| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 20.1 | | CSC32::JOHNS | God is real, unless declared integer | Fri Jun 26 1987 19:32 | 6 |
| Hang in there, Jodi. I haven't been there, but I'm with you.
big hug,
Carol
|
| 20.2 | Some things to do | WATNEY::RYER | Jane Ryer, Colorado Springs TBU | Mon Jun 29 1987 12:42 | 34 |
| Hang in there - we're all pulling for you!
Some suggestions on how to pass the time:
1. Do you do any sort of needlework, like counted cross-stitch, crewel
embroidery, or smocking? If so, see if you can work out a "legal"
position to lie that lets you use your hands to sew. I had
a friend who had surgery on a pinched nerve who was confined
to bed for several weeks, and it's amazing how much cross-stiching
she got done in that time.
2. Write a "letter" to your unborn child, expressing how you feel about
having him and what your hopes and dreams for him are.
3. Are you a crossword puzzle fan? Get your husband to buy you a book
of really hard ones.
4. Go ahead and address and stamp the envelopes for your baby announcements.
5. Write letters to all your out-of-town friends - you may not have time
to do it for a while after the baby is born.
6. (This is sort of far-fetched, but if you're really desparate for
interesting things to do . . . ) Start making out your Christmas
gift list, and look through catalogs (Sears, Penney's, L.L. Bean, etc.)
to find appropriate gifts for each person. You don't have to place
the orders until fall, but this might save you some time then, when
the baby will be here and you won't have a lot of time to spend
searching for the "perfect" gift for each person.
Hope some of these suggestions help you pass the time.
Jane
|
| 20.3 | Success Stories | CANVAS::SAUTA | | Mon Jun 29 1987 14:18 | 31 |
| Hi Jodi,
I have one friend who went through this several years ago with her
first. She went into labor and delivered her baby 8 weeks early
since her labor was too advanced to be stopped by the time she realized
she actually was in labor. The baby was in intensive care for a week,
and is now an extremely attractive and big 4 year old. She had the
same problem with her second and he was born 4 weeks early, even with
the cerclage and medication. He didn't spend any time in intensive
care and was just a little smaller than your average neonate.
Another good friend, who just had her baby a week ago, had a condition
known as placenta previa. After a scary bleeding episode (in a
grocery store!), she was put on the same medication as you have
and confined to a left-sided prone position for the remainder of
her pregnancy (6 weeks). Her baby was born 1 week early after she
had been taken off the medication the previous week. Again, her
baby is just fine, cute as a button.
I asked both friends what they would recommend to pass the time
and they came up with pretty much the same suggestions as the previous
note. They also added that it helped to have visitors and a couple
of friends that they could call whenever they felt
chatty/depressed/lonely. If it would help to talk to one of these
women, send me mail and I'll send along names and phone numbers.
Take care of yourself, we'll be thinking of you.
Lynne
|
| 20.4 | another well wisher | PATOIS::RODON | | Mon Jun 29 1987 14:33 | 8 |
| Hi Jodi,
I don't have any experience with what you are going through but
I am rooting for you!!
Lynn
|
| 20.5 | Hang in there! | SCENIC::JANEB | | Tue Jun 30 1987 09:48 | 22 |
| My husbands sort-of-cousin, Shirley, was in bed like you are (no
sitting up, etc.) with the same kind of condition, for MOST of her
first pregnancy. Her son, Sean, is now 15 years old. Later she
had another boy, also a healthy big kid now.
Shirley did alot of needlework, and had time to order kits from
catalogs, get them, and complete them. Since you have access to
a phone, you could order things that would arrive soon, and have
the fun of getting lots of packages and mail!
Ordering Christmas presents is a great idea - as long as your credit
cards can take all this!
Use this file (and other notes files) all you can. It's been a
little slow here lately, maybe you can throw out some very
controversial topics and lie back and watch the sparks fly!
Best wishes,
Jane B
|
| 20.6 | Update... | USIV03::NEWELL | Does the noise in my head bother u? | Tue Jun 30 1987 11:27 | 26 |
| I want to thank everyone so far who has wished me well and given
me ideas for the long road ahead. Unfortunately it may not be as
long as everyone had hoped. Last Friday/Saturday I started to contract
again and ended up in the hospital. By the time I got to the hospital
things had pretty much calmed down and no real damage was done but
the doctor tripled my medication and sent me home saying the next
time it happened, I would spend the remainder of my pregnancy in
the hospital.
Well, early this morning (starting at 2am PST) I started to contract
so hard that it woke me up. I put on my home monitor and am just
waiting 'til I write this note before I call in for the results.
It doesn't look like the medication is doing a whole lot of good
although I haven't maxed out the allowable dosage yet. If I go
into the hospital I will get an IV drip 'round the clock.
If you don't hear from me in the next couple of days, you know the
results weren't good.
Thank you, Carol, Jane R., Lynne S., Lynn R. and Jane B. for all
your thoughts!
Jodi
|
| 20.7 | a success story | CHOVAX::GILSON | | Tue Jun 30 1987 11:58 | 12 |
| Hi Jodi,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Even if you end up in the
hospital for the remainder of your pregnancy you can still have
a fine, healthy baby. My sister-in-law went through a similar
experience with her son. From week 18 to 27 she was at home in
bed and then went to the hospital for another month. Chris was
born at week 31, small but fine. We are all pulling for both of
you.
Peg
|
| 20.8 | hang in there | WEBSTR::RANDALL | I'm no lady | Tue Jun 30 1987 13:33 | 32 |
| Hi Jodi --
I hope they bring your Rainbow to the hospital so you can catch
up with all your well-wishers.
My sister-in-law, too, went through most of her second pregnancy
fighting the same problem you are having. She was rushed to the
hospital at least three times that I can recall (twice with her
4-year-old daughter in tow). They were successful in a surgical
procedure that essentially stapled the cervix shut, but toward the end
the contractions were so strong they ripped the staple loose.
The baby was born some early but essentially happy, and despite
the doctor's concers, my sister-in-law doesn't appear to have any
permanent complications from the medication.
One thing my sister-in-law did to fill the hours was play a huge game
of remodeling the house. She got friends to bring her house-decorating
magazines, books from the library, and such, and spent a lot of time
fantasizing about the ideal house, or how she could remodel the kitchen
if she had all the money in the world. She never had any serious
intention of doing anything about it, but it was fun for her. You might
be able to do the same thing with fashion (what would you wear if YOU
were the Princess of Wales?) or gardening, or computers (the perfect,
ultimate, information center, with enough printers?), or a stable of
racing horses (anybody can buy Alysheba in their mind, right?) or most
anything that intrigues you.
My prayers are with you.
--bonnie
|
| 20.10 | All is well (for now) on the Western front | USIV03::NEWELL | Does the noise in my head bother u? | Wed Jul 01 1987 18:12 | 60 |
| Well, I'm still at home after many anxious moments and lots of
monitoring. For the time being it looks like the answer to controlling
the contractions is to drink lots and lots of water. As insignificant
as that sounds, dehydration plays a big part in beginnibg labor.
Most of my problems seem to show up in the early morning hours
following several hours without fluids.
When I have monitored and the strip shows more than four contractions
in an hour (considered serious) the nurse tells me to drink four
glasses of water, wait 20 minutes, empty my bladder and re-monitor.
This process seems to reduce the contractions to 1 or 2 per hour.
I have been averageing 11-13 contractions per hour when I dehydrate.
I might add that yesterdays scare was magnified by the fact that
during last Saturdays hospital stay I was given Macrodantin (an
anti-biotic) to help control a minor urinary tract infection. I
am hyper sensitive to anti-biotics and by yesterday I was feeling
the effects. I was tired from being up all night with contractions
and had severe stomach and bowel disturbances from the Macrodantin.
The doctor discontinued the Macrodantin and I feel years younger
already! :^)
I think the question that haunts me the most these days is the viability
of little Michael. I have read (sometimes I think I read too much)
that approximately 1 out of 50 miscarriages (i.e. pre-term labor)
in the last half of pregnancy are caused by a problem with the fetus.
If that's the case, should I let the doctors continue to prescribe
labor inhibiting medication? Is it setting us up for a lot of grief
later on? I had an Amnio at 17 weeks and have had two very normal
ultrasounds and the doctor assures me everything looks fine but
she also added that no test is totally accurate so there is always
a risk. The only reason I keep dwelling on this fear is because
I (and the doctor) don't know why I continue to labor. Dehydration
may be the only reason, time will tell. Whew! it sure helped to get
that off my chest!
When you wonderful NOTERS tell me that you or someone you know has
gone through the same experience, what does that mean? Does it
mean that you were almost fully effaced or you kept contracting
or that you had to spend weeks on end in bed? I'm just curios how
common my particular situation really is. I don't mean to make
anyones shared stories insignificant in any way they have ALL helped
me immensely!!!
For the time being (until I can convince myself to try needlecraft)
I have been filling the empty hours with reading, learning Japanese,
catching up on bills and much past due expense vouchers (yuk!) and
eating. I like the ideas about catalogue shopping and am collecting
catalogues now. Actual 'pen in hand' writing is a little difficult
most of the time because the Terbutalines major side effects are
shaky hands and rapid heart/pulse rate.
Well, I've rambled on long enough for one day. Keep those NOTES
coming, they really have helped. And thank you also to the people
who have sent me personal VAX mail. You're all great!
Jodi (and Michael)
Irvine, California
|
| 20.11 | PRE-TERM LABOR | OASS::IDATTAGUPTA | | Wed Jul 01 1987 18:33 | 57 |
|
Hi Jodi,
I goods to hear that you are back at home and that the
problem is still under control.
I read your note the other day and know exactly how you
feel because I too had a similar experience recently though not as
complex as yours. Trust and have faith in GOD and everything will be
fine.
I was at home the day after Christmas last year and
was taking calls from the house to help out when I started
having the contractions. Thinking it to be something I ate
and not having had contractions ever before (this is my first
and the only one) I let it ride until late at night at 11.40 p.m.
I would take it no more. So we called the Doctor and was asked to
check in immediately and from then on it was a nightmare for a
a couple of weeks until we adjusted to the situation.
I have a wonderful husband who was extremely supportive,
and who hid his own fears and anxiety about the situation. After
being diagnosed as being in pre-term labor I was ordered complete
bed rest like you and it was awful at first, I too felt depressed
and the only thing that kept me going was the faith and belief
that my baby would be fine and healthy.
The folks at work were great, I would talk with them often
(they were as concerned and shocked as I was as my pregnancy
was moving along just fine ... the docs still have no explanation
for this ). Anyway I was in bed for 4 1/2 months and had medication
around the clock BUT IT WAS WORTH EVERY MINUTE OF THE PAIN BECAUSE
TODAY I HAVE A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY, HAPPY MAMA'S BOY NAMED RAVI
DATTAGUPTA, BORN 9TH MARCH 1987 WEIGHING 6lbs AND 8 ozs AND TODAY
WEIGHS 13lbs.
I do not see any of the side effects of the stuff I took
(at least not yet) he was born with a ton of hair on his head,
he has been very, very alert from the first day, at less than 3
month's he started cooing and blowing bubbles ! If you talk to him
he answers back and you could 'talk' to him constantly in fact he
wants somebody around him every waking moment, he has also started
responding to his name and I could go on and on .....
I have long since forgotten the pain and discomfort I went thru
and you will too in time. I know it hard for you not to worry and its
hard to pass time just being in bed. I passed the time talking to
my friends and reading, knitting, working on the crossword daily and
watching Perry Mason without fail every day. My husband would come
home for lunch every day so I had something to look forward to each
day to break the monotony, also my neighbors would drop by and we
would sit and gossip (a great way to pass time )
I hope this note helps in some way , if you would like to
talk sometimes give me a call at DTN 435-5473 or sent me mail.
Keep the faith,
Indra Dattagupta
|
| 20.12 | answer to your question | DEBIT::RANDALL | I'm no lady | Thu Jul 02 1987 10:18 | 25 |
| Hi Jodi --
In answer to your question, my sister-in-law was almost completely
effaced at about the fifth month, as I recall, and was starting
to dilate. She spent most of four months in bed taking medication
against the contractions. She had to have antibiotics several times.
I can understand your fear about something being wrong with the baby.
But while it may be true that 1 out of 50 such babies have a problem,
that means that 49 out of 50 babies involved in pre-term labor are
normal.
My sister-in-law (Lynn, so I don't have to type so much later on!) said
her doctor told her that they never find a cause for the majority of
instances of pre-term labor. He blamed Lynn's problems on the fact
that her mother had taken DES when she was carrying Lynn. He said that
many DES women have small, abnormally shaped uteruses. My doctor
didn't think this was likely, but you might want to explore the
possibility with your doctor.
I can answer your questions in more detail through MAIL if you would
like.
--bonnie
|
| 20.13 | Week by Week | QUOKKA::SNYDER | Wherever you go, there you are | Thu Jul 02 1987 17:40 | 30 |
|
The evening before you entered the base note, I got a call
from my brother in Boulder (I am in Colorado Springs) telling
me that his S.O. (Barbara) had gone into pre-term labor that
day, at 31 weeks. We had been planning a visit to Boulder
on Saturday and Marc was calling us to have us prepare our
kids (6 and 4) for the visit since the four-year-old loves
to jump all over Barbara.
I showed her your note. Her reaction (she is a maternity nurse)
was suprise at the low dosage of the medication, suggesting
that it probably wouldn't be long before it was increased.
She said, however, that this is something she sees all the
time, having been a maternity nurse for the last six years.
Naturally, she was bummed out at it having happened to her,
but mostly because of it being a drag to be confined to bed
for so long. She said, however, that in the vast majority
of cases, it amounts to a major nuisance until birth but after
that all is as if it had never happened.
She did mention that there is a support group for women in
pre-term labor. It is called Week by Week. She knows of the
one in Denver but doesn't know if there are chapters elsewhere.
She says that they are an excellent source of information.
If you like, I can get the Denver address/telephone and post
it here or mail it to you.
Sid
|
| 20.14 | Best news I've heard yet! | USIV03::NEWELL | Does the noise in my head bother u? | Thu Jul 02 1987 18:00 | 41 |
| RE: .12
Bonnie,
Thanks for the details of Lynn's situation, sounds exactly like
mine. Was it during the hottest summer on record like mine will
no doubt be? :^)
I also wanted to thank you for bringing to light the correct way
to interpret the risk factor of 1 out of 50. Nobody has ever accused
me of being a math whiz but I am truly embarrassed to admit that
I took it mean 50%! I was in the doctors office waiting to be told
I was experiencing pre-term labor when I read it. I wasn't of sound
mind, I'm sure. Now that I think back on the wording in the book
it was a little confusing as well. It stated that approximately
80% of all miscarriages in the first trimester where caused by an
incompetent embryo and that 1 out 50 miscarriages in the last half
of pregnancies were caused by fetus incompatibility. So I can see
now where I was confused. By you interpreting it for me, (since
I still didn't see my error while typing) my mind rests much easier.
Thanks.
---------
I had good monitor readings today which is especially good news
since I managed to miss my 1am medication and woke up a half hour
after my 4am meds. The 'handy dandy' Radio Shack LCD Pill Box
Countdown Timer I use to remind me to medicate accidently got reset
to 0 and didn't go off. Sleeping with it tucked under my pillow
probably had something to do with it. I would highly recommend
this little gadget if you ever need 'round the clock medications.
As the pamphlet says, it can also be used as a kitchen timer or
parking meter reminder. It's small (2"x3.5"x.5"), hold pills
(or coins), and somewhat attractive. The cost is $14.95.
Everyone have a good 4th of July. I'll miss not being able to go
see the fancy fireworks show this year but hopefully we will have
them in September instead!!!
Jodi and Michael
|
| 20.15 | | USIV03::NEWELL | Does the noise in my head bother u? | Thu Jul 02 1987 18:25 | 23 |
| Sid...
You must have posted your reply while I was working on mine
(it takes a long time to type while laying on ones side).
Anyways, I wanted to let you know that I just finished making
arrangements for my husband to attend a Pre-Term Labor and Delivery
class at the hospital and during my conversation with the hospital
nurse she mentioned a support group offered by the hospital for
just my situation.
Our hospital, St. Joseph of Orange, is an excellent institution
which you may remember as the hospital where the Frustaci 7 were
born. In fact I was there at the same time and delivered my
little girl (now 2) 12 hours before. The Frustaci story was so sad.
Anyways, if I'm not happy with the hospital support group, I'll
drop you a line. (tell Barbara that I am now on 5mg. every 3 hrs)
Thanks,
Jodi
|
| 20.16 | Water,water,everywhere! | USIV03::NEWELL | Does the noise in my head bother u? | Tue Jul 07 1987 01:51 | 31 |
| I'm still home and very happy with the way the 'water treatment'
has been going. There must really be something to the dehydration
theory.
Last Friday mornings monitor reading was pretty pitiful, so I drank
lots of water and re-monitored. While I was re-monitoring my doctor
called and I told her about the mornings contractions (12). She
said she was getting ready to leave on a weeks vacation and with
a score like that she wanted me in the hospital at least 'til she
got back but she perferred I stay in for about 4 weeks. I told
her that the monitor company had suggested the 'water treatment'
and it seemed to work when I used it. I begged her to wait for
my second monitor reading before she made her decision, which she
did. I had zero contractions the second time around! Needless
to say she agreed to let me stay home but said she would check in
with me every two days while on vacation. She told me the best
Neonatologist in Orange County would be on call for me if anything
happened during her absence.
Of course the thought of being put in the hospital for 1-4 weeks
(or more) is not very appealing in the least. I would surely miss
my 'noting' friends! I think your support and well wishes are what
have gotten me this far. It would be so easy to give up and let
the medical world take over. An IV here, a bedpan there, no timer
to set every three hours...
Will keep you posted and as 'Bartlett and James' would say...
"Thank you for your support."
Jodi and baby-to-be, Michael
|
| 20.17 | | RABBIT::HABER | kudos to working mothers of toddlers | Tue Jul 07 1987 16:27 | 4 |
| good luck jodi -- my thoughts are with you!
sandy
|
| 20.18 | Increasing fluids at night | HUMAN::BURROWS | Selma Burrows | Sat Jul 11 1987 11:41 | 10 |
| When I was pregnant and was having a hard time getting enough
fluids I found that by putting an 8oz. glass in the bathroom
and drinking a full glass every time I was in there (especially
at night) improved the fluid balance. This was to supplement,
not replace, a general increase in fluid intake. This might
help you at night.
SelmaB
|
| 20.19 | | NEWPRT::NEWELL | Does the noise in my head bother u? | Sat Jul 11 1987 19:11 | 31 |
| RE: .18
The way I am working it right now is as requested by the monitor
company...I drink 1 quart of water before I monitor in the morning.
2 quarts of water during the day. 1 quart of water before retiring
at night and 1 8oz. glass of water with each pill I take thoughout
the night/early morning hours. This adds up to over a gallon of
water a day. And this is being done by an individual who hates
water. Southern Calif. water being what it is (yuck!) all I will
drink is bottled water. Actually I have pretty much gotten used
to drinking the water, it's the two trips an hour to the bathroom
that are getting a little old. But since I'm not allowed out of
bed for any other reason, I guess you could look at it as the high-
light of my day. :^)
I have been having some problems in the evening lately that can't
be attributed to dehydration. I suspect the doctor will up my
medication soon. Each time the medication is increased there is
about a five day adjustment period. I get headaches, nightsweats,
increased pulse/heart rate and shaky hands and voice. The shakiness
comes and goes for the course of the medication but is at its worse
the first five days.
I'll keep you all posted.
Jodi-
Jodi-
|
| 20.20 | | COOKIE::ZANE | Warehouse Designer | Tue Jul 14 1987 18:52 | 8 |
|
So it's the 14th already! What's new? How are things going?
Terza
|
| 20.21 | Still hangin' in there... | NEWPRT::NEWELL | Does the noise in my head bother u? | Tue Jul 14 1987 23:46 | 55 |
| RE:.20
Well, thanks for asking...
So far this week I have had exceptionally good monitor readings.
I saw the nurse practioner last Friday as the doctor was still on
vacation and all my (and Michaels) vitals were good. Because of
the medication my pulse is generally around 110-116 and the baby's
heart rate is between 150 and 170. I'm pretty used to the Terbuteline
high and they say that the baby really doesn't suffer.
In fact I have been told that stress such as preterm labor, medication
such as Terbuteline and breaking of the waters can/will excelerate
the manufacturing of Surfactants which helps mature the lungs.
The most common cause of distress or death in preterm babies is
Hyaline Membrane Disease which basically means the surfactant in
the lung lining is deficient. If it looks like labor is not going
to be easily controlled, an amnio is done to see what the surfactant
levels are and if they are sufficient labor will be allowed to
procede without further delay. Hopefully I won't have to deal with
that situation.
I feel real positive right now because of my good readings but the
nurse did mention the doctor will probably make a decision in the
next week or so about how to handle the next four to six weeks.
Because a 24 week old fetus is not really considered viable it's
pretty much a wait and see type situation. But now that I am
approaching 30 weeks (can you believe it?) the doctor would like
to take more cautious measures. At this point she would like to
have Non-stress tests (NSTs) done at least twice a week. That means
I either get out of bed and go to the hospital or I just resign
myself to a hospital bed for the next four weeks or so. I'll know
more this Thursday when I see the doctor.
NSTs are done to monitor the effects of contractions on the baby.
So far we have only been monitoring my contractions. A healthy
baby should react to a contraction by showing an increase in heart
rate. It's not a good sign if the heart beat stays the same or
goes down during a contraction. I suspect if Michael is anything
like my first child, he is strong as an Ox.
My first, a girl (Amber) was born 3.5 weeks early, fought every
contraction with gusto and came into this world at 8.5lbs! She
just turned two and is still going strong. I might add that she
has been extremely understanding (insightful) and helpful during
this whole ordeal, as has my husband. Amber is, I believe very
mature for someone who just past their second birthday. I consider
myself very lucky.
Well that should do it for now, hope you enjoyed your OB lessons
and didn't get too bored while I rambled on. Had my hairdresser
come to the house today and I feel especially good!
Jodi (please note my new node name NEWPRT::Newell)
|
| 20.22 | How are you? | GIGI::TRACY | | Mon Jul 20 1987 12:34 | 27 |
| Jodi--
I just read this whole note since you first had a problem. You
must be going crazy by now, but it sounds like everything will be
fine. It also sounds like your family is wonderfully supportive.
I want to second the suggestion made in an early response to keep
a diary during this period. Even if you start it now, I think you
and Michael will really treasure it later on. I started when I
was pregnant (a normal pregnancy) and wrote it in the form of letters
addressed, at that point, to "Baby." It turned out that my daughter
had to stay in the hospital for a while and I continued the diary
through that period. It helped me to feel close to her when I couldn't
be and I've enjoyed going back to it sometimes. I also suspect
that sometime in the future when she's driving me crazy, it will
help put things in perspective. And, finally, I think it will be
a wonderful present for her someday. If writing is too hard, keep
it online. Then you print out a hard copy later.
Also, you could always update us the Iran-contra hearings!
Anyway, it's been almost a week since you updated us. Let us know
how you're doing.
Tracy Warren
|
| 20.23 | UPDATE TIME | NEWPRT::NEWELL | Does the noise in my head bother u? | Wed Jul 22 1987 16:14 | 56 |
| Well, I'm still here and things look OK for the time being. I say
that with a bit of hesitation because just when things are looking
good, I have another bad night (monitor reading). I went seven
days without any problems, then *boom* last Friday night I had problems
for about eight hours. Everything had settled down by morning but
it sure is nerve-racking to have these things happen.
As .22 mentioned I do have a wonderfully supportive family (husband
and child) but I would also like to mention my co-workers who have
been just GREAT throughout this whole ordeal. They offer to bring
me lunch, they run errands for me, make book selections for me and
basically take care of my needs. Even my boss who is not married
and has no kids, has taken time out of his busy schedule to send
cards and phone me. If you knew him you'd understand my shock!
Monday was my birthday and I have to admit it was probably one of
the nicest celebrations I've ever had. A group of co-workers came
by with lunch, flowers, cards and (my favorite) Baskin-Robins Peanut
Butter and Chocolate ice cream. I was in heaven!
After my last short hospital visit the doctor advised me to keep
my visitors to a minimum so I really hadn't seen too many of my
office mates for a while. They complain when they can't bring me
lunch and visit but rules is rules. After all the excitement of
Monday and a little left over on Tuesday, I started having trouble
again last night so I will continue to take the doctors advice and
go back to reading and noting.
I don't watch any TV (well maybe a little Oprah or Donahue) so I
you'll have to get your Iran-Contra updates somewhere else. I have
read ten novels and about fifteen Reader's Digest cover to cover.
And I follow about twenty NOTE conferences. And of course I eat...
alot.
Surprisingly I haven't gained much weight. Just 22 pounds at 31
weeks. Not too bad considering I don't get any exercise. I suspect
the side effects of the medication help keep my metabolism going
at break-neck speed and burn more calories than usual. Hum, maybe
I'll continue to take it AFTER the baby. :^)
I want to apologize to those who have sent me personal mail and have
not received a personal reply. When I switched to my new node (NEWPoRT)
I lost my VAXmail priviledges and am now struggling to learn ALL-IN-1.
I have about 7,000 blocks of stuff I need to transfer from my old
account and I have to learn a whole new mail/editing system as well.
I'm a die-hard VAXmail fan and I don't like this new system at all!
I hear we will be losing $-sign prompt next, so bye-bye NOTES.
Luckily I have some friends with some pull so I probably won't lose
notes for awhile.
I'm going to sign off for now but I'll try to update a little more
often. Next time I'll talk a more about my home monitor system.
Bye, bye...
Jodi + Michael
|
| 20.24 | Don't need $ ? | NISYSE::STPIERRE | | Thu Jul 23 1987 14:54 | 9 |
| Just wanted to let you know....
While I was in MKO, I had All-in-one, and did not have the $ prompt.
However, I was still able to acces all the same file as if I had
the $. i.e. VTX, Notes, DTR etc. So, don't panic yet, you probably
will still be able to use notes.
Debbie
|
| 20.25 | Home Monitoring | NEWPRT::NEWELL | Does the noise in my head bother u? | Thu Jul 30 1987 20:16 | 87 |
| Sorry it has taken me so long to update...been busy, busy, busy!
I saw the doctor today and everything looks just fine. She wants
me to have an ultrasound done, I suppose to check on position, confirm
due date and do cervical studies. I am also scheduled to have weekly
NST's (non-stress tests) at the hospital and...I am doing so well
that I'm allowed to see her at the office every week from now on.
