Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Pregnancy Update..Can I ask for more prayers?

Well this is an overdue update that I've been avoiding because I just don't like sounding dramatic on my blog. But, we could use the extra thoughts and prayers so here is my update...

I figured with my history that I would having issues with this pregnancy but I was also hoping since there will almost be 5 years between this baby and Morgan, that maybe the issues wouldn't be an issue. But, this past week we found out, they are back. With both Sydney and Morgan I developed a condition called pre eclampsia which can be pretty dangerous. With Syd it was ok, I developed it toward the end and she was born healthy. With Morgan I developed it earlier in the pregnancy and, at 34 weeks, I also developed a dangerous condition called HELLP syndrome. The doctor said Morgan needed to be born right then. He wasn't even going to wait for Loren to run home and get the camera. Fortunately, we were living close to the hospital and he made it there and back before they began my c section. (I won't get into the scary parts of it on here, if you want to learn more about those conditions, click on the names and it will take you to a link or you can easily google them. But they aren't good nor are they safe. The only way to "cure" it is to deliver the baby.)

So this past week I started getting "the headaches" and spilling protein in my urine. My blood pressure keeps staying elevated (although we have still had some great numbers in between.) My blood pressure actually started rising about a month ago because my pelvis has separated. I'm currently using a lovely old-lady walker to get around. But now that the elevated pressure has combined with other pre-e symptoms, that is what we are dealing with now.

Yesterday I received the 2nd of 2 steroid shots called betamethasone to help this little girl's lungs develop a little quicker. I am now going for medical evaluations 3 times a week. Twice a week are non-stress tests (NST) and once a week I visit my OB who also consults with a perinatologist about the best course of action. The biggest problem is I almost 27 weeks pregnant...almost to my 7th month but not quite. My doctor told me at my appt 2 days ago that he thinks we will be lucky to get 2 or 3 more weeks out of this pregnancy.

My heart jumped into my throat. I'm sure it didn't help my blood pressure. I've been scared. All we have wanted was to have a healthy pregnancy and we are struggling accomplishing that.

The biggest guilt I feel is that this precious little baby is perfect. Growing perfect. Very active. Everything is developing right on track. Her problem is me. Her mom. I have an inhospitable environment for growing people and I feel so bad that this is probably going to make me deliver a sweet baby girl too early. Of course, I recognize the technology is wonderful and at this gestation she would probably be just fine after a very long NICU stay and probably a few complications. If she does come in the next few weeks I will probably be life flighted to a very good hospital about 3 hours south of here where I will deliver and Baby Girl will start her little, precious life.

We are optimistic that I will carry her further than what my doctor thinks but we are also being realistic that full term for her is probably not an option...but with God all things are possible so we have been flooding the heavens with our prayers and hope you will join us. Now we just need to sit back and trust Him and His plan. I will try to be better at updating with pregnancy announcements and I have some friends on hand that will update if I can't because of hospital bedrest or delivery or whatever.

I'm sorry for a downer post. Like I said, we are still cautiously optimistic. I am following doctor's orders to a T. We have so much help it's amazing. We feel very loved. We have been getting about 2 meals a week brought in plus people running to the store for me and my family helping me clean. It's been a great opportunity to know how loved we are and how willing people are to help us out. Thank you. For now, I am drinking lots and lots of water. I am staying down most of the time. I am taking my medications religiously and doing all else my Dr orders. We are keeping this little girl in as long as possible. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers, my wonderful blog readers. And, of course I have pictures! :-)

