So... where do i begin. I guess I will start off with the concept that all good things must come to an end. While Megan has enjoyed the past two weeks of shot freedom, tonight she had to have one. With a multitude of events one after another, her contractions were a bit high so they had to give her the shot of turbutaline. It has been two weeks since the last shot but we know it does the trick!
Now for the lighter side of sports. Three days ago Megan's doctor gave her the privileged to stop using a bed pan! What that means is she can now use her "bedside commode" for ALL bathroom uses. This is great because that means she can get out of bed more regularly, and while it is only for a few short steps to the potty, it is still a great freedom to use a "toilet".
Yesterday Megan had to have a gestational diabetes test which is standard among pregnant ladies. The test consists of: Megan having 5 minutes to drink 10 oz. of an orange soda-like substance. This substance went into her body and for the next hour she could not eat or drink anything. The test runs an hour to see how the body distributes the sugar. After an hour exactly, the lab comes in and draws her blood for testing. If the report comes back under 140 the consider her Gestational Diabetes free. Well, yesterday she took the test and the lab person showed up 20 minutes early to draw her blood. The test results came back at 145 which would have put her at risk for G. Diabetes. That meant she would have to take another test, this time 3 hours long and consisting of 4 total blood draws. When we told the doctor they came early, she breathed a sigh of relief because the early draw can skew the results. They rescheduled the test for today and while we were praying that the test would come back under 130, we got the results. 129! How amazing and humorous is God. We read in the bible to pray specifically for what you need and God was right on point with this one! So today she is clear of Gestational Diabetes and we are excited that Megan can still eat whatever she wants!
Tomorrow is week 28! A huge milestone for us in the hospital. As we have said in the past this is the first real milestone that the doctors wanted us to reach. What that means is at this gestational period the baby is basically fully developed and if the babies were to come early their chance of survival are now much higher than even a week ago. Tomorrow is a time to rejoice and since we did hit the 28 week mark doctors are at 7:00AM going to try and take Megan off of her Magnesium medicine. What that means to us/her is that Megan will no longer need an IV for her medicine. Also that means no blood draws and the freedom to drink whatever she wants, whenever she wants. A freedom that she has not had since she was admitted.
Please continue to pray for Megan and the babies that they will stay put and keep growing inside mommy. Also please pray that when they take her off the medicine tomorrow her body reacts well and does not start contracting too much again. Thank you all for your continued support and prayer. We love you all!
Love,
Megan and Randy + 2
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
Week 27
Today Megan is officially 27 weeks. Only one more week to go till the first big milestone of 28 weeks that the doctors have been wanting us to get to. We cant believe it has almost been a month that we have been stationed here. Also!!! Today is the 8th day in a row that Megan has not had to have a shot of turbutaline!!! That means her contractions have been behaving themselves for 8 whole days. Prior to this run of days, the most she had gone in a row was two and most of the time she would get one almost every day. So that has been huge for us!!! Thanks for checking in!
Baby's Length: 9.25-9.50 in.
Love to all,
Randy and Megan +2
Baby's Length: 9.25-9.50 in. Baby's Weight: 2-2.25 lbs.
Baby's Size: Sock Monkey
Love to all,
Randy and Megan +2
Monday, August 18, 2008
20 days!
I can not believe tomorrow makes 3 weeks in the hospital!! Could not do it w/o the strength of the Lord. Its is 4:15pm right now and it's going on the 4th day that I have not had to have a shot Turbutaline to stop my contractions!!! That's a huge thing for us, kinda of a good or bad day maker. It means my contractions have been less than 8 every single hour for 3.5 days. That's amazing. Although the nurse just informed us that last hour I had 8 but it's most likely due to an upset stomach. Digestion is not friendly when all you do is lay down all day.
Had my IV changed for the 5th time last night. It's one of the things I hate the most bc I DO NOT like knowing something in in my vein. I wear this thing on my wrist that they gave me to cover it so I don't have to see it. Last night they only had to try twice (like last time). The SWEET nurse couldn't get it, I guess my vein rolled, so she got the supervisor who when she saw me in tears said she WOULD get it. Too bad I hear that every time :( But two tries is better than 5 or six like on my 3rd IV. Still getting blood drawn once a day-which is not bad at all. Of course it's not fun and I feel like a pin cushion but 1 time a day is better than 2-4. Mom washed my hair again yesterday which is a big ordeal in its self since i can't sit up. It's probably my favorite thing to do here and so far it's only happened twice. Anything too exciting causes too many contractions so we have to wait for "a good day."