What a thrill to be able to get out of the house twice a week!!!
This has been a very exciting week. Early tuesday morning the monitor
company called and asked if I would mind doing an interview with the
Orange County Register. The newspaper wanted to do an article on home
monitoring. They asked the monitor company, Tokos if they could talk
to one of their patients and I was the patient they chose. Anyway,
I was interviewed and photographed and now we are just waiting for it
to be published.
Last week Tokos asked if I would mind talking with a writer who
is doing an article for Good Housekeeping concerning home monitoring.
I haven't heard from him yet so we'll see. And then...today while
talking to my doctor, she asked if I would consider teaming up with
her and an ex-newscaster turned writer to do a book on preterm labor,
the physical and psychological effects of spending weeks on end
in bed, etc., etc. I am not a writer by any means but working with
people in the that profession really excites me.
Last update I said I would talk a little about home monitoring so
here we go...
Tokos Medical Corp. is the company that offers the TERM GUARD system
of home monitoring. They have been in business for four years and
have approx. 70 centers throughout the U.S. plus one center that
just opened in Paris, France.
They told me that 1 out of 7 pregnant women were at risk for preterm
labor and there are about 250,000 such cases per year. In the last
two years Tokos has monitored 10,000 women taking 80% to term.
The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The monitor itself consists of two parts, the sensor and the recorder.
Twice a day (evening and morning for one hour) the sensor is placed on
the abdomen just below the navel and to the right. It is secured with
an elastic belt. The sensor has a curly cord that connects to the
recorder which is about the size of a walkman. The recorder is
connected to a charger which is plugged into an AC wall outlet. The
monitor is portable so you can walk around while you monitor if thats
not a problem with your doctor.
Sometime after your morning monitor, your Tokos nurse will call for
a reading. You then place the end of the phone that you speak into
directly onto the recorder and press a SEND button. It takes about
six minutes to send two hours worth of monitoring and another minute
or two for the nurse to read the strip. At that point the nurse
will tell you how many contractions you had the previous night and
that morning. If the reading looks bad they will have you remonitor
after you have had a couple of glasses of water. If you think you
are having problems lets say at 2am, you monitor for one hour and
call in for a reading. It's very handy and very reassuring to have
this service available night and day and I'm sure saves a lot of
un-necessary trips to the hospital.
I've been extremely pleased with Tokos. Their nurses are all very
supportive, positive and pleasant and are always there if you need
to talk. They all have labor and delivey background.
The cost of $75 a day may make some of you want to gag but when you
compare it to daily hospital rates or intensive care for a premature
baby, its nothing. Any medical insurance that offers Durable Medical
Equipment Coverage will pick up the cost (John Hancock does :^).
I took the liberty of finding out what the Tokos phone number is
in the Boston area in case someone you know is at risk.
Tokos Boston (617) 535-7901
Also here are a couple of other numbers that may come in handy:
1-800-24-TOKOS (outside Calif.)
1-800-25-TOKOS (inside Calif.)
I hope this info helps someone, sometime in the future.
I'm kind of running out of steam for today but if anyone would like
me to list the warning signs of preterm labor as stated in the Tokos
literature let me know and I would be happy to oblige.
Jodi and Michael (age 32 weeks b.b.)
|
| 20.26 | Sure sounds exciting!! | BAGELS::MEEGAN | | Tue Aug 04 1987 16:21 | 10 |
| Hi Jodi, GREAT to hear everything if going well! WHAT DO YOU MEAN
YOUR NOT A WRITER!!
The notes you write in here are GREAT!! and very informative! Maybe
you should print out your files to show the writers!
Just a suggestion. Keep on smiling!!
lam
|
| 20.27 | | NEWPRT::NEWELL | Does the noise in my head bother u? | Tue Aug 04 1987 18:13 | 16 |
| RE: .26
Thanks for the encouragement!
-----------------------------
Tomorrow I go in for my first non-stress test.
The ultrasound follows about an hour later (just enough time to
drink the half gallon of water required for the the test :^( ).
I'll let you know how things go.
Bye,
Jodi and Michael
|
| 20.28 | Update | NEWPRT::NEWELL | Does the noise in my head bother u? | Mon Aug 10 1987 21:50 | 30 |
| The non-stress test went great. Michael is strong and responded
perfectly during the test.
The ultrasound showed that besides being strong, he is also big.
At 33 weeks he sized up to a 35 week old fetus. When I saw the
doctor the next day she measured me (the uterus) at 34 weeks so
we know for sure he is growing.
The same thing happened with my first child. She measured so big
that the doctor said she would be 11 pounds at 40 weeks which
explains why I had her at 36.5 weeks! 8.5 pounds is a lot for a
baby born almost a month early!
The newspaper article finally came out but the writer took some
journalistic license and misquoted me a couple of times. Also the
monitor itself is portable so she took that to mean that I too
am allowed to move around. She mentioned three times that I roamed
around the house while I monitored...I wish! The article itself
was quite impressive (if you didn't know the truth). It took up
almost the entire front page and part of page 2 of the business
section including a picture of me laying in bed with the monitor
strapped to my fat belly.
Well that's all for now.
Only three more weeks before I'm taken off the medicine, can you
believe it?
Jodi-
|
| 20.29 | | SSDEVO::HILLIGRASS | | Tue Aug 11 1987 21:31 | 16 |
| Hi Jodi,
Gosh I got big tears in my eyes reading this whole note. I don't
read parenting much because I don't have kids *yet* but this note
definately will keep my interest. I'll be saying my prayers for
you and Michael, keep up the positive attitude and let us know how
it is going. I'm sure there are people all over the world anxious
for the day when you tell us that you are holding Michael in your
arms!
Sounds like you have a great doctor as well, that would make me real
confident.
- Sue
|
| 20.30 | | NEWPRT::NEWELL | Does the noise in my head bother u? | Wed Aug 12 1987 00:09 | 24 |
| RE: .29
Thanks Sue...I get big tears in my eyes every time I get a reply
or personal mail message. I have received mail from all over,
including Valbonne, France! It's amazing how many people read
notes and how many care. Really amazing.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Tomorrow I go in for my second NST and then I have to drop by the
doctors office to pick up a bottle of glucose. Because Michael
is so big the doctor wants me to take a glucose tolerance test to
rule out a form of diabetis that sometimes rears its ugly head in
late pregnancy.
I've asked my doctor if I can spend the last few days of my medication
doing some long overdue, much needed shopping. She said she didn't
see any problem with that. Watch out charge cards!
More later...
Jodi and Michael
|
| 20.31 | Another Update... | NEWPRT::NEWELL | Aug.31st, the beginning of the end | Thu Aug 20 1987 19:07 | 59 |
| Well, not much change around here except for last Sunday when I
had major 'boomers' (as the nurse practitioner calls them).
It was a typical Sunday, the one day a week when I get outside and
socialize with neighbors. The day went quite well, I just chatted
with neighbors and watched my little girl swim in her pool. But
about 5 p.m. after I went back into the house, I started feeling
real achey. I took a shower and went to bed.
I monitored as usual at 7:30 p.m. for one hour and during that time I
realized that I was having real, honest to goodness labor *pains*. I
had to do the breathing exercises I had learned during my last pregnancy.
Of course my OB had just left town for a week so I did everything
in my power to relax and slow down the contractions. I called the
monitor company and they told me my contractions were 3 minutes
apart. That was not very reassuring. The doctor on call had me
hydrate and remonitor. The count went down significantly so he
just said to rest, supplement my medication if neccesary and call
if I had any more problems. I didn't. I think it had something
to do with the 'harmonic convergence'. :^)
On August 31st I will be taken off the medication (see personal_name).
Michael will most likely arrive the first week of September. I
can't believe it is getting so close the the 'big day'. If anyone
would have told me 11 weeks ago that time was going to go by so fast,
I wouldn't have believed them (I think some tried). I want to
experience one 'normal' week before the baby arrives but I'll settle
for two or three days.
I had my Glucose Tolerance test done last week and it came out a
little on the high side. That is to be expected when you're on
Terbuteline but just to be on the safe side the doctor wants me
to take a 3 hour/fasting Glucose test at the hospital. It's set
up for next Wednesday after my NST.
All of my NSTs so far have been just fine. I would like to add to the
NST info I gave you a few weeks back. The test, which is basically
another kind of monitor device, monitors the babys' heart rate and
the mothers' uterine activity. I had said in a previous note that it
shows how the baby's heart reacted after a contraction. This is
true but it also should show the babys' heart rate after each time he
moves. The mother is given a hand held device to push each time there
is movement, giving the nurse a better idea what's going on. I feel
better now knowing you have all the details.
I'm going to use another note to list the warning signs of preterm
labor and who is at risk.
See you in the next note...
Jodi and Michael
|
| 20.32 | | CSC32::JOHNS | My chocolate, all mine! | Thu Aug 20 1987 19:54 | 5 |
| Sometimes, Jodi, I enter Parenting just to see how you are doing.
Hang in there! I am so excited for you!
Carol
|
| 20.33 | | NEWPRT::NEWELL | Aug.31st, the beginning of the end | Thu Aug 20 1987 20:03 | 94 |
|
The following was taken with permission from a booklet called:
* WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT PRETERM LABOR *
by Tokos Medical Corporation.
WHO IS AT RISK for PRETERM BIRTH?...
These conditions may be associated with an increased
likelihood of preterm labor.
1. Previous preterm labor or delivery
2. Preterm labor in current pregnancy
3. Abnormally shaped uterus: DES daughter, uterine surgery
4. Two or more second trimester abortions or miscarriages
5. Incompetent cervix, cone biopsy, large fibroid
6. Current pregnancy with twins, triplets, etc.
7. Severe kidney and urinary tract infections
8. Cervical dialation or effacement before 36 weeks
9. Excessive uterine activity before 36 weeks
10. Bleeding: placenta previa: too much amniotic fluid
11. Ages less than 18 or greater than 35: unusual phyical
or mental stress.
SIGNS and SYMPTOMS of PRETERM LABOR...
1. Uterine Contractions: the tightening of the muscle within the
uterus. Using your fingertips to feel the uterus, you should
be able to indent your uterus when it is relaxed. During a
contraction you can feel the uterus tighten and become hard.
Contractions occur normally throughout pregnancy. They are
usually painless and can occur at any time. Certain activities,
such as changing your position or having a full bladder, may
cause you to have a contraction. The type of contraction you
will have with preterm labor will also be painless, but there
is often a pattern to the tightenings. The uterus will feel
hard over the entire surface and this tightening may occur
every 15 minutes or closer. Each contraction may last from
20 seconds up to 1.5 to 2 minutes.
**********************************
* *
* REMEMBER: *
* Preterm labor contractions are *
* often painless occuring every *
* 15 minutes or more often. *
* *
**********************************
The following signs may also occur normally in your pregnancy,
but if you feel these signs, you should check for contractions.
2. MENSTRUAL-LIKE CRAMPS...these are felt low in the abdomen,
just above the pubic bone. The cramping may be rhythmic,
feeling like waves or fluttering. You may also feel constant
cramping.
3. LOWER, DULL BACKACHE...this backache is located mainly in the
lower back and may radiate to the sides or the front. It may
be rhythmic or constant, and often not relieved by change of
position.
4. PELVIC PRESSURE...you may feel pressure or a fullness in the
pelvic area, in your back or your thighs.
5. INTESTINAL CRAMPS...these may occur in the presence or absence
of diarrhea.
6. INCREASE or CHANGE in VAGINAL DISCHARGE...the amount may be
more than that which is normal for you. The consistency may
change to mucousy or watery. The color may become pink or
brown-tinged.
7. A GENERAL FEELING THAT SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT...even without
a specific cause.
WHAT IS NORMAL?...
1. Contractions occuring 3 or less per hour
2. Backache as your baby grows and causes your posture to change
3. Pressure as your gowing baby presses on your pubic bone and
your legs
4. Pulling and stretching of muscles that may cause localized
pain
----------------------------------
| REMEMBER: |
| It is important to know what |
| is normal for you. Then you |
| will know how to identify what |
| is not normal. |
----------------------------------
|
| 20.34 | On the way to the hospital!!! | NEWPRT::NEWELL | Aug.31st, the beginning of the end | Thu Aug 27 1987 21:09 | 19 |
| Well folks, looks like this is it...
I just got back from the my weekly doctors appointment and things
don't look so hot. Seems I have toxemia.
I'm on my way to the hospital (St. Joseph's in Orange, Calif.).
The doctor is going to induce labor tonight so I suspect we will
have a little baby by this evening or sometime tomorrow.
I haven't been feeling all that well this week so I guess you could
say I'm ready. But just like I began this ordeal 12 weeks ago,
I am also scared. That's natural though.
I'll let you know as soon as I get home how things went.
Jodi and soon-to-be on the outside, Michael :^)
|
| 20.35 | He's here... | NEWPRT::NEWELL | On the outside looking in... | Mon Aug 31 1987 17:45 | 85 |
| ...and he's beautiful!
*************** A N N O U N C I N G **************
* *
* >->>>> Michael Taylor Newell <<<<-< *
* *
* Born: August 28th 1987 (by request) *
* Time: 12:18 a.m. *
* Weight: 7 pounds, 11 ounces *
* Length: 20 inches *
* *
****************************************************
I arrived at the hospital last Thursday night around 7 p.m.
Of course I hadn't packed yet (bad luck) so it took awhile to
get my act together. I also had to cancel a hair appointment
I had set up for Saturday, wait for my husband to get home etc.
At 8 p.m. the doctor (not my doctor, but her associate) broke
the 'bag of waters' and said she would wait a couple of hours
to see if I was making any progress. Ten minutes later I was
making progress!
Months ago my doctor asked when I was going to have this baby.
I had successfully predicted the due date of our first child and
she wanted to make sure I didn't set my (unofficial) due date to
early. In jest I told her Aug. 20th sounded good but she felt
that was a little too early so we agreed that Aug. 28th was a nice
date. Mind you this was all in fun, I wasn't supposed to have
Michael until late Sept.
Anyways, when I realized that by 9 p.m. I was in pretty hard labor
I reminded my doctors' associate that I wanted an Aug. 28th baby and
she agreed to do her best to accomodate me. Three and half hours
after my water was broke Michael was ready to make his entrance.
Being a half hour short of my projected due date I asked the doctor
to take her time getting me to the delivery room. At midnight I
was wheeled into delivery. I was very alert and aware of everything
around me (much different from my last birthing experience).
At 12:15 a.m. we were ready to go.
Three months, three and half hours of labor and three pushes later
Michael Taylor Newell arrived!
Michael came out yellin' and screamin' and scored an 8 and a 9 on
his Apgar. About an hour later he started to show a little respiritory
distress but it only lasted long enough to get our pediatrician out of
bed and down to the hospital.
I went to recovery where the only distress I experienced was from
the medication I had been put on for my toxemia. I was having some
nasty side-effects from the medication until I was taken off of
it at 8 p.m. Friday night. By Saturday morning I was feeling good
enough to go home. Michael was only 36 hours old when he left the
hospital! Pretty amazing.
Now that we are home, I'm having a bit of trouble adjusting to the
fact that I don't have to get up every three hours for medication
(Michael has been sleeping 4-5 hours between feedings), I don't
*have* to drink four quarts of water a day (unless I want to) and
I can go out and get the mail myself without feeling guilty!
Oh well, so much for my summer vacation. :^)
I want to thank all of you once again for your tremendous support
and well wishes when I was in such need. It was a summer I shall
not soon forget but all summers must end and luckily this one had
a happy ending...
Thank you,
the Newell family
P.S. if any of you are going to the next DECUS in Anaheim, CA,
drop by for a visit and meet Michael personally.
Send mail (NEWPRT::Newell) or
give me a call at (714) 857-9048.
|
| 20.36 | congrats | PUFFIN::OGRADY | George - ISWS, 262-8506 | Tue Sep 01 1987 10:20 | 6 |
|
...and good luck.
GOG
|
| 20.37 | | TLE::FAIMAN | Neil Faiman | Tue Sep 01 1987 11:00 | 5 |
| Congratulations! and thanks for sharing the wonderful news with
us.
-Neil
|
| 20.38 | congrats | CHOVAX::GILSON | | Tue Sep 01 1987 15:50 | 7 |
| HOORAY! I'm very happy for your family.
Any baby that weighs 7/11 was ready to be born and probably not
truly due in late September.
|
| 20.39 | I'll second that | BOOTES::RODON | | Tue Sep 01 1987 16:21 | 5 |
| I'll agree with that, he's a good size baby for being born that
early!!! Congratulations and enjoy your new son and your freedom!!!!!!
Lynn
|
| 20.40 | fantastic! | KIM::KNIPP | | Tue Sep 01 1987 16:37 | 6 |
| Congratulations and good luck. Aren't children wonderful!!!!!!
Nancee
|
| 20.41 | Good for you ! | KANE::POTUCEK | N.E._<>_<>_Skier | Wed Sep 02 1987 11:23 | 19 |
|
H H OOOOO OOOOO RRRR AAAAA Y Y ! ! ! !
H H O O O O R R A A Y Y ! ! ! !
HHHHH O O O O RRRR A A Y ! ! ! !
H H O O O O R R AAAAA Y ! ! ! !
H H OOOOO OOOOO R R A A Y ! ! ! !
FOR ALL THREE OF YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JMP
|
| 20.42 | yippee!! | RABBIT::HABER | kudos to working mothers of toddlers | Wed Sep 02 1987 13:18 | 4 |
| mazel tov!!!! [that means congratulations] keep us posted...
sandy
|
| 20.43 | Make that LOTS of happies!!! :-) | AIMHI::KRISTY | This brain intentionally left blank. | Wed Sep 02 1987 21:13 | 5 |
| Geez, I go away for 5 days and look what happens!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! That is *GREAT* news!! Have a happy!!!
*** Kristy ***
|
| 20.44 | congratulations | RAINBO::SPRUNG | | Fri Sep 04 1987 18:38 | 10 |
| Jodi,
A very big congratulations! I do not have kids so I feel very lucky
that I was able to hear about this note in the parenting notes conference.
My wife is now selling the TOKOS nursing/monitoring service (in the Boston
area) that you mention. You have enabled me to understand a little better
what my wife goes through emotionally in selling the service. I can't
thank you enough for having the courage to share your experience and wish
you and Michael future health and happiness.
Mitch Sprung
|
| 20.45 | Welcome to our world! | SSDEVO::HILLIGRASS | | Fri Sep 04 1987 19:39 | 10 |
| What wonderful news for me to read on a friday afternoon!
Congratulations to your whole family and good luck....it seems
as though Michael is already 4 months old. Print this notes
file out and show Michael one day what a star he was before he
was even born.
Hoping my dreams will come true, too!
- Sue
|
| 20.46 | Congrats | CSC32::JOHNS | My chocolate, all mine! | Sat Sep 12 1987 17:44 | 5 |
| I've been wondering how you were; I just got back from vacation.
Congratulations. I am so glad to know that you are both doing fine.
Carol
|
| 20.47 | Talk about empathy... | EDSVAX::POND | | Fri Sep 18 1987 14:38 | 20 |
| Congratulations to both you and Michael! I'm so delighted everything
worked out so well.
I've been following this note since you began it weeks ago. I was
a little reticent to contribute since I was about three weeks ahead
of you (pregnancy wise) and things were going very well.
Now that it's all over, however, I feel better about writing and
offering my sincerest and most joyous congratulations. I couldn't
be happier for you and your family.
BTW, our children share a birthday. Elizabeth Lois Pond was also
born Friday, Aug. 28, 1987. She weighed in at 7 lbs. 2 ozs. and
was 19 3/4 inches in length. Maybe it was the appropriate phase of
the moon?
Another 8/28 Mom,
Lois
|
| 20.48 | Congrats to Lois! | BOOTES::RODON | | Mon Sep 21 1987 09:01 | 4 |
| Congratulations to you to Lois! And a little Hello to Elizabeth!
Lynn
|
| 20.49 | Book Recommendation...a *must* read! | NEWPRT::NEWELL | On the outside looking in... | Tue Sep 29 1987 13:06 | 49 |
| RE: .47
Congratulations to you and your family, Lois.
RE: Preterm Labor...
For most of the weeks I was confined to bed I tried to get my hands
on a book that the monitor company recommended. It is available
through the March of Dimes but they couldn't seem to get copies
of it so after weeks and weeks of waiting and looking the MoD called
to tell me they located a copy at a local Doubleday bookstore.
Even though Michael was already three weeks old and my *ordeal*
was over I felt I had to read this book, so I went to Doubleday and
picked up their last copy of *The Premature Labor Handbook*.
Excellent book! I highly recommend reading it if you are faced
with long term confinement for preterm labor, know or need to take
care of someone in this condition or just want to be informed.
This book covers:
* The medical aspects
* The stresses of premature labor
* Relationships
* Help for the family
* Maximizing time and space
* The hospital experience
* Preterm delivery and the premature baby
* Childbirth preparation and premature labor
* Nutrition and exercise
* Embracing the challenge
I wish I had been able to get my hands on this book during my
confinement. It is well written, talks about things I thought
only *I* was experiencing and gives you new skills to deal
with the stresses of preterm labor (such as visualization).
**************************************************************
THE PREMATURE LABOR HANDBOOK
Successfully Sustaining Your High-Risk Pregnancy
by Patricia Anne Robertson, M.D. & Peggy Henning Berlin,
Available from Doubleday books
ISBN: 0-385-19923-6 or
ISBN: 0-385-19924-4 (paperback)
**************************************************************
Happy reading,
Jodi-
|
| 20.50 | Progress Report | NEWPRT::NEWELL | On the outside looking in... | Tue Sep 29 1987 13:26 | 28 |
| Now that Michael is a month old and I have gained some of my
sanity and strength back, I thought I'd let you know how he's doing.
He's got to be the most mellow kid in town. I figure after three
months on Terbutaline, he's ready for a rest. When he's hungry
he just starts moving his arms and legs, whirling them 'round and
'round until he gets someones attention. The only time he cries
is when he has a gas bubble and that's easy to take care of.
The only medical type problem we've had with him was jaundice.
He still looked pretty yellow at three weeks so the pediatrician
asked me to stop nursing him for 48 hours at which time I promptly
came down with a case of Mastitis (breast infection with 103.2 fever).
But that's another story...
His color is very good now, the gobs of brown hair he was born with
is thinning out and his arms and skinny legs are getting chunky. He's
a picture of health and oh, so good!
At one month he hasn't crossed any major milestones besides opening
his eyes more than once a day. He's just a sleepy boy and I should
take advantage of it while it lasts. :^)
Take care and if anyone out there needs to talk about preterm labor
any time in the future, please don't hesitate to write or call.
Jodi-
|
| 20.51 | *** Season's Greetings *** | NEWPRT::NEWELL | Jodi Newell, SWS Mktg, Irvine, CA | Wed Dec 23 1987 11:54 | 21 |
| I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone again for all the support
and well wishes you extended to me and my family during our very
trying summer. You helped make this a very special Christmas and
I will be forever grateful.
Michael is almost four months old (can you believe it?) and weighs
16.5 pounds! His brown hair is turning kinda red and I think his blue
eyes may turn green (just in time for Christmas). :^) I wish I
could send a picture of him out to all of you, he's just beautiful!
I'm back at work now and it feels great! The only problem is I
haven't had a full nights sleep in seven months and it's starting
to take its toll on me. Maybe next year we can convince him to
sleep more than five hours at a stretch.
My wish for everyone is to have a Merry Christmas, a Happy Healthy
Family and a Happy New Year.
Jodi-
|
| 20.52 | Another Story | CLT::TAYLOR | | Mon Jan 25 1988 16:08 | 276 |
|
Last summer when Jodi was handling her preterm labor I checked out this
topic every day hoping she would let us know how she was doing. I
really looked forward to reading about her as I know lots of people
did.
Jodi's information in this file proved to be invaluable to me in so
many ways. First of all, I have a friend who is confined to bedrest for
her entire pregnancy. (She had invitro done and is expecting twins in
July - very risky.) So, I sent this topic to my friend hoping
it would be an inspiration to her and that it would give her some ideas
on how to pass the time while in bed.
Little did I know only a few days after I mailed this topic to my
friend I would find myself in the hospital at 24 weeks pregnant
fighting contractions. My friend received the notes file the day I went
into the hospital. As I told my friend my situation from my hospital
bed, she would tell me: "That's the medication Jodi took," or
"Jodi had a urinary tract infection also."
Jodi's story was such a comfort to me during those first few weeks.
Preterm labor is a lonely, scary situation. I found it is very
difficult to get information on this topic when you need it most and I
was glad to have this notes file. So, I have decided to tell my story
too. My story is different enough from Jodi's to be worth telling, and
just as Jodi helped me I'd like to help out the next person who might
go through this.
So, here's my story (so far):
At my 24 week visit I mentioned to my doctor that I thought my
Braxton-Hicks contractions were occurring quite often. He examined my
belly while I was having a contraction, and told me if I had more
than 12 an hour, drink a glass of wine and relax. If they didn't stop,
I should call him. While driving home, I timed the contractions. Sure
enough, they were 5 minutes apart lasting 30-45 seconds. I got home and
had a glass of wine. They seemed to subside.
The next morning they came back again. I called the doctor's office and
they told me to come in. They put me on the monitor, and yes, I was
having a contraction every 5 minutes. They tried to give me a
non-stress test, but the baby was just too small. He kept moving away
from the monitor. (See note .21 and .31 for an explanation of the
non-stress test.) The doctor was concerned. She told me she was going to
examine me, and if they couldn't stop the labor or if my water had
broken, I would have to go to a Boston hospital having an Intensive
Care Nursery. (Nashua Memorial hospital cannot handle a 2 pound
preemie.)
The doctor examined me and told me I was 1 cm dilated, 0% effaced.
The 1 cm dilation was on the external os, and the internal os was
completely closed. She explained that 1 cm was perfectly normal for a
second-time mother. Then she took 3 slides of vaginal fluid to
determine if my water had broken. All negative, thank God.
She then sent me over to the hospital because they wanted to continue
to monitor me and the baby for a while and couldn't have me use the
only monitor they had in the office. The hospital nurse took a blood
sample (CBC) and a urine sample, and then gave me a shot of Terbutaline
to stop the contractions. They found a urinary tract infection (UTI)
which can irritate the uterus and cause contractions. They gave me an
antibiotic (Ampicillin), a few pills of Terbutaline (2.5 mg), and sent
me home. (By the way, I felt no symptoms of the UTI. I've had plenty of
them in the past, so I know what they usually feel like.)
The next morning I noticed the contractions were back at 5 minutes
apart. I called the doctor's office and the nurse told me it
would take a day or two for the antibiotic to take affect. She told
me to rest. That afternoon (Christmas Eve) the contractions got to 2
minutes apart. I called the doctor and he sent me right to the
hospital.
The nurses were expecting me, and immediately put me in bed, put me on
the monitor and gave me a shot of Terbutaline. They gave me 3 shots at
20 minutes apart. The Terbutaline is awful. It made my heart beat very
fast (I averaged 110), gave me the shakes, headaches and nasal
congestion. The nurses watched me very carefully. They took my pulse
and blood pressure constantly. I watched the monitor constantly to
make sure the baby's heartbeat didn't go above 170. He usually stayed
at about 160-170.
The contractions stopped-but not for long. Soon I was having
"break-through" contractions. It looked like I was Boston-bound. The
doctor came in, examined me and found I was still only 1 cm
dilated, 0% effaced. So, instead of sending me to Boston, they put me
on an IV drip of Yutopar and told me I would be in the hospital for a
few days.
It was a great Christmas, let me tell you! I had 13 people at my house
for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, 10 of them were overnight guests.
I had relatives from Arizona, New Orleans, North Carolina and
Massachusetts all at my house! I conducted the meals and festivities
from my hospital bed. Everyone was great. Apparently they all chipped
in, and almost all the food was served. When they couldn't find
something, they improvised. In some ways it was kind of humorous. Then,
on December 26-29th all my relatives (18) went to an inn in Vermont. (I
organized that trip last summer.) My husband, my son, and my mother
stayed behind.
Anyway, I did fairly well on the Yutopar. They took me off it at
4pm Christmas Day and said I had to continue to do well for
48 hours after being off the Yutopar before they would let me go
home.
That evening my family came by to bring me presents and to let me see
my son (2 years old). They stayed for only 15 minutes, but about an
hour after they left the contractions were 5 minutes apart. The whole
scenario started again. I got the 3 shots of Terbutaline and the threat
about going to Boston. But, once again an exam revealed that I was
still only 1 cm dilated. The medical staff was baffled. I stayed in
Nashua.
By this time the antibiotic had plenty of time to clear up the
infection. They rechecked me and found that the infection was gone, so
now my diagnosis was "Irritable uterus" - in other words, like Jodi,
there was no definite explanation for the contractions.
I have not been diagnosed as having preterm labor because there has
been no change to my cervix. Usually the contractions only need to be
10-15 minutes apart (or less) on a regular basis to change the cervix.
So, I may just have very frequent and uncomfortable Braxton-Hicks
contractions. The difference between Braxton-Hicks contractions and
those of premature labor is that the Braxton-Hicks do not alter the
cervix. I am at risk of preterm labor however because of a previous
preterm delivery (at 35 1/2 weeks). It's so nerve wracking because
there is so much they just don't know. (I have since learned that
approximately 6-8% of all pregnant women develop the condition of
preterm or premature labor. In most cases, a specific cause cannot be
found.)
I stayed in the hospital 2 more days with the same scenario both days.
Since I still didn't dilate, my doctor decided to let me go home. They
told me to expect to be in and out of the hospital for the remainder of
the pregnancy. I was ordered to be on complete bedrest, and had to take
the Terbutaline (2.5 mg) every 4 hours, or sooner if needed. ( I even
had to set an alarm at night.) The most important thing about taking
the Terbutaline was to take my pulse first. If my pulse was over 120, I
couldn't take a pill. I'll type up my instructions and put them in this
notes file.
Christmas week was very nerve-wracking. Almost every evening the
contractions would start. I'd take an extra pill, then have a glass of
wine. Several evenings I would think about calling the doctor. New
Year's Eve was the worst. The contractions got bad but I just didn't
want to go through all the hassle of finding someone to take care of my
son, go to the hospital and then find that I was only 1 cm dilated
again. Finally they stopped, and I went to sleep.
I called the company that gave Jodi her home monitor (Tokos, see note
125.25). They were very nice, supportive and informative. They told me
that the service had to be prescribed by my doctor and that I should
ask him about it. I called his office. He was out so I talked to the
nurse. She was a labor-delivery nurse for 9 years. She convinced me
that I didn't need a home monitor because I could feel my contractions very well.
She felt it was best for me to listen to my body and if anything
changed I could call any time day or night. I wish I had something that
could tell me if the contractions were doing anything!
The Monday after the holidays I went back to the doctor again for a
checkup. Still no dilation. So, he told me I could go back to work and
resume my normal activities. I was to continue to take the Terbutaline.
So, I went into the office. I couldn't concentrate on work and count
contractions at the same time. I was a nervous wreck constantly toying
with the idea of laying down on my office floor. I finally left early
and went home to bed. The next day I didn't get into the office till
late after waiting for the contractions to subside. Then after lunch
when the contractions got to 5 minutes apart again I went to Health
Services to lie down.
Everyone I talked to was shocked that I went back to work. By this time
I had lots of information on preterm labor. I was in touch with a local
support group, my nurse at the hospital gave me her home phone number
(she had been through this herself), I had the book that Jodi
recommended in note .49, and was communicating over the net with Jodi.
I was so scared and confused because every story I heard was how the
woman was to do NOTHING but bedrest, and here I was going to work!
I didn't know what to do. I called the nurse that I had at the
hospital. She felt that I should call my doctor and tell him about
my 2 days at work. I called him and told him that I had contractions
in the office. He took me out of work immediately.
It's now been over 4 weeks since this all started. I can't believe how
time has flown by. I'm delighted that I've made it this far. I still
get the contractions all the time. Mine usually get bad in the evening,
after I've eaten, when I have a full bladder, or after **any**
activity. I tried the water treatment that worked for Jodi, and it
doesn't work for me. "Every pregnancy is different." The only thing
that really works for me is bedrest.
I went to the doctor's yesterday and got a great report. I'm now at 28
weeks. I got the results back from the O'Sullivan (sugar) test. My
count was only 126, which is excellent. I was a bit worried because
I've learned that the Terbutaline can increase the sugar count and
possibly cause maternal diabetes.
The baby seems to be doing well also. As usual, the doctor is
amazed at how big he is. He guesses that the baby is about 3 pounds
right now.
My doctor will be taking me off the medication in mid March (36 weeks).
He says I may deliver immediately, or I may go on and on and reach my
due date (mid April). He says there is no way of telling what will
happen.
I told the doctor how I don't think the medication works for me and the
only thing that will stop them is for me to lie on my side, alone, in
my own bed. Drinking wine works, but I'm not comfortable with that
idea. Even lying on the couch won't stop the contractions. If the TV is
on, or if anyone is in the room with me, the contractions continue.
He explained to me that the medication will not stop the contractions
entirely, but will help prevent the contractions from making me dilate.
I asked him what would happen if I ignored the contractions since so
far they haven't done anything. (I'd LOVE to go out for a while, but
I'm afraid to be too far from my bed!) He said that we will never be
sure, but most likely if I ignored the contractions, I would go into
true labor.
I also need to keep the contractions under control to prevent them from
breaking my water. It is possible that I had contractions like these
when I was pregnant with my son, and it was a hard contraction that
broke my water at 35 1/2 weeks. If my water breaks they will make me
deliver immediately.
So, for now it seems that I'm doing very well. I've adjusted to the
medication. My pulse is still at 90 bpm, but I no longer have the
shakes.
I'm getting a bit tired of the horizontal position, but believe it or
not, I'm not bored. I'm not watching much TV as I thought I would,
instead I'm getting through a stack of magazines that have been piling
up for months. I'm also able to spend a lot more "quality" time with my
son because instead of making dinner and doing other chores when he
gets home from the sitter's, I read him books, sing songs, and
generally have a great time with him. My husband is the one that is
probably suffering the most. He's become the Mr. Mom. Maybe this is a
blessing in disguise? I've learned to lower my standards, and we've
learned to hire the neighborhood teenagers to do chores for us. It's
been a real experience.
My doctor told me yesterday that a salesperson from TOKOS (the
monitoring company that Jodi used) has contacted him. He brought up the
subject at the Nashua area OB conference. He said it was discussed at
length and the general opinion was "no". They feel that the monitor
would drive the mother and the doctors crazy. However, this salesperson is
going to come to their next meeting to give a talk. We'll see what
happens!
One more thing I'd like to mention - GUILT. People (non-medical,
well-meaning friends) told me that I brought this on myself because I
was so busy working, taking care of my family, doing projects and
preparing for Christmas. I've been reassured by the nurses in the
hospital and the doctor that there is no way a woman can put herself
into labor unless there is something already making her susceptible to
it. Women try everything (riding over railroad tracks, exercising,
etc.) to put themselves in labor, but if they're not ready, they're not
ready. I accepted this until they told me I had to be on bedrest. This
seemed like a contradiction to me. They explained that I now have a
condition (irritable uterus) that must be treated, and it is not
something I brought on myself.
So that's my story so far. Now that I've written it all out I find
that it has helped me to sort out all the events. This is such an
overwhelming experience! I'll write in again when I have some more
news to tell.
Gale
PS. In keeping with Jodi's tradition, I guess I should sign:
Gale (and Kevin, due April 17)
|
| 20.53 | Hospital instructions | CLT::TAYLOR | | Mon Jan 25 1988 16:11 | 88 |
| The following is the instruction sheet I received from the hospital.
Please note that my personal instructions varied a bit from this sheet.
For example, I must take the medication every 4 hours or less depending
on when the contractions start.
-Gale
Nashua Memorial Hospital
Premature Labor Discharge Instruction Sheet
It is important to remember that the use of Terbutaline must be
accompanied by bedrest, as prescribed by your physician. You will
"break through" the drug (begin to contract) unless you seriously
curtail your activity. Although it is difficult, most of your day
should be spent on a chair, sofa, or bed, with your body positioned
on your left or right side, to reduce uterine irritability.
Your physician has prescribed Terbutaline for you to take at home
to prevent premature labor. The instructions that follow will help
you to take this medication correctly.
1. Take your medication every ____ hours as prescribed by your
doctor. It is very important that you take your medication on time
so you will need to set your alarm clock. Your scheduled times are:
2. Take your pulse before taking the medication as you have been
taught by your nurse. Never use your thumb to take your pulse - Use
your first 2 fingers, taking your pulse either on your wrist or
neck. When your pulse is less than 120 beats a minute, you can take
the medication. If your pulse is higher than 115, don't take the
medicine, instead wait 30 minutes and take your pulse again. If your
pulse is still higher than 115 wait 30 minutes and again take your
pulse. Do not take your medication if your pulse is higher than 115
a minute. If after an hour your pulse is still higher than 115, call
your doctor for further instructions.
3. You must adjust the times that you take your medication if you
have had to wait because of your pulse being too fast. The
medication must be taken only at the hours apart ordered - no
earlier or later; Example: If medication is ordered every 6 hours
and you are on 12 noon, 6 pm, 12 midnight and 6 am schedule and you
have to wait 1/2 hour because of a high pulse, you must change your
times to 12:30 pm, 6:30 pm, 12:30 am, 6:30 am.
4. Eat a banana or orange every day.
5. Call your doctor is you experience any of the following:
A. Difficulty breathing - shortness of breath
B. Chest pain
C. Uterine cramping or contractions.
1. Contractions that occur six times or more per hour (may
be painless). How to feel for contractions -
Lying down place your fingers on top of your womb (uterus).
With a contraction the uterus gets hard and then will soften.
If your uterus is getting hard then soft - time them and
try to decide how strong they are. (To judge how strong
a contraction is - feel the contraction - then your cheek,
nose or forehead. If it feels like your cheek, the contraction
is mild; your nose, moderate; forehead, strong.
2. Menstrual like cramps - either constant or come and
go - felt above your pubic bone.
3. Low dull back ache - either a constant ache or one that
comes and goes.
4. Pressure - feels like the baby is pushing down or feels
heavy.
5. Abdominal cramping - with or without diarrhea.
D. Vaginal bleeding or increase in discharge.
E. Rupture of membranes - you bag of water breaks.
6. Keep your appointment with your doctor for prenatal care and
follow his instructions.
7. Call you doctor if you have any questions or problems.
|
| 20.54 | | NEWPRT::NEWELL | Jodi Newell, SWS Mktg, Irvine, CA | Mon Jan 25 1988 18:57 | 10 |
|
Michael and I are praying for you.
Keep us informed!!!
Jodi-
|
| 20.55 | dehydration | CLT::TAYLOR | | Sat Jan 30 1988 02:55 | 39 |
| I came down with the flu last night. (My son had it on Tuesday night,
so I suppose I caught it from him.) At 1:30 AM I decided to call the
doctor. He told me to go to the hospital for an IV drip. He didn't want
me to get dehydrated.
I'm so glad I called the doctor when I did. By the time I had the IV
inserted and got the shots of Terbutaline to stop the contractions,
they were 2 minutes apart. I learned that there is a lot of truth to
water theory Jodi describes in 125.10.
My doctor prescribed "St. Margaret's Protocol" for me. I learned that
this is the name for the procedure I've been through several times
before, that is, 3 shots of Terbutaline 20 minutes apart, then every 2
hours thereafter.
The contractions finally calmed down after the third shot, but I was
shaking like crazy. I thought my body had adjusted to Terbutaline by
now, but I guess those shots are a lot more powerful than the pills I
take.
The doctor that examined me (not my regular doctor) told me I was 1 cm
dilated, 50% effaced. Since I was told in all exams before this that I
was 0% effaced, I got very upset. He (and then the nurse afterwards)
explained that there isn't much difference between 0 and 50% effacement,
and that it's all a matter of interpretation by the examiner. I've
since looked at my PRETERM LABOR HANDBOOK. The book pretty much says
the same thing. (See the next note)
I came home this morning. All is well now but I miss Danny. He's
spending the night at his sitter's because my husband has the flu now
and is too sick to care for him.
Since so many people have asked me about effacement, I decided to copy
some information out of the PRETERM LABOR HANDBOOK and put it in the
next note.
Gale (29 weeks)
|
| 20.56 | Dilation and Effacement | CLT::TAYLOR | | Sat Jan 30 1988 02:56 | 46 |
| The following was taken without permission from the Preterm Labor
Handbook:
...The cervix in a nonpregnant state is approximately four centimeters
long (1 inch=2.5 cm). This length is measured from the internal os
(opening) to the external os. ...Once the uterus contains a pregnancy,
the cervix softens, but should not significantly thin out (efface) or
dilate until the last month of pregnancy.
Five different parameters are used in evaluating the cervix in
pregnancy: dilation, effacement, texture, angle, and the position of
the fetus in the relationship to the pelvis and cervix.
The dilation of the cervix is the most obvious change during preterm
labor. A cervix that is three to four centimeters open instead of
tightly closed at seven months of pregnancy often indicates that
delivery is imminent. Premature rupture of the amniotic sac (membranes)
surrounding the fetus may also easily occur once the cervix is
prematurely dilated, which can also represent imminent delivery. Once a
significant amount of cervical dilation has occurred, preterm labor is
much more difficult to treat than if only cervical effacement has
occurred.
Cervical effacement, or thinning out and shortening of the cervix,
usually takes place before dilation of the cervix. The effacement can
occur in varying degrees. A cervix in pregnancy that is not thinned out
at all is about three to four cm long, and is termed 0 percent effaced.
A cervix that is completely thinned out in pregnancy is termed 100
percent effaced. The next step (since there is no more cervix to
efface) would be dilation. Between these two extremes of effacement,
there are other possibilities. Most of them are described in percent of
effacement in degrees of ten, e.g. 50 percent effaced, 80 percent
effaced, and so forth. ...
Different practitioners may interpret each cervical parameter
differently; two practitioners examining the same cervix may differ as
to how much cervical effacement has occurred. However, this difference
is usually not great. Often it is important to have only one or two
practitioners follow a pregnant patient in preterm labor until the
cervix stabilizes, so that the estimation of the cervical parameters is
as close as possible....
With appropriate treatment, the cervix can re-form to a certain extent
(e.g., improvement from 70 percent effaced to 50 percent effaced after
a week of treatment).
|
| 20.57 | Update | CLT::TAYLOR | | Thu Feb 25 1988 13:13 | 58 |
| I thought I should add a little update here. I didn't realize that
people were waiting to hear more, but in the last few days I've
received several mail messages and a few very concerned phone calls.
I'm at 33 weeks now and definitely out of the danger zone. Even as of 2
weeks ago if the baby was born he would have had a 90% chance of
survival (unlike the 50% he had when this all started at Christmas
time.) He'd still need a level three nursery, so he'd have to go to
Boston, but with today's technology, he'd probably do very well.
I'll come off the Terbutaline between 36 and 37 weeks (about March 20). The
doctor says staying on much longer than that makes the risks of the medication
outweigh the benefits. So, I may deliver right away, or I may go on right to my
due date. You never know with these things. There was a woman in my childbirth
refresher class that was on the Terbutaline. They took her off it at 38 weeks
and she delivered 2 weeks later - in other words, she was almost late!
Even though I have this good news I've had a tough time emotionally.
I'm not exactly sure what it is. It could be that I've been in the
house for so long, or it could be that I've had a very bad cold for
almost 3 weeks now. I had a really bad sore throat that went on and on.
It wasn't strep, so my doctor put me on Amoxicillin (capsules, not the
bubble gum stuff our kids get). Even though I've been assured that all
these drugs won't harm the baby, I still worry. I still have a bit of a
sore throat and cough, but the worst of the cold is over. At this point
I can't tell if some of my discomfort is cold related or pregnancy
related! I guess it doesn't really matter.
I went out to dinner last Saturday for the first time since before
XMAS. I had a great time, but sometimes I think going out makes me feel
more depressed. I can't understand it. Must be hormones. It was weird
to be out. Half way through dinner the contractions started. I took a
pill and waited. Luckily they subsided. At this point I shouldn't
worry, but I do. I'm slowly doing more and more as the weeks go by. My
doctor has even given me the go ahead to go to Boston tomorrow night to
see Les Miserables. (I've had the tickets since June!) He's going I to
check me out tomorrow morning, but he sees no reason why I can't go.
It'll be weird to be out for so long and so far away!
Right now I just try to picture what it will be like when I really do
go into labor. I have visions of not making it to the hospital
because I waited too long. I'm so used to having contractions less than
5 minutes apart, that most of the time now I just ignore them. It will
be interesting to see what happens.
This weekend my husband and I are going to start to get things ready
for Kevin's arrival. We finally feel comfortable enough to make
preparations. I think it will be fun. We didn't get a chance to do it
when Danny was born cause he was 5 weeks early and caught us by
surprise.
Well, time to lay down. Sounds rough, huh?
If I have any more news, I'll write again. Thanks everyone for your
concern. It means a LOT to me!
Gale
|
| 20.58 | Another Pre-Term Labor Success Story! | EDSVAX::POND | | Thu Mar 17 1988 09:40 | 9 |
| Gale Toale Taylor, the author of .57, gave birth to Kevin O'Donnell
Taylor on the Ides of March (Tuesday, 3/15/88) at about 8:00 PM.
The actual labor was very easy, as labors go. Kevin weighed in at
6lbs. 7ozs. Estimated gestational time was about 35 weeks. Both are
doing famously and should be going home this morning (Th 3/17).
|
| 20.59 | &*) | SSDEVO::HILLIGRASS | | Thu Mar 17 1988 12:50 | 3 |
| Wonderful news...Congratulations to the family!
|
| 20.60 | | NEWPRT::NEWELL | Recovering Perfectionist | Thu Mar 17 1988 16:32 | 10 |
| Yea, Gale, Kevin and family!!!
Another success story...what a good feeling!
:^) :^) :^)
Jodi-
|
| 20.61 | Welcome, Kevin!~ | EDUHCI::WARREN | | Thu Mar 17 1988 16:44 | 3 |
| Congratulations and Best of Luck, Gale and Family!!
|
| 20.62 | Happy 1st Birthday, Big Boy!!! | NEWPRT::NEWELL | Recovering Perfectionist | Tue Aug 30 1988 13:51 | 15 |
| RE: .0, etc...
Michael Taylor celebrated his first birthday last Sunday (the 28th).
I can't believe that not only has a year gone by, but the three
months in bed is just a memory. I have to read this note from time
to time just to remind myself that it really did happen.
Michael is a big healthy boy, weighing in at 25 pounds. He walked
all the way across the room on his birthday but still prefers to
crawl around like a crab, arms and feet extended.
Just thought you might like an update...
Jodi-
|
| 20.63 | Happy Birthday, Michael! | GIGI::WARREN | | Tue Aug 30 1988 14:06 | 8 |
| Wow, I can't believe it's been a year! I'm so glad that's just
a distant memory, now, superseded by a lot of happier memories,
I'm sure! Give him a big kiss for us.
Thanks for updating us.
-Tracy
|
| 20.64 | Happy Birthday!!! | BSS::VANFLEET | 6 Impossible Things Before Breakfast | Tue Aug 30 1988 14:34 | 11 |
| Judy,
Having just read your story in the past few months this
is all very fresh in my mind. Happy Birthday to Michael!!!
He's so fortunate to have a mother who went through all
that you did for him.
Thanks for the good news!!
Nanci
|
| 20.65 | Happy Birthday! | TELALL::RODON | | Wed Aug 31 1988 08:42 | 5 |
| It's hard to believe a year has gone by already! Happy Birthday
Michael!!!
Lynn
|
| 20.66 | Happy tears again | CLOSET::TAYLOR | | Thu Sep 01 1988 06:49 | 11 |
| So now I get to celebrate the birth of Michael with tears again!
I'll NEVER forget reading that note about Michael's birth. It was
about 6:30am and I sat in my office with tears of joy streaming
down my face.
Happy birthday Michael!
Gale
PS Will you have a celebration on his due date too?
|
| 20.67 | Happy 2nd Birthday, Michael! | MORO::NEWELL_JO | Replies, they don't come easy | Mon Aug 28 1989 22:54 | 32 |
| I'd like to add an update to this note at least once a year,
for two reasons:
1. To let everyone who supported me during a very
difficult time, know how Michael is doing. And...
2. To reopen this note so those of you who are pregnant
might know the early warning signs of pre-term labor.
I was lucky, my pre-term labor was caught early. With
the proper medical intervention and complete bedrest
most problem pregnancies have a happy ending.
For more information on the warning signs of
Pre-Term Labor, see reply .33 of this topic.
Now for the update on Michael...
--------------------------------
He turned TWO today (for those of you who were there,
yes, it's been two years)!
He's 33 inches tall, weighs 30 pounds, and is solid as a rock.
We're all doing fine.
Jodi-
|
| 20.68 | A little late but... | COGITO::FRYE | | Wed Aug 30 1989 11:33 | 7 |
| Happy Birthday, Michael! I do remember reading your notes at the
time, Jodi. And I can't believe it's been two years!
My best to you both!
Norma
|
| 20.69 | And how was your weekend? | JAIMES::BARRL | Rainbow Connection | Mon Jun 25 1990 13:55 | 37 |
| I went into pre-term labor over the weekend. It started Friday night
on my way home from work. It was about 6:00 and I had to stop at the
pharmacy. During my ride from work to the pharmacy I experienced what
I thought to be severe gas pain. I reached the pharmacy and as soon as
I got out of the car, I doubled over in pain. I made it home and about
an hour later, the pain was gone. It came and went throughout the
evening (sort of felt like cramping). I really wasn't too worried
about it (I thought I was having more severe Braxton-Hicks). Saturday
morning I woke up feeling fine and then about two hours later it
started again. I was now a little more concerned. Being the type that
hates to call the doctor unless I'm certain something is wrong (I know,
I should call the doctor whenever in doubt), I called my mother and
told her that I was in pain and scared. Of course her first question
was, "Did you call the Doctor?" I told her I hadn't and she said, "I'm
hanging up now, I'll expect you to call me back in a few minutes and
let me know what the doctor had to say". I called the doctor and she
told me to get to the hospital immediately. Well when I got there they
hooked me up to a fetal-heart monitor. My contractions were 5 - 7
minutes apart and quite strong (although I didn't feel them, just a
constant dull pain). The doctor came in and did an internal and said
that I was 1/4 cm dialated, but nothing exciting was happening. About
1 hr. later the nurse came in with a glucose I.V. She said it would
help slow down the contractions. They wanted to slow them down because
I wasn't dialating and because of the fact that I still have about 5
weeks to go and the baby is just not ready to be born. Well after
being on the I.V. for about 1 1/2 hrs. the doctor came in again. She
said that the contractions had slowed down to 10 - 12 minutes apart and
then she did another internal and I was not dialated at all. She then
said I could go home but if the pain started again to come back. I
asked her about work and she said that as long as I was sitting at a
desk and not running around or doing any heavy lifting, I was better of
here than at home (because I would do things like getting the nursery
done if I were at home). Well, I'm here at work. I feel fine. The
pain is gone. Let's just hope we can stick this out for at least a
couple more weeks. :-)
Lori B.
|
| 20.70 | | PEKING::LYNGA | | Tue Jun 26 1990 05:45 | 6 |
|
Good luck, Lori! Thinking of you.
Alison
|
| 20.71 | | LARVAE::WATSON_C | Blooming...marvellously!! | Tue Jun 26 1990 05:49 | 14 |
|
Lori, you mean to say you spent the weekend at the hospital and then
came into work on Monday??
You are a crazy lady!!!
We're thinking of you!! All the best for when it finally happens.....
it's sure getting scary, isn't it!
Hugs
Chris :-)
|
| 20.72 | Don't worry, I'm o.k. | JAIMES::BARRL | Frankly Scallop, I don't give a clam! | Tue Jun 26 1990 12:33 | 9 |
| re: .71
No Chris, I only was there for 3 hours on Saturday. I'm fine now. I
just came back from my bi-weekly non-stress/ultrasound and there was no
sign of contractions other than Braxton-Hicks. The doctor says it's
perfectly o.k. for me to be at work. If she said "no", I'd be home.
I'll keep everyone posted though.
Lori B.
|
| 20.73 | Pre-term labor is not fun! | ENOVAX::MAZELLA | | Tue Jun 26 1990 17:36 | 29 |
| Lori,
I know what a scary feeling pre-term labor is...the Friday before
Memorial day weekend I woke up and had some spotting. I had a
backache on and off all week long, but thought the baby was sitting
differently and Thurs. night I had some mild cramping. The spotting
suprised me - something new, but I didn't think too much of it and
figured I'd call my doctor from work later in the day. Well, when I
did, I ended up in the covering doctor's office (mine was on vacation),
and from there a quick trip home and then to the hopital. I was (and
am) 80% effaced, although not dilated.
All afternoon and evening I was monitored, poked at (blood and culture
work), had my first Ultrasound, etc. then told about C-sections after
they saw three contractions one on top of another and the baby's heart
rate dropped. To make a long story short, I was there until Tuesday
and now I'm out on complete bedrest until the baby is born (july 31st
due date). I'm on Tibutaline to stop the contractions and once a week
when I go to the doctor's I also get a shot of Celestone to help
develop the baby's lungs.
What a scare we had! I can now understand a lot more about hard
pregnancies and I really feel for those who have them. I feel so
lucky that mine has gone well, and even now, at least I know that my
baby is ok and growing.
I wish you all the best!!! Hang in there!
Anne
|
| 20.74 | pre-term labor success story! | LAURA1::HORVAT | | Wed Jun 27 1990 11:18 | 21 |
|
Hi!
I really feel for those of you who are going through pre-term labor - believe
me I know how it is! I just want to tell you to relax and keep thinking happy,
positive thoughts. My son Christopher was born at 36 weeks and is now almost
9 months old, perfectly normal, happy and adorable.
I went on bedrest at 28 weeks and was put on Terbutaline then, too. At 33
weeks I went into labor, similar to Lori's experience (lots of contractions
that registered high on the monitor - but I was not too uncomfortable). The
Dr's stopped that labor and I was sent home after 3 days in the hospital, at
35 weeks I was in again for a few hours - it stopped on its own. Each time
I was given huge amounts of fluid by IV, since early labor can be triggered
by being dehydrated.
At 36 weeks I asked to be taken off the Terbutaline - I felt that it would
take a while for the medication to leave my system and I wanted to be "clean"
for the birth. Well, less than 24 hours later Chris was born, weighing 6lbs 8oz
and perfectly normal. We both went home on schedule. I know that I was really
frightened those last 2 months of my pregnancy but I just kept thinking that
"..in x weeks we'll have our baby.", and somehow the time passed by. Just
keep thinking positively and drink LOTS of water!
Laura
|
| 20.75 | I guess I was lucky! | DPEFIN::MACARTHUR | | Wed Jun 27 1990 12:56 | 20 |
| Wow, reading through this notes file, I realize how lucky I was.
Derek was due on June 27, a year ago today, but during my doctor
visit on May 4 he said I was already 2 cm dilated, about 50% effaced,
and that the baby was already in position! Talk about being in
shock! I wasn't quite ready to be a mommy yet! I was done with work,
and put on bedrest for a couple of weeks. The ultrasound and
non-stress tests were all fine. The funny thing is, I never felt a lot
of contractions - just a few braxton-hicks. They said that sometimes
they are small and you don't feel them. I didn't have to be put on any
medication - once I was on bedrest things slowed down. I went to the
doctor every week, and things went great. On June 23 I went into labor
(didn't even realize it at first - the contractions were very mild!),
and at 12:09 a.m. on June 24 Derek was born - a very healthy 7.8 pound,
20" long baby. Looking back on it now, I realize I should have been
more scared than I was, but maybe it was a blessing in disguise that I
wasn't. I can hardly believe he's already a year old! Things just
keep getting greater every day - children are such a miracle! I wish
everyone out there luck with their pregnancies, and my thoughts and
prayers are with all of you!
|
| 20.76 | | SALEM::SILVERIA | | Wed Jun 27 1990 14:08 | 11 |
| re: .75
It is interesting how doctors react differently to pregnancies.
I was also 2 cm dilated and 50% effaced 8 weeks before my due date,
(and the baby was in position) but my doctor was not concerned.
I did not have any further tests.
I continued to work until my last scheduled day (April 1st) and my
water broke the following day and I had Jake May 2nd. He was two
weeks "early" but 7lbs 10oz and very healthy.
|
| 20.77 | | AIMHI::MAZIALNIK | | Wed Jun 27 1990 14:14 | 7 |
| .76 - I was thinking the same thing. At 35 weeks I was 1 cm and
30% and the doctor thought I might go a week early but had no
concerns. I felt no contractions/braxton hicks until several
hours before Eric was born. Eric was 6 days late.
Donna
|
| 20.78 | or maybe medical practice has changed since then | TLE::RANDALL | living on another planet | Wed Jun 27 1990 14:18 | 13 |
| re: .75, .76
I was also about 10% effaced and a little dilated -- don't
remember exactly how much because it was 16+ years ago -- at least
a month before the due date. My doctor wasn't concerned either.
He said that it's common to have some degree of pre-labor
preparation for the birth, and that alone wasn't enough grounds to
worry. If I started having other symptoms, like cramping or
backache, I would have to start total bedrest (I don't think they
had tetrabutaline yet), but in the absence of other symptoms it
wasn't a problem by itself.
--bonnie
|
| 20.79 | And now, a comic side to premature labor 'always pack the sense of humor | EISMER::REIDY | | Wed Jun 27 1990 15:25 | 119 |
| To give a post-premature birth laugh, let me tell my story.
It sure is heartening to hear all this. When I had Mike at 32 weeks, I was
given Terbuteline also, hydrated, and given adreniline )for the lungs). To
this day my backside still hurts when I think of those shots. Mike is now a
lively and gorgeous 3.5yr old, who is also very smart (a little too smart some
times)
As I lot of you were stating, I too could not believe I was in labor! After
two days of 'gas cramps', my spouse finally made me call the doctor Thursday
night.
According to him (hubby) "gas pains don't make you cry". We were so sure that
the doctor was going to send us home laughing that I didn't even bring ANY
clothes - just the sweats I had on. When I spoke to the docotor, he was all
calm and cool, "why don't you come on in, and we can check you out, and that
way we will all feel better". Imagine my surprise when we arrive at the
Emergency Room (it was now about 10pm), walk in, and have them look at me and
say "Oh, Mrs Reidy - Labor & Delivery is all ready for you, would you like a
wheelchair" - Talk about being prepared!
Anyway, of course I resisted the wheelchair, after all, this was probably just
a little embarassing case of gas. We get upstairs, and the nurses have me lay
down and get comfortable. As I am laying down, and continueing to have gas
cramps, the nurse looks at me and says "You're in LABOR"
"NO WAY! Birthing class doesn't start till TUESDAY!"
"sorry, but you are"
They proceeded to Hydrate me (anyone else have that lovely feeling!) Talk about
needing to go pee-pee!! The exame also showed me to be 100% effaced and 4 cm. I
guess I was in labor. All I can remember through the whole string of days was
total incredulation that I could be in labor. I was not ready! They kept me
overniight with constant monitoring, and Dr. Z came in in the morning. My
contractions (I still have a hard time calling them that - especially after a
full term baby second time around) had not lessened enough, and he wanted to
send me to Boston. Not to get me a bed, mind you, but to ensure that the baby
had a bed in the best Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Already the kid is
taking over things! After a VERY intersting ambulance ride into Boston
(I HATE catheters!), including sirens on Storrow Drive: there was a
little bit of traffic on Storrow Drive, so the driver asked the nurse
accompanying me if he should be the siren on to get there faster. The nurse,
emphatically responded "You bet, I don't want to deliver this baby!"
Once we got to Brigham and Women's, I felt like I was on an assembly line.Talk
about a MAD house. And becuase I was a transfer, I just got who was ever on
duty. No get me wrong, they were very nice, but I didn't exactly get the
personal attention that your own physician gets. There was never a real
concern about the baby's pre-birth health. They stuck me in a closet over
in labor and delivery. No kidding. This room with my bed and a fetal monitor
barely had a room for a rocking chair for my husband. AND they almost wouldn't
let my mother in the room at the same time that my husband was in there. They
wouldn't even put a cot in the room for my hustband to sleep on Friday night.
THere was NOT enough room.
Meanwhile, by Saturday night,
I am laying in bed, with my belly exposed wearing a monitor belt, and
my mystery book propped up on the belt. Hey, I was just getting to the who
donnit part. Contractions were NOT going to interrupt this! Asd the
contractions got closer (according to the monitor - I was too engrossed in my
book), a decision was being pondered - do we do an amnio or not, to see how far
the baby has developed.
OB's decision was going to be based on an ultrasound, so down we go for the
'test' - didn't have to drink any water for this test! As she did the test,
we figureed what the hell - things were close enough, what's the sex? As we
asked, the technician started to laugh. As new parents, we did not see the
humor in the qeustion. Than she said, see that little 'blip' on the screen,
near the top, waving.......It's a boy! Boy, did we laugh. Especially as she
gave us a copy of that picture. I still treasure that, and will use it when
Mike is 6'4" and giving me a hard time, I will ask him which girlfriend he would
like me to show his 'baby' pictures to.
Anyway, I digress.. After the ultrasound technician was done, the OB came in,
examined me, and said "You're 9 cm, no real need to do am amnio, 'casue you are
going into delivery"
Back up to my closet for the epidural prep. When the anestehnllll(sp) asked
if I wanted one, the OB said "YES". Apparently, she didn't want any possibly
avoided pressure on the baby. The poor anesthegiolost (SP), I screamed my
head off when he put the spinal needle in. He was amazed. As he commented,
"Most women are grateful for the epidural at this point!" My comment was,
"I have been poked and proded for THREE days - you can damn well be thtat I will
let you know when it hurts"!
After all that, I got wheeled into delivery, and they atarted to wait. At one
point I told the OB I was having a contraction. At that she looked up at me
and said "How do you know you're having a contraction, you have an epidural "
Dumb me answers "Oh, easy, I feel the pressure on my bladder"
"Oh, " replies the doc "we can take care of that!" Talk about embarassing!
Then they re telling me to breath, and I am trying to tell them that breathing
classes don't begin for another three days, so there better be a little more
intensive coaching if they want me to breath 'right'.
Finally, Mike made an appearance. All 3 lbs 5 1/2 ounces of him. Compared to
Matty, it was liking spitting out a pea. The Neo-natal people were right there
throughout the whole thing, and immediately took Mike over to the inclubater for
an exam. Inital action was to put an oxygen mask on, when he proceeded to
kick off. A VERY good sign. They even let me hold him on my gurney as they
wheeled us both over tot he NICU. Later, we even saw the initial report which
indicated that at first they thought there was excessive skin near the groin
area, and then a correction that it was actually just a 'good-sized' penis.
Of course, that had us laughing!
As it turned out, Mike was small - but otherwise a very healthy premature baby.
I guess the main thing is - even if you do have a little gas, don't be afraid
to see the doctor. Maybe If I had gone on Wednesday, they might have been able
to stop it. Hindsight being 20/20, I would not have minded two months of bed
rest.
But, if it does happen, bring a sense of humor with you - it's bound to come
in useful!
Minda
aka the storyteller
|
| 20.80 | Question on internals | ISE004::MATTIA | | Thu Jun 28 1990 11:55 | 10 |
| Regarding some of these replies. My OB only does internals up to I
think 15 weeks then not again until 38 and then 40 weeks. If some of
you were not having any symptoms why did the OB do an internal so soon?
ie. 32 or so weeks.
I was under the impression that Dr's didn't like to routiney do
internals because it could get labor going??
Donna
|
| 20.81 | one of many practices that has changed | TLE::RANDALL | living on another planet | Thu Jun 28 1990 12:18 | 4 |
| In 1973, when I was pregnant, a doctor who didn't do internals at
every checkup was considered negligent.
--bonnie
|
| 20.82 | | FDCV07::HSCOTT | Lynn Hanley-Scott | Thu Jun 28 1990 16:58 | 5 |
| And Bonnie, it's probably considered unsafe now if they DO do
internals, since the intention is to avoid introducing any potential
bacteria!
|
| 20.83 | The only way to tell | ICS::GLOBALDIST | | Fri Jun 29 1990 14:15 | 9 |
| As far as internals go, I went into pre-term labor at 19 weeks with my
first pregnancy and I had an internal every week up to the 36th week
when I delivered. I am now 24 weeks pregnant and see my doctor every
two weeks which again means an internal. The only way the doctor can
see how much you have effaced or dilated is to examine you internally.
This way they can determine if terbutline or bed rest is needed.
Stacey
|
| 20.84 | | MORO::NEWELL_JO | Jodi Newell - Irvine, Calif. | Fri Jun 29 1990 15:28 | 16 |
| My OB was *very* careful not to disturb anything when she did internals
during my preterm episode. She never really did check, with her finger
width, the actual extent of my dialation. But she could safely figure
out how effaced I was by feeling around the cervix.
To give you an idea how effaced I was...upon her initial diagnosis
of preterm labor, while doing an internal, she told me the baby was
breech. She then asked me if I wanted to know the sex of the baby.
She could definately feel that it was a boy. :^)
Labor was started 6 weeks early with my first prenancy by a doctor
who was a little too rough with the internal she gave. That convinced
me I didn't want her for my second pregnancy.
Jodi-
|
| 20.85 | ex | AIMHI::MAZIALNIK | | Fri Jun 29 1990 16:42 | 5 |
| I always heard labor would start when it was ready to start.
Can an internal really start it?
Donna
|
| 20.86 | | CSC32::WILCOX | Back in the High Life, Again | Fri Jun 29 1990 17:00 | 10 |
| <<< Note 20.85 by AIMHI::MAZIALNIK >>>
-< ex >-
>> I always heard labor would start when it was ready to start.
>> Can an internal really start it?
Well, that can, so can drugs, so can breaking the water artificially,
so can intercourse (It's one of the hormones in the semen) and so
can certain supossitories.
|
| 20.87 | I believe in the "when your ready" | GLASS::DIAZ | | Fri Jun 29 1990 18:46 | 7 |
| I tend to believe that labor will start when it is ready to start. When
I was overdue and 1 cm dilated, my doctor tried to "stretch" my cervix
in the hope it would bring on labor. So I think if I had been closer to
delivering it might have worked, hard to say. I did go into labor the
day after an internal where she tried to stretch my cervix and
according to the doctor's due date I was three weeks overdue, but they
wrote down her gestational age as 41 weeks when she was born.
|
| 20.88 | | MORO::NEWELL_JO | Jodi Newell - Irvine, Calif. | Sat Jun 30 1990 21:06 | 20 |
| There aren't any hard and fast rules here. Women go into preterm
labor for many reasons, most of which are never figured out. With
what I know about preterm labor, I can probably guess that I
experienced problems most likely because of a mild urinary track
infection and/or dehydration. I had gone to the beach the day before
my symptoms occured and took only one can of Coke for three people.
I was dehydrated when I got home. I felt a little achey that night,
timed contractions the next.
My OB mentioned that when the body experiences dehydration, it begins
to produce Pitocin, the hormone that tells the uterus to contract.
So it's not really a matter of going into labor when it's the right
time...it's a matter of going into labor when your body gets certain
signals from the brain. Dehydration can start it, something in sperm
has been shown to cause Pitocin production, I've even heard some
spices, commonly found in pizza have been known to begin labor but I
suspect that could be an old wives tale.
Jodi-
|
| 20.89 | A vote FOR Brigham & Women's | ABACUS::RADWIN | I think, fer sure | Mon Jul 09 1990 12:37 | 104 |
|
Everyone's experience is unique. Noter .79 had a frustrating time, it
sounds like at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Very recently, my wife,
baby and I had a very different experience -- in fact, we feel incredible
fortunate that Laurie had been transferred there.
Just about two weeks ago, at about the 30th week of her pregnancy,
Laurie was diagnosed as having pre-eclampsia -- hypertension, protein in
her urine, and a lot of edema. (Less than a week earlier her blood
pressure and urine had been fine, and she had only mild edema)
As a result of the pre-eclampsia, her doctor put Laurie on an
immediate at-home, bed rest regime. The doctor wanted her
to come back in later that week for another series of tests to see how
her pre-eclampsia was proceeding and if she need to be admitted to the
hospital until she delivered. In the meantime, he told us to
watch out for a complete of symptoms.
Well, 36 hours later, Laurie woke up because of a headache and nausea
-- the two symptoms we were warned about. We called into her Dr. and
were told to come in post-haste.
So, at about 2 am, June 28th, we were at Beth Israel Hospital in
Boston. After various tests, and a couple of hours waiting for the
results, we were informed that -- to our total shock -- Laurie's
pre-eclampsia had gotten significantly worse and that she would likely
have to be delivery shortly.
Also, because of our baby's age, Laurie was to be transferred over to
Brigham and Women's Hospital. Unlike BI, BWH's NICU has the capability
to put infants on ventilators, which is a common need for 30 week old
babies.
So, we were transferred over to BWH, where Laurie was admitted as
a patient of the High Risk Pregnancy Service. She no longer had a
private Dr. overseeing her care, which may have been part of the
problem that noter .79 experienced; however, Laurie was under the care
of a team experienced and expert in dealing with her kind of situation;
they were great.
The doctors and nurses worked with us over the next 18 hours to try to
determine what would be best for Laurie and our baby. The answers
weren't always clear -- e.g., test results showed both that our baby's
lungs were relatively premature even for a 30 year old and that our baby
might be having difficulty in the womb.
The team kept us informed throughout of the test results,
their implications and the options available. They were mindful of the
stress we were under as well as the medical issues at stake. They
discussed with us -- in fact, they arranged to have neonatologists discuss
with us the risks and prognosis for babies like ours, etc.
Eventually the BWH team and my wife and I determined that the best course
would be to deliver our baby. Laurie and I asked to see the attending
Dr. who supervised the team for one last time. She and I and a nurse
were alone in Laurie's waiting his arrival. Laurie then went into a
seizure. As I later learned, this meant that her pre-eclampsia had now
turned into full blown eclampsia, and without immediate attention
she could go from the seizure, to a coma and, probably, die.
Fortunately, the team was in back in her room in seconds,
simultaneously treating her seizure and rushing into the delivery
operating room. [Delivery of the baby is ultimately the only "cure" for
pre-eclampsia and eclampsia].
I can't really calculate how long it was from the time Laurie seized to
the time she was in the operating room. Two minutes, maybe .... five
minutes, at most. Within fifteen minutes after she went in, nurses
came out to tell me that our baby had been delivered and was doing
well. And over the next the hour drs and nurses periodically would
update me on Laurie. Once I knew that Laurie was safe, I let a nurse
take me to view our beautiful, tiny (2.5 lbs) baby girl. Later,
Laurie was brought into a private recovery room, in which a second cot
had been placed for me.
In the end, Laurie came through ordeal and the surgery fine, and our
little Emily (born at 12:19 am. 7/29/90) is doing well too. She's off
the ventilator and breathing room air, which are the kind of victories
(I'm learning) that the parents of premies treasure.
A final note, Laurie is herself an experienced nurse (adult cardiac
patients) and a nursing instructor. In the past, she hadn't
thought too well of Brigham and Women's Hospital. Now, she and I feel
incredibly grateful both that Laurie was treated at BWH and that
our Emily is in their NICU; the NICU team, particularly the nursing
staff, is outstanding in their dedication, experience and expertise.
Gene
|
| 20.90 | Please don''t take it wrong.. | EISMER::REIDY | | Mon Jul 09 1990 13:01 | 33 |
| Gene -
Congratulations! Emily is in the absolute BEST hands. Please don't get me
wrong. I entered my note to add a little comical releif regarding prematurity.
While B&W may not have been the best experience for me, it was incredible for
Mike. Also, I think a lot of my feelings were 'cuase my case was rather boring.
There was never any real critical concern for the baby - other than longevity
in the womb, or for me. I was basically a rather boring premature labor !
I tend to, even then, look at the whole sequence of events with a comical note.
I was lucky, I could. Remember too, we are talking about THREE years ago!
It sounds like you Laura and Emily have gone through a rather traumatic time.
Please, take advantage of the NICU's staff. They are tremendous. And when they
say you can come in any time - they mean it! I would wake up at 2:30am, think
about Mike, and call. Without fail, his primary nurse would immediately talk
to me, tell me what he was doing, how he was doing, and promise to tell him
I loved him as soon as he woke up! I can't not say enough GREAT things about
that staff. We also, very often, started our visits at 10pm - after Hubby got
home from work ('cause I couldn't drive in to Boston yet).
Best of luck with Emily. The NICU has a great library of Premie books, and
there are Premie clothes to be found, if you look. Raschels (in Westboro)
usually has a respectable selection. I'd offer ours, but they all are
predominantly BLUE!. Also, I would strongly suggest one of those little
padded inserts for the car infant seat for when Emily comes home. You would
be amazed how little 5 pounds looks in an infant seat!.
Best of luck and CONGRATULATIONS
Minda
(PS Was emily's birthdate really 7-29-90???)
|
| 20.91 | Three cheers! | WRASSE::FRIEDRICHS | Time to AV8! | Mon Jul 09 1990 16:44 | 9 |
| Another whole hearted cheer for the B&W NICU staff!! They were great
with Richard, who was born at 28-30 wks, at 1lb, 8oz.
Richard turned 1 yr old in May and is doing great. All 3 of us
really benefited from the B&W.
cheers,
jeff
|
| 20.92 | Still helpful 3 years later! | FDCV07::TAHERI | | Tue Aug 14 1990 11:29 | 18 |
| I recently found this notesfile and have been reading through this note
during lunch. Although it is now almost 3 years since Michael was born
(Jodi, I am looking forward to the 3 year update in a few more days!),
it was still so exciting to me to read about the success stories -
Michael, Kevin, Emily and Richard (it's like watching a sad movie with
a happy ending - I felt that lump in my throat reading those final
birth announcement notes)! My daughter is now 8 months old, and I guess I
was so fortunate that our only dilemma was that Lauren was breech and had
to be born C-section. I think this note must be so helpful to those
expectant Moms and Dads experiencing any type of pre-term labor....I think
it's great that each of you took the time and had the courage to write
about your experiences, and include excerpts from literature when you
thought it might help someone else!
Congratulations on all those successful births - and to all you Moms
and Dads who sacrificed and worked so hard for those little miracles!
Diana
|
| 20.93 | Three years Post Partum... | MORO::NEWELL_JO | Jodi Newell - Irvine, Calif. | Fri Sep 28 1990 23:28 | 45 |
| RE: .92
>Although it is now almost 3 years since Michael was born
>(Jodi, I am looking forward to the 3 year update in a few more days!),
My, my, my...these three years have _really_ flown by fast!
I've been trying to get an update in here for...let's see...
exactly a month!
We took the train from Orange County (CA) to San Diego on
the day before Michael's birthday and went directly to the
San Diego Zoo. The next day, his birthday, we spent about
ten hours at Sea World...what a blast!!!
Michael is doing great. No ill effects from all the hours/
weeks/months of preterm medication, except possibly his
propensity for waking up every three hours at night...he's not
the greatest sleeper. He manages to sneak into our bedroom
every single night. We find him asleep on the floor with
only his bear-bear to keep him warm.
We started him at Montessori last June because he seemed a
little slow in his social and language skills. He sure had
us fooled! He's a firecracker. He can socialize with the
best of them and understands everything but "no". :^) He
absolutely adores one of his teachers, Miss Stephanie. She's
going to get a copy of this entire note to show her why he
is so special to us.
I remember thinking, three summers ago as I lay on my left
side, that nothing, absolutely nothing good could or would
ever come from my ordeal...I was wrong. I have developed a
compassion for 'people in need' I never knew I had. The
friends I made from that summer, I will always cherish and
the women that have contacted me with their own preterm
problems and questions have all helped me in ways they will
never know. I have talked to about a half a dozen women in
this file that all experienced some kind of preterm difficult-
ies. I have also received a half a dozen beautiful birth
announcements. Makes me proud. Makes me feel like I have
a purpose.
Thanks,
Jodi-
|
| 20.94 | sore back | MRTOAD::STINSON | "Linda Saisi Stinson...DTN 296-5796" | Mon Mar 30 1992 09:30 | 7 |
| Hopefully I can get this in before this version of the file closes. How
do people on bed-rest avoid backache? Cindy has a constant sore back from
I suppose lying in an uncomfortable position. I got one of those lower back
supports, and she is being very creative with pillow props, but still gets
the soreness. Standing and walking helps, but she is not doing too much of
that until we get the doctors go ahead.
Linda
|
| 20.95 | ah yes | SUPER::WTHOMAS | | Mon Mar 30 1992 10:16 | 51 |
|
I have lots of experience with bed rest backache but most it it is
following surgery so it may not apply in your case.
First of all, make sure that you have a firm mattress (If yours is
soft you can put a board under the mattress to make it firmer - I sleep
on a platform bed which solves that problem). Second, I use something
called egg crate foam and it has helped my back, my hips, and my legs
tremendously, it alleviates specific pressure points.
You probably know about putting pillows under your knees so that
your back is slightly relaxed, everyone says to do it, but it never
really seemed to help me.
While I was pregnant, I could not sleep on my back and had to sleep
on my left side, supported by pillows (I found that a large king size
pillow was the best in front, because I could "hug" it - they sell
maternity pillows that are essentially just that - king size pillows).
Now that I am not pregnant, I tend (because of continued back pain
not related to pregnancy) to sleep *flat* on my back, every other
position causes pain. Only trouble with sleeping flat on your back is
that you tend to snore but a quick poke in the ribs solves that problem
;-)
Even if someone is confined to bed, they can still do gentle
stretches. Go to the bookstore and get a good book on backs, it will
have stretches that can be done even in bed (of course clear all of
this with your physician first).
I used to have back pain so bad that I could not sit down and had
to either stand or lie down (try standing all day when you are in a
full length leg cast with crutches). There were many days that I didn't
think I could go on. Back pain is just no fun.
The things that helped me the most, besides pain counseling (take
what you want..) was learning yoga and becoming centered within my
body. There were also lots of herbs that helped the backpain (and some
I even took through my pregnancy with the knowledge of the midwife). In
my desperate days, I did just about everything to combat the pain.
How you treat the backpain is dependent on how much the pain
interferes with your lifestyle.
Good luck, if it's any consolation, at least Cindy has a
sympathetic ear out here.
Wendy
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| 20.96 | The towel trick... | NEWPRT::NEWELL_JO | Jodi Newell - Irvine, California | Mon Mar 30 1992 14:14 | 22 |
| Linda RE: bedrest and backpain...
My lower back bothered me quite a bit during both of my pregnancies.
I found a little trick that really helped and cost nothing.
I rolled one or two bath towels up, starting at the end (ie. not the
sides) and secured it with rubber bands. I then took this roll and
slept, sat, drove, watched TV, etc. with it between my lower back and
bed or chair. The relief was immediate.
It even came in handy when I was waiting for a sonogram and the bottom
of the paper cup that I had filled and refilled with water, gave way.
Of course, when I splashed and then gasped "Oh no, my water!", the
whole place went crazy until I realized they thought I meant my "bag
of water". I quickly unrolled my towel and mopped up the mess. :^)
Hope this helps.
Jodi-
P.S. I've already asked for this note to be copied
over to the new Parenting version.
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