~This is me 2 days shy of being 27 weeks pregnant. (6 months and 3 weeks pregnant.)
~This is the terrible, painful, I hate it with every ounce of my body steroid shot. But I will love it if it helps my baby develop a bit quicker to help her on the outside world. (My butt and leg muscles still hurt and I am not joking.) I hate needles. Click HERE for a post I wrote a few months ago if you need a refresher on how I despise needles. Loren said it was as long as the nurses finger and the gauge was about the size of a fork tong. I didn't look at it because I didn't care to see it. (Yes, Sydney is much braver than I am when it comes to needles.)
~My little bed on the couch. Pillow between my legs to help with the pelvic pain. Book on the back of the couch and water bottle handy. :-)
On Monday I have another ultra sound to see how big baby is and how she is growing. I will post those pictures and an update then. And I also know I have been TERRIBLE at posting comments on blogs and emails, etc, etc. Hopefully this sheds a little light into why that is and everyone can be patient with me. ;)

31 comments:

Cindy said...

Ouch! You poor thing! I had pre-e with Lily at the very end. That magnesium sulfate stuff is horrid! I'll add our prayers to all of those going up for you already that you can make it through the next few weeks and then some before baby absolutely has to come! Hang in there!

Denise said...

Sorry to hear about the complications. Will be thinking of you and your lil one. Glad you have support around you.

growing said...

oh Shamae!!!!! I'm so sorry! Let me know if you need anything :) Wish I was having a little one again so I could give you milk, like I did for sweet Morgan (who is soooo big now). Emory came at 30 weeks so I know the possible roller coaster. The good news is that you are having a girl :D They are sooooo much stronger and more ready for the world that little boys. And I HATE LOATH and DESPISE the steroid shots too!!!!! I've had them with 3 pregnancies and I don't wish them on my worst enemys. Let me know if you need anything!!!! And I'm always here to chat :)

AjsMommy82 said...

Praying for you and sweet baby Cheeto! Lots of love coming your way!

Goodwin Family said...

Oh Shamae, I'm so sorry to hear about your struggles! You are most definitely in our thoughts and prayers. We will cross our fingers that you make it as far as possible! Love ya!

Jenni said...

Oh Shamae! I am so sorry!!! I totally understand how you are feeling. I remember the days, and the feelings of my body wasn't adiquate for those babies. But, God gives us our trials, and they are to strengthen us and humbles us. It's hard to swallow our pride and let others help us....trust me, I know! But you can do this. You can do anything....even hard things! I will be praying for you to keep that baby in there, but even if she has to come now, remember that it is the Lord's plan for her and for you. You can do this! I love you Shamae....and I am praying for you and your family!!! Can I do anything for you guys? I would LOVE to bring you down some dinner. How about Monday night? Let me know....I will be down there anyways!

LeAnn said...

My prayers are with you and your whole family! I know I'm not too close, but if you need anything please let me know! I'm not too far from SLC!

And btw, you are a great mother! Despite issues during pregnancy you are a wonderful loving mother! DO NOT doubt that!

I miss you - roomy!
:)

Tracy said...

Praying for you and your Sweet little baby!

Erin Fanello said...

Shamae that sounds so hard. I am sorry that you are going through all of this. I will definitely keep and yours in my thought and prayers, Heavenly Father does have a plan and he cares about you and the baby as much as you do:) Keep us posted and take it easy.

Shannon said...

We are praying for you Shamae! I have already talked with my parents and we have an extra bed, couches, air mattresses, or whatever you need here if it comes to that! Keep me posted and I will do whatever I can to help out!

Love you lots!

Heather said...

I wish I could be there to help you out. I know the fear of delivering early as I had pre-term labor with my oldest. I was on bed rest and we had lots of help. I'm so glad you have a wonderful support system around you. I will be praying your little girl stays inside as long as possible and that she will be born healthy.

Nicole said...

You are a great mom, you are doing a wonderful job and very good for listening and following the doctors orders. I'm so happy that you have so much help and we will be praying and thinking about you and your little bundle of joy!!

The Lane Family said...

From one mom who has an inhospitable womb to another mom who has one. My heart and my prayers go out to you. I also remember those steroid shots and as much as they hurt I was so glad to have them and prayed they would work their magic.

