Oh, the Drama
Perhaps I need to add a new category of posts called “Drama”. Here I sit, 11 weeks and 2 days pregnant with twins… on bedrest. We spent our anniversary in the ER. Things did not look good.
Let’s start with yesterday morning. Started like any other. Our friends called to see if was wanted to get together at the park so our daughters could play together. There’s this sprinkler area where there’s all different types of little geysers and such that the kids can play in. Sounded fun.
But first, we had to stop at the mall to get some new aqua socks for Calista and I desperately needed some maternity shorts that fit. We got the aqua socks at Target, I found some shorts at Motherhood, and we got some t-shirts and shorts for Calista at Kohl’s. We stopped at McDonald’s on the way and headed to the park.
We got there and I was feeling pretty tired, so I pretty much laid on the blanket and chatted with my friend while the kids played. I don’t know how long we stayed, but I was starting to feel pretty tired, so we decided to head home. Calista wanted to go with her friend J, and J’s mom and dad said they’d be happy to take Calista with them for a while and give us some time alone on our anniversary. So we put Calista’s car seat in their van and she went home with them.
Skip and I headed to a place called Sirena’s and had gelato. We really had no idea what to do, so we went grocery shopping. We’re so romantic!
We got home from grocery shopping at 5:30 pm, so we had pretty much been out and about all day. Now I forgot to mention I had been spotting again yesterday (after not spotting for almost a week) so I had a panty liner on. Guess that was a good thing, because as Skip was putting away groceries, I suddenly felt a gush. And then another, and another.
I kind of assumed it was just normal pregnancy ick, so I headed upstairs to get a new panty liner. Imagine my horror when I sat on the toilet and saw the bright red blood pouring out of me.
I called for Skip a few times before he actually heard me, and by then, the toilet was pretty full of blood. He went to find Dr. M’s phone number and I just sat on the toilet and tried not to cry. All I had were panty liners, which aren’t really enough to manage a full bleed, so I just sat there.
Skip came back with Dr. M’s number and I called and got the on call number from their answering machine. I called and told the nurse what was going on and she patched me through to Dr. M. I repeated what was going on and got the old “we can’t change the outcome” line but he also said I could go to the ER for an ultrasound to “see if the babies are alive”. How’s that for compassion?
I told Skip and said I wanted to go to the ER. I’d rather know what was going on that to sit around, bleeding all over and thinking the worst. I called our friends and left them a message that we were sorry but we had to go to the ER and to give us a call when they got the message.
While we were in the car, our friends called us back and I told them what was going on. Thankfully, they said having Calista was no problem and just to call when we knew what was going on. I’m so glad Calista was with them — it was just one less thing to stress about.
We got to the ER and thankfully, they made us “Level II” and sent us back just minutes after we got there. The nurse who checked us in (a male) said his wife had triplets who are now three and she bled a lot during her pregnancy. He was so kind and said “Don’t count your chickens before they are hatched”, but meaning it in a “don’t assume you’ve lost them” kind of way.
I tried to give a urine sample, but all I was able to produce was a cup of blood. It was frustrating and scary.
Once I was in my bed, we had a really sweet nurse who was just the kindest person we could have asked for. She was younger (and Canadian!) and really fun. As she was starting my IV, I asked her to please not talk about my veins, because once, as I was having blood drawn, the nurse told me I had “nice, plump veins” and I wanted to throw up. V didn’t talk about my veins — until she was done with the IV and then she laughed and said they ARE nice veins. I laughed and said she was just dying to tell me that, and she laughed and said yes.
Next, a doctor came and talked to us and told us I’d have a pelvic exam to check my cervix and then an ultrasound to check the babies.
I was taken to the room for the pelvic and though I was not watching, Skip said he removed a rather large glob of tissue. Afterwards, the doctor said it wasn’t what they had hoped to see… my cervix was slightly open and there was tissue coming out. Basically, good signs of impending miscarriage. He said something abut not needing a D & C right away and that we’d know more after the ultrasound.
We were taken back to the room and I proceeded to cry a good bit while we waited about 20 minutes for the ultrasound tech to get us. So far, all we knew is that I was bleeding a lot, my cervix was open, and I was passing tissue. All bad things.
I kept sitting there hoping the ultrasound tech would get us soon, but when she finally arrived and took us to the ultrasound room, I was suddenly terrified and didn’t want to see the screen. We were hoping for healthy babies but fearing the worst.
She started the ultrasound and I couldn’t even see the screen. Then she shut it off as quick as she started, which frightened me. But then she turned on an overhead TV so I could see, too and she re-started.
We immediately saw both babies and could see that they were moving. I’m teary-eyed as I write this, and was certainly tearing up when we saw them. It was such a HUGE relief to see them both there, healthy and moving that I can’t even describe it.
She did a very long, detailed ultrasound — our longest and most in-depth to date. She spent a lot of time on each baby, measuring them, their heart rates, taking pictures of their arms, legs, heads and everything. Baby A measured 11w1d (right on target) and had a heart rate of 169. Baby B was actually measuring a little ahead at 11w5d and had a heart rate of 165.
My favorite part of the ultrasound was when she was measuring Baby A. She had it so you could see all of Baby A, and all you could see for Baby B was a black circle which is Baby B’s gestational sac. As she is measuring Baby A, suddenly, in Baby B’s sac, we saw just a little hand, almost as if it was waving or pressing against a window and letting us know s/he was up there. It was just amazing.
We could see their faces, their fingers, their toes… everything. I wish I could have replayed it over and over, it was so good to see them and know they are ok, and to see all of their features so well the way we did.
After the ultrasound, we went back to the room and the doctor came and told us that the problem appears to be placenta previa. That is essentially “low lying placenta” which covers some or all of the cervix. Because we are so early in the pregnancy, there is a good chance that as my uterus grows, the placenta will move away from the cervix and it will be a non-issue. But for now, obviously, it’s causing issues, such as bleeding.
He said that while my cervix was open on the outside, the ultrasound showed that it’s closed on the inside, and said that is very, very good. I was directed to return home and be on bed rest until I can follow up with my OB. I have an appointment with Dr. M on Thursday, but they told me to see if I could get in sooner.
Which leads me to Dr. M. I’ve been having some issues with him and his office this whole time, and was really put off by the whole “you can go to the ER and see if the babies are alive”. There were just so many other ways that could have been worded and the words he chose just stung.
I’ve still got an appointment with this other doctor next week, and I think I will call their office Monday and see if I can talk to the doctor a few minutes. I’d like to ask her what she’d say if I called her at 11w1d pregnant with twins, bleeding a lot and on a Saturday. Would she tell me “there’s nothing we can do” or “we can see if they are alive”? We’ll see what she has to say.
So there you have it. Six years of wedded bliss, celebrated with gelato, grocery shopping and a night in the ER.
Thank goodness those 2 litte babies are doing ok!
Placenta previa is something that can be dealt with! :hug:
Oh my word Sommer! I can’t even begin to imagine how scary yesterday must have been for you. I am so glad to hear the babies are both doing wonderful. Beautiful heart rates too! Now, take it easy! My sil had placenta previa when pg with her twins as well. They are both healthy 17 month olds now! Have Skip and Calista pamper you while on bedrest! You deserve so much pampering!
WOW Sommer…..how scarry but how beautiful in the end! :)
Is there any way to see a different dr…I can’t think of the name……but one that you could maybe even get a cerclage!
I’d see about getting one, specially with the outside of the cervix being open!
Keep your feet up and let Skip do the care of Calista :)
Take care and keep us updated!
How scary Sommer! I’m so relieved for you!!! Stay safe and cozy little peas!
Oh my goodness! I had tears reading about seeing both babies. Stay in bed and cook those babies!!
Wow! I can only imagine how scared you must have been and the what joy you must have felt when you looked up on the screen and saw 2 healthy babies! I’m so glad that they are okay. I hope the bleeding stops soon and you can go on as normal.
Sommer,
I am keeping you and the twins in my thoughts.
I’m so relieved that your babies are doing well and that you finally have an answer as to why the bleeding is occurring. I’m sorry you had such an awful scare. A more sensitive doctor sounds like a great idea!!!
Wow- you sure did have some drama! I’m thrilled that Ace and Squishy are OK and you got such a great look at them. I think you’re at the best stage for ultrasounds- the babies are small enough that you can see their whole bodies as they swim around. Good luck with the doc issue- I’m surprised you haven’t switched yet! ANd hey, if you think the ER isn’t a romantic place- just watch a little “must see TV”!
Oh my gosh, what a scary roller coaster ride. Rest up now and gl finding a new doc. There has got to be someone with an ounce more feeling than the current office. (((hugs)))
Sommer I am so glad both babies are OK and that you are too. While pregnant with Cole during one of my bleeding episodes I went to my dr. who told me to go the the hopspital but told me that the baby was gone (without even checking me). Needless to say I changed dr. and that baby is now in his bed sleeping:)
yikes. Thank God the babies are OK. I hope you find a more supportive dr.
Oh my goodness, Sommer, you must have been terrified. I am so glad your babies are hanging in there and doing just fine. Make sure you get that rest. I know a few people who have had placenta problems and bled a lot in their pregnancies. One was in the hospital for much of her pregnancy, but delivered a healthy baby boy at the end – all worth the fuss.
Huge hugs Sommer, I can only imagine how scary it was, and how reassuring it was to see your little ones looking so happy in there.
Thinking of you always. Take it nice and easy, a little bedrest is a small sacrifice for the wonderful gifts coming your way. *hugs*
holy crapola!!! Sommer, I’m so glad everything is ok – what a stressful anniversary! BTW your Dr sux!!!!
How very scary for you!! So glad you were able to see 2 big healthy heartbeats on the u/s!! Rest up!
Jennifer
I can stop holding my breath now! I was so worried this!
I am so very happy and relieved that the babies are growing well and very healthy!!!
So scary! But I’m glad you have a reason for the bleeding – that has to make you feel a tiny bit better. And to see the babies in such detail, now that’s a nice anniversary gift. Please rest!!!
Wow, That is crazy!
Sommer, I honestly think you should change doctors. It seems like this guy and his office hasn’t really been for you how they should be and it seems you have had a “bad feeling” with them since day 1 of this pregnancy. You need to go with your gut! Especially being a twin pregnancy, you need special care!
Hopefully the previa will go away soon!
Glad the babies are ok! (I had a gushy bleed at 15w2d and all was fine. Except for my mental state. What a ride!)
OMG! I am so sorry that you are going through all of this stress, and pregnancy-induced terror! I know how hard bed rest is, but you can do it! I thought that I was going to go nuts from boredom, but if you have a laptop, a gameboy, and some good crossword puzzles, you will be fine. Hang in there, and I am thinking of you and your precious little babes!
Love,
Lolly
Sommer,
How scary! :( But I am so glad the twins are doing alright and that you and Skip has a “happy ending” on your anniversary! :)
I too have a friend, who is about 33 weeks pregnant now, who had spent about a month on bedrest when she was about 16 weeks along for placenta previa (sp?). Anyway, same as you she bleed a ton and was sure she was going to m/c and then had a similar ER experience where she found out that her baby (girl) was/is alright.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers! I am so glad that you and your babies are doing well! Take care, Kathy :)
I’m so glad they’re OK. What a scary time. Continued prayers for you all! (((Hugs)))
I’m so glad all is well but what a scary way to end your anniversary!
Sommer,
I’m so glad taht your little babies are safe and comfy still!! I’m sorry you had such a scare…but glad that the outcome was WONDERFUL! I too would be leaving that dr. and getting a new one.
Lots of P&PT and hugs coming your way!
I am so glad those babies are ok! Gee, did those heartbeats sound like boys or girls? Did they tell you? Well Sommer, stay in bed like you were told and we will be expecting two very special Christmas gifts! I will send a new list of names when I get a moment, ha ha! Take care all and Happy Anniversary.
An anniversary I’m sure you won’t soon forget! SO SO SO SO RELEIVED that those little beans are haning in there (and waving too!) I can’t imagine what you are going through! The ER doc sounds like a dream! I’d find out if you could be on his patient roster!
Hope that things get better! I’ll continue to pray for all good things for you!
I am glad the little ones are as happy as can be!…
Now, if they and you need bedrest, take advantage of it… a good tea, a good book, and I am sure everything will be fine!
I send you a BIG HUG!
PS – I talked w/ my friend this afternoon and she wasn’t 16 weeks along when it happened, she was between 11 and 12 weeks, just like you! Anyway, she said the bleeding/bed rest lasted for about 5 weeks and since then things have been fine. Just wanted to clarify and share, as I thought you might find it reassuring since she is 33 weeks now and her baby girl is doing great!
OMGoodness somme- I was HOLDING MY BREATH reading your post- ( i actually skimmed through it first to see the end….)
Waht a relief- now you know what the casue is you must feel better-
I agree you need a new DR- wow not what you want to hear -
Sending you a hug and hope that bedrest is quick and painless-
katya
Sommer. I am so glad that you were seen to so quickly and such a relief to see both babies moving and healthy. I think you need to switch Drs’… yes at 11wks it is touch and go and not much can be done if you are going to miscarry ( I recently m/c at 11w4d) but to have it put to you so bluntly is just not right. At a time like that you need compassion, caring and understanding.
Thinking of you as you try and maintain bedrest. Hugs, Judy