My new life

I thought I'd start this blog to document my journey and keep all of my family and friends up to date. First is a quick recap of week 1 in the hospital. One week down, 15 weeks to go!

I came in to the hospital on 11/13, (21 1/2 weeks pregnant) after some convincing from friends. I started leaking some fluid on 11/12, but didn't think too much of it since Dr. Google said it seemed somewhat normal. :) My friends however, thought it sounded like my water had broke and said I should come in. I arrived around 11pm Saturday night. After some tests, I was told my water had broken and my doctor would be in in the morning to see me.

Sunday morning, the Dr. checked me and my water was still in tact. I was dilated to 3cm though and the bag of water was hanging out (graphic, sorry) a few inches. He diagnosed me with an "Incompetent Cervix" and pieces of cervix tissue is what was actually coming out. He immediately prepared for a procedure known as an "emergency cerclage" or "rescue cerclage."

http://www.webmd.com/baby/cervical-cerclage-to-prevent-preterm-delivery

I had a spinal, but was awake. I laid with my head near the floor and my legs hanging from straps in the ceiling. He was able to push my bag of water back in and sew shut my cervix to 1/2 cm. He said it was the first successful time this procedure had been performed at this hospital. We were very thankful for a successful surgery, especially after hearing those odds!

The next few days were up and down. I was put on complete hospital bed rest. I continued to have some bleeding so they were concerned that the stitch had opened. The Dr checked me and the stitch was still in tact. The bleeding continued, but he didn't want to keep checking to disturb things further. He assumed that I was having contractions and that's what was irritating my cervix and causing the bleeding.

On Thursday, 11/18 the Dr started me on an IV of Magnesium Sulfate to stop the contractions. The side effects are rough. It makes you very sick and very hot. It is worth it though everyday we keep little Sebastian in there.

Friday, Adam and I had a visit from one of the doctors in the NICU, letting us know what we can expect when babies are born early. It was a lot of information, but I like feeling prepared for every possible outcome.

I'm still on the Magnesium Sulfate and tolerating it very well. I was told a lot of people are only on it for 24 hours or so and a lot of people can't handle it at all. I guess my body is used to toxic substances already from what I normally eat and drink. :)

Last night, I was moved to a much bigger, nicer room. It has a DVD/VCR combo player, much comfier bed, and a big whirlpool tub in the bathroom (so I've been told. I haven't been able to see the bathroom yet, but soon hopefully!)

Thank you to everyone who has visited, called, and sent cards and flowers. Most importantly, thank you for your prayers and keep them coming. My due date is March 23 and every day we get closer to that, the better for Sebastian. Love you all and thanks for all of the support.