You are an amazing mom and an amazing woman. This baby will be so blessed to call you mom and to have a wonderful dad and two great sisters. We will continue to pray for your family and for your doctors as well.

Wendi

The Lane Family said...

Shamae I wanted to say one more thing..the doctors told us with my pre-e with the girls that I would never make it two 28 weeks, but with prayers and with a great doctor I made it past that...yes I spent plenty of time in the hospital and I got to enjoy mag/sulfate but I did it!!

With Aidan they told me I would never make it too 30 weeks and I made it to 34 so...as you say it is in the Lord's hands and he is AMAZING!!!

Jayson & Carrie said...

I love ya, Shamae!!! You are one tough gal & I know you can hang in there! I sure wish I was closer so I can help out...I feel like a crappy friend living so far away I can't be there to help ya. But prayers work no matter how far away you are. Baby girl will be fine, she's tough like her mama. ;) LOVE YOU!!!

Mel said...

Shamae I know how worried you are, Miss K was delivered at 29wks and Miss A was delivered at 27wks. I pray that you'll get many more wks. Being a lil girl she has got some advantages on her side as well as getting the steroid shots. You and her are in my prayers!!!!

Megan said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you Shamae.

Anonymous said...

Shamae, I am so sorry to hear this! You and baby will definitely be in our prayers! If there's anything we can do, please let us know, especially if you be coming down here! We'll watch the girls, anything!

Meri said...

I am officially starting my Pray for Shamae campaign. I will pray daily for you and your sweet precious little girl!

Everyday is a victory! You are doing great!! Keep it up and let God do the rest. :)

Love ya Chica!

KLTTX said...

Shamae - I am so sorry you are getting pre-e symptoms so early. I really hope and pray that she can stay put for a few more weeks. I know you have delivered early before and know what the NiCU is like but if you want to talk to another mom that's been there, let me know. My womb is completely inhospitable as well.

Heidi / D-Tales said...

Oh, Shamae! I'm sending best wishes for good health for you and the baby. I'll keep you in my thoughts. I'm so glad you have so much support. Hang in there!(((HUGS)))

sarefamily said...

xoxoxoxo..... hoping everything goes well.... all my love :)

wendys said...

We love you and are praying for you! Sorry about being a slacker friend. Do you need any more books to read or good things to snack on???

LaLa said...

How could you not tell me this the other day. Girl - you better stay on that couch and just let us all pray for you!!

Praying, thinking and loving you! DNQ, of course! :)

Unknown said...

Praying, Praying, Praying!

40 weeks.

Period.

Joanne said...

Praying for you and that sweet baby. When I was pregnant with Elise, I went into premature labour and they thought they were going to have to deliver her at 32 weeks. I got those love;y steroid shots too, and you are right... they HURT!!!

Jenni said...

K--so I was just re-reading this post and REALLY? That needle was that big!?! I had those too....and yes it hurt like crazy! But there was no way I was going to look at it! OUCH! I am sorry....but glad you got it as well so it can help that little Cheeto! Hey, what about Saturday morning? I will have my mom's camera for the day....I will happily drive down there and do some photos on your couch if you really want to try! Call me!!!!

Rachel said...

From one mom with an "inhosptible environment" to another all I can do is tell you that you are definitely in my thoughts and prayers. I know how scary all of this is and I ache for you. Our problems are different but your story sounds so similar to mine and I wish there was something more I could do. Hang in there and if you need anything, please let me know.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry Shamae. Thinking of you and praying. It was great to see your smiling face amongst all this. Hoping for the best for all of you.

Unknown said...

BUMMER Shamae! I will be thinking of you and your family and hoping for your baby girl to endure a few more weeks before she graces the wide-open world with her presence. This must be a difficult time for you and the family. Love you girl!!!

Kourtnie :) said...

Shamae, I just re-found (is that even a word?) your blog! Another baby is exciting and scary at the same time. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. May God bless you. Hugs!!

*Kourtnie (from the LDS Moms board)