12 weeks 2 days
I have just not felt like posting lately. In fact, I haven’t felt like looking at my computer, which is near unheard of for me. I’ve managed to go almost two whole days without even opening my laptop at times… that’s how I feel.
Let’s go backwards… I had another OB appointment Friday. I really like the new office. I saw a different doctor this time (there are four in the practice, this is the second I’ve met). He sat me down to just go over things and see how I was doing, and unfortunately, I burst into tears.
I hadn’t been feeling well at ALL that day, and have kind of gotten to the end of my rope with the nausea and not being able to eat. I’ve been worried about my hydration as on a good day, I can get down maybe two glasses of something and forget water, it just makes me want to throw up.
I was trying to go over what we’ve been through/done so far, and was just crying. I told him about the IUIs and IVFs and how it felt like getting pregnant was the light at the end of the tunnel, but since getting pregnant it’ been nausea, vomiting, headaches, bleeding and other issues. The poor guy immediately asked if I might “need something” for “my mood” and I told him I’m not like this every day, and I’m not depressed. I am a bit frustrated, yes, and having an exceptionally bad day, but it’s not always like that, so I think that made him feel better about my mental state.
After my rundown of what’s gone on, the first order of business was talking about my nausea and lack of eating. The agreed upon solution was to add Reglan and Zantac to my Zofran and next week, I will be getting a PICC line, which is an IV that I will have constantly. A home care nurse will come once a day to give me medication for the nausea and a liter of fluids to ensure I am hydrated. While I don’t enjoy the idea of this PICC line and having it put in, the hydration alone will life a huge weight off of my shoulders for sure. If the meds work, I’ll consider it a bonus.
Next order of business was to discuss the pregnancy and especially the placenta previa. Being pregnant with twins, I am at a risk of pre-term labor and placenta previa just increases that risk, unfortunately. The doctor asked if Skip and I prefer University of Washington (hospital) or Swedish (hospital) in Seattle (2 hours away). He said to expect to spend some time there, and perhaps deliver. Skip and I are to discuss which we prefer (we really have no preference, having no experience with either and both being equally recommended by the OB) and I need to have an appointment there between 16-18 weeks.
Then he told me to expect the babies to arrive between 28-32 weeks, which made me cry again. He said he’d love to see us get to 34 weeks (which would also allow us to deliver locally) as would I. But he also told me he needed to be cautiously pessimistic and prepare me for the possible realities of this pregnancy. It was hard to hear, but I also know he’s right to prepare me.
He said I will be coming in to be seen every week for a while. Partially to keep tabs on the placenta, partially to keep tabs on me and my eating/hydration (or lack thereof) and also for my own peace of mind. He said when I get sick of seeing them every week to let them know, and as long as everything looks ok, I can go to every-other-week. Honestly, I love that he’s making me go in every week. Even if it’s overkill, it’s the peace of mind and reassurance I need right now.
After talking, he took me in for a quick ultrasound. Interestingly, he seemed almost surprised when he commented “the babies look really great” so I take that as a good sign after the somewhat gloomy discussion that led to the ultrasound. They were both active and Baby A was actually the bouncy one this time.
After all that, the nurse set off to set up the order for the PICC line and I scheduled my next appointment. I go in next Thursday and I should hear — hopefully tomorrow — on when I go to the hospital for the PICC line. I’ll have to look up what “PICC” even mean, now that I think about it.
Anyhow, that was Friday — 12 weeks. I haven’t even had a belly picture done yet because I’ve felt like crap. I’m working on it.
Saturday, we went to the grocery store and after walking a bit, I used the bathroom and had some red spotting again. Saturday was my first outing other than doctor’s appointments in a week, and I guess I have to keep it that way, since obviously, too much walking (which wasn’t even much, maybe 20 minutes, and a lot of that was just standing looking at stuff) sets things off. I went to the front of the store and was going to use one of those motorized carts but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I didn’t feel like I “really” needed it, so I got the car keys from Skip and sat in the car while he finished the shopping.
I’ve been feeling really gross again today… it seems to be getting worse instead of better. If the meds are working, it’s short -lived. And just like this time in my pregnancy with Calista, I’m getting daily headaches, so I have to decide in the morning which is worse — the headace or the nausea — and pick which med I’ll take. I hate taking so many meds and so I won’t take them both at once.
I’m going to have Skip snap a quick belly picture, I think. I’ll update if I do it.
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Sommer~
((((hugs)))) It sounds like you needed a good crying session. I am so sorry things are so stressful and crazy. Rest and stay optimistic. There are so many people pulling for you out here! It does sound like you have a much better set of docs now. I hope the PICC line works for you and you start feeling better very soon.
Reba
Gