difference is greater than 25%.

So, I'm hanging in there but still pretty upset and really scared about what the future holds.

[usafwife]

Brink ~ Congrats on the boys!

Sage ~ I'm so sorry for the TTTS diagnosis. I will keep you in my prayers that it doesn't progress to stage III. I watched a show on Discovery Health a while back about TTTS and just thinking everything that those parents had to go through wasn't easy.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have what I think is the beginnings of pre-eclampsia. I've had headaches for a few days that don't go away. And this morning when I woke up my hands were a bit swollen. My one ring that has always been easy to get on and off isn't that way anymore. If things get worse I'll be calling to see if I can get in earlier. I also am going to ask about having my bloodwork repeated because I feel that my thyroid med needs to be adjusted. If it isn't one thing, it's another. I know these problems aren't as big or as difficult as what some of you are dealing with.

[Brink]

Sage - I am so sorry to hear about the TTTS diagnosis. They say you should start drinking 3 Ensure (Boost) with protein per day and get as much time lying down on your left side as possible. That seems to slow the process. I was poking around the TTTS site the other day and they have a pretty good message board section with people in various stages and it answers many questions. I agree that 7% isn't that much right now and it is just a very good thing you are being monitored regularly and were able to catch it. I think if you catch it early and start intervention, your prognosis is really good. We are pulling for you......

USAWife - I really hope you don't have pre-eclampsia. Glad you are watching the signs and can see someone right away. Let us know if you go see your doc and how things are looking. I hope you just have a bunch of water gain or something else going on.

As for me, nothing new going on here. I've had terrible backaches the last few days (right between my shoulder blades). It's getting hard to sit at my desk for work. I also get really bad chest pains sometimes at night (like last night) and they are painful. This pg is just so different from my first, I didn't have any issues and thought - what do women always complain for, this is easy!!!!! Boy, was I wrong.

[Brink]

USAWife - did you meet with your dr. about the pre-eclampsia signs? Just curious if everything is ok.

[usafwife]

Brink ~ Right now I'm keeping an eye on it. If I continue to keep having the headaches often I'll be contacting the office ASAP. The swelling has went down but I'm keeping an eye on it. Now if only I could get rid of the dizziness/lighheadedness I've had today things would be better.

[Sage]

Thanks guys, for the well wishes. I'm feeling better about everything, although very anxious for my next ultrasound to see how everything's progressing. It's not until next Thursday so it's going to be a long wait...

Brink - The TTTS message board is great. I found quite a few threads on it with women who managed to stay at Stage I their entire pregnancies and they credit it to the Boost 3x a day and bedrest. I talked to my peri about the Boost/bedrest plan, and he said the Boost was certainly worth a try but he didn't buy into the whole bedrest thing. I agree with him at this point, b/c after poking around a bit on the site it appeared to me that the bedrest is helpful if your amniotic fluid levels are off the charts and putting too much pressure on your cervix causing preterm labor. I'm still in the normal range overall, so I'm not too worried about the bedrest for now. I was only drinking one boost a day so now I'm up to 3. We'll see how it goes.... When is your next ultrasound??

USAWife - So glad you're feeling better--be sure to keep a close eye on the pre-e signs. How far along are you now?

[usafwife]

Sage ~ Thanks. I was watched pretty closely with my first pregnancy even though my BP readings were always great and I had no protein/sugar in my urine. I just had unexplained severe swelling that made walking even a chore (I gained a ton of water weight, had no shoes that I could wear after halfway through the pregnancy). Since the swelling didn't ever go away they basically treated me as though I was pre-e and limited my time on my feet and travel restrictions from 25 wks til I delivered.

I'm currently 22 wks (and depending upon what EDD they use I could be as far as nearly 23 or 24 wks) and 2 days.

[Brink]

Sage - glad to hear the site was helpful. I'm drinking 2 Ensure per day even though everything looks good so far. I figure it can't hurt. I sure hope the 3 boost per day do the trick.

My next appointment is on the 12th. That is the big one where he will spend about an hour checking everything about the babies. Hopefully that will all be good news.

[jeggink]

I would like to join in on this conversation, but warning that my pg may not go well beforehand.

I have had 2 m/c prior to this pg with D&Cs at 8.5 weeks in January and April for unknown causes. I also have a 2-yr old son with no complications. This pg I have been on baby asprin, progesterone. I was also on heparin for about a month at the beginning of the pg.

Anyway, I just had my Nuchal fold ultrasound and the fold measured 8mm, WAY out of range. We didn't even bother with the blood test. We also saw fluid on the brain. I have an amio scheduled on the 20th at 14 weeks, wait for results and we will see what comes out of that. If it isn't genetic, then we will need to do further u/s and go from there. I have read good outcomes up til 6mm, but after 7mm, the prognosis is very poor. We may lose the baby in utero.

I wasn't sure I wanted to post here, but we are unsure as to what will happen, good or bad, so we wait. I do not have high hopes, but am trying to keep some hope at least.

Jenah I have seen some of your posts and my heart goes out to you!

[Brink]

jeggink - So sorry to hear about the results of your Nuchal. It must be hard waiting for the test on the 20th. How long after that before you get results? I don't know a whole lot about the Nuchal test, we opted not to have it for either this pg or my first. I know it usually gives your odds of downs, but it sounds like yours detected more than that, right?

Also, while we all appreciate the happy endings, we are here for each other because of the hard times we are going through. Please don't hesitate to post, we are here to support each other and especially give support when things are tough. I think that even though all of our situations may be different, we can relate in one way or another. It's hard to post the bad things in our regular "due date" threads as many of the other mom's with normal pregnancies just don't have the same perspective. They can give support, but (thank goodness for them) they can't really relate.

Anyway, I hope everything goes well on the 20th.

[jeggink]

Brink Thanks, you are making me all teary. I am going to have the FISH results from the amnio which is speedier early result version of the results 1st and then the the full results. This is how it was explained to me.

FISH - THey take an individual cell from the amnio and look at that for genetic issues under a slide. If this is +, your final results will be +. If it is -. there is a possibility your final test results will come back + (they seperate out by chromosomal defect).

Final Results - Usually take about 10 days. This is where they grow the cells taken from the amnio and then look at them closer.

So, it may be a long wait. Yes, the nuchal is a screening for downs, but other items as well. We have a chance of Trisomy 13, 18, turners, downs, etc, also spina bifida and heart defects and other multiple issues. The amnio doesn't detect all genetic issues though, just some. With mine being so high, it probably will be genetic, downs or Turners most likely, and more likely to be a severe form.

There isn't a whole lot of information out there for measurements as high as mine. For those interested, here is a link. Go down to the Fetal neck and NT screening and look at the ultrasound pics. The abnormal one has my babies exact measurement and it also shows a normal meansurement. For the most part you will just see u/s, but one image is a bit more graphic, so please be aware.

http://radiographics.rsnajnls.org/cgi/content/full/24/1/157

The only reason I agreed to this ultrasound is that I had the 2 m/c and ruling out bloodwork on my side, it was most likely genetic.

[Sage]

jeggink - So sorry about the nuchal. We had the nuchal ultrasound too, and frankly, I just regret doing it at all. When we first found out about the twins we basically were so shocked we just signed up for everything they suggested that day, and they wanted us to come back in a week to do the nuchal b/c one twin was measuring 3.7mm (the other was under 1 mm). I was only 10 or 11 weeks at the first ultrasound, so they said they couldn't really rely on the measurements. By the time we went back the next week, the one twin's fold had gone down to 2.3 and the other's had increased to 1.3. They told me it could either indicate Downs or TTTS, but it was unlikely to be Downs b/c I'm having identical twins, so basically they should have identical chromosones, meaning that if one twin had Downs the other would too, and the one twin looked fine. But when I got the full results back from the ultrasound (including bloodwork), I was told I had a 1 in 197 chance of either twin having downs, vs. my age risk of 1 in 588. These results really stressed me out b/c I was expecting a much better result based on what the doctors told me. We opted not to do the amnio b/c it boiled down to a 95.5% chance that the twins would be okay and not have Downs, but I still worry about it quite often.

Anyway, I know this is a long story and actually pretty different from what you're going through, but I just wanted to commiserate on the nuchal ultrasound just plain sucking. I'm so sorry about the results and the waiting period you have to go through. And Brink is totally right, we are definitely here to support each other, especially when times are tough. I think of this thread as a safe place to really lay out the issues we're facing without worrying about being a downer or freaking people out who are experiencing normal pregnancies. I hope that the FISH tests come back negative--hang in there.

Brink - Looks like we will both be going in on the 12th for ultrasounds! I hope the cords and babes are looking good!

usawife - I hope your swelling is going down! Swelling sucks, especially this early! I had a ton of swelling when I was pregnant with DD, but I think it had to do with the fact that I was 9 months pregnant in August! Ugh, it was not fun looking at my puffy duck feet every morning.

Not much to update on me--just patiently waiting for Thursday morning (well, trying to be patient, at least).

[usafwife]

jeggink ~ So sorry to hear about the results of your Nuchal. I can't imagine having to wait 10 days to have the test and then another 10 days to get the results. I'm not sure I could keep my sanity during that wait. I will be thinking positively for you and sending you lots of good luck for the 20th.

Also, while we all appreciate the happy endings, we are here for each other because of the hard times we are going through. Please don't hesitate to post, we are here to support each other and especially give support when things are tough. I think that even though all of our situations may be different, we can relate in one way or another. It's hard to post the bad things in our regular "due date" threads as many of the other mom's with normal pregnancies just don't have the same perspective. They can give support, but (thank goodness for them) they can't really relate.

I completely agree Brink.

[usafwife]

Sage ~ We must have posted at the same time. Thanks. It doesn't seem to be too bad. Now if the headaches would just leave I might feel better (well, except for the constant m/s....wishing that would go away as well). My swelling started around 22/23 wks with DD (and that was in March) and it never once went away. My current OB says she expects it start with this one as well during that time. Oh lucky me!

[Kimmiebride]

Hi gang,
Sorry to hear of Jeggink's nuchal results. I am hoping for the best for you, despite how hard it is. It is devastating to go through this type of waiting and hoping, but preparing for the worst at the same time. When we lost our son last year we found out something wasn't right at the Level II u/s, and they did the amnio the following day... it was exhausting to be told the bad possibilities, and the genetics people are not really known for thinking on the bright side... I am glad you came here for support. You can talk about anything here... the lucky blissful mom's in the due date threads totally mean the best, but sometimes you need more support than they can give, and we're here for you!

I had a bout of high BP last week, which I think was due to massive salt quantities I had - I immediately started watching it, and drinking tons of water, and it has gone down again. The docs are still on watch though. This week I get a baseline urine protien test, 1 hour GTT (early because of my weight I guess), clotting factor test and peri appt on Friday. I am getting ready for my trip to Florida, and hope all the tests come out great so they will still let me go, and so I will be healthy and not worried to go!
Kimmie

[jeggink]

Thanks for the welcome ladies, I appreciate it. It is a very difficult time right now. Yesterday we were dealing with cramping & spotting and I thought I might miscarry, but they seems to have disapeared today. I am hoping that if they come back, it will wait a few days as I fly out for the day tomorrow to another city, yikes! My main stress right now is knowing if my baby is alive or not since I can't feel it yet. I am trying to ignore all this and just go on with my life. I am quite busy from now throught the weekend so that should help.

Yes, it is hard to talk about this in my due date club, I don't want to scare anyone into thinking their pg is bad, that would make me very sad. It is nice being someplace I can discuss this all.

Sage everything I have read about that size nuchal fold, it will be fine. I have read a high measurement is usally about 3, but there is dicussion on raising it to 3.5 or 4. Usually above 2 they like to do some additional testing. I also read the same thing you were saying that if one twin is fine, the other is usually also. Something else that I read, twins can be behind a little bit developmentally than singletons and sometimes have a harder time ridding themselves of the extra fluid in the same time a single pregnancy would. That is probably why the second measurement was better. Not sure if that helps any.

usafwife Yes the wait is awful. I have actually know since last Thursday and DH wasn't with me when I found out. It was so tough to drive back to work.

Kimmiebride Hoping your testing comes back really good!

Brink I hope you next appointment goes well. I have read a little on your twin pg and am hoping for 2 healthy boys for you!!!

[Sage]

19w6d

Hey all! So, I had my ultrasound this morning and things are not improving, unfortunately. Baby B still has a visible bladder, which is great, so I still don't qualify for any interventions. However, the fluid levels are continuing to worsen. The peri I saw today told me that she could see me having the laser surgery as early as next week if things continue on this path. I go in on Wednesday for another ultrasound to see how things are looking. That visit will be with my regular peri, so it will be interesting to see what he has to say about everything. If we need to go for the laser surgery, they'll send me to Cincinnati, which is quite a drive away. At this point, I'm not sure what we'll do with DD, work, etc., but I'm going to try and get everything organized just in case I have to go next week. Of course, there's always the chance that things will stabilize, or my regular peri may decide that we should try amniocentesis before the surgery.

It's so hard to be in this waiting game, ya know? On the one hand, I'm pretty devastated that things are continuing to get worse. But on the other hand, it's kind of a relief to think that we may be able to do something about it next week. Conflicting feelings, I guess.

Brink - Hope your ultrasound goes well today!

Jeggink - Thanks for the reassurance on the nuchal fold issues. I think I was getting myself all worked up about it again to distract myself from the real problem at hand--TTTS. It's sad when I'm looking for new problems to distract myself from thinking about other problems. Ugh!! I'm glad you're busy this weekend--hopefully it will keep your mind off everything until you have some more answers!

Kimmie - Sorry about the high BP! All those tests don't sound like much fun. I hope they all come back great and you get the A-OK for Florida. I am jealous--it is so cold where I live today! I could use some sunshine.

So, that's all for me. Hope the rest of you are doing well!

[Brink]

Also back from our u/s this morning. Everything is looking good. The babies are measuring exactly the same. They are both 6 oz and the doc says they look really good. He looked at all of their organs and they looked good. He did see a "white" spot on Baby A's lung area that he said could be an indication of downs, but then he couldn't find the same spot on Baby B. Since they are gentically the same, he said it must have just been interference on the u/s. Plus, I went back and looked at my notes from my prior peri and he measured the nuchal at 1.4mm, so I don't think we have to worry to much about the downs issue (although you never know). He looked at their cords and didn't see any bad tangling, so I think we are ok there for now. I also talked to him about my "treatment" plan and he said that if we want to go in-patient at 24 wks with 3x per day monitoring, he will approve it. So, pretty much right after Thanksgiving I will become inpatient. I can't wait for the days/weeks to tick by. Almost forgot the biggest news of the day - he was wrong before - they are GIRLS!

Sage - sorry to hear the TTTS has not improved. I've heard really good things about the results of the surgery. I hope you don't have to go there, but like you said, at least there is something that you can do about it. I'll be thinking of you between now and Wednesday and hoping they will start acting like good little babies and start sharing!

Jeggink - still thinking about you. Have you thought of renting a doppler to take away a little of the worry? You can get them on-line at www.babybeat.com I know it has relieved a lot of stress for me. Although it won't change the outcome, at least it can give you a little instant peace of mind.

Kimmie - How is the BP this week? Good luck on your test and appt tomorrow.

Ok - been on-line too long - better get back to work.

[jeggink]

Sage I am so sorry the TTTS is not improving. Can you explain to me what they would do with the laser surgery to correct the issue? I assume it has something to do with the placenta? I am glad they are keeping such a close eye on you all though!! Lots of good thoughts being sent your way.

Brink OMG, that is one big change, 2 boys to 2 girls, how exciting!! Congrats! Glad the cords aren't getting to tangled! I have thought about renting a dopplar, but I am not sure that wouldn't make things worse for me in the sense that it would make me worry more. I am thinking about it and will see. Thanks for the link!

I find myself distancing myself from this pg in order to be able to deal with the stress. I am also trying very hard to keep some hope as well, maybe the dr was wrong, maybe the measurement was off, etc. I have in some ways come to term with the statement "what will happen, will happen". So for right now I am actually doing OK. We shall see as I get closer to next Friday :o .

[Brink]

jeggink - I have done the same thing with distancing myself from the pg. Usually when I talk to people I say "if" we have the babies. I also have thought in terms of if we don't make it, that I lost a pregnancy rather than I lost my babies. I haven't picked names and will not buy anything for them (and won't let anyone else either) until I am at least in the hospital and past 24 weeks. I know with some people it helps them if they connect with the little one early, but with me that would just make it harder. It's definitely a juggling act to keep a positive attitude but also a reaslistic one.

As for dreaming of errors - I keep hoping my doctors just missed the membrane separating them. No real chance of this, but I keep hoping we'll go in and they'll say "oh, there it is". I also keep hoping I go the entire pg without cords tangling - also almost impossible, but I keep hoping.

All add to all my hopes that your doctor was wrong too. Maybe we can just will all of this away.......

Sorry for the long post -

[jeggink]

Brink You wrote down my thoughts exactly. I was distanced already since I had the prior m/c's and then when we got past that point, I started getting excited, only to be let down again. I prefer to keep a realistic view of what is going to happen so I can prepare myself for the worst and then if it doesn't happen, then wonderful. I agree, maybe we can will some of this away..........if only that were true, sigh.

That is going to be tough being in the hospital after 24 weeks. Do you have someone to help with your daughter? I can't even imagine doing that. I know if we loose this one, my mom will come down and watch DS while we are in the hospital.

[Sage]

Brink - So glad the ultrasound went well!!! I can't believe they are actually girls! That is too funny. I swear, this pregnancy is going to be a rollercoaster for you no matter what the issue!

Jeggink - With the laser surgery, they basically will go in and cauterize the blood vessels in the placenta that the babies are sharing. That way, hopefully, after the connections are severed the babies will each get enough blood flow/nutrients and my donor baby won't be sending everything over to the recipient baby. From what I've read on the internet, the success rates for the surgery are about 80% for one baby to survive and 60-70% for both babies. I'm hoping the odds are actually better than that b/c my case isn't so dire right now, and the doctor they're referring me to in Cincinnati is supposed to be one of the best. We'll see what they say on Wednesday...

Gosh, I am SO not distanced from this pregnancy. I wish I was able to be more aloof--I think the problem is that I am just so freaking huge already. At my 18 week appointment I was already measuring 25 weeks. I'm 20 weeks now, so I'm even bigger. My peri told me it was normal for a twin pregnancy, but part of me wonders if I'm a little bigger than normal now from the excess fluid from the TTTS. Also, it's hard to distance b/c everyone in our families is so excited, and kind of in denial about the seriousness of TTTS. My MIL already bought us cribs and a changing table as a baby gift, and she keeps pressuring me to get the nursery ready. The cribs are still in boxes in our living room, and I keep trying to get her to back off b/c I'm not ready to open them. It is my way of protecting myself, at least a little. But I just cannot imagine losing these babes--I feel like I'm full term already.

[Brink]

Jeggink - My DH isn't working - by choice (well, he works on remodeling our house) so he will just focus those 2 months on me/us instead of working on house remodel stuff. I am very fortunate that way.

Sage - I just come out and tell people - don't buy anything. Or, if you buy it, you'll be the one who has to return in or live with it if they don't make it - not me. It's really hard to keep the distance and not get excited. I don't want to take anything away if you are excited though - each person has to deal with it in such a different way. I hope that your MIL will at least respect how you choose to handle it. People can be so insensitive and rude sometimes!

Vent: I just got off my other site for momo twins and this is a horrible story - so feel free to stop reading if it will bother you. There is this couple in the UK and they have been trying to get in-patient monitoring for weeks. Well, the UK won't do inpatient monitoring for momo twins. They will only monitor 3x per week on an outpatient basis. So this couple went through the expense of purchasing a monitor for home. They were still trying to figure out how to read the strips when they noticed a lack of movement and then checked and saw an irregular hearbeat on one of the babies. So, they went to the hospital and found out they had lost one of the babies. Then they found out the live baby was bleeding into the lost baby. If they didn't have surgery right away she would be gone within a few hours. As it is, they are waiting to see if there is any brain damage because of the time it took to discover it. She is now 29 wks pregnant (this happened two weeks ago), so she was 27 wks when it happened. IF they had been monitored in-patient, they would have seen the stress on the lost baby and delivered both of them prematurely. It would have been really early at 27 wks, but they would have had a good chance. Now they have one lost baby and one with possible brain damage. And, if they hadn't purchased the in-home monitor they would have lost both babies by their next appointmnt. I am so angry for them that I could just scream. It also makes me thankful that we live in a society where we have more choices with healthcare. Although, my docs original plan was to monitor us on an outpatient basis 3x per week too, but I am insisting that we go in-patient at 24 wks and he said he would approve of that, but only because we requested it. It is amazing how much of our babies future depends on us and us understanding their conditions and fighting for what is right for our babies. Ok - vent over.

[Kimmiebride]

Brink, that's just awful!! We are so lucky to be here and getting good medical care!

Sage, hope things can turn around... those are pretty good success rates. I wish there was a way to have a 100% chance for both the kiddos!! I know you and your doc are doing everything in your powers to make it happen!

Good appointment on Friday, passed my 1 hour, bp has normalized again, and all my coag levels look good, and they said it's ok to go to Florida! The first few days are work, and the rest is time with my family!! I am actually really looking forward to going!
The baby is so active, and I am loving that!! It is helping me get through my next milestone without total panic! Heart beat was in the 160's! Today I am so tired as I photographed a 9 hour wedding yesterday. I always feel run over by a truck, but pregnant is even worse. DH has been a total doll, and did laundry (my job!) and also made key lime pie, which looks like it will be GREAT! Back to my lounging on the couch!
Kim

[Sage]

Brink - Ugh, what a horrible story!! It is scary how much of an advocate we need to be for our babies' health. I keep stressing about the whole TTTS/bedrest thing--on the one hand, I just want to trust my peri. But on the other hand, I get nervous that maybe I should be doing anything and everything necessary to keep these kiddos healthy, including trying bedrest just in case. It's hard when I see stuff on the internet and it makes me so panicky, even though I feel like I've thought the whole issue out, talked it over with my peri, and think that what he's telling me makes more sense than what I'm reading. It's hard to know where to draw the line between being an advocate and trusting your doctors. I'm so glad that your doctor will sign off on your in-patient monitoring--if I was in your situation, I would be pushing for exactly the same thing!!!

Kimmie - So glad your test results game back so positive!! Hope the key lime pie was good.... When is your next milestone?

As for me, I'm just getting all nervous for my ultrasound tomorrow. I'm hoping things will go well. I've been feeling my donor baby move quite a bit, so I think that's a good sign that he still has enough room to give me a good kick every now and then. Hope you all are doing well!

[jeggink]

Kimmie Glad your tests came back well!!!

OK, quick update
Had my amnio this morning so we just need to wait now. The fluid was still at the back of the neck, less than it was, but still abnormal (3.8 - 4.3). It is normal for the fluid to decrease. The baby is growing well though, measuring on size. I did see them measure the femur and it seemed to be only measuring 13w to 13w2d, but am unsure if that is within the error of the ultrasound. That could point to downs.

It was very active & HB of 156. I am glad it is over with though. I have been cramping a good amount and I do have to say that needle going in did hurt. I could almost feel it go through my ab muscles. The dr told me that the uterus is still a bit thick at this point so it is harder to get the needle in. But they got more than enough fluid and the baby cooperated.

So I get my FISH results in Tues / Wed next week. I get full results in 10 days. If nothing comes up, then I have an u/s schedled at 18 weeks to check for abnormalities. The thing is that even if nothing shows up, there is still no guarantee that the baby will be OK. The amnio doesn't catch all genetic issues, just the most common.

If it's a boy I will know with the FISH results, if a girl, I have to wait for final results as my blood may have mixed with the sample.

I am on bed rest today and have to see tomorrow. If I am still cramping I need to continue to take it easy.

Have a good weekend.

[usafwife]

Sage ~ Sorry that the TTTS isn't improving.

Brink ~ Wow, big change from 2 boys to 2 girls! I was concerned about them being wrong with our u/s but DH saw the better picture (the one I saw wasn't very good nor was the one they printed to give to us) so he's pretty sure that the little one is a boy. I sure hope so. Best wishes that the cords don't get tangled.

Jeggink ~ I distanced myself in the beginning of this pregnancy. I think it had to do with the fact that I had suffered a m/c earlier in the year and that I was having so many issues with spotting/bleeding with this one. I finally told myself that whatever would happen, would happen. It didn't matter if I stressed over it and made things worse. I wasn't going to be able to change things. Good luck on the test results.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm still having the headaches. Going to discuss it with my OB at my appt. I'm also still dealing with the m/s. I really wish it would go away. I'd looked foward to hitting 25 wks for sometime now because that's when my severe m/s (of course that is also when my swelling issues appeared...while good for one thing bad for another thing) went away with my first pregnancy. Unfortunately it doesn't appear that is the case with this pregnancy.

[Brink]

jeggink - Thinking of you and wishing you good luck. I'm anxious to hear the results next week. We are keeping our fingers/toes crossed for you (and with my twins, that's a lot of fingers/toes). Sorry to hear the fluid levels are still high. Sorry that I forget, but how many weeks are you now?

usafwife - we cross posted - bummer about the continued headache and m/s. I sure hope you get rid of them this time without taking on the swelling.

I had a visit with a different peri today. This is one that admits to the newer hospital in the area. Even though I would have a nicer stay, I think I like the first peri better. He seemed like he had more experience and is willing to go along with the treatment plan that we want. So I think we will stay with him and just deal with the old/small hospital rooms. We did get another u/s and they confirmed girls. Everything else looked good too. They are both head down with one on each side. My next appt. isn't until Nov. 2nd, so it will be a long 2 weeks!

[Sage]

Not sure if this is going to work--I'm posting from my blackberry. We've been in Cincinnati the past two days and are scheduled for the laser surgery on Monday. My ultrasound last week did not go well, so they had us drive up to Cinn immediately. We did have an amnioreduction before we left--they took out 1.2 liters from my recipient's sac--it was crazy.

Had a whole bunch of tests run here, including an MRI, echo and other ultrasound. Our donor baby is hanging in there with almost no fluid, but our recipient baby is having moderate to severe heart distress. They gave me success rates for the surgery as 87 percent for one twin and 58 percent for both. I am very nervous and scared for the surgery, but I'm hoping that our little fellas will pull through.

I probably won't be able to update again untill after the surgery, but it would be great if you could all keep us in your prayers.

[Brink]

Oh Sage - I am so sorry to hear that it progressed to surgery. But, I'm glad your doctor seems very on top of it and is getting you the best chance for your babies. It's really hard to hear the odds of making it - I know we are somewhere between the 50% - 80% odds too. The only thing I can say is your babies are beating the odds every day and beat many odds just to get to this point - so don't give up hope on them. We are thinking about you and sending all of our best your way.

I hope to hear from you soon that the surgery was a success and the babies are doing great. Hang in there!

[jeggink]

Sage I am so sorry :(. I am glad they found it this soon though and are proceeding immediately with the microsurgery!!! I am sending so many positive thoughts and prayers to you and the twins. Crossing all my fingers that this works and you have no more issues with TTTS!!!! HUGS!

Brink I was 14 weeks at the amnio.

USAWife Thanks!! Hoping your m/s goes away!!

[Kimmiebride]

Just popping in from vacation in Florida to check on you guys!

sage, hope all goes well with the surgery! You are in my prayers!

Jeggink, I'll be checking in to hear about your FISH result, and thinking of you too!
Brink, glad they are behavin' in there!

I have been in the pool every morning, and the baby totally loves it! it was so hot an humid until yesterday, when it finally became bearable! I miss San Francisco!!! (and my DH) but am having a nice time hanging out with my mommy and brother!
Kimmie

[usafwife]

Sage ~ Sorry that you had to have surgery. I hope that it was sucessful.

Jeggink ~ Thanks. I hope it goes away soon too.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My BP is low and they are keeping an on it. It could explain the headaches I've been having and also the dizziness. I have a list of things to do to see if it increases by my next appt. I also will have my labs repeated at my visit since they are doing the GTT anyway.

[jeggink]

Sage I am hoping everything went well with the microsurgery!!!!

Sigh, no results yet, WTF! The lab will send the results of the FISH by courier, not fax. They don't come till ~3:30 every day and the office closes at 4pm. It has been almost a week and I am tired. Never do an amnio on a Fri, the beginning of the week is much better! Anyway, the office told me to try back again later today, but I know they will call with the results as soona s they get them since they know I am anxiously awaiting them.

I also had an OB appt today and the nurse asked me if anyone offered me counseling yet. I just started to cry at that point. I told her I had not yet gotten the amnio results back yet. She didn't know that. The dr was sweet and very sad to hear of the results since he has been with me since the 2 m/c. He told me that if we had to decide anything to give him a call with our decision so we could go from there.

Sigh.......:(

[kmmommy]

I've lurked here and there in this thread. My pregnancy with my DD wasn't really high risk but when I was 34 weeks I started measuring ahead so my OB ordered a Level II u/s which showed I had polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid) due to my DD having duodenal atresia (GI blockage) and they also found a heart problem. Both these issues pretty much confirmed that she would have Down syndrome (we opted not to have any testing done earlier in the pgncy).

Anyway, I just wanted to offer my thoughts and prayers to each of you and your precious babies. I would love to check in here every now and then if it's okay with you. Please just let me know if you would rather I didn't.

{{{HUGS}}} to you all and may you have healthy, happy pregnancies and go on to deliver happy, healthy babies.

[Brink]

Hi everyone - we are doing pretty good here. I have 4.5 weeks to go before inpatient. Seems like the time is just ticking away. I have to make sure to get the insurance squared away so I don't have any last minute issues.

Sage - just checking to see how the surgery went.

Kimmie - I'm sure you are back in SF by now. I hope the vacation was fabulous.

Jeggink - I can't believe you don't have the results yet. Although, maybe by now you do. I know we are just another patient to the lab processing things, but jeez you would think they would have some compassion and get the results over ASAP! Thinking of you and hoping the results are better than the odds.

kmmommy - you are welcome here anytime. How old is your DD?

[kmmommy]

My DD was born June 1st so she's almost 5 months. Thanks for the welcome!

[jeggink]

Brink No results yet, sigh.

kmmommy Welcome!!

[Sage]

22w2d

Hi everyone! Well, we are finally back from Cincinnati. We had the laser surgery done last Monday, and so far the boys are still hanging in there, thank God. The surgery was a scary experience for me, but not too painful at all. I had an epidural and local and they gave me a sedative through my IV, so I basically slept through the whole thing. They told me they cauterized 16 connecting blood vessels in the placenta--the most they had ever seen was 18, so I was definitely up there. The biggest concern was that there may not be an even share of the placenta following the surgery, but luckily our boys seem to have an even share. Insufficient placenta share can lead to the death of the twin with the smaller share within 2 days post-surgery, so we were so grateful to hear that they have an even share.

They also did an amnioreduction as part of the procedure and took out 4 liters of amniotic fluid. Basically, I was measuring 36w for a singleton pregnancy at the time of the surgery--now I'm measuring a much more comfortable 26w. It is so nice having some of that excess fluid off of me--I felt like I was going to burst for the week before the surgery!

We have had some follow-up tests on the twins following the surgery. The fluid levels for both twins are even and in the normal range, which is fantastic. Also, the doppler readings are looking good. However, our recipient twin is still showing signs of heart distress. We need to have another fetal echo in the next week to check on that--we hope that it was just too soon to tell following the surgery and that things have improved since then.

We are certainly not out of the woods yet--we are now in a waiting game to see if the surgery stopped the TTTS. The docs have put me on bedrest for the remainder of the pregnancy, so that will be interesting with DD running around. But we will do whatever is necessary to save these boys!

Everyone - Thanks for the prayers and support!

jeggink - I am thinking about you and hoping for the best!

kmmommy- Welcome!!

[jenahdawn]

Sage....

;)

[Brink]

Sage - I am so relieved to hear from you and that the surgery went really well. It sounds like it went as good as could be. I sure hope the heart distress and the continued TTTS are non-issues moving forward. Bed rest with a little one will be really hard I'm sure, but it sounds like you've got it under control. I'm so happy for you guys and will keep thinking good thoughts for you in the next few weeks.

[jeggink]

Sage So relieved to hear from you and that everything and everyone is doing good right now. I will still be praying for you and the twins!!!

No news on my side yet, maybe today.

[Brink]

If anyone is interested, on November 8th on TLC the show "bringing home baby" focuses on momo twins (which is what we are). I don't know how much they go into the specifics of the risks, but thought you guys might want to check it out. I'm on another chat room that focuses on these types of twins, and one of the moms on there is the person they are doing the story about. I set my tivo and will definitely watch.

Jeggink - anything yet? I can't believe they are making you wait this long!

[jeggink]

FISH results are in (about 4pm, but DS is sick so I am home with him).

The FISH is negative for Downs (T21), T18 and T13 and sex chromosome disorders such as XO (Turners) or XXY. Again, these are preliminary and there are false negatives occasionally. It doesn't rule out other issues that the amnio and ultrasounds may pick up later. My final results should be in early next week or so. Nervous for those!! I also have a level II u/s on Nov 17th to check for structural defects. So a small "woohoo".

Oh, and tentatively, the baby is XX :D.

[Brink]

Jeggink - I know you can't completely jump for joy, but that is great news so far. I can't wait to hear the final results of the amnio next week. Hang in there.....

[first-time mom]

Hello girls. I was lurking and just wanted to say that my thoughts and prayers are with you during your pregnancies. I have a almost 1 yr. old and although I didnt have a high risk pregnancy I had some issues after she was born.

Quick recap: I did have some small stressful situations while pregnant but nothing that deemed me high risk. Spotting when I first found out I was pg, contractions early. But I had her at 38 wks via c-section.

WHen she was 2 days old she was diagnosed with a murmur. We found out she had 2 holes in her heart. At 10 days old she had congestive heart failure. For 8 wks I had to feed her around the clock (she couldt eat much at a time). She was on 3 different meds 2x a day. At 8 wks she had open heart surgery to repair her heart.

She is now a happy healthy 1 yr old (will be on 11/10) Miracles do happen!!! Hold on to your faith and god will carry you through. I will be thinking about you all.

I stressed my whole pregnancy feeling something wasnt right. I do think god only gives us stuff we can handle but I couldnt understand that while it was happening. Good luck to all.......

[jeggink]

first-time mom Welcome!!

Well ladies, some news, not sure if it's bad or good yet. I will re-post from my LJ

Well, not so good news right now, the dr called me.

They found an unbalanced translocation of a chromosome (don't know which one yet) in the amnio culture. So they need our blood to find out if either one of us is carrying this.

If one of us is carrying this, they will be able to figure out if the baby will be OK or not, depends on a lot.

If we are not carrying it, there is a higher chance that the baby has problems.

Until we find out the chromosome number, we don't know much. So DH and I will give blood on Fri and it will take an additional 1-2 weeks for final results for all of us.

Sigh....

A website that I quickly looked up for info.
http://www.genetics.com.au/factsheet/13.htm

"The risk of having a child with problems varies according to the specific chromosomes involved in the translocation. Some translocations that are carried by a parent have up to 20% risk or more of causing a genetic condition in their child, some a risk in the 5-10% range, while others have a relatively low risk of 1% or less of causing a problem. Other translocations seem to imply no risk to the baby, but a woman may have repeated miscarriages before attaining a pregnancy. "

and an exerpt from another:

"Reciprocal translocations

1. are rearrangements between chromosomes that do not necessarily entail loss of genetic material in the “parent” (they appear normal),
2. may be passed on to the offspring such that small pieces of genetic material are either added to or subtracted from the total chromosome complement (an unbalanced translocation) of the offspring. This can be either lethal or very damaging (usually resulting in severe mental retardation and major anomalies),
3. in reality, experience has shown that there is only a 10-15% risk of an unbalanced translocation in offspring independent of whether the mother or father is the carrier"


So, we are in limbo again for a while, sigh. This feels like it will never end!

[Kimmiebride]

Oh jeggink, I am so sorry you have to wait some more to finally have the answers. I am keeping you guys in my thoughts, and hope you can find some peace through the waiting... that just sucks that there's no other way to find out faster. Hoping for the best!
Kimmie

[kmmommy]

jeggink ~ Sorry to hear that. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your baby.

[Sage]

Jeggink- Oh, I was so excited to see your first post about the FISH and then so sad to see your next post. I hope it turns out to not be a serious issue--I can't believe you have to go through more waiting to find out for sure what's going on. It must be so agonizing. Thank you for the good wishes on the twins--we are certainly keeping you and your babe in our prayers, too. Hang in there! I hope these next tests can provide you with some answers, and I hope the results come back to you quickly.

Jenah - It's so good to see you posting in here! How are you doing? I definitely think your girls were watching out for my boys the day of the surgery!

Brink - Thank you for the good thoughts for the twins! Now that I'm on bedrest I've been tivoing every baby show on twins, and I actually saw the title for the momo episode and wondered if that's what it was about. I will definitely be watching.

First-time mom - Welcome! And thanks for the story about your daughter--it is always good to read stories that involve happy endings, and it sounds like you guys are doing great!

As for me, I am still hanging out on bedrest. We saw our peri yesterday for an appointment and he was very encouraging. He said that the boys look so much better than they did two weeks ago when they sent us for surgery, and that he thinks they are going to make it. He is the first person to really sound optimistic to us, so that was a great feeling. He did see some fluid around our donor's heart, which he said is not unusual following the surgery. Of course, it has me freaked out anyway. We were already worried about the recipient's heart due to his elevated echo readings, but we always thought our donor's heart looked fine. We go in for another fetal echo tomorrow, so hopefully we'll know more about both babies' hearts after that appointment. They are moving all over the place now, so I just feel in my heart that they must be feeling so much better.

In other news, we had a genetic screen performed in connection with our amnioreduction, and it came back negative for downs and all the other chromosone disorders, so we are certainly thrilled with that news. And we found out they are definitely boys, although there was really no doubt about that considering these guys are not at all shy during my ultrasounds.

[Brink]

Still hanging in there. I was supposed to have a dr. appt today but had to cancel because of a client meeting. Now I don't go until Monday! The waiting stinks......

Firsttimemom - welcome - thank you for sharing and I am so glad to hear your little one is doing well.

Jeggink - I am really sorry to hear about the additional results. The waiting you are having to go through is incredible. If, in fact, the chromosome abnormality exists, is there still a chance the baby could only be slightly affected or not affected at all? Just wondering if the severity can be determined in-utero or if you just have to wait to see what (if anything) develops. I am so hoping everything comes back with the best news possible and you don't have to worry/wait any longer.

Sage - So glad to hear the twins are doing well. I am so happy to hear that your doctor was able to recognize what was happening and get you in so quickly. I'm looking forward to your next update.

Well, it's late and my DD finally went back to sleep. She woke up with a horrible diaper rash and screamed herself back to sleep after I put the ointment on. Poor little thing......

[jeggink]

Brink Unfortunately the most likely case is that this baby would be mentally handicapped and possibly physically as well, we will know more in a few weeks. If it had a balanced translocation, there would be a good chance of not having any issues, but the baby has an unbalanced form. From what I have read just about all, if not all, kids of this type have some sort of mental handicap. The severity can be determined to some degree by looking at what chromosomes are involved and then looking at other cases that have the same chromosomal issue. Depending on how rare it is depends on the amount of cases and the amount of information. Does this all make sense?

Sage Yes, the wait is agonizing but I am glad to hear your twins are doing great!!

We should have all the info by Nov 17th I hope.

[Kimmiebride]

Hi gang,
Realized I hadn't been here to update in a while... Level II U/S went very well, so no amnio!!!! Minor trip to the ER Saturday AM when I was having tightenings that seemed to be regular, and scared the crap out of me. They said everything was fine, and sent me home. I will keep on top of that. There have been no more cramps/contractions since, so that's a good thing. I see the peri on Friday.

I am so freaking tired... wondering if I am anemic or something... sometimes I just can't hold my head up, and have to head to bed. Feels like the first tri all over again, and I never did get that energy they promised in the second. I am a slug, but if that's what it takes, then so be it...

Brink, saw your post on the due date thread. Glad to hear the girls are doing well and growing well!
Thinking of the rest of you too!
Kimmie

[Brink]

Hi everyone - sorry I haven't checked in for a while. It seems like I have just been so busy....

We had our appt. on Monday and all looks good. The babies are measuring just about the same, one is 13oz and the other is 14oz. They said there is an error rate of +-2oz, so basically the are mesuring the same. No major cord tangles yet (that they could see). The one baby still has the little white spot in her heart, but they said still not to worry about it at this point. It could just be a little deposit of fat and will go away. Since they are identical and the other baby doesn't have it, probably nothing to worry about. Other than that, I have my next appt in 2 weeks and then one more week after that I will check into the hospital for my long stay. I can't wait for the next few weeks to fly by so I can feel like my babies are "safe".

Kimmie - so glad to hear about the results and that you don't have to go through another amnio. Thanks for the congrats on the twins.....

jeggink - even though the odds are bad right now, I'll still hold out hope that your baby will come through this ok. The waiting has to be so hard right now. We are thinking about you.

Sage - how are the babies doing?

[Sage]

23w5d

Hey all! Things here are still looking good. I had an ultrasound last Friday and our boys are still doing great. Our donor twin is 1 lb 3 oz and our recipient is 1 lb 5 oz. There is only an 8% size difference between the two, which is absolutely fantastic considering all that they've been through. Their fluid levels are still even and within the normal range.

Really, the only issue we're seeing right now is with their hearts. Our donor has a bit of fluid around his heart, which they tell me is not uncommon following the surgery and will likely resolve on its own in time. Our recipient's heart is very thick b/c it was working so hard to pump all that extra blood flow. But they also expect that to resolve with time. We also have this issue with our recipient's Tei index, which we were hoping to learn more about at our fetal echo here.

We went in last week for the fetal echo and it was really not very helpful. The pediatric cardiologist said that he doesn't even look at the Tei index b/c he thinks its not reliable to determine that for unborn babies. So that was really frustrating. I talked to my peri about it, and he has already spoken to the cardiologist and got him to agree to look at the Tei during my follow-up appointment in a few weeks. My peri also said that if the cardiologist still won't do it for whatever reason, my peri will do it himself and then just send the results to Cincinnati for interpretation. So that made me feel better.

So, I am just hanging out on bedrest. I'll be 24 weeks on Friday, which is a huge milestone for us viability-wise. I am finally starting to relax a bit about everything. Our peri has been so optimistic I'm finally starting to think things just may be okay after all, knock on wood. :)

Brink - So glad to hear that things are still going well. I can't believe how close you are to going inpatient!!! So, I watched the momo show today, and it looked like inpatient might not be as restrictive as I thought! Are you just attached to the fetal heart monitor and contraction monitor? Are you otherwise free to walk around (as far as the cords will stretch?) I was thinking you would basically be on bedrest the whole time and really restricted as to your movement. If I heard correctly, her twins were born at 31 weeks? I was really interested to see how they were doing since they tell me the average TTTS pregnancy goes to 31 weeks rather than the 35/36 week average for other twins.

Kimmie - So glad that the contractions turned out to be nothing! I'm sure that it was a very nervewracking experience! That's great you don't have to worry about getting an amnio!

Jeggink - How are you doing?? I'm so sorry to hear that the baby will likely have mental and possibly physical handicaps. I can't imagine how you're dealing with all of this--please know I'm sending you tons of good thoughts and keeping you all in my prayers. Hang in there--please keep us posted on how you're doing.

[Brink]

I'm almost afraid to start getting excited, but I'm starting to anyway. In only 2 more weeks my babies odds go up to over 95% survival. I'm really looking forward to checking into the hospital (remind me I said this when I've been there a couple of weeks and I'm miserable!).

So irritating, I have an appt scheduled for Monday with my peri and just had to reschedule it due to a client meeting. It's now scheduled for Wednesday, so only a 2 day difference, but this is a client I already reschedule an appt before. I need to be at this meeting, so I don't have much choice, and they are sympathetic, but ugh!

Sage - How long do you have to be on bedrest? Glad you were able to see the show. I'm not sure on my monitoring. I haven't talked to the doctor to find out if I'm on 24/7 or just 3-4 times per day. I think I'll be able to get up and walk around, but we'll see. I think they are all different. As far as her babies go, they are terrific. They were 31 weeks 3 days. I'm on the monoamniotic.org site all the time and most babies that deliver past 30 weeks are just fine. They have to stay in the NICU for a little while just learning to eat and regulate their body temps, but all in all they seem to come out ok. I'm sure your babies will be terrific. We are in the same boat and will deliver (if all goes well) between 32-34 weeks.

Jeggink - just checking in. Are you supposed to get your results this week?

[jeggink]

Brink Yes, results this week sometime and Level II ultrasound at 8:40 on Friday. Very nervous this week. So happy you are almost there. I know when my water broke early with DS, I was in the high risk section of my hospital for 2 days and the nurses are so nice, but be prepared for the middle of the night check on the babies. I believe they do monitor them once per shift minimum and it's uauly for like 1/2 hr or so.

Sage So glad everything is looking good with the babies, yeah!

Kimmie Definately make them check your iron, it definately can make you very tired. Yeah for no amnio!

[Sage]

Ugh, I think I spoke too soon about starting to relax with this pregnancy!!! I must learn to accept that this whole pregnancy is going to be extremely stressful.

Nothing is terribly wrong, but on Friday my ultrasound showed that my fluid levels were at the "high end of normal." Basically, a normal pregnancy will show a vertical pocket of fluid ranging from 3cm to 8 cm. When I had my amnioreduction before surgery, I think I was up to 16 cm for my recipient (my little donor had less than 1cm). They reduced the recipient's sac down to 3 cm, and told me that they exepected it to increase a little. Well, it has been creeping up there and now we're just barely in the normal range. The good news is that the fluid level for both twins is actally pretty equal so we"re not having the fluid discrepancy like we did the last time. However, they did a micro septostomy when they did the laser surgery. The microseptostomy basically puts some tiny holes in the membrane between the twins so fluid from the recipient's sac can flow into the donor's sac. So i don't know if the fluid levels are equal b/c the TTTS is under control, or if the TTTS is back and the septostomy is basically masking the symptoms.

Of course, it wasn't my regular peri on Friday--I swear the days that I have concerns/questions is always the day my peri has off. The peri who did the ultrasound didn't seem too concerned and said we'd just look at it again next week, but I just never feel like the substitute peri's are familiar enough with my history to give me reassurance.

I see my regular peri tomorrow so hopefully he will make me feel better. My next ultrasound is Wednesday.

Brink - You are getting so close!! In Cincinnati the docs told me that I would be on bedrest for the foreseeable future--not sure what that means. I am doing some work from home--the peri gave me the okay to work 2-4 hours a day. I'm a lawyer so most of what I do is research and writing stuff so it's working out well. I have a 45 minute commute so I don't see myself going back to work before the babies are due. Glad to hear that the momo mom's babies are doing so well!! 31 weeks seems so far away, but so close at the same time.

Jeggink - I'll be thinking of you this week! Try not to be too nervous! I know how hard it is waiting for those ultrasounds!!

[whitlockan]

brink hello my fellow March mama........add me to the list

At approximatly 3:00 today, I learned I'm now a high risk pregnancy. My comprehensive sono @ 20 weeks turned up the most amazing thing in the entire world.....the baby boy we so badly wanted.....but on the same note it has turned up a 2 vessel umbilical cord.

I'm caught in this bubble that I cant get out of, I'm scared to death and have stopped researching online because its just plain scary what can happen, so I go in on Thursday, Nov. 16th for my Level II U/S with my perinatologist to get answers on where we are, I'm very hopeful since every time they do a sono he always measures ahead and right on track, but on the same token, things can still go wrong at birth......I'm keeping my fingers crossed and just taking it one day at a time until we get a clearer understanding of exactly what is going on, if he has any abnormalities yet, etc....

[Brink]

whitlockan - I am so sorry to see you joining us over here on this thread. Do they know "for sure" that it is a 2 vessel cord? Did you have any of the other screenings done earlier in pregnancy, like the NT? I just went on-line and read for a few minutes about what this means. I'm sure you are scared, but try not to think too much on the negative side. I have heard so many times that everything on the internet is the bad stuff and take it all with a grain of salt.

Now you have me wondering about my own twins. I think my doc said one time when he was looking at my twins cords, that there were 3 on one of them and I heard 2 on another. I also have one of my twins with a white spot on the heart. They said not to worry about the spot and didn't say a word about the vessels. Now I'm trying to rack my brain and remember exactly what was discussed. I guess I'll have to ask them specifically about this at my next appt.

Hang in there - I know waiting the next week is going to be really hard. We are here for you. Feel free to share anything - we are all scared for our babies and understand how nobody else really "gets it".

Sage - Did they give you any indication on the size of the babies? I think you said they were within 8% of each other last time, right? I sure hope they are still close together. How many weeks are you now?

[Sage]

24w4d

Whitlockan - I'm so sorry you have to join us over here--I'm sure you are feeling very overwhelmed right now. I'm actually due in March too, but I never got around to joining the March thread and I feel like it's a little late now. It sounds to me like it's a very good sign that your little boy has been measuring right on track so far. Hopefully the peri will be able to provide you with some reassurance. Hang in there!

Brink - They didn't do any measurements last week so as far as I know they are still close in size--they only measure every 3 weeks or so, which drives me up the wall! I feel like at this point, every ounce counts and it would be so nice to know what their weights are at each appointment. I've asked about it, and I always get some song and dance about how babies don't grow fast enough in 1 or 2 weeks to warrant taking the time to do measurements. Okay, rant over. That all being said, we've definitely been lucky in that the boys have always been very close growth wise--even when our donor had hardly any fluid he was keeping up with our recipient very well. I think at their worst they were only a week apart which is not very significant considering the growth discordance for most TTTS twins can be pretty high. So I'm not too worried about their actual sizes--it's actually the one thing I'm not freaking out about!!

So, update on me--saw the peri today and did not really get the reassurance I wanted regarding the rising fluid levels. He did a quick measurement on one of the twins' sacs via ultrasound and my deepest vertical pocket was almost up to 9.5cm. So, he said it's not time to panic yet--both boys are still doing very well. The fluid our donor had around his heart has disappeared, which is fantastic. And our donor still has a visible bladder, and cord blood flow for both twins is still looking good. So, the peri said we just need to watch the fluid levels carefully--if I start getting really uncomfortable, or if the babies start to show signs of distress, we'll move on to doing another amnioreduction. If things get worse, then I may go in for inpatient monitoring just like Brink, so if things go wrong they can deliver the boys asap. The peri is still hopeful that I'll be able to make it all the way to 36 weeks, so we'll just have to see how things go...

I have to say, all this watching and waiting is just about killing me...I feel like I'm just constantly waiting for things to go wrong. I wish I could just project myself into the future and find out if things are going to turn out for us or not. I just want so, so much to be able to get excited about this pregnancy. All I want to do is buy some nursery bedding for the boys and I can't seem to let myself do it--not so much b/c I'm protecting myself like we discussed earlier in this thread b/c I am already so attached, but it's more that I'm afraid I'm going to jinx everything if I let myself start planning. Does any of that make sense?

[kmmommy]

Stopping by to offer {{{HUGS}}} to you all.

[EJH]

Lurker chiming in to offer a great outcome story to Whitlockan -- our good friends were diagnosed with a two-vessel cord when they were expecting their DD. She was monitored very often by a specialist, we're talking ultrasounds every week, just to monitor Alina's growth, that she was getting the necessary nutrients through the two vessel cord. She was born at just over 40 weeks, 6lbs 6oz (mom is teeny tiny!), the picture of health. She's now a brilliant 2.5 year old.

Wishing you all great thoughts.

Erin

[whitlockan]

Brink

Dont be sorry, I see this as an amazing opportunity for me to grow as a person and mother to become a stronger and better person, I dont mean to get all holy on us in here, but to all these ladies, God gave us this for a reason, because he knows we are the individuals who can handle this and will grow from this......so I feel very blessed to become a part of this amazing group of women.....you know I look around in here and gosh, we all have our risks etc, but each one more than another, each one of us can take from another story or another situation and bring light to our situation, its amazing and I'm happy to be here (happy in a wierd way). But yes they are 100% certain its a 2 vessel cord. I turned down the downs testing early on because of all the "false positives" and after reasoning with my doctor about it realized more often than not it causes more worries than whats needed. But yes I've stopped doing on-line research because its scary, most of the time those are the wrost case scenarios, but then again I had to know how often this happens and what are some potential risks involved, I'm very scared but I've stopped and am going to let my peri talk to us tomorrow, do the sono and read from there and help us better understand where we go from here, what I face from here etc......the only thing I'm hung up on is the fact that the numbers for certain defects are so low some 3% others 25% but I cant rest easy with that, because I'm a 1% chance, so it makes me think that even those are big numbers now.

I'm not trying to scare you but I know this is a greater chance of happening around 5% for multiple babies, keep us updated and hang in there.

Yes no one quite understands how it feels to be "high risk" with the constant thoughts of whats going on, something that is purely out of our control!

Sage your right I'm extremely overwhelmed right now, I dont even know where to turn, I'm antsy I'm frustrated I'm just trying to think how this all could of happend, but I've stopped beating myself up and realized this is nothign that I caused, its just "luck of the draw" since they really dont know what causes it. Yes I'm very happy hes been okay so far but its going to be so much more reassuring when I have these appointments to constantly monitor him, so if something doesnt look right we can catch it right away, not that I'm saying somethign can necessarily be done, but still its the sense of "knowing."

Also in response to your sense of jinxing youself, I completely understand, I look back over how easy its been up to this point, going out buying stuff etc. and then wow all of a sudden this thrown on me, I'm like what did I do, did I just get so overly excited that I took this all (pregnancy in general) with a grain of salt and completely jinx myself, right now I feel very much that way.

EJH thank you for your story, its always reassuring to hear positive outcomes, and it helps me break this protective barrier that I've mounted up against myself over the past 24 hours down a little bit more. Thank you.

[jenahdawn]

Does any of that make sense?

Hon, it makes more sense than I hope you really ever have to understand.

(I've decided, next time, I am not having a shower, we will get everything we need, I don't want to buy anything until after we are safe at home....the things we need to get through those days between home and being able to go out, we will borrow or have someone go out with my husband and get, or we already have from this time.)

[whitlockan]

Perinatologist appointment every 4 weeks for a 2 and 4d sonogram at each appointment to track baby’s (we really need to come up with a name for him) development and measurements as well as the blood flow through the cord.

Today:

1 lbs 4 oz (his weight)

I’ve gained 3 more lbs – up to 4 lbs total


Dr. words “he’s just a perfect little boy, don’t worry were going to just watch him as a precaution, and yes don’t worry, it’s a boy for sure” He said he has monitored a ton of 2 vessel cord babies, and he’s sure by his growth and development he’s going to be just fine, but again we will monitor “just in case” he starts falling behind.

Tech’s words “he’s such a beautiful baby, everything on him is perfect, and oh if it doesn’t come out a boy, you can come find me, that’s def. a big boy in there”

By the looks of it on the machine, he keeps measuring ahead more and more


I feel so much better and it was so much fun to watch him……I know its going to be such a relief to know someone is paying close attention to him, just so much more comforting that way.

http://static.flickr.com/120/299042225_335e25c77a.jpg?v=0

[Sage]

25w0d

Hey everyone! Hope everyone is doing well! I can't believe I'm 25 weeks today. I hope the time keeps going by quickly. The babies looked about the same at my official ultrasound on Wednesday, which is definitely good. Fluid levels were still up, but relatively even. I'm beginning to think that the septostomy may actually have been the most beneficial thing we could have done for the boys, since it's keeping the fluid levels even and taking stress off of both babies. Oh, and they actually measured the babies this time! They are both 1lb 8oz, so they are actually even with each other which is absolutely fantastic! As my peri said, "it's like they're identical twins or something!" ;) So, the boys are looking good still despite the increase in fluid. I go in next week again to see how they're doing.

I'm definitely feeling good physically which I think is a great sign. Before I had my first amnioreduction I just felt terrible from all the extra fluid. Like my stomach was going to burst from it-- it was terrible. But so far, I'm not having that feeling so I think the fluid increase is going slowly and I'm still really hoping it will taper off.

I was a little sad yesterday b/c my DH had to go buy DD her thanksgiving and Christmas dresses. I love picking out her clothes, especially dressy ones since we always have her in play clothes, but I couldn't go b/c of the bedrest. He actually picked out some cute things and was nice enough to buy a couple of options so I could feel like I was actually making the ultimate choice. So it was fun to see her little outfits but a little bittersweet that I feel like I'm missing out on stuff with her. Ah, the mommy guilt.

Jenah - Oh Jenah, I know you understand all too well what I'm talking about. I know my fears don't come close to what you must be feeling and will probably go through when you have your next babies-but I'm so glad that you understand what I'm saying. I keep telling myself to just relax--but it's so hard! I think it's because TTTS is so out of my control--there is nothing I can do to stop it and I feel helpless. So I'm freaking out over the things I can control (e.g., buying nursery bedding), like by not buying it I have some semblance of control over what may happen. I'm feeling better than I did the other day--I think the passing of each week helps me feel a little more secure.

Whitlockan - So glad to hear that your appointment went so well!!! What a great visit. I'm glad they're monitoring you so closely and hopefully each appointment will provide you with more and more reassurance! Thanks also for your thoughts on jinxing ourselves--it's reassuring to know that someone else is feeling the same way!

Jeggink - Have you heard anything yet this week? I think you said earlier you may be finding out the blood test results today? I'm thinking of you and hope that you're doing okay.

Brink - I keep forgetting to tell you that when they were explaining the septostomy to me, they were telling me that one of the risks is that it could result in completely tearing open the membrane separating the boys and result in mo-mo twins. Then they started going into all the risks of mo-mo twins and in my head I was saying "yeah, yeah I know all this! Brink has already told me all the risks of mo-mo twins!" Anyway, I thought it was funny b/c even though we are all dealing with different issues, we are definitely educating each other as well about things that may end up affecting us too!

Kmmommy and EJH - Thanks for the good thoughts! :)

[Brink]

I am so upset right now, I've been crying all morning. I finally got my dr. office to call in and get the pre-certification for my hospital stay on Monday. Well, because they put "at patient request", my insurance is denying my coverage. The doctor's policy normally doesn't admit momo's until 30 weeks, well that keeps my babies with an 80% odds for another 6 weeks. If I go inpatient they go up to like 99.9%. I'm not willing to live with the lower odds for 6 weeks! My doctor is fine with admitting me, he just isn't saying it's medically necessary. At least, that's what his office is saying. I have an appt. with him tomorrow, but I am so upset right now.

What am I going to do if I can't get this covered? I know I am being conservative by going in-patient at 24 weeks, but these are my babies lives we are talking about. How can anyone tell me that 80% odds are good enough. Well, all this stress and crying might put me into pre-term labor, maybe that's how I'll get admitted!

BTW - Sage - congrats on the twins looking good. So glad I could educate you in advance of the momo stuff so you knew exactly what they were talking about. It helps so much to feel a little empowered when the dr.'s are talking about all of this stuff.

[Kimmiebride]

Oh Tina, that's such a bummer.... I'd say that if you can, just find a way to afford it, or beg the doc... It's worth it, but man, 6 weeks in a hospital that you have to pay for must be a fortune. I hope it all works out for you... are the earlier weeks more critical than the later ones? Otherwise split the difference and go in 3 weeks?? That's got to be soooo tough!
Thinking of you!
Kimmie

[Sage]

Oh Brink, I am just fuming after reading your post!!!!! That is a bunch of crap. I don't think you are being conservative at all by wanting to go in at 24 weeks--you're right that these are your babies' lives at stake! I would be completely freaking out at 80% odds versus 99.9%, so don't let anyone make you feel like you're being demanding or irrational. Six weeks feels like a lifetime away to me too.

I'm really hoping that this is just a miscommunication between your doctor and his staff who called in for the pre-cert. I really hope your doctor will straighten things out after you talk to him tomorrow--if he is agreeable to saying 24 weeks is medically necessary, I would definitely suggest that he immediately call the insurance company or put something in writing for you on the spot to fax to the insurance company. If he won't say 24 weeks is medically necessary, is it possible for you to contact one of the other peri's you met with earlier in your pregnancy to see if they have an earlier admission policy? Maybe you could switch your care over.

I can't believe you have to deal with this frustration right before you're supposed to go in-patient, and especially right at Thanksgiving too when I'm sure it's going to be hard to get people to focus on helping you out. Try to relax until you talk to the peri tomorrow--hopefully it was all just a big misunderstanding and it will be straightened out asap. I'm thinking of you--keep us updated on what happens.

[Brink]

Huge relief - I typed up a letter and ran it past the insurance company before my appt. and asked if he signed it, would it work. They said yes, and he signed it. So, I think I'm ok. I faxed it to them tonight, but won't get the official word until Monday.

My appt. went good today. There are some cord tangles, but that is to be expected, as long as they don't tighten. One baby is 1lb 3oz and the other is 1lb 4oz. They are about the 50% percentile and doing great.

I visited the area that will be my home for the next 10 weeks. At first I will be in a shared room and then move over to a private when it becomes available. Once in the private room, my DH and DD can even spend the night! I'm so relieved that they can at least spend Christmas eve and night with me so I don't wake up alone on Christmas Day. There are not visiting hours, so they can come anytime and stay as long as they like. The nurses sounded great and I'm actually relieved to be going in on Monday.

I check in at 9:00 Monday morning. These babies better behave this weekend - we are so close!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone.

[kmmommy]

Brink ~ That's awesome news. I'm keeping those baby girls in my thoughts this weekend.

jeggink ~ I've been thinking of you and your baby girl too. I didn't want to post before and scare you but I'd be happing to chat with you if you found out it is a chromosomal/genetic problem. Our DD has Down syndrome and it's a weird translocation so DH and I had to go through genetic counseling to see if one of us was a carrier. I know how scary it can be and I'm happy to be here for you if needed. I'm still hoping and praying that your baby girl is 100% healthy.

[Sage]

Brink - That's great news!!! I'm so excited that it all worked out. Will you still be able to get online in the hospital?

Things are still looking good with me--fluid levels are still high but the babies are looking great. They are moving SO much lately, it's absolutely nuts. I am so going to be in for it once they are born. I'm 26 weeks today--every week we can get is wonderful.

Hope you all had great Thanksgivings!!

[lorbo]

i thought i'd join...as i was labeled high risk from the getgo again.

EDD is 6/15/07. our issue once again is isoimmunization...aka rh sensitization...aka rh disease in the positive baby. i did go over the whole pregnancy of DS and his long and multiple hospital stays on page 1. when i went for the perinatal appt, everybody was surprised to see me. i've had some bleeding issues on and off for the past 5 weeks-it seems to have stopped for the time being. i've had 3 u/s already and my little one is doing well-last heart rate was 167bpm and we had limb buds and measurements were right on for age.

so the plan...i'll have another u/s in 3 weeks. the doc is recommending an amnio to check blood type at around 16 weeks. from there, if baby is negative, monthly u/s and this is what we're praying for. if the baby is negative, cord sampling will begin at 22-23 weeks to keep an eye on baby and what my immune system is doing to him/her and cordocentesis when necessary...this would mean an early delivery and this would mean another emergency c/s. if baby is negative, i may get to deliver vaginally again...though one of the docs in my practice was adamant that it be a c/s...and one of her partners had said i was a great candidate for a VBAC if the situation warranted it. that's my story.

[ali_ohli]

Hello, all. I could desperately use the wise words and support of this group. I am 21 weeks pregnant with a baby girl and all was proceeding normally until this past week. After some nagging pain last weekend, I went into my OB's office Monday and was found to be 1.5 cm dilated. I was immediately sent to the hospital, where I started to have rapid contractions and some bleeding. The docs (a team of very esteemed maternal-fetal specialists at an excellent hospital) accused me of playing "stump the doctors," because apparently nothing about my case is textbook. The final diagnosis was a toss-up between placental abruption and incompetent cervix (I don't have the exact symptoms of either) and I had a cerclage procedure performed to hopefully prevent any further dialation and/or premature rupture of membranes.

Now I'm back home facing -- God willing -- as long as 15 weeks of bedrest. I'll do whatever it takes to have a healthy baby, but I'm having a lot of trouble staying positive about the whole situation. I continue to have multiple painless contractions an hour. The fact that I can't go to work or leave the house is making it tough to keep my mind from all the tough possibilities. And I feel very angry with my body for failing our little baby like this...her kicks that used to make me smile now make me want to cry.

We're trying to take it one day at a time, but there is a very long road ahead of us...

[Sage]

lorbo - So sorry you have to deal with all of these issues again with this pregnancy!! I reread your story on page 1 and I hope that this pregnancy goes as smoothly as it did with your DD. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this baby will be negative at your 16 week appointment. I'm glad everything is going well so far.

ali_ohli - I'm so sorry you have to join us over here! This thread has been a great source of support to me, so I hope it will be for you too. I completely understand how overwhelming the thought of 15 weeks of bedrest is. I had my surgery at 21w3d and will be on bedrest until I deliver, which hopefully won't be until 36w. I'm 26w now, so we still have a long road ahead of us too. I'm so glad that your OB caught your preterm labor in time in order to do something about it!! Are you on any medications or anything to stop the contractions you're having now? I had contractions right after my surgery, but I was given magnesium sulfate through my IV and they stopped after a few hours. Try and stay positive--I know it's so hard but you can make it through this.

jeggink - Any word yet? I've been thinking about you lots and hope you're doing okay.

[Brink]

ali_ohli - I am so sorry for what you have been through. I haven't been on bedrest, but I am checking into the hospital on Monday for a 10 week (hopefully) stay. I know Sage has been on bedrest and can probably give you some tips on what to expect and things to keep you occupied.

There is so much about a high risk pregnancy that involves perspective. I think we all went through the initial desperation and sadness in the loss of a "normal" pregnancy and all the joy that goes with it. But, don't forget - you are still pregnant! Every minute that baby stays put is a blessing. It's hard not to blame our bodies for failing us. I think it's natural to want to be mad at someone for this and place fault. The easiest target is ourselves. All I can say is that is one lucky baby to have a mama that was able to get to the hospital, see the right specialists and be willing to stay in bed for the next 15 weeks. I hope you get to a point where you enjoy her kicks again - just think about how you can hold this over her head when she is in her teens.

Hang in there - we are here for you.

lorbo - I have to admit, I don't know anything when it comes to the rh issue. I thought that if you had it during your first pregnancy, that you got a shot to avoid complications in subsequent pregnancies. I guess it's not that simple. I sure hope the results of your amnio reflect negative.

Sage - congrats on 26 weeks. That is terrific and I'm glad to hear the fluid levels are staying even.

Jeggink - just checking - any news yet?

Well, tomorrow is my last day at home before checking in. I am making my lists of things that need to get done. My DH and I are starting to get stressed out a little. I started to cry when I was holding my DD tonight realizing I'm not going to get to see her other than visits at the hospital. It just won't be the same. But, if I can get through the next 10 weeks, we should have two more healthy beautiful little girls and it will be so worth it all.

Take care.

[ali_ohli]

Thank you, Sage and Brink -- your words mean so much to me. Brink, this is the first time I realized this: I think we all went through the initial desperation and sadness in the loss of a "normal" pregnancy and all the joy that goes with it. and you are so right. Today I have decided to CHOOSE to be positive. So far, so good. :)

I so admire everyone's strength. I keep wondering: Did God think I wasn't going to appreciate this little girl without all this drama? But it does help to put life in perspective, doesn't it? I have never felt more thankful for my husband, family and friends.

[Kimmiebride]

Thank you, Sage and Brink -- your words mean so much to me. Brink, this is the first time I realized this: and you are so right. Today I have decided to CHOOSE to be positive. So far, so good. :)

I so admire everyone's strength. I keep wondering: Did God think I wasn't going to appreciate this little girl without all this drama? But it does help to put life in perspective, doesn't it? I have never felt more thankful for my husband, family and friends.


Yes, I quite agree, and while we might have caught ourselves thinking this is the worst thing that could have happened, as a mommy who just passed her first son's angel day anniversary on Friday (lost at 18w5d), it's not the worst thing. Perspective, appreciation, faith, thankfulness and hopefully healthy babies is what we will get from our high risk pregnancies. Of course there's all this extra stress too, but I hope it just makes us even stronger! I think about you all daily, and pray for our safety and peace!!!

Sorry you had to join us, but we're glad you're here, and I find it so wonderful to be able to talk with ladies who aren't lost in the little things like looking fat or getting stretchmarks. While I don't wish any mommy to ever know the pain I know, and am happy for them in their blissful and easy pregnancies, I just can't relate to much of that chatter!
hugs to all,
Kimmie

[Brink]

Kimmie - I didn't realize your son's anniversary was here. I hope you and your family are holding up this weekend. I know that being pregnant again is a wonderful thing, but I'm sure it doesn't take away from the sadness this anniversary brings. I am thinking of you. Take care.

ali_ohli - Congrats on looking at the positive. It will make such a difference in how you get through this. Take care.

Well ladies, I check in at 9:00 tomorrow morning. I have been anxious all day about leaving my family. I know it is for the best, but it is really hard realizing that I won't see my house or my dogs for 2.5 months. I get to see my DH and DD daily, but even that will be different. No more smiling face first thing in the morning, no more hugs during the day or putting her to sleep at night. I know it is all for the best and I am thankful that I made it this far and get to check in, but I will sure miss a lot of things in the next few months.

Don't be surprised if you don't hear from me for a few days. I will be getting checked in and settled and I'm not sure how the whole internet connection will be. I'll eventually get it worked out, but it might take a few days.

Anyway - I better get to packing. I still have a lot to do before I leave in the morning.

[Kimmiebride]

Good luck in your new home away from home Brink! and thanks for the well wishes!
Kimmie

[kmmommy]

Brink ~ Good luck with your hospital stay. I'll continue to pray for you and the girls (and your DD and DH). Please update us!

[Sage]

Brink - Good luck this morning! I hope everything goes smoothly at your check-in. I totally sympathize with you having to be away from your DD--our little ones are about the same age so I can imagine how hard it will be. But it's awesome you'll at least get to see her and your DH every day though!!

Kimmie - I also didn't realize it was the anniversary of your son's angel day. I hope you and your family are doing okay and that you had a peaceful weekend.

ali_ohli - I'm glad you are feeling more positive about things!! I'd be glad to give you tips on getting through bedrest. For me, wireless internet has been a godsend and so has my Tivo. I'm also working about 4 hours a day from my laptop, so that has kept things interesting too. Have your contractions stopped now? How often are you being seen by your OB?

Nothing much is new with me. I have my follow up fetal echo on Wednesday, so hopefully the boys' hearts will look the same or better than they did at the last one. Hope everyone else is doing well!

[goldengbridge]

Hi Girls. I'm posting for my good friend, Judi (jeggink)

Can you please remove her from your list? Sadly, her little girl passed away recently. I'm sure Judi would appreciate any prayers you could offer to her and her family during this very difficult time.

Thank You

[ali_ohli]

Oh, gosh, I'm so, so sorry to hear that about jeggink. How utterly heartbreaking. My thoughts go out to her and her family. What a terrible twist of fate. :( :( :(





Thank you all for welcoming me to this group and for the positive thoughts. I'm feeling a little better with each passing day that nothing else goes wrong, while at the same time trying to prepare myself for the possibility of setbacks. It's a difficult line to walk, isn't it?

Brink good luck with your hospital stay. I spent four days in the hospital last week, and when I was discharged, everyone kept saying "You must be so glad to be going home." I was like, "No way!" I just felt that my baby was so much safer and more secure with me there. Hopefully your stay will bring a little of that comfort to you, too, despite how trying it will be.

Kimmie You and your family are in my thoughts as you pass this difficult milestone.

I agree...a week ago I was chattering away about all those little things, and now I couldn't care less as long as I have a healthy baby in the end. Amazing how quickly everything can change...

[Brink]

Jeggink - I don't know if you will stop back here or not, but just know we are thinking about you. I am so sorry for your loss and all of the pain that you went through during this pregnancy. I was so hoping everything would work out.

Well, I'm officially in the hospital now. My interent is working great, but we have to share a wireless card with other moms, so we'll see how often I get on. I had a one hour monitor earlier today and then a long ultrasound. I got a steroid shot today to help their lungs mature. I get another one tomorrow and then a "booster" at 32 weeks. Babies are looking good and are 1.7lb. Every day from this point forward is a blessing. I just hope I can at the very least make it to January 1st, then I'll be looking for February 1st.

Well, I better go and eat my dinner before my DH and DD show up.'

Take care.

[Kimmiebride]

Hey Brink,
I have a spare wireless card I am not using... can I send it to you in the hospital? I'd be glad to donate it to the cause... PM me if you can have it!
Kimmie

[lawgirl4]

just stopping by to wish brink a safe stay in the hospital :)

and to the rest of you - much support & positive thoughts.

[Sage]

Jeggink - I'm not sure if you're still reading this thread, but I just wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss. I'm definitely praying for you and your family, and I wish so much that things had turned out differently for you. Please take care of yourself during this difficult time.

Brink - I'm glad the hospital stay is going well so far. I'm curious about the steroid shots--my peri keeps bringing them up saying I may have to get them, but so far he doesn't see the need since the babies are looking good. Are there any side effects to them? I'm afraid I'll grow a moustache or something when I get them--see, it's nice to have this thread so I don't have to ask really stupid questions to my peri unless absolutely necessary. :)

[ali_ohli]

Sage obviously any of us will do whatever it takes to have healthy babies, but I do have a friend who had to have the shots and it made her face swell terribly -- we literally didn't recognize her the first time we saw her afterward. I don't know if her reaction was normal or not. Of course, beauty is a very small price to pay...

[Brink]

Sage - I haven't had a single side effect to the steroid shot. It basically gives their lungs a huge boost and has the greatest impact within 7-10 days after it is administered. After that, the effects don't go away, but they are reduced. Since they only recommend you get one full set of the shot (with a booster at 32 weeks) it's really up to you when you get it. With your situation it's probably safer waiting than for me. If you discovered your babies were in trouble, you would likely have a little time before you needed to deliver, the shot could be administered and take effect (I think they want it at least 24-48 hours before delivery). For me, if a cord compresses, they may need to deliver within the hour and therefore the shot wouldn't have time to do any good. Still, some women wait until they are a little further along than me, but I figure if they arrive early, this is the most critical time for them to have had it. It is another one of those decisions we have to make. I think there is quite a bit out there on the web about it too.

Kimmie - thanks for the offer. I might take you up on it as they just came down and told me someone needs this card. I may PM you later. Also, how does the service work - do you pay a monthly access fee or is it an hourly charge for the actual service?

Take care all - talk to you later.,

[klm2klh]

I'm curious about the steroid shots--my peri keeps bringing them up saying I may have to get them, but so far he doesn't see the need since the babies are looking good. Are there any side effects to them? I'm afraid I'll grow a moustache or something when I get them--see, it's nice to have this thread so I don't have to ask really stupid questions to my peri unless absolutely necessary. :)

Sage: I had the steriod shots when I was about 29 weeks because my cervix had shortened and I had started to dilate and was having painless, but frequent contractions. They were extremely concerned about the possibility that the babies would be premature. My OB highly recommended having the shots and I had no reservations about getting them. In the end it obviously wasn't an issue since I was induced and delivered the boys at
37w5d, but I was still glad to have had them. Also, I had absolutley no side effects of any kind.

Brink - Wishing you a long hospital stay! Good luck to you and your babies. Fortunately I only had to endure short hosptial stays (the longest was a week), I know how hard it can be, but I also know that I did feel much better being there. As difficult as it was, it was the best thing for me and my babies.

[whitlockan]

Ladies, I'm finally back from my Thanksgiving trip.

First off jeggink, I'm so sorry things had to turn out the way they did, and you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

ali_ohli I'm sorry you had to join us, but welcome!

Brink so glad you were able to get admitted and under close supervision. I dont know how fast 10 weeks will go but at the rate this pregnancy has gone by I'm sure it wont take much to go by so quickly.

Update on me: (minor vent)
The day we were leaving for our trip I checked my e-mail and low and behold I had an e-mail from my sister-in-law, who just got off the phone with our MIL who told her about my "problem." Do you think she was nice about it at all, no instead she went on about, I thought you said last week everything was fine (like I purposly was lying to her) and played this "I told you so game" it just so happens by a complete fluke Jerry's sister had a 2 vessel cord baby with tons of problems and deformaties and she went on about how she told her OB about it and so they watched her from the get go and have been doing an U/S at every appointment etc. It makes me so angry for many reasons, 1. I just got what felt like the worst news of my life and took every moment of relief I had and put every inch of worry right back into this pregnancy. 2. I see a VERY good Peri and believe me, its not hereditary or ginetic, so dont think you know more about my problem then I do 3. Even if they watched me from the beginning what would they have done, you certainly cant prevent this and really nothing you can do but sit, wait and watch when you do find out. AHHH everyday I think about it, it just makes me so mad, that someone (someone going through a "perfect" pregnancy 5 weeks ahead of you) can be so heartless and come across like that and try to make my DH and I feel like this is our fault or something. I've been completely ignoring her e-mail because I will blow up, I forwarded the e-mail to my DH (her husbands brother) and he told me to reply and tell her to f**k off, hes so mad and offended by it too.

Anyways.....

In other news I'm just sitting around waiting for my next appointment.

[Kimmiebride]

Brink, it's just the card that gets you on a wireless network... there's no service associated with it. There has to be a wireless network for you to get on, and your computer has to have a PCMCIA slot on it. If you already have built in wireless, then this card won't help beyond that.

Whiitlockan, family can be so annoying some time, but remember to try not to stress too bad, it's not good for the baby, and it's not like we don't have enough stress already. Just ignore them if you can, or tell them to f-off and then ignore them. I know we all resent it when any implies that somehow we did something wrong to have these complications. GRRR!
Kimmie

[lorbo]

i had the steroid injections with James over the new years weekend...i was 30 1/2 weeks at that point and that monday we had the in utero blood transfusion. the docs were watching his dopplers and they started to rise fairly quickly so that when he was taken at 32 1/2 weeks, the steroid shots were still on board-not that he didn't have respiratory issues-he was on a vent for a few hours...and dealt with other things...but everybody praised the docs for giving me those shots-like they wouldn't have done that...damn, they hurt:D

as far as family...i deal with crap from the inlaws. we have not told them yet...probably christmas. DH knows i have a lot of hostility on board and we didn't tell them about James until we were almost 16 weeks along. they(MIL, FIL and SIL) never acknowledged the loss of a pregnancy i had right before i got pregnant with James-DH thought i'd never come out of that fog and it was a tough 6-7 weeks. some of my family members made stupid comments but they acknowledged the loss. then when James was taken so early and they were told he was sick and in critical care...they took their own sweet time to come to the city to see him-almost two weeks after his birth. now if my first grandson was so sick, my butt would've been there that day. also, James was treated for anemia right before Easter...DH told his mom should would have to vacuum and dust the house, air the house out, and James would stay in a bedroom with an air purifier during Easter-she was insulted...they smoke like chimneys and an anemic infant can't cope with second hand smoke...much less a healthy infant. MIL also made a comment when she first saw James at my house...i tried to warn her she couldn't smoke around him at all...that the doctors even said we couldn't have a fire in the fireplace)the nurses all said just say the doctors say no smoking in the house-her comment was well, i'm surprised you and i survived when we were born...i was livid and very matter of fact said if he was born when you were born...or even when i was born, he'd be dead. much sympathy to those with stupid family...especially the inlaws...mine are doozies. can't wait to tell them:rolleyes:

[ali_ohli]

Family a couple older relatives have subtly suggested that "it'll be for the best" if this baby doesn't make it -- I think they're confusing my situation with a first-trimester miscarriage, like as if this is all happening because something's wrong with the baby. I want to be like, "No, SHE'S perfect, it's my body that's screwed up!"

I think the common thread here is that people just don't know what to say or how to comfort women whose pregnancies are difficult. I'm just trying to keep in mind that even if the words are off, (usually) the comments are coming from a good place.

Lorbo I love your comeback to your MIL! I hope that shut her up.

Bedrest It's my sixth day of full-time reclining, and I am getting soooo freaking sore and stiff. My hips and low back are so achy. Anyone have any good remedies for this?

First check-up today following my cerclage procedure a week ago. I'm so nervous that something will be wrong, as it's been a long time since everything was fine. At the same time, if everything *is* okay, hopefully I'll be able to relax for a little while.

[Brink]

Hi all - I'm on day 3 in the hospital and really haven't been bored yet. I am working from my hospital bed so that has kept me busy. Between that and the testing, the days are going pretty fast. I'm sure I'll be very bored in anther week, but so far so good. I did get a roommate last night, so that was kinda a bummer. I can't wait until a private room opens up.

I got my second steroid shot last night. They do hurt, but only for a minute. Very much worth it. Babies are doing great, no decelerations of the heart rate that causes any concern. Very uneventful so far, I'm just hoping the next 9.5 weeks are the same.

Whitlock - It is amazing how insenstive people can be. You would think that since your SIL is also pregnant, she would have a little understanding. I don't know that I would even acknowledge her e-mail - just blow her off....

Lorbo - Sounds like your relatives aren't any better. I can't believe your MIL would be so ridiculous regarding the smoking around the baby. Loved your comment back to her.

Ali - I hope your appt goes well today. Keep us updated. I don't have much advice on the soreness from bedrest. I at least get to get up and stretch a little during the day. How about getting a massage person to come to your house every so often?

Kimmie - I ended up having my DH go down and buy an internet card. The one from the hospital loaded great and has worked wonderful. Then I get the one he bought yesterday and can't get it to work. Frustrating! Thanks for the offer on your card, that was really sweet of you.

Well, better get back to work.

Take care.

[katmg]

First check-up today following my cerclage procedure a week ago. I'm so nervous that something will be wrong, as it's been a long time since everything was fine. At the same time, if everything *is* okay, hopefully I'll be able to relax for a little while.

At my 32 wk. appointment, my doctor actually joked with me - hey, this is almost like a normal pregnancy visit now! Nothing bad to talk about or deal with. I'm hoping that the end of this pregnancy will be easier than the beginning.

I haven't checked in in awhile b/c things have been pretty uneventful here - my gestational diabetes is totally under control with diet and my cerclage is still holding baby girl in place now at 35 weeks 3 days! I have been following along though and keeping all of you in my thoughts.

[ali_ohli]

Yeah! Back from my check-up and everything checked out. Our OB says that all we can ask for right now is that the cerclage is holding and the baby is moving. He said I just have to try not to worry about any of the other stuff (contractions, pressure, etc.). So far, so good. Now I just have to make it to the next milestone, Saturday, when the baby turns a week older. Little by little...

Brink Glad it's been so uneventful so far! Every time I feel bored I remind myself that boredom is a GOOD thing right now. I hope things stay perfectly uneventful and boring for you, too! At what point will they induce you?

Kat How exciting that you were declared "normal"! My doc said today that he'll break out some booze when we hit 32 weeks (and that he'd even let me have some!). :)

[Sage]

Thanks for all the stories on the steroid shots, everybody! It's good to hear everyone's experiences. I guess I should do a little research on the net on them, too. I have plenty of time on my hands, that's for sure.

So, we had our fetal echo today and everything is looking really good. The cardiologist we saw is kind of unorganized and was getting the twins confused with each other (he thought our donor was our recipient and vice versa), so I'm not really sure if he took the right measurements for each twin. I know he videotaped everything and said he'd go back and confirm, but basically he thought both boys' hearts were normal. He had to sit down and do calculations to measure the TEI index which is what they were most concerned about in Cincinnati, but hopefully that will come back normal too. So, all in all, a great visit.

In bummer news, I failed my 1 hour GTT. Now I go back for the 3 hour one next week. I'm not sure what happened there--they say that gestational diabetes is more common in multiple pregnancies, but I've never had any indicators that this would be a problem. I think it's because I ate a strawberry nutri-grain bar right before I took the test. I wouldn't have done that, but I thought we were doing the test after the holidays and then they sprung it on me when I walked in that we would do it that day. Oh well!

Brink - Glad things are going well! Hopefully you'll get your wireless card to work. That sucks you have a roommate! Well, maybe she'll be nice and you'll make a new friend.

Ali - So glad your appointment went so well!!! I don't have any remedies for the aches and pains of bed rest. I must admit, I haven't had too much trouble, probably because I am not so good at the actual reclining part of bedrest. I just try to keep my feet off the ground and try not to get up anymore than I have too. So most of what I do is sit curled up on the couch rather than actually laying down.

Katmg - Glad things are going so well!

Family - Ugh, I can't believe some of the comments you all are getting! People can be so insensitive! I'm dealing more with idiotic comments than insensitive ones. We keep explaining TTTS to everyone, but no one in DH's family seems to get it. For example, after DH explained the laser surgery to his dad, his dad went around telling people the one twin was having trouble getting nutrients from the placenta so they were going to unplug the other twin's umbilical cord and plug it into the baby that needed more. Huh???? I have no idea where he got that idea!

[Brink]

Hi everyone, all is going well here with the babies. I did get bad news last night that my kitty passed away. He was 16 and it's not a surprise, but I am pretty sad. Especially since I can't be there to help bury him......

Katmg - so glad things are looking great. Wow, over 35 weeks, you are almost there!

Ali - Happy to hear that you are looking good too. What a relief that must be. As far as induction for me - I won't be induced - they will take them via c-section. It is too dangerous to try and deliver them vaginally since their cords will be tangled. But, the maximum they will let me go is 34 weeks, so I'm down to 9.5 to go....

Sage - Glad the fetal echo went well. Don't worry too much about not passing the 1hour. I failed with my last pg too and then passed the 3 hour just fine. It's just a bummer to have to go through it - good luck.

[Ericka_Jarett]

Sage - I had steroid shots with Easton at 30 weeks. I was totally effaced and 1cm dilated with a pessary cerclage. I was hospitalized for monitoring and given the shots while in the hospital. They sting and burn a bit, but so worth it, even if your little one doesn't have any respiratory issues at birth. No side effects, but they will raise blood sugar. Easton was born at 35w6d and never needed oxygen, that was thanks in part to the steroids and also his gestational age. I would get them again if I had to.

[LDS Angel 19]

Count me in too. I've been lurking awhile since I saw a few friends here. But now I'm joining the club.

I'd be high risk even with a singlton, because of my previous pre-term labor issues. And now that we know it's twins, that takes it up another notch. Bedrest is almost gaurenteed, it's just a matter of when and for how long.
Luckily, things are going just fine so far. We have our second u/s 12/13.

[ali_ohli]

Welcome, LDS, and congratulations! I'm sure it must be very frightening to be going down this path again, but hopefully the outcome will be very different this time now that you've been identified as high risk.

[Sage]

27w

LDS Angel - Welcome and congratulations on your twins!! It's very exciting and shocking to see that first ultrasound with two babies, isn't it? I'm so glad things are going well so far!

So, we got the TEI readings back from the fetal echo and apparently things are the same as they were in Cincinnati, which is slightly elevated. My peri wasn't too concerned about it b/c overall the boys' hearts look normal, but I'm still a little worried, of course. But, I'm trying to just go with it for now and take it as a good sign that they are not getting worse post-surgery!! I'm hoping it's just a slow road to improvement.

I also had a regular ultrasound today and they measured the babies, which is always fun. My recipient baby is 2lb 3oz and my donor baby is now 2lb 8oz!! I can't believe the donor is now bigger than the recipient! There is a 13% size difference between the two, but my peri says there's no need to worry until the size difference is more than 25%. I personally think they're probably closer in weight than what they measured (there's a 5oz margin for error, so it's definitely possible they're closer together). My fluid levels are still high, but they aren't any worse than they were last week and each baby has about an equal amount. So I take it as a really positive sign that the fluid levels are remaining stable, even if they're high. My cervix is also long and closed, so no worries there.

So, all in all, it was a great visit. I now start to go in for weekly non-stress tests so we are definitely moving along in this pregnancy! Hope everyone else is doing well!

[Brink]

Another thankfully boring night in the hospital. I've been so busy with work and everything else this week I haven't had a chance to get bored. Now that it is Saturday, I'm going to take advantage and take several naps during the day.

LDS - Welcome - huge congratulations on your twins. That is so exciting, can't wait to follow along your journey.

Sage - So glad to hear about your results. I can't believe they are down to a 13% difference. That is so wonderful to hear. So, will they deliver you automatically early, or do you get carry them as long as they are safe?

I know we originally didn't want to start a roster because of the extra time, but now that I'm in the hospital I don't mind updating the first page with our stats. Is anyone interested? I'm just trying to keep track of everyone and what our individual issues are. If anyone wants, I can just edit my first post with just our basic info, such as:

Me: Tina
DH: Dan
EDD: 3/19/07 (won't go past Feb 1st - 34 weeks)
Issue: Monoamniotic Twins
Other Children: Aimee - 9/25/05

Anything else we should put there? Or, we don't have to put anything at all. Just let me know.

[Kimmiebride]

I don't mind...
here's me:

Me: Kim
DH: Ray
EDD: 3/31/07
Issues: Previous Loss @ 18w5d due to membrane rupture after amnio, Factor V Leiden & MTHFR Clotting disorders (which led to 2 sets of clot in my lungs post partum, on Lovenox, and finally... advanced maternal age - 41
Other Children: Angel Robert born too soon on 11/24/2006

[whitlockan]

fly bye, drop off, be back when I have more time


Me: Amber
DH: Jerry
EDD: Zachary Aiden 3/21/2007
Issue(s): SUA (aka 2 vessel cord)

[lorbo]

Me: lori
DH: jimbo
EDD: 6/15/07
Issue(s): rh sensitization

[Sage]

Brink - Glad you've been keeping busy and aren't too bored yet!! I asked my peri that very question about whether they would take the babies at a certain date, and he said no. It will depend on a combination of factors, including how the babies are doing and on my comfort level (especially since I'm carrying extra fluid). He said that the ultimate goal is to get to 36w, but if we're all still doing well we'll keep going. I have a feeling I'm going to be pushing for a c-section at 36w, though--we've been through so much I just don't want to leave anything to chance. And I kind of feel like my body isn't really the safest place for them after everything that's happened, you know what I mean? All that being said, the doctor in Cincinnati told me that average TTTS babies arrive at 31w, so we shall see if 36w is even a possibility...

Here are my stats:

Me: Megan
DH: Scott
EDD: 3/02/07
Issue: Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS)
Other Children: Ashley - 8/18/05

[LDS Angel 19]

I like the idea of doing stats too...


Me: Michelle, 23
DH: Aaron, 24
EDD: 7/27/07
Issues: Previous loss due to pre-term labor/incompetent cervix. Carrying twins this time.
Other Children: our angel Allison Grace, born too soon 6/17/05

[lorbo]

maybe i should've added my kids???:o

DD-Brooke 1/03
DS-James 1/05

[Brink]

Thanks for the stats - I've been putting them on the first page.

We had a very exciting night/day at the hospital. The babies are fine, nothing to do with them. At 4am I woke up to someone coming down the hall beating on doors. My room is at the end, so he ended up at my door and was trying to kick it down. He was really violently kicking on the door. Just about the time I jumped out of bed to try and block my door, the next door patient's husband came out and put the guy in a choke hold until security came. Turns out he was drunk and really pissed about something. Then this afternoon, my roommate was wheeled out and sent to labor and delivery. Her water broke at 26 weeks and she made it here a week but was starting to get an infection. So, they are delivering her baby at 27 weeks. I feel so bad for them. I know babies can make it (that's why I'm here) but 27 weeks is just so tiny.

Anyway, that's my big stuff for the day. 25 weeks tomorrow and one week down in the hospital. I hope all the weeks go as fast as this last one.

[ali_ohli]

I'm sorry to bring sadness to this thread when everything is going so well for all of you, but we lost our baby girl yesterday morning. I hope and pray that your pregnancies have happier outcomes. This shouldn't have to happen to anyone.

All the best,
Ali

[Kimmiebride]

Noooooo, Ali. I am so sorry to hear about your daughter. When you need some comfort, please visit the Late term loss and Stillbirth group in Family Planning. I never could have made it through my loss of Robert last year without those kind ladies. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your DH...
Kimmie

[Sage]

Oh Ali, I am so, so sorry for the loss of your precious baby girl. I wish I knew what to say or do. Please know that I'm thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Please take care of yourself and know that we are here for you if you need anything.

[Brink]

Ali - I am so sorry. I can't even begin to imagine what you are feeling. I really thought for sure your baby was going to be ok. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. Hugs......

[LDS Angel 19]

Ali :( there really are no words. Even having gone through it, I never know what to say, everyone's loss is different. I hope you have a good IRL support system. Be gentle with yourself.
And like Kimmie mentioned, we do have a really great group of ladies here on CC. We hate it when anyone new has to join us, but we will welcome you with open arms.

You're in my thoughts.
Michelle

[katmg]

Oh Ali...I am so, so sorry. Please take care of yourself. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[lorbo]

i am so sorry Ali

[Brink]

Hi all,

Just checking in to see how everyone is doing. Things have been quiet in my world for a few days. I've had a horrible headache for three straight days now. I have my massage person coming to the hospital tomorrow, so I'm hoping that will help. DH and I took a tour of the NICU yesterday. We were able to see a 25 week baby and a 35 week baby. Wow, what a difference. The little 25 weeker was just so tiny. It was hard to imagine standing there that I had two of those in my belly. I was surprised how big the 35 weeker was. I think if I can make it to the 34 weeek mark, I won't be that scared when I see them.

[Sage]

Hey! Not much is new with me -- I had an appointment with my peri yesterday and things are still looking good. This morning I had my 3 hour GTT -- so not fun. But I'm glad it's over! I'm praying that I passed -- I do not need to worry about my diet on top of everything else! I was so flipping hungry after the test b/c they made me fast for 8 hours before. I violated my bedrest and went with DH to lunch after -- I was so hungry my hands were shaking. I also got permission from my peri to go out to dinner for my birthday in a couple of weeks as long as I get dropped off at the door. It will be so nice to get out and spend some time with my hubby outside of this house! My peri even said I could have 1/2 a glass of wine. I won't just b/c I'm a total worrywart, but it's nice to think about doing it.

Brink - Glad your days have been uneventful! Much better than having a drunk guy try and knock down your door in the middle of the night, I'm sure! I hope your headache goes away--hopefully the massage will help.