My sister in law made me some other clothes to wear besides a gross hospital gown! She took the time to put buttons all the way down one side and on top of shoulders for easy opening on a nice, comfy, stretchy, soft t shirt. Way better than a ugly, starchy gown that I know others have worn. She has 2 more coming to me :)
Well that is about the latest on updates. Thank to everyone again for their thoughts, cards, flowers, gifts and PRAYERS. We can't thank you enough!!!!!! Praise God that it's been 3 weeks!!! Hopefully only 5.5 more to go and maybe I can do bed rest at home!
Megan
Had my IV changed for the 5th time last night. It's one of the things I hate the most bc I DO NOT like knowing something in in my vein. I wear this thing on my wrist that they gave me to cover it so I don't have to see it. Last night they only had to try twice (like last time). The SWEET nurse couldn't get it, I guess my vein rolled, so she got the supervisor who when she saw me in tears said she WOULD get it. Too bad I hear that every time :( But two tries is better than 5 or six like on my 3rd IV. Still getting blood drawn once a day-which is not bad at all. Of course it's not fun and I feel like a pin cushion but 1 time a day is better than 2-4. Mom washed my hair again yesterday which is a big ordeal in its self since i can't sit up. It's probably my favorite thing to do here and so far it's only happened twice. Anything too exciting causes too many contractions so we have to wait for "a good day."
My sister in law made me some other clothes to wear besides a gross hospital gown! She took the time to put buttons all the way down one side and on top of shoulders for easy opening on a nice, comfy, stretchy, soft t shirt. Way better than a ugly, starchy gown that I know others have worn. She has 2 more coming to me :)
Well that is about the latest on updates. Thank to everyone again for their thoughts, cards, flowers, gifts and PRAYERS. We can't thank you enough!!!!!! Praise God that it's been 3 weeks!!! Hopefully only 5.5 more to go and maybe I can do bed rest at home!
Megan
Friday, August 15, 2008
Week 26
Today begins week 26 and it is yet another milestone. This week the babies length is somewhere between 9-9.25 inches and they are weighing in at around 2 lbs. They are about the size of a liter of soda. This week, some of his most notable developments are cosmetic: Their eyebrows and eyelashes are thick and lush now, and the hair on their heads have grown longer and denser. By this time, all the parts of your babies eyes are in place, and they are getting ready to open them in just a couple of weeks! Your babies lungs continue to grow stronger, readying them for life outside the womb.Its so fun to see where and how our babies are developing. It has also been such a blessing that our babies have always been a bit ahead of the curve when it comes to development. They have always measured in at about 5 days ahead. This past Tuesday we had an ultrasound and the babies were weighing in right around the 2 lb mark and we actually got to see our little girls eye moving around. It was so weird looking at the ultrasound image and seeing her look left and right.
Today marks day 17 in the hospital. We cant believe we have already been here for 2 1/2 weeks. The time seems to be flying by, which is a good thing. A few days ago I had my Catheter removed which was a double edged sword. While they took it out for good reason (to eliminate the risk of infection which can cause labor) It was nice that I didn't know that i when i was ever going pee. The good thing now is that I don't have this irritant in my bladder, however now I have to use a bed pan to go pee. The trade off is pretty equal.
This morning a social worker came in and brought a lot of materials that we will be able to read/watch that will help us in preparing for pregnancy. This will be great because not only will it pass the time, but we get to watch the classes that we were planning on taking before I had to go on bed rest. Lamaze class, a marvelous multiples class, and a book written by a woman who was on bed rest from 9 weeks on are just a few of the resources available.
Overall there really hasn't been much change in the past week, we are trying to settle in as best as we can but it is definitely a different world we are getting used to. Last time I reported that they took me off the Mag for 6 hours to see how I respond, and unfortunately my body must like the mag so they had to put me back on because the contractions went sky high. The good thing is that the mag level is low enough to tolerate it and other than having the blood draws in the morning and the restriction of liquid, it really isn't much different than not being on it.
We are making headway and we would love your continued support and prayers. Please continue to pray for the health and safety of the babies, that they will stay cookin for at least another 6 weeks!! Please also pray for the Holy Spirit to continue to overflow from us and comfort us.
We love you all and we thank you for all your prayers and support.
Love,
Megan and Randy +2
Friday, August 8, 2008
Week 25
Baby's Length: 8.5-9 in.Baby's Weight: 1.5-2 lbs.
Baby's Size: 5 lb. bag of flour
As your baby grows, she'll take up extra space in your uterus, which means you'll feel her kicks, pokes, and rolls even more now. This week, your baby weighs in at around 1.5 pounds and measures about 9 inches in length from crown to rump. Wow! Although she's still skinny and her skin rather wrinkly, it will all smooth out as she develops a healthy layer of body fat beneath it. Her hands are fully developed at this point, complete with mini fingernails and fingerprints, and are probably keeping busy touching and grabbing her face, feet, and the umbilical cord.
Hospital Pics
Here are some random hospital pics to go along with the past few posts...
The tighs she has to wear for circulation and then some cute socks from her sis in law Amanda,Megan just hanging out,Randy's bed where he sleeps every night, cards, flowers, babies heart beats, some of the gross hospital food her on a gurney for hair wash and some gifts
The tighs she has to wear for circulation and then some cute socks from her sis in law Amanda,Megan just hanging out,Randy's bed where he sleeps every night, cards, flowers, babies heart beats, some of the gross hospital food her on a gurney for hair wash and some gifts
Hospital Day 10
Wow, I have been in this room for 10 days. in this BED, for 10 days. Hard to believe. It's actually going by pretty fast. I just try not to think of the fact that I have around 50 to go...IN HERE.
I just keep praying it get to go home and be on bed rest, at least I would be in my own home, my own bed with the surrounding I know and love. BUT this is where I need to be right now, its the best place for me...for our babies.
Since I'm on so many meds and pills and tubes, I have to be here. I also have around the clock nurses which I know puts Randy's and my families minds at ease.
Today I am 25 weeks! Every single day the babies stay inside me is a huge deal and a goal we have reached. Every day inside me is 2 days less in the NICU. Everyday counts so much.
God has been SO good and shown up so many times already...actually He never leaves but we see Him working sometimes more easily than others. He keep watching over us and hearing us.
A huge goal was reached today and a it's a huge blessings. Along with the constant dripping of mag in me, I take a pill 3 times a day for contractions. Between them both, it's working to keep my contractions low. I can't have more than 8 an hour or I get that terrible shot....which I had to get last night.
While it hurts, it's not the pain I mind...it's the way the medication takes over my body and makes me feel. I was hit with that shot so many times when I first got here so I have bad memories of it. That's why whenever I have to get it I get so scared. But on the other hand we know how well this shot works, it knocks out my contractions completely for a few solid hours so it's sort of a relief.
Anyways, today they decided to take me of the mag for 6 hours and see how I do. We have been waiting for this day for DAYS. So definitely praise God today for that, for the fact that I am at 25 weeks (it's also exactly 1 weeks since that major test came back negative) and that things just get a little better as days go by.
They finally let my mom wash my hair yesterday and I felt like a new person. Randy took some hospital sheets and a gown home to wash so that they would smell like home, smell familiar. When you are stuck somewhere strange, somewhere you didn't wan to be, small things like that can lift you're spirits so much.
There is SO much more to tell about this experience but right now it' too much for me. One day I hope to, although the first 5 days are a blur to me and I will need to rely on Randy and my mom to fill me in on a lot of it.
I am just so thankful for the small things that get me through each day. I try my hardest not to think about the fact that 2 months of my life will be spent n this room, in this bed. For someone who LOVES the fresh air, the outside and especially the ocean...it's very daunting.
But I try to keep those thoughts at bay or I will be depressed. 2 months of my life will hopefully be just the blink of an eye. But hard to remember that when you are forbidden to even get out of a bed. Can't stand or even sit up. One day I hope they will at least let me sit up. It's also hard for me to be so dependent on others. I have to have someone to practically EVERYTHING for me. I just keep telling myself, as each week passes it will get easier.
There is not enough words,and they don't have enough meaning to be able to thank my amazing husband. There is NO way i would have ever even made it this far. He is so selfless and just simply so amazing. He knows me better than anyone so he knows just what I need when I need it, especially emotionally. He is the other half of my heart so this is as hard for him as it is for me. He has been so strong and brave for me. I pray one day I can be that for him.
My mom too, don't know what I would have done without her here. She knows me on a different level than anyone too bc well, I am HER baby. She canceled a business trip and has been here everyday. I'm so grateful to have her. Randy's parents, my twin and other siblings, sis in law, co workers and friends have all shown amazing support and love and it has been sooo needed.
Sorry for rambling, I guess I just felt up to typing today.
Please, please keep praying and here is what you can pray for specifically:
1) Our babies stay inside me until at least 32 weeks.
2) My contractions STOP
3) My cervix lengthens
Don't know how I'll ever properly thank them all.
Thank you to those who have kept us in your prayers, thoughts and hearts and have offered support in any way.
To God be the glory!
Megan and Randy +2
I just keep praying it get to go home and be on bed rest, at least I would be in my own home, my own bed with the surrounding I know and love. BUT this is where I need to be right now, its the best place for me...for our babies.
Since I'm on so many meds and pills and tubes, I have to be here. I also have around the clock nurses which I know puts Randy's and my families minds at ease.
Today I am 25 weeks! Every single day the babies stay inside me is a huge deal and a goal we have reached. Every day inside me is 2 days less in the NICU. Everyday counts so much.
God has been SO good and shown up so many times already...actually He never leaves but we see Him working sometimes more easily than others. He keep watching over us and hearing us.
A huge goal was reached today and a it's a huge blessings. Along with the constant dripping of mag in me, I take a pill 3 times a day for contractions. Between them both, it's working to keep my contractions low. I can't have more than 8 an hour or I get that terrible shot....which I had to get last night.
While it hurts, it's not the pain I mind...it's the way the medication takes over my body and makes me feel. I was hit with that shot so many times when I first got here so I have bad memories of it. That's why whenever I have to get it I get so scared. But on the other hand we know how well this shot works, it knocks out my contractions completely for a few solid hours so it's sort of a relief.
Anyways, today they decided to take me of the mag for 6 hours and see how I do. We have been waiting for this day for DAYS. So definitely praise God today for that, for the fact that I am at 25 weeks (it's also exactly 1 weeks since that major test came back negative) and that things just get a little better as days go by.
They finally let my mom wash my hair yesterday and I felt like a new person. Randy took some hospital sheets and a gown home to wash so that they would smell like home, smell familiar. When you are stuck somewhere strange, somewhere you didn't wan to be, small things like that can lift you're spirits so much.
There is SO much more to tell about this experience but right now it' too much for me. One day I hope to, although the first 5 days are a blur to me and I will need to rely on Randy and my mom to fill me in on a lot of it.
I am just so thankful for the small things that get me through each day. I try my hardest not to think about the fact that 2 months of my life will be spent n this room, in this bed. For someone who LOVES the fresh air, the outside and especially the ocean...it's very daunting.
But I try to keep those thoughts at bay or I will be depressed. 2 months of my life will hopefully be just the blink of an eye. But hard to remember that when you are forbidden to even get out of a bed. Can't stand or even sit up. One day I hope they will at least let me sit up. It's also hard for me to be so dependent on others. I have to have someone to practically EVERYTHING for me. I just keep telling myself, as each week passes it will get easier.
There is not enough words,and they don't have enough meaning to be able to thank my amazing husband. There is NO way i would have ever even made it this far. He is so selfless and just simply so amazing. He knows me better than anyone so he knows just what I need when I need it, especially emotionally. He is the other half of my heart so this is as hard for him as it is for me. He has been so strong and brave for me. I pray one day I can be that for him.
My mom too, don't know what I would have done without her here. She knows me on a different level than anyone too bc well, I am HER baby. She canceled a business trip and has been here everyday. I'm so grateful to have her. Randy's parents, my twin and other siblings, sis in law, co workers and friends have all shown amazing support and love and it has been sooo needed.
Sorry for rambling, I guess I just felt up to typing today.
Please, please keep praying and here is what you can pray for specifically:
1) Our babies stay inside me until at least 32 weeks.
2) My contractions STOP
3) My cervix lengthens
Don't know how I'll ever properly thank them all.
Thank you to those who have kept us in your prayers, thoughts and hearts and have offered support in any way.
To God be the glory!
Megan and Randy +2
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Hospital OR Abyss
So in the past week I have decided that hospitals are great, but they are also Abysses. Thus far Here are a few things that I have lost:
1. A red ball that goes to a back massager
2. Cash
3. A Hat
4. and most importantly my keys.
So if anyone knows someone at Ford who can make me a free copy of a truck key let me know!!!
We will see what I lose next.
1. A red ball that goes to a back massager
2. Cash
3. A Hat
4. and most importantly my keys.
So if anyone knows someone at Ford who can make me a free copy of a truck key let me know!!!
We will see what I lose next.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Life in a Hospital Part 1
So, today is Sunday, August 3rd, 2008. We have been at Saddleback Hospital now for 5 full days and we wanted to take some time and share with you how we have been spending this time. These past 5 days have been the hardest days of our lives and nothing has tested our faith more. James 1:2-3 "Consider it pure joy my brothers when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." Wow. Who would have thought that we would have a chance to live this out. I know in the bible it says that we will go through trials, but really, do we expect to? I don't think I really did. But maybe the important thing isn't necessarily what we are going through specifically, but what we do during that time, and how we respond to the trials. Do we take our experience and trust in God and give the glory to Him? Or do we curse our situation and feel sorry for ourselves? I think the latter is easier but doing the right thing usually isn't whats easy. While there will be peaks and valleys, the overarching theme of our stay is our trust in the Glorious God we serve.
The past 5 days have been filled with fear and anxiety, but overall it has been a time to pray, rely on God, and praise him for His works.
Here is an overview of what Megan has been going through on a daily basis. Upon a routine cervix ultrasound, immediately the doctor saw something wrong. It is such a great thing that they monitor twins so closely because if she hadn't had that appointment who knows what would have happened. So coming in with contractions every 2-3 minutes, they hit her fast and hard with meds. Having 60cc's of Magnesium Sulfate (used to relax the muscles, including the uterus to stop contractions) every hour in addition to two shots of terbutaline right away (It is a pregnancy category 'B' medication and is routinely prescribed to stop contractions. The effects of this shot made Megan shake uncontrollably and gave her a pounding heart, like she just had 4 shots of espresso.) All this while sobbing because this was all SO unexpected. She had never been admitted to a hospital and she was worried about the safety of our little babies so it was really scary! As soon as we got the call; myself, Megan's mom, and Megan's sisters all rushed to the hospital to be by her side. When I got the call Megan was frantically telling me that she has to be admitted to the hospital and I think the first things out of my mouth were, "What? Are you serious?"... "Ok, I'm on my way" Driving up to the hospital i had no real clue as to what was going on so a million things started to rush through my mind. Is she ok? Are the babies ok? What the heck is going on? Once I got there she was already laid out on the bed with people beginning to put tubes and needles in her. A crazy and scary time.
The magnesium does a good job of relaxing things, however, it also relaxes all of your muscles... which can and did cause: flu like symptoms (such as a constant flush feeling, the room is set to 60 degrees and she is still hot, and nausea) and double vision (not being able to have light in the room because it hurts her eyes and not being able to focus on anything). They also have to monitor things like blood pressure, urine output through a catheter (which she has had in this whole time and was one of the scariest and most awkward experiences. It seemed like a scene right out of a movie, a huge light came down out of the ceiling, and as the nurse was inserting the catheter, she asked Megan to blow out, like she was blowing out all of her birthday candles...awkward!!!) They do this because sometimes the kidneys get lazy and decide to store fluid in other places in the body rather than push it to the bladder. The only good thing about it she doesn't have to get up 50 times an hour to go pee. They also have to constantly check the lungs to make sure there is no fluid building up and she has to wear a sensor on her finger (which reminds me of ET's glowing finger) to check the oxygenation level in her blood. In addition to that, Magnesium works in one of three categories; worthless if not given enough, therapeutic (although theraputic sounds like a good thing, it just means it is doing its job) if given within a window of 5-7, and toxic if over 7. In order to check this, people from the lab would at the beginning take Megan's blood every 4 hours... did i mention in the same spot? Since they would do this every 4 hours, that means multiple times during the middle of the night in the dead of sleep, people would barge in, turn on ridiculous amounts of bright lights and stab her in the arm with needles. The good thing is that since then they have dropped the blood drawing from 4 hours to 6 hours and now once every 12 hours because her magnesium levels have been so consistent. Sadly enough Megan now knows which people are gentle enough to let them draw from her arm and those who aren't she asks for them to take from her hand. On top of all of this she has been put on strict bed rest. Now, bed rest isn't as easy as it sounds...or easy.
Strict bed rest for Megan means she is confined to the bed, literally because of all the tubes she has coming out of her arms on each side, and the monitor that she has strapped to her belly that is uncomfortably tight to monitor contractions. Also to keep pressure off the cervix, she cannot sit up, or do anything that uses her stomach muscles (lifting legs, lifting head, or reaching beyond her arm length) for any reason.
They tried to make her bed comfortable however after laying for 5 days straight her hips are raw and because of the weight on her tummy she isn't allowed to lie on her back, she can only lie on either side. Which means her legs go numb after about an hour and then it is a whole production just for her to switch sides because it requires assistance! I can get into that later.
...wow... thats a lot of information so far, so if you are still reading this, thanks! Partially i am doing this so we wont forget this experience because half the time Megan doesn't know whats going on.
Lets talk about funny things people wear on their legs. Megan wins the prize. In order to keep circulation in her legs so that she doesn't get blood clots, she has to wear these contraptions that look like giant leg braces that inflate and deflate with air automatically by a pump which i might add is really loud and annoying. Not to mention really hot for Megan to wear who is already burning up from the Mag... Oh that reminds me, i don't want to forget about the hallucinations Megan had at the beginning when she was getting hit with everything but the kitchen sink. At one time she was picturing Hawaii to try and calm down and all of a sudden the trees started to freak out and dance... or the time where she was looking to the ceiling and thought she saw a lime green cloud with a dragon talking to her... yeah it was real. And when she cant even describe what she saw when she closed her eyes at night. And i digress. So the leg things, she would have to wear them for two hours at a time then have them off for an hour. BUT, only if it was a certain nurse working. Somehow we have managed to swindizzle our way into not having her wear them as long as she did some foot pumping and moving her legs a bit to keep circulation flowin.
A part of the stay includes 3 crappy meals, although breakfast and the salmon aren't bad... yeah thats right i said salmon. She has no eating restrictions but she does have a liquid restriction. Because of all of the fluid she is taking in through IV and Mag, and the risk of having fluid back up in the lungs they have put her on a liquid restriction to about 45CC an hour of miscellaneous liquid..which translates to only a few sips of liquid an hour. While the IV is keeping her hydrated she is dying of thirst! She is excited to drink a huge glass of ice water or juice as soon as she is allowed!
The past 5 days have been filled with fear and anxiety, but overall it has been a time to pray, rely on God, and praise him for His works.
Here is an overview of what Megan has been going through on a daily basis. Upon a routine cervix ultrasound, immediately the doctor saw something wrong. It is such a great thing that they monitor twins so closely because if she hadn't had that appointment who knows what would have happened. So coming in with contractions every 2-3 minutes, they hit her fast and hard with meds. Having 60cc's of Magnesium Sulfate (used to relax the muscles, including the uterus to stop contractions) every hour in addition to two shots of terbutaline right away (It is a pregnancy category 'B' medication and is routinely prescribed to stop contractions. The effects of this shot made Megan shake uncontrollably and gave her a pounding heart, like she just had 4 shots of espresso.) All this while sobbing because this was all SO unexpected. She had never been admitted to a hospital and she was worried about the safety of our little babies so it was really scary! As soon as we got the call; myself, Megan's mom, and Megan's sisters all rushed to the hospital to be by her side. When I got the call Megan was frantically telling me that she has to be admitted to the hospital and I think the first things out of my mouth were, "What? Are you serious?"... "Ok, I'm on my way" Driving up to the hospital i had no real clue as to what was going on so a million things started to rush through my mind. Is she ok? Are the babies ok? What the heck is going on? Once I got there she was already laid out on the bed with people beginning to put tubes and needles in her. A crazy and scary time.
The magnesium does a good job of relaxing things, however, it also relaxes all of your muscles... which can and did cause: flu like symptoms (such as a constant flush feeling, the room is set to 60 degrees and she is still hot, and nausea) and double vision (not being able to have light in the room because it hurts her eyes and not being able to focus on anything). They also have to monitor things like blood pressure, urine output through a catheter (which she has had in this whole time and was one of the scariest and most awkward experiences. It seemed like a scene right out of a movie, a huge light came down out of the ceiling, and as the nurse was inserting the catheter, she asked Megan to blow out, like she was blowing out all of her birthday candles...awkward!!!) They do this because sometimes the kidneys get lazy and decide to store fluid in other places in the body rather than push it to the bladder. The only good thing about it she doesn't have to get up 50 times an hour to go pee. They also have to constantly check the lungs to make sure there is no fluid building up and she has to wear a sensor on her finger (which reminds me of ET's glowing finger) to check the oxygenation level in her blood. In addition to that, Magnesium works in one of three categories; worthless if not given enough, therapeutic (although theraputic sounds like a good thing, it just means it is doing its job) if given within a window of 5-7, and toxic if over 7. In order to check this, people from the lab would at the beginning take Megan's blood every 4 hours... did i mention in the same spot? Since they would do this every 4 hours, that means multiple times during the middle of the night in the dead of sleep, people would barge in, turn on ridiculous amounts of bright lights and stab her in the arm with needles. The good thing is that since then they have dropped the blood drawing from 4 hours to 6 hours and now once every 12 hours because her magnesium levels have been so consistent. Sadly enough Megan now knows which people are gentle enough to let them draw from her arm and those who aren't she asks for them to take from her hand. On top of all of this she has been put on strict bed rest. Now, bed rest isn't as easy as it sounds...or easy.
Strict bed rest for Megan means she is confined to the bed, literally because of all the tubes she has coming out of her arms on each side, and the monitor that she has strapped to her belly that is uncomfortably tight to monitor contractions. Also to keep pressure off the cervix, she cannot sit up, or do anything that uses her stomach muscles (lifting legs, lifting head, or reaching beyond her arm length) for any reason.
They tried to make her bed comfortable however after laying for 5 days straight her hips are raw and because of the weight on her tummy she isn't allowed to lie on her back, she can only lie on either side. Which means her legs go numb after about an hour and then it is a whole production just for her to switch sides because it requires assistance! I can get into that later.
...wow... thats a lot of information so far, so if you are still reading this, thanks! Partially i am doing this so we wont forget this experience because half the time Megan doesn't know whats going on.
Lets talk about funny things people wear on their legs. Megan wins the prize. In order to keep circulation in her legs so that she doesn't get blood clots, she has to wear these contraptions that look like giant leg braces that inflate and deflate with air automatically by a pump which i might add is really loud and annoying. Not to mention really hot for Megan to wear who is already burning up from the Mag... Oh that reminds me, i don't want to forget about the hallucinations Megan had at the beginning when she was getting hit with everything but the kitchen sink. At one time she was picturing Hawaii to try and calm down and all of a sudden the trees started to freak out and dance... or the time where she was looking to the ceiling and thought she saw a lime green cloud with a dragon talking to her... yeah it was real. And when she cant even describe what she saw when she closed her eyes at night. And i digress. So the leg things, she would have to wear them for two hours at a time then have them off for an hour. BUT, only if it was a certain nurse working. Somehow we have managed to swindizzle our way into not having her wear them as long as she did some foot pumping and moving her legs a bit to keep circulation flowin.
A part of the stay includes 3 crappy meals, although breakfast and the salmon aren't bad... yeah thats right i said salmon. She has no eating restrictions but she does have a liquid restriction. Because of all of the fluid she is taking in through IV and Mag, and the risk of having fluid back up in the lungs they have put her on a liquid restriction to about 45CC an hour of miscellaneous liquid..which translates to only a few sips of liquid an hour. While the IV is keeping her hydrated she is dying of thirst! She is excited to drink a huge glass of ice water or juice as soon as she is allowed!
Friday, August 1, 2008
Today's Prayer
As many of you know Megan is in the hospital with some pre-term contractions that have caused her to go on strict bed rest. Tuesday Megan came in for a routine cervix ultrasound and they found out that her cervix had shortened and she was having contractions every 2-3 minutes. They admitted her immediately and we have been here since. They have given her medicine that have slowed down the contractions to a few every hour or so. Much better than before. Below is a prayer request that we have regarding what is happening today. Please read and forward to whoever you would like. The more people praying the better!!!
Hi everyone,
We wanted to give you all a quick update and ask for prayer. Today Megan will have a test done to determine her risk of delivering the babies early. If the test comes back negative that is good. And if it comes back positive, it doesn’t mean that she will deliver, but it could. And to be safe they will give her some shots to help develop the babies lungs and brain in case of early delivery. Please rally with us and pray that this test comes back negative. We hit 24 weeks which is good but we want these babies to stay inside for a long time!!! Again please be praying for the test and also for a peace in our hearts as we wait. Thank you all so much for your prayers!!!
Love you all,
Randy and Megan
*as always please pass on this email to whoever.
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