[Kimmiebride]

glad to hear you guys are doing well! mmmm, wine. I had a sip of DH's beer last night at dinner, and a sip of red wine too. It was divine!

I had my peri appt yesterday, and I have a "gorgeous" cervix. A+. So that's good. Maybe I can get a job on the side as a cervix model... hee hee!
Seriously though, it was long and closed, and she was very pleased. I have been having contrax here and there, and it's good to know they are not doing any damage yet. I am on every two weeks from now on, and my second GD (took it early too since I am overweight) is in two weeks. My clotting levels are great, and my glider arrived yesterday. Man, I love that chair. I had them set it up in the living room, as there is no room in the room that will be the nursery. I just don't know how I am going to move my office out of here in the next 6 months. I am not going to sweat it...baby will be in our room as long as we can, and then it will have to change in this office for sure!
take care girls!
Kimmie

[Brink]

Hi all, things are going well here still. We had an u/s this morning and the babies are looking great. They are measuring 2.3lb and 2.4lb and just a couple of days ahead of schedule. So, I'm thrilled. They did have to come back and do a vaginal to check my cervix. They were concerned that it was starting to shorten, but I guess it checked out ok with the internal.

Other than that, just another wierdo in my room. I was on a call and I hear this guy talking in the hall about a bathroom. Next thing I know he is in my private bathroom throwing up! Then he just turns and walks out. Needless to say I called the nurses and had housecleaning come and scrub the bathroom down, but jeesh!

Kimmie - so glad you have an A+ cervix. Do you get a present from your DH for being such a good student?

Sage - glad to hear you are going to get out on your birthday. Even though I'm in the hospital, I can't imagine having to stay in bed all day. You are a strong woman.

Hope everyone else is doing ok. It's been really quiet around here lately (which I guess is a good thing).

[whitlockan]

I've beena little busy, so I'm a little late but I just wanted to extend my best wishes to Ali, I'm soo sorry and I couldnt even imagine what it must feel like, but your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Glad everyone else seems to be doing pretty good.....things have been on the down low here, not much to report, just hanging tight until my peri appointment on Thursday.

Brink....wow your having quite the luck their, at least it makes it somewhat entertaining.

[Sage]

28w6d

Hey everyone! Not much is going on with me. I had a quick ultrasound today to check fluid levels and an NST. Strangely enough, my fluid levels have been totally normal this week and at my appointment last week. I am definitely NOT complaining, but it feels kind of weird that everything is actually looking normal. I was telling my DH this morning that it's strange to be worried now b/c everything looks normal--like I'm worried that the nurses are missing something, since things with this pregnancy have been so whacked out for so long. But it's definitely nice to worry about them missing something, rather than being worried about something that is actually wrong! I hope that made sense. The NST went great too, so it was a really good appointment.

I can't believe I am almost 29 weeks!! We are getting SO close, I just can't wait to hold these little boys in my arms.

Kimmie - SO glad you are doing so well! How far along are you now??

Brink - Those are great weights for your girls!! Isn't a relief when you find out they're over 2 pounds?? I just breathed a sigh of relief when my boys got over 2 pounds for some reason. I'm hoping they'll be really close to 3 pounds at my ultrasound next week. Thanks for the compliment!! Truth be told, I get up a lot more than I should, and most of my "bed rest" is actually spent slouched on the couch. It is very difficult to stay reclined, especially with my DD running around at 16 months old.

Whit - Glad things are going well!! Good luck at your peri appointment.

[whitlockan]

Next Peri appointment Jan 11

Yesterday:

He is great!!!

1 lbs 15 oz
138 beats/min
head down feet up :( I dont like my ribs being used as an instrument
All organ/bone development is on track :) in fact the doc was caught in L&D and so she called him told him the findings and he said hes perfect unless they want to wait around she is good to go and can call me anytime if she has any questions.

No 4d today :( we tried but his face is smashed up against the uterine wall so it makes it very blurry not to mention he wouldnt show us anyways, so this is all I have:

26 weeks 1 day face profile
http://static.flickr.com/143/322214794_9b65330ad9.jpg?v=0

*x-posted from March 2007 thread*

[lorbo]

guess i should update all the crap that's happened.

so, i'm no longer pregnant-sucks the big one. i had the perinat appt on thursday. earlier in the week, i was ultrasounded myself at work and something just didn't seem right to me...but my work's u/s isn't clear, and isn't the greatest. thought maybe i was just making myself worry more...hell, i was 13 weeks...coming out of the first trimester....we heard the baby's heartbeat just last thursday at the ob's office and i was told it a nice strong heartbeat. on u/s on thursday, i knew right away that the tech couldn't find a heartbeat-the baby just looked like it was sleeping, fully formed-quite normal looking. when she left to get the doctor, she told me later, that she knew i knew-well, i've only had uncountable numbers of u/s with my pregnancies in the past. the doctor rescanned and i'm the one who said there's no heartbeat. he told me i'd probably have a d&e because of so much tissue-though i could miscarry naturally-though there were no signs of that happening anytime soon. i had to leave the office and tell my sister who was waiting in the hall with my kids-she was shocked. i called DH on the walk across to the hospital and he practically ran out of work and met me immediately-considering where he was coming from. he's taking it quite hard-his eyes were very red and he knows he'll have to explain to his coworkers why he was so upset...just as i'll have to explain to mine, why i was unable to attend a meeting, do my mandatory on call, and not work on sun/mon. i had the d&e yesterday-my doctor is amazing and tried to make us feel better-though he stressed he knew that not much would make us feel better. merry christmas to us is how i feel right now and i kind of wish the holidays would be over...but i have DD and DS...and January is a huge birthday month for my family. i also had to explain everything to my almost four year old and email her preschool teacher, in case she says anything in class. we are having chromosomal testing done and maybe we'll have an answer, though i told my sister, the sac just didn't look right to me, she theorized maybe there was a hole in the sac...something to keep in mind if the testing comes back okay. either way, i'll know the sex of the baby, though DH doesn't care, well, he says he doesn't care. as far as my high risk status, both of my ob doctors feel that my rh status had nothing to do with the loss of this baby-my doctor yesterday said the baby was completley normal looking on ultrasound, not swollen or anything...so to not worry about it. that's about it for me...so you can remove my name now.

[Kimmiebride]

Oh, Lorbo... so sorry. Man, it sucks, but especially at the holidays (my son's angel day was Thanksgiving, so it's forever connected to that day...) Sending warm thoughts to you, your DH and your other kids, and hoping finding out some answers will bring you a bit of peace.
Kimmie

[Kimmiebride]

My update is nice and boring. Can't believe I am already 25 weeks! Still scared every day, but also still very hopeful. Getting ready for holidays has been tough as I am exhausted, and can only handle a couple of hours out of the house at a time. Tree has been up for two weeks, but nothing on it, and it looks kind of stupid.

Take care everyone, and take it easy,
Kimmie

[Sage]

Oh, Lorbo, I'm so, so sorry for your loss. Please know that I'm thinking of you and your family during this time. I wish there was something I could say or do to make things easier. Please take care of yourself.

[Brink]

Lorbo - I am so sorry for your loss. Those words just sound so inadequate right now, but I don't know what else to say other than if you need us, we are here for you. Take care of yourself.

[Brink]

Another milestone met. We are 27 weeks today and still doing well. The babies are tracking just right and other than some contractions, all is great. I now have a yeast infection, so I get to deal with that over the next few days - ick.

I had the flu over the weekend and now my daughter has it. Feeling better today, but glad I'm in here and not having to do a lot.

My internet has been a little spotty over the last few days too. I have to find a better place in the hospital for my reception.

[Sage]

29w5d

Hi everybody, thought I would do a quick update on me. We had our weekly NST today plus an ultrasound to do measurements. The NST went great--they said the results were "remarkable" for 29 weekers, meaning that the boys actually tracked well and had really nice accelerations. So that was great to hear!! The ultrasound also went really well--our donor baby is measuring 2lb 15 oz, and our recipient baby is 3lb 3 oz. That's only an 8% size difference, which is fantastic. So that was exciting, too. And my fluid levels are still normal, so I am thrilled about that too!! So, it was a great appointment.

It's too funny when I go in for the NSTs--apparently we're kind of famous. The nurses always ask if I'm being monitored for any particular reason and get so excited when they find out I was the one that went to Cincinnati for the laser surgery--they all get so excited when they find out how well we're doing now.

The only bummer was that I noticed when they measured the femur length of each twin that it seemed to be measuring behind the other measurements, so I asked if that could be a cause for concern. The peri said it can be a marker for downs but that we're still within the normal range. I asked him if the amnio was 100% accurate when it rules out downs, and he told me it's 99.9% accurate. Although I'm not worried since we had the negative amnio, I wish he had been totally dismissive of the possibility. I'm sure it just means they have short legs like me, but I really wish I just hadn't asked to begin with--oh well.

Whit - Glad the peri appointment went so well!!

Kimmie - Yay for 25 weeks!! Hope everything continues to go so smoothly.

Brink - Wow, 27 weeks already!! You are getting so close!! That sucks about the flu--hope you're feeling better.

[whitlockan]

Lorbo......again I'm late but I'm so sorry, I dont know what else to say, as Brink said, but you are in my thoughts and prayers I wish you all the best.

[whitlockan]

Kim/Sage/Brink......so far so good......stay strong ladies!!

Had a routine OB Tuesday, I'm still on track as well, so even though I do worry a lot every successful appointment makes me feel a little better. And we've pretty much stopped talking to my MIL and SIL (Jerry's SIL too) about the baby, since the last thing the SIL said to us was.......even though your baby is perfectly healthy right now doesnt mean it will be born healthy........yeah thanks for that thought, your such a wonderful pregnant women!!! :eek: I thought you might get a chuckle out of it since she has made herself an expert in SUA and she doesnt even have it. I just laugh it off because that just shows how shallow of a person she really is. But ANYWAYS!!!

[Sage]

30w

I'm 30 weeks today!! Hooray! I can't believe we have made it this far. Thinking back on what we went through nine weeks ago, I just feel so very, very fortunate.

I had a fantastic peri appointment yesterday. He told me he won't let me go past 36 weeks considering my history, so I will definitely be having these babies within the next six weeks. He said we could try for a vaginal birth so long as the lower baby is in a headdown position and my cervix is cooperating. If not, then we'll have a scheduled c-section. He also lifted some of my bedrest restrictions!! He told me I could have a couple outings a week, pick up my daughter, do some light housework, etc., so long as I don't overdo it and just pay really close attention to how my body reacts. I am so excited!!! I also passed my 3 hour GTT, so I'm very relieved about that.

The best thing that happened is he said that the chance of the TTTS reoccuring is virtually nonexistent now that it's been so long since the surgery. That was absolutely thrilling to hear.

Whit - Ugh, I can't believe your SILs comment!! How insensitive can you get?? I'm glad you have such a good attitude about it, though. That's the best way to handle it, I think!!

Hope everyone else is doing well.

[Kimmiebride]

Sage!!! Woo hoo for all the great news! That's just awesome! Miracles are everywhere, and I am so glad they are taking such good care of you, and everything is working!!

Whit, man, people can be such idiots... everyone is a freaking expert. I remember when I went to the ER for some cramping a few weeks ago... while we were waiting for the L&D doc to come down, the doc on duty in ER said his wife had lost a baby, and you know, sometimes these things just aren't meant to be... what a jerk, and way to go to calm down a frightened mommy. It turned out to be nothing, and I was just so annoyed that he had to be such a jerk, especially when he had gone through losing a baby himself. Thank God our L&D docs are in the right job, and don't usually make stupid comments like that!

Update on me: Good peri appointment, despite the fact that I am on pre-term labor watch. Weekly monitoring via the phone, and I have to count contractions for an hour at a time, twice a day. So far the ones I have been having are not having any affect on my cervix, so are perfectly normal, but better safe than sorry. I also failed my 1 hr GTT, and have to go back next week for the 3 hour... great week to have that happend, since I have been so good in my eating, but really was looking forward to my mom's Christmas cookies. Hope I pass the 3 hour!! I really don't want to have to go on insulin since I am already giving myself two shots a day... I will run out of injection sites, and not be a happy camper! I am on modified activity, which is nice. No bed rest so far or anything like that...
Kimmie

[kmmommy]

Sage ~ What great news! Those baby boys wanted you to have a relaxing Christmas!

Kimmie ~ Glad things are going well for you too. Good luck passing the 3 hour!

[Brink]

Hi girls, sorry I've been MIA, but I've still had the flu. I am finally starting to feel better this week. All is good with the babies, they are having good heartrate sessions and I get another u/s tomorrow.

Sage - I am so happy to hear about your progress. I think you are just ahead of me and they won't let me go past 34 weeks, so it looks like we may have our babies about the same time. That will be fun.

Kimmie - bummer about the 3 hour. Just to give you a little hope, I failed my 1 hour with my last pg and ended up passing the 3 hour. There is hope!

Hope everyone has a great New Year's.

[whitlockan]

sage Thats exicting things are going so well......I'm so happy for you and when I see you and Brink come in here and post and those babies are still in your bellies, I just get so happy for you, ecsp now since your both easing into the 30 week point, that was a milestone that just seemed against all odds but you did it, and I continue to wish you the best progress!!

no kidding......hmm wonder if she thought about how she might feel if I told her that........ah no wonder she has a myspace page and on it in the the "what do I want to be when I grow up" it says likeable person.....HAHAHA. Anyways glad you are hanging in there and still doing well.

kimmie glad things are so well, modified rest is better than bedrest and contractions not affecting your cervix, thats just another plus, I'm thinking about you!!

Seriously what is this world coming to, I cant believe an ER doctor who been through the same loss had the nerve.......wow people really are insensative to other people's emotions let alone a prego lady's. Oh it just makes me mad that someone could say that to you!! I'm sorry you had to hear a comment similar to mine, I wish that feeling upon no one!!

Brink yahoooooo your almost 30 weeks....like I was saying to sage, you ladies just dont know how excited I get when I see you post, I think about you all the time and everyday longer you carry the happier I get. Continue to enjoy your stay and dont worry soon you'll be home and when of course when you are the 10+ weeks in a hospital room will be completely worth it!!

Me nothing new, Jan 2nd is my 1 hour GTT and routine OB not looking forward to that, the GTT that is. I'm still hanging in there and taking it one day at a time.

[Kimmiebride]

Whit, thanks for the note! I know... it's weird how people can be, eh?

Great news... I passed my 3 hour, but my fasting level was 1 point too high, so they are sending me to a dietician anyway... can't hurt, and since I don't have to check my blood levels at home, I can handle a stricter diet... not that I have been eating badly, just that it's Christmas, and I didn't deprive myself of everything for the past couple of weeks or so...

Went to Costco today, and over did it a bit, so I am off for a nice comfy nap! My mommy is here, and it's so very nice to have her around!
Hugs,
Kimmie

[Brink]

Still feeling nausea, but I think the worst of the fever is gone. It really stinks to be sick. All is well with the babies. I had an ultrasound yesterday and they are measuring 2lb 8oz and 2lb 10oz which is great. I will start longer monitoring periods next week. I'll be on for 4 hours in the morning and then another 9 hours from afternoon until night. It will start getting harder, but it will all be worth it. I'm just trying to figure out how long I can continue to work from the hospital. Hopefully I can hold out on disability a little while longer.

Kimmie - so glad to hear you passed the 3hr. That is so stressful. Probably not a bad idea with the diet anyway - good luck - hopefully it will be easy to implement.

Well, better get back and get some work done (since this is the first day I've actually felt like I can work in a while)

[suzfuzsunflower]

I don't think that I really belong here, but I thought that some of you might have some input or experience with this. We had our 19 week ultrasound today, and 2 "soft" markers for chromosomal disorders came up - something with the kidneys and an echogenic bowel (white spot on the bowel).

We are being sent to a specialist/high risk doctor for a repeat ultrasound and genetic counseling. Both of these could indicate Trisomy 21. The bowel issue could indicate Cystic Fibrosis (no family history).

Anyway, I was just wondering if any of you ladies had something like this show up on your ultrasound. I have read many of your stories, and you are all very strong and brave. Thanks for letting me stop by your thread!

[kmmommy]

suzfuz ~ I'm a cheerleader in this thread as I'm not pg but my DD has Down syndrome. She didn't have any markers on the 20w u/s. Around 34 weeks I was measuring ahead so my OB ordered another u/s and they found that her stomach was dilated. A level II confirmed duodenal atresia (blockage between stomach and intestines) and a heart defect. We never had any prenatal testing done to find out if our baby would have any birth defects.

You and your little one are in my thoughts. Please feel free to PM me if you have any questions you don't want to ask in here.

[whitlockan]

I'm back ladies..........I SURVIVED....

Funny my SIL/MIL have so much mean and negative things to say to us in e-mail and over the phone and guess what they wouldnt even talk to me, not even a hi, let alone look at me...perhaps they are intimidated by me and know its in their best interest to keep quite about their opinions. :D I'm in control now. That must be killing her.

Still waiting to hear back the results on my 1 hour GTT....they have 24 more hours if they dont call me within 48 hours then I passed.........so they say!!

Other news I'm up total of 10 lbs as of yesterday his heartbeat is strong and we just have to do "kick counting" for 2 weeks.......We have our Peri next Thursday so hopefully he will be strong and have great measurements. Were almost done!!

suzfuzsunflower sorry to hear you had some "markers" but Perinatologists will be able to answer so many questions you may have.....I absolutly love ours and he constantly reassures us everything will be okay!! So the only thing that showed up on ours was our SUA (2 vessel cord) so far. But he is still at risk for Chromosonal problems but so far so good.

Brink I'm so sorry you've been so sick....but your right at least your in the hospital!!! Glad babies are doing well, there growing like crazy in there and by the sounds of it are pretty happy and content for now.

[Sage]

31w5d

Hey everyone! I'm still here and pregnant...I will be 32 weeks this Friday and am SO excited about that milestone.

I had a nonstress test this morning and the boys are looking great. Baby B was taking a snooze so they had to use the buzzer on him to wake him up and get him moving...he about jumped out of my belly when they did it, poor little guy. My fluid levels are actually going down a bit, which is great, and I guess completely normal for this stage of pregnancy with twins. So things are great with us!! My DH and I are finally starting to buy stuff for them and get the nursery ready. It really hit home for me the other day when I went to Babies R Us and had to buy outfits for each of them--I just can't believe how we're going to go from a family of 3 to a family of 5 in just a few weeks. I'm getting so excited!!

Kimmie - That's so great you passed the 3 hour! I hope the dietician doesn't give you too much trouble since technically you passed. I don't think I could handle any changes to my diet at this stage of pregnancy!! I have eaten an insane amount of cookies over this holiday season--it was like family came out of the woodwork to deliver cookies to us and it was my personal mission to eat them all! So I am very glad that I passed the 3 hour too.

Brink - I hope you are feeling better by now!! Wow, those are really long periods for monitoring--all worth it though, of course. Hope you're able to get some work done--I know I have a hard time working from home and I'm not hooked up to monitors on top of everything else! I think we probably will be having our babies at the same time since I think you are just about 2 weeks behind me!! That will be very fun!

suzfuzsunflower - I'm so sorry they spotted markers on your ultrasound!! Hopefully it will turn out to be nothing. I haven't had any experience with the soft markers you've mentioned, but we did have an increased risk of down syndrome based on our nuchal screening. We had an amnio later that came back negative. I also have a niece with Cystic Fibrosis--no family history on our side (although my SIL did have some family history). She was diagnosed through the newborn screening done at the hospital after she was born--she's actually one of the first babies in her state to be diagnosed that way since they just added CF to the screening tests. I'm not positive, but I don't think they found any markers for CF in any of her ultrasounds. My SIL knew she was a carrier for the gene based on the bloodwork they did on her in early pregnancy, but they opted not to have my brother screened for the gene b/c we had no family history. Unfortunately, he was a carrier and my darling niece has CF--she's almost 1 now and is doing wonderfully. She's had a few lung infections and one hospitalization, but so far takes it all in stride. They've made such wonderful advancements with CF treatments in recent years. I'd be happy to chat with you about it more if you'd like. Good luck with your follow-up--even if none of us have had the specific experience you're having, we're definitely a great group to provide support and understanding if you need it!

Whit - So glad you survived the holidays!!! I hope you passed your 1 hour GTT! Sending good wishes your way...

[whitlockan]

Well I have some great news I called and got my results of my 1 hour GTT........

I passed with a 79:D obivously you can tell I'm so excited (70-120 is normal)!!!

Sage yahoo another week down and your still going strong, I LOVE IT!! Poor little guy, I hope he doesnt end up being afraid of ghosts now ;)

Kimmi I'm so sorry I missed you on my last post...........I'm so glad you passed the 3 hour!! Congrats, keep resting up dont push yourself too much

[Brink]

Hi all,

Well, I kept thinking that I was over the flu and it kept coming back. Today I think I might actually be better. I have now been 24 hours without a fever for the first time in 3 weeks

Babies are looking good. I am now on monitors from 6am to 11pm with time off for a shower and dinner with my family. The heartrates have had a few accelerations but the dr. says nothing to worry about. I do get nervous when I'm off the monitor overnight, but I'm sure I'll go on 24 hour before too long.

whitlockan - Congrats on passing your 1 hour. That is terrific news, also can't wait until we hear about your peri appt next week.

Sage - I am so happy for you and the progress you have made. I am so excited that you are now buying things for the twins. We haven't yet, but that will happen in the next couple of weeks.

suzfuzsunflower - So sorry to hear about the potential news you received. I hope that you get to see someone that will be able to explain everything really well. I know we found out I am a carrier for CF, but my DH is not, but for that couple of weeks we were really scared. The only thing I can say is that I did talk to several parents who had kids with CF and while they had to be careful with certain things, for the most part their kids lived completely normal lives. Please don't feel like you don't belong here. We all have very different issues and our main purposes is just to be there to support each other. Sometimes that's just listening to each other vent or giving our knowledge on an issue. Either way, please feel free to join us.

Well, take care all.

[whitlockan]

Brink.....wow you've had quite the run-in with the flu, I'm so sorry but YAYA you made it 24 hours without a fever *knock on wood.* Wow your at 29 weeks and a few odd days........almost 30, how long did they say they would let you go again before they took them (34?)........ I know I'm very excited to see how hes doing it seems like forever since we've been last but I guess when you go to regular OB appts. every 2 weeks, 1 appt in 4 weeks seems like a lifetime. Take care and rest up..........

[whitlockan]

Where are you guys, your scaring me come in and let me know everything is okay!!!

30 weeks 1 day 4d:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/128/354092681_e5dcb419e1.jpg?v=0

**I have some 3ds that the scanner here at work picks up way to high of a resolution so I'll drop them off when I get home and scan them on a crappy scanner.

Had my Peri appointment today, didnt hear exactly evrything I wanted to hear but I'm still very very positive.

Zachary's stats:
3 lbs 9 oz
129 beats per min (he was sleeping)
Head down (on the floor) feet/butt up

The deal:
Right now he is still right on track the doctor said we have cleared 1 hurdle but we still have 1 HUGE one to jump. First one, his kidney is perfectly developed and looks wonderful (most SUA babies have kidney problems). The biggest one we have left, are these babies will stay on track and 34 weeks is when they start to slow down and drag behind in terms of growth/measurements. So he said if everything looks good at 34 weeks and not one measurement is off then we are good but if he shows signs of falling behind and we will watch him very very carefully, and if we have to he will take him at about 34-35 weeks depending on how bad it slows. Which this does not bother me because thats only 2-3 weeks premature, which I rather have him in a healthy enviroment getting the help he needs to continue to grow/develop rather than have him stay inside of me and make no progress. So wish us the best luck and Feb 12th will determine whether we will or will not take him naturally or by c-section.

[LDS Angel 19]

Just cruising along here... I feel like i have SUCH a long way to go when most of you are getting so close. I'll be 12 weeks tomorrow. Everything is just fine so far. I go see the peri on the 23rd.

[Kimmiebride]

28w5d... Doc appt next Wednesday. Having more BH/contractions in the past couple of days. Trying to take it easy, and should go lay down as I have to work this afternoon if the contractions turn out to be nothing.

Mostly not too stressed, except when I read in our late term loss thread about Jennylou's friends' SIL who just found out her baby had died at almost full term. I have to keep telling myself that my baby and I will be fine. Constantly!!!!

LDS congrats on almost being out of the first tri!! I have to say, this pregnancy has gone by really fast for me. Sometimes I am a bit sad, as I will miss being pregnant, but can't wait to hold and snuggle this little one in a couple of months!

Whit, sending you prayers for continued growth and hoping all your milestones are right on track!!! I haven't gotten an u/s at my peri since the level II on 10/31, and I miss seeing my baby often! That's such a great pic!!! It's so close now, and I can't belive I am only a little more than a week behind you. Wow.
Take care,
Kimmie

[Sage]

33w

Hello everyone!! Sorry I haven't checked in for awhile, there hasn't been that much to report (which is always a good thing)!

We had our ultrasound to measure growth on Wednesday and the boys are both weighing in at 4lbs 8 oz. I am totally thrilled with that number. So basically, I have 9lbs of baby in me with 3 weeks to go! I'm hoping they'll be over 5 lbs at birth. That would be totally awesome. My overall fluid levels are smack dab in the middle of normal at around 15cm, so that's great too.

Both babies are breech right now, so a c-section is looking more and more probable. I kind of hope they stay breech so I don't have to choose whether or not to have a vaginal birth. I'm afraid of making the wrong decision....

So anyhoo, things are looking good. DH and I finished decorating their nursery yesterday and I totally love it. We went with a nautical theme and got a lot of good deals on decorations--I painted a lot of stuff we bought from Michael's for super cheap and found some really cute wall hangings/valance on clearance at Babies R Us. The valance only cost $2.98! Gotta love a good deal.

Anyways, that's all for me. I see my peri on Tuesday and then will have weekly visits with him after that in addition to my weekly NSTs. I'll only have one more ultrasound to measure growth, and that isn't until the 31st. I'm in the homestretch now!

Whit - Didn't mean to make you worry!!! Sorry!! Congrats on passing the GTT! So, it sounds like you, me and Brink might all be having our babies right around the same time! It is going to be an exciting couple of weeks hearing everyone's news! I'm so glad Zachary's kidneys are perfect! What a wonderful picture of him! We did a 4D ultrasound of our DD for fun, but haven't done it with this pregnancy. I'm ultrasounded out considering we have them all the time, it seems! I wish our peri used a 4D machine.

Brink - So glad you are finally feeling better! Are you on 24 hour monitoring yet??

LDS - Yay for being out of the first trimester!! That first trimester does seem to last forever, doesn't it? Once I hit 20 weeks, the time started to fly by for some reason. I'm so glad things are going well for you!!

Kimmie - I hope the contractions turn out to be nothing!! Drink tons of water and put your feet up, that always seems to help mine. That's awful about jennylou's friend---I can't even imagine. Try not to worry--I have every confidence that this pregnancy is going to turn out just fine for you!!

[Kimmiebride]

Thanks Sage, and glad you checked in... I did end up going to L&D, better safe than sorry, right? They monitored me for a little more than an hour, and I did have another one of those ctx, but it didn't register at all on the monitor, and baby was having a party in there. They did an u/s to check my cervix and fluid, and all looked A-OK, which was a huge relief. Hopefully I will be able to refrain from freak outs for a little while longer. I know I worked myself up into a frenzy, and the ctx were much stronger than they had been, but still not strong enough to do anything, thank God!
Kimmie

[Jenean]

Hi ladies. I hope you guys don't mind me stopping by... I guess I'm technically high risk since I'm having twins, but everything has been going so great that I didn't want to intrude, although I have to admit I've been lurking and have gotten such inspiration from you all!

Anyway, yesterday, at 18w2d, I started experiencing what turned out to be contractions. They weren't big ones, but they were happening regularly enough for my midwife and doc to be concerned and order me home to bed. I knew this was a possibility at some point, but didn't think it would happen quite so soon and not with such strict restrictions so fast. My cervix is long and closed and the babies sounded and looked great, so I'm not terribly concerned just yet about true preterm labor, but of course it's in the back of my head and I hope that it doesn't become a real issue.

So, I'm gathering magazines and books to read and have lots of cross stitch projects, and my awesome parents just got me a subscription to Netflix, so I think I've got entertainment covered, but if anyone has any good advice for how to get my house running smoothly w/o much help from me, I'd really appreciate it! I'm not used to not doing everything and this is going to be a tough adjustment. But I want to do it right - these babies are worth it!

Thanks, ladies!

[Brink]

Hi guys, no time (or energy) for s/o's right now. Just posting real quick so you don't worry about me. I am on almost 24/7 monitoring with a couple of breaks for shower and dinner with my family. Babies are being really difficult the last few days. One is actually laying accross the other (forming an +) and we can't get a good read on the underneath baby. We get glimmers here and there, so we know she is ok, but monitoring is almost impossible. I have nurses in here almost all day long searching for her heartbeat or holding the monitor in place when we find it. Very frustrating and I'm exhausted.

I'll come back later when I have some time and energy. It's midnight and I'm going to try and get an hour or two of sleep before we start again........

Take care all - I think of you daily.

[em1126]

Wow, all of you are amazing women. I can't imagine going through what you have gone through and being that strong. So, I don't know if I belong in here or not, but I am 20 weeks pregnant with a cleft lip and possibly cleft palate baby girl. I know in the grand scheme of things, this is a relatively small thing, but there are some changes I'm adjusting to, like not having my regular OB deliver my baby, having to travel to a hospital 1 to 1-1/2 hrs. away to deliver, not being able to breastfeed (although I do plan to exclusively pump), etc. Anyway, I admire all of you for your strength and, if you don't mind, I would like to introduce myself.
em1126
Me: Emily
DH: Mike
EDD: 6/3/07
Issue: Cleft lip and possibly palate
Other Children: none

[Brink]

Hi all,

Things have gotten better around here. While the babies can be hard to find, once we find them they are staying on the monitors pretty well. They have been behaving and not giving us any cause for concern.

We have 3 weeks left and then they will be delivered. It still seems like it is so far away. I'm sure it will be here before I know it, but it just seems like forever.

em1126 - Of course you are welcome here. So sorry to hear about the cleft lip/palate. I would imagine that after the baby is born they will do surgery, right? Can they tell how bad it is with an ultrasound, or do you just mainly have to wait until he/she is born?

Jenean - Congrats on your twins. I have been having a lot of contractions too and my dr's say it is really normal with twins. As far as how to keep your house running, hire a housecleaner! Since I'm in the hospital, I am lucky and don't have to see how much my house is falling behind. I figure as long as my daughter is clean and fed, the rest really doesn't matter. I think the hardest part about being at home would be wanting to get up and do things and not being able to. Sounds like you have a good support system, just don't hesitate to lean on them.

Kimmie - any more contractions? Has that little baby been behaving?

Sage - So happy to hear about the weights on the babies. You must just be so completely relieved and excited. Pretty soon we will both have our babies........

whitlockan - Very cool 3-D pic. We did those with my DD but obviously can't get out of here to go and do them with the twins. Glad go hear everything is looking good.

LDSAngel - Yeah for making it out of the first tri - one milestone down.......

OK, I think I got everyone. I'm going to take my break from my monitors now and go take a shower. Funny how we appreciate the little things in life these days.

[whitlockan]

Hey ladies just stopping by to check on everyone:

brink glad you are still hanging strong at 31 weeks :D Yeah I only get them because the insurance pays for them and the Peri does them anyways to check everything on Zachary......believe me I wouldnt pay out of pocket for them, its nice though to have a peri that has a 3/4d machine, makes the visits fun.

em1126 welcome, I'm sorry to hear about the misfortune, I know its hard, and you think in your mind your going to have the "perfect" pregnancy then bam it happens to you. I hope that they can help her out a little bit with surgery, but I'm not all the familar with how that works, so I'm not even going to pretend ;) But I do wish you the best of luck and I know its difficult to hear anything other than the best but your going to be a great mom regardless!!!

Jenean wow lucky you TWINS...:eek: , you guys make my head hurt but I wish you the best of luck. As far as keeping the house running, haha your asking the wrong person I'm a bit of a control freak!


Kimmiebride I'm happy to hear that everything checked out, of course its always better to be safe than sorry, ecsp for your piece of mind! Yeah wow its almost time, in fact I was at the regular OB on Monday and he said if Zachary wants to come at 34 weeks on his own they are not going to stop him, its much safer to let him come at that point then try to stop it, so basically I could have this baby anywhere from 3-11 more weeks :eek: wow its almost over and were getting that close!!


Sage glad your hanging tight and running a well oiled machine in there :D . Yeah I'm sorta feel like that too in regards to sonos...I get one every month but I love it when they click it over to 4d and let me take a few pics home, makes it worth it to me :) I guess I'm just lucky my Peri does them on his own and has that feature on their machine, like I was telling Brink I dont think I would presonally pay out of pocket for them if the insurance wasnt covering them.

LDS Angel 19 hang tight it'll be here before you know it!! Glad your are doing good!!

Ladies, I'm just so thrilled to come in here and see you all checking in with great news.......wow it really keeps me going believe it or not.

[Sage]

33w4d

Hello all! Saw the peri this afternoon and both babies are still breech, so he went ahead and scheduled my c-section for February 1st. I'm SO excited, that is only 2 weeks away from Thursday. I am seriously on cloud 9--I can't believe we are so close!!

We have the nursery done, essentials bought, and I'm just in a major nesting phase right now...all I want to do is get everything organized and ready. I'm nervous about the c-section and about how we'll handle everything once the boys get here, but I'm just so relieved that we've made it this far. I was having quite a few contractions last night, but I'm not dilated at all and only about 25% effaced, so apparently they're not really affecting me yet. I really think we'll make it to the c-section date without any problems.

I asked the peri if they would do anything special with the boys once they are born since they are TTTS babies. He said they would each get an echocardiogram, but other than that they'll be treated just like regular babies. I go in tomorrow for a non-stress test and fluid check, so hopefully everything will check out there too.

Whit - So excited that things are going so well for you!! That's awesome your peri does the 4D sonos himself...you are so lucky!

Brink - So glad the girls are behaving!! Are you going crazy yet being strapped to the monitors? How is your DD handling everything? My DD, who has never been a good sleeper, is starting to get some bad separation anxiety at bedtime. I'm worried how she's going to handle me being away at the hospital for 4 nights...sometimes I'm the only one who can get her to relax and get back to sleep. Ugh, I pray these boys are better sleepers than she is.

Kimmie - So glad the contractions weren't serious! Good for you for going to L&D--better safe than sorry! Hopefully your little one will stop scaring you and give you a breather for a bit. Hang in there--you are getting so far along now!

em1126 - Welcome!!! I'm so sorry to hear about your little babe's cleft lip and palate. That must have been so distressing to find out. It is something that can be corrected after birth, right? Not that it makes it any easier to deal with now, of course. It is so hard to adjust expectations about pregnancy and to not have control over certain things, e.g. where to deliver, etc. We are definitely here for you and will support you in any way that we can!!

Jenean - Hello, fellow twinmama! So sorry to hear that you are having contractions already! I'm glad your cervix is cooperating and that things are looking good. Try not to worry about keeping the house in order--I know it's so hard. My DH was so busy trying to take care of me, DD and his work that our house fell into quite a disarray, which is hard to look at all day long and know that you can't do anything about it. But, just try to take it easy and enjoy this quiet time before your new babies arrive. One thing that really, really helped us was that my mom came down to visit and cooked us a ton of meals to freeze. So basically DH only had to defrost something and stick it in the oven for our dinners. She made a TON of food, and our stockpile lasted quite awhile. It was a huge help...took one chore off of DH's list and made his life easier, as well as making sure that I was actually eating decent meals.

Hope everyone else is doing well!

[Kimmiebride]

Em1126, welcome to the thread! Sorry to hear about the cleft lip and possible cleft palate issues, and hoping everything else goes smoothly, and that the corrective surgeries will go well when the time is right!

Too beat for other s/o.... just wanted you to know that I am glad everyone is hanging in there round here, and let you know my peri appt went well today, and I can't believe 30 weeks is almost here. My shower is Sunday, and it's sooooo exciting! Contractions have calmed down, and cervix is really good. I will have an u/s on Valentine's day to determine the baby's size, and will start NST's at 32 weeks. Baby is soooo active, and I love that!
Off to nappy land!
Kimmie

[Brink]

Kimmie - how was your baby shower?

We are 32 weeks tomorrow. It's really hard to be at this stage. All of the research says to deliver between 32 and 34 weeks. We are opting for 34 since the babies are doing so well, but it's really hard to leave them in there knowing we are risking their lives when they could be perfectly healthy on the outside. I know this is bad, but I keep hoping they have a major decel or their size difference indicates delivery. I don't want anything to be wrong with them, but I really want an excuse to get them out of here. It's better for them to wait until the 34 weeks if there are no cord issues, but the unknown is so hard. These next two weeks are going to be really hard......we are so close but yet so far away. If something happens to them in these next two weeks, I don't know what I will do. I'm still holding some of my attachment to them in reserve "just in case", but I really want to start feeling like I'll actually bring these babies home.

Does that make sense?

[Sage]

Brink, you just perfectly described how I am feeling too. Even though everything is looking so great with our boys now, I am SO afraid of something going wrong now. We just came so close to losing them, and I would be absolutely devastated if something happened now.

When I go in for my NSTs and peri visits, everyone is so thrilled that I've made it to 34 weeks b/c the babies would be in such great shape if born now, so it takes all I have not to demand a c-section on the spot. I know 36 weeks is ideal for our situation and I understand that logically my body is a better place for them than the NICU, but I can completely relate to the feeling that it is safer for them to be on the outside. I just feel like my body failed the boys during this pregnancy, and I'm afraid it could turn on us again at any moment.

We have 11 days left and it is going by SO slowly. I can't believe how fast this pregnancy has gone by since my surgery, but these last 2 weeks are just dragging, so I can commiserate. I know it's so scary, but at least take comfort in the fact that you are hooked up to all these monitors and they know what's going on with your girls at every moment (as long as they're cooperating ;) ). We have made it this far, right?? We can definitely make it these last two weeks and beat the odds!

[Kimmiebride]

Hi guys! My shower was so fun!!! I think it's finally beginning to sink in! I feel for both of you, brink and sage, and even though I have a singleton, I still worry that something could still go wrong. Once you have lost a baby, (and even when you haven't) you worry like that! I am saying prayers for both of you that the next two weeks pass by more quickly without incident, and that you are both holding your healthy babies soon!!! Brink, that' my husband's birthday, so it's a really great day to have them!
sending you all my best!!!!!
Kimmie

[whitlockan]

Brink......I know how you feel, hang tight your going to be okay at least your in a hospital so if something turns up you are just seconds from a OR where as if you were at home then you'd have to count in those minutes of getting there.

Sage......its almost time, and your right you can beat the odds, I wish you the best of lukc!!

Wow you ladies summed up sort of how I feel, I hate to say it but I just want it to be Feb 12th when we go for our 34 week peri and either know hes growing or not and take him soon after. My regular OB says hang tight your body is the best place for him but I'm like yeah hes okay now, take him out before something can go wrong, the stillbrith rate is just too high for me and I dont think about it but you know its there! I'm getting ants in my pants and I want him here safe and sound!

[whitlockan]

kimmie.....we missed each other, I'm glad you had a great time. Its natural were all going to worry, you double duos more than the singletons I'm sure, well my risks seem so little compared to yours so thats why I say that, but I hate to say it if you've been handed a high risk pregnancy or one with lots of complications and you dont worry then do you not have one ounce of emotions in you.......hmmm was that rude of me. :confused: sorry if it was

[Sebski]

deleted

[Sage]

Sebski, first off, congratulations on your two girls!! That is so wonderful! I am so sorry you're on the TTTS rollercoaster now, too. We were diagnosed at the 18w mark, so we were earlier than you are when we got the news. We also had about a 5 day size difference in our boys at that point, but their fluid levels were also starting to differ. I don't really remember what the difference was at that point, but I know by the time we had surgery at 21w3d that our donor had less than 1cm of fluid and I think our recipient was like at 15cm or something (normal is between 3-8cm). So your peri is right--close monitoring is definitely important to watch those fluid levels. Honestly, I think I would demand weekly ultrasounds rather than biweekly--I was getting weekly checks at that point and it is very important to watch those fluid levels since TTTS can worsen quickly. Two weeks seems like an awfully long time to wait.

There are many treatments for TTTS other than selective reduction--did the peri mention any of these? In fact, I just don't even consider selective reduction a "treatment"--that should be absolutely last case scenario after they've actually tried to stop it!! It is WAY too early for her to be going down that path...there is so much they can do these days!! The major three treatments are amnioreduction (drawing amniotic fluid from the recipient's sac to even out the fluid levels), septostomy (poking holes in the membrane between the two sacs to even out the fluid levels) and laser surgery (to cauterize the shared blood vessels in the placenta). We ended up having one amnioreduction, and then had the laser surgery (which also included a second amniotic reduction and a septostomy, although not all doctors do that).

For more information, definitely check out the TTTS Foundation's website. It's at www.tttsfoundation.com. They have a TON of information on there, and will actually send you a free booklet (it's huge) of information that summarizes all of the treatments, issues, risks, etc. There's also a great message board on the site with a lot of great success stories and suggestions, etc. One thing a lot of the women there suggest to do is to drink 3 high protein Ensures or Boosts a day, and to go on bedrest--they believe that this can stop the TTTS in its tracks for some women. I have to say that I didn't follow this advice very closely...I think I drank about 2 Boosts a day (but stopped after I had the surgery), and I wasn't able to go on bedrest until after the surgery due to my work. But I would definitely start drinking the Boosts/Ensures if I were you...you just never know.

If your fluid levels are still normal and if your smaller baby still has a visible bladder on the ultrasound, you probably wouldn't qualify for treatment yet. If it does progress to needing treatment, you should be aware that they don't do the laser surgery everywhere...we live in St. Louis and had to travel to Cincinnati to find a center that was qualified. I know you are not at that point yet, and hopefully won't ever be, but I just wanted to point out that you should be prepared to travel quickly if you don't have a center in your area. If your peri is not cooperative with respect to the interventions I've described, contact the TTTS Foundation immediately so they can hook you up with doctors in your area who are more knowledgable about TTTS.

Please try to stay positive--there is so much they can do now! If you have ANY questions, feel free to ask...if our little guys can make it through this, your little girls can too!! I know I'm dumping all this information on you and I hope it is making some kind of sense...I'm kind of passionate about TTTS considering all we have been through. And definitely check out the TTTS Foundation's website...there is so much valuable information there. I know this is so overwhelming....I was just devastated when we were diagnosed so I can completely relate to what you are feeling.

[Sebski]

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[Sage]

Sebski, I'm so glad my post was helpful!!! I was afraid I was throwing so much info at you all at once you would run for the hills. :) Of course I don't mind a gazillion questions!!

I am SO glad you're getting the weekly ultrasounds. That will work out perfectly with the OB doing one and then the peri doing it the next week. The most important things for you to ask about are whether your donor twin has a visible bladder and what the fluid levels are. You want each baby's deepest vertical pocket of fluid to be relatively even and in the 3cm to 8cm range. Other indicators are the doppler readings, but frankly I never understood what that meant so I never really asked about it (maybe the TTTS Foundation website can explain that part). Basically, the easiest way for me to explain why the fluid levels are so important is to tell you that amniotic fluid is basically baby pee...the babies get their nutrients from the placenta, then pee it out. So if your donor baby isn't getting enough nutrients from the placenta, there is not enough for her to pee out, so she stops growing, her amniotic fluid levels drop, and her bladder never gets full (that's why you wouldn't be able to see it on the ultrasound). She can also get severely anemic due to the lack of nutrients. Because there's hardly any fluid, the membrane separating the two babies kind of shrink-wraps around the donor baby.

On the other hand, your recipient baby is getting way too much from the placenta (her share and the other baby's share), her heart goes into overdrive trying to pump all the extra blood, she gets a really big bladder and is peeing so much she has a ton of extra amniotic fluid and is basically bouncing around in a big swimming pool. Strangely enough, the recipient baby is the one that usually has more problems--mainly b/c their hearts can't take all the extra work.

There is a staging system for TTTS--you usually won't qualify for any interventions until you're at Stage III according to my peri. You can see it at the Fetal Care Center of Cincinnati's website here (http://www.fetalcarecenter.org/medicine/therapies/ttts/). This is where I had my surgery done. You'll note that the main criteria for the stages has to do with fluid levels...not the babies' size. Although a size difference is an important indicator of TTTS, it really seems to me like the fluid levels are going to be the key indicator of whether there's a severe problem. My peri has always said that you do not need to worry about size difference until there is more than a 25% size difference between the two. So you are right, identical twins are not always the exact same size!! My boys have fluctuated in size from the beginning. Even at their worst, they were only at an 18% size difference. We qualified for the surgery b/c my fluid levels were so different and my donor twin had no visible bladder, plus my doppler readings were starting to get wonky. But like I said, we never reached that 25% size difference threshold. Now, a size difference could indicate other problems like IUGR (intra uterine growth restriction) or maybe something else, but I can't speak to what the signs for those problems are--don't mean to worry you about something else but just thought I would point it out.

SO, I think it is fantastic that your donor baby still has a visible bladder and your fluid levels are normal. The weekly ultrasounds are vital to make sure that things are staying on track. Although we always had fluid discrepancies, they were technically within the normal range for a long time, but between 18 and 21 weeks they went way off and I needed the surgery. So it's great that you're being monitored closely...hopefully things will stay the same and you will be able to ward of the TTTS with the Ensures.

Ugh, I still can't believe your peri was such a downer about everything!! I could understand it more from an OB who may not be as educated about something as rare as TTTS, but that is really ridiculous from a peri. I would definitely not call the laser surgery "investigative." They've been doing it since 1990!! And amnioreduction as a form of treatment has been around for a lot longer!! I am just so steamed up that she even mentioned selective reduction....you are so far from that it's ridiculous, considering you are so far along, your babies are looking so wonderful, and they only have a 5 day size difference. I think you said there are other high risk docs in the group you're seeing, right?? Hopefully you'll see another one next time who is more informed. If not, you may want to consider contacting one of the TTTS specialists in the country. Most of the women on the TTTS Foundation message board recommend to immediately call Dr. DeLia, the founder of the laser surgery, upon diagnosis. Apparently, he is wonderful. I never called him b/c my peri was so on top of things I didn't feel the need, but you may want to consider it depending on how your next visit goes.

I know this post is getting ridiculously long, but I also wanted to say that I hear ya on the bedrest thing...I was supposed to be on bedrest post-surgery and my DD was only 15 months at that time...it was hard. Just do what you can, and hang in there. And I also can commiserate with what to tell people...nobody I knew had ever heard of TTTS, including me, and it is hard to explain. Add that to the fact that no one wants to hear downer news, especially about an identical twin pregnancy which is super fun and exciting. It's hard....

I hope this post was helpful--I feel like I'm all over the map but just want you to know everything I know. TTTS is scary stuff, that's for sure, but it is certainly not hopeless. Hang in there!!!! :)

[Brink]

Sebski - so sorry you had to join us, but I'm really happy Sage was able to provide you with such great information. This is exactly one of the reasons this thread is here. If you want me to add your info to the front page, just let me know.

As far as peri's that are insensitive, I can completely relate. My peri now is great, but the first one I saw when I was 12 wks pg looked me in the eye and said "just don't count on this pregnancy working out, you will most likely lose it". I have heard horror stories of other women who where diagnosed with Momo's and advised to terminate the pregnancy. I agree with Sage, you need to have a peri that is really familiar with TTTS and is supportive of you and your babies. Sounds like they are doing pretty well so far. Take care and try not to worry too much (I know, almost impossible).


Update for us. We had our ultrasound today. Baby A is measuring 4lb 9oz and Baby B is 4lb even. I am a little concerned about the weight difference, but then again they say the u/s can be off by up to a lb at this stage. So, I'll try not to be concerned. Baby A has been behaving - did I tell you guys about the scare we had a few days ago? Baby A had a major decel in the middle of the night and they were in here turning me over and trying to get the blood flowing well again. It seems to have worked and she has been doing great. Then just a couple of minutes ago I had a contraction that she had some decels in response to. I think that is a concerning sign also. Still trying to make it to the 5th, but I am comfortable if they take them anytime from now until then.

Hope everyone else is doing well.

[Kimmiebride]

Welcome Sebski, and you have definitely found the right place!! Sage is the resident expert around here!!

Tina, wow... not long now! So exciting!

I start my NST's the week after next. Things are still going good, and I am finally finished shooting (for those who didn't know I am a photographer) and am just doing office/computer work from now until after the baby is born! It was tiring today, but so great knowing that this is really it for a while!
Just ate some of the cake I bought for the 1 year old in my studio today, and yum! plus baby is doing the happy dance with all that sugar. Fun session, and adorable photos!!
Take care,
Kimmie

[usafwife]

Hi ladies. Hope everyone is doing well. I see some new members have joined the thread. Our little one was born at 37 wks. I'd basically been in labor for two wks prior to that. We had a few complications after his birth and spent 8+ hours after birth in an incubator being watched and monitored closely.

[Brink]

USAWife -- CONGRATULATIONS! I am so happy to hear that you delivered successfully and made it all the way to 37 weeks. That must have been hard to have him in the incubator that first day, but so glad he wasn't there very long.

This is getting exciting - we should have several of our high risk mommies delivering pretty soon (me included). I can't wait to hear about all the fantastic babies that are coming our way.

[Kimmiebride]

Congrats to USAwife!! wow, it is getting close for quite a few of us... I can't believe I am already 31 weeks... it seems like yesterday that I got my BFP!!!
hugs and prayer for everyone!!!
Kimmie

[Sage]

Congratulations USAwife!! SO exciting!! That must have been a scary experience, but I'm so glad your little boy is doing well now!

Kimmie, yay for 31 weeks!!! The time is flying by!

Brink - Those are fantastic weights for your girls!!! SO exciting. I'm so, so glad you're inpatient and they were able to catch Baby A's decels and get the blood flowing. It is getting so close!

Whit - Feb. 12th is right around the corner!! I know the waiting is so hard!

Update on me: I have a peri appointment this afternoon so I'll update after that. My NST yesterday went well, Baby B had to get buzzed again but that's pretty typical for him. It will be interesting to see if he is a good sleeper after he's born--I can only hope!! Our DD is a terrible sleeper, so I'm praying these boys will be a bit better. So the official countdown has started...my c-section is one week from today! Hooray!

[Sage]

So, just wanted to update on my peri appointment--everything is still looking good. Blood pressure is great, babies are looking good, etc. He did a quick ultrasound and confirmed that Baby A is head down again, so we started having a discussion of whether I should still have the c-section or whether he should induce a vaginal delivery. My peri basically told me I can choose what I want to do. I just kind of laid it all out there and explained how I really don't want to have a choice--I've been stressing so much over making the wrong decision. It's so hard for me to explain--for whatever reason, I feel so much safer having a c-section, but at the same time I feel guilty for not going for the vaginal delivery. I have no idea why I feel this way, I can't quite pin down why I'm feeling guilt, it's weird.

Anyways, I ended up deciding that we'll keep the c-section date. My peri was super supportive and made me feel good about the decision, but I'm still feeling a little guilt over it though. I hope this post is making sense--I'm still trying to sort out all my feelings over this...I have no idea why this has been such an agonizing decision for me.

Hope you all are doing well! I can't believe how many babies we will have in the next few weeks. I am really grateful for all the support you girls have given me over the last few months...I'm so excited that we all are getting so close.

[Jenean]

Thanks, ladies, for all the advice! All is going really well over here. At my last appointment the midwife said I could resume some activity - still take it easy and stay off my feet as much as I can, but I can be up a bit and go out occasionally. So I'm learning the balance between how much I can do and how much I need to be resting. So far, so good. I'm trying to get out of the house at least once a day or every other day for a short trip somewhere, and it's nice to be able to get my own meals. DH is still doing a LOT and I'm sure he will continue to do more and more. The babies are doing great, so I really can't complain at all. :)

I hope it's okay if I continue to lurk along and post occasionally!

Have a great weekend!


Brink, I'm so glad you're doing so well! Thanks for the advice. We do have a fabulous cleaning lady and I think now that I'm not doing as much regular maintenance myself we'll have her start coming twice a month instead of just once.

whitlockan, lol. We feel the same way!

Sage, more excitement here that you're doing so great! That's great advice about freezing meals. My mom is arriving today to help me get some stuff taken care of and I've put cooking on our list of things to do.

Kimmie, I'm glad you had fun at your shower and that all is going so well for you!

Sebski, hugs to you and hopes for good news at your next appt.

usafwife, congrats!

[Brink]

10 More Days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Sage - I certainly wouldn't feel guilty about preferring a c-section. I don't have a choice, but if I did I would want a c-section. I remember when my daughter was born, she was a single with no complications going into delivery and I wanted a c-section then. I ended up going through labor for 12 hours, pushing for 2.5 hours and heading to the OR for my c-section. I can't imagine going through the whole birthing process with twins! It is definitely a harder recovery, but personally I didn't think it was all that bad. Again, I wouldn't feel guilty at all. Like you said, it is the safer route and a controlled environment. Trust your mommy instinct and do what you feel is best for you and your babies.

Jenean - Congrats on getting to leave the house and have a little bit of a normal life. I hope you stick around and give us updates on how things are going.

[Sage]

35w4d

Hey all! Only two more days until we meet our boys! I'm SO flipping excited! And a little stressed considering we have a ton of things left to do. Tomorrow I have my final ultrasound and NST, plus I have to go have blood drawn and meet with the anesthesiologist. So it will be a very busy day! My DH and I are going to go out to dinner tomorrow night and maybe see a movie depending on how I am feeling....I think it will be our last date night for a veeeeerrrry long time. :) I'll try and post tomorrow to let you know how the boys' are measuring at the ultrasound.

Brink - Thanks for the support re: the c-section. I'm feeling much better about it now. You are getting so close! Less than a week to go!

Jenean - Glad things are going well and you have had some of your restrictions lifted! Please continue to post--we definitely want to hear your updates.

Sebski - How did your appointment go with the OB?? I hope your fluid levels are staying equal and normal!! I may not be around so much once the twins are born while we're getting our bearings, but please keep us posted on the TTTS and I will do my best to answer any questions you may have...hopefully everything will continue to be okay!! I check the TTTS Foundation message board often and it looks like you may have posted there, or else it's someone else with a story very similar to yours! :) That board is full of good information and the regulars do respond very quickly, so that's a great place to be if you have questions. I do think the posters are a little overly biased towards Dr. DeLia, but everyone seems to be very helpful and knowledgable so I hope you've found some support there.

[Kimmiebride]

Wohoo!!! Two more days!! I can't wait to see pics and hear your birth story, though I would imagine you'll be busy beyond belief for a little while! I feel like it was only yesterday that we started this thread... Good luck honey!
Kimmie

[Brink]

Sage - I am so excited for you. I can't believe that you are so close. Must feel like time is just flying by these last two days.

6 days left for me....... they are moving verrrrrrrrry slow, but I'm sure by next Monday I'll feel like they flew by (just not yet).

Hope everyone else is doing great.

[Sebski]

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[Sage]

Hi all--just wanted to post a quick update that the boys were measuring 5lb 6oz and 5lb 10oz at my ultrasound today. I am beyond thrilled with those weights. It will be interesting to see how much they actually weigh tomorrow. I am SO excited, but also nervous, for tomorrow! Thanks so much for all your good wishes and support...I will be sure to update as soon as I can.

Brink and Kimmie - Thanks for the good wishes!!

Sebski - I'm so glad things are maintaining!! Hang in there and keep drinking those Ensures!! Yuck, I know.... :)

[Brink]

So, I've been having major contractions all day today. The dr. checked me and I'm 1cm dialated and 40% effaced. They gave me something to calm the uterus, but if it doesn't work - we may deliver today! I know waiting until Monday is the more conservative thing to do, but I would be so happy to have this over today. I so much hope this drug doesn't work and that my contractions just keep on going. He did tell me that I'm not allowed to eat my lunch or have any water in case we decide to deliver. It's all very exciting, but I have a feeling it will all be for nothing and I'll end up waiting until Monday anyway.

I'll post later with an update.

[Kimmiebride]

wow, so much excitement here! HOping you'll be able to update us with a story or pics when you have a minute - both of you!!

My BP started to rise, so I spent the whole day in L&D. No other symptoms of pre-e yet, but they are watching closely and I have to do the 24 hour urine collection. Big fun! Stay put for a few more weeks little one! As anxious as I am to meet you, I want you to be fully cooked!
Kimmie

[kmmommy]

Good luck to Sage and Brink!!! May you have safe, healthy deliveries and healthy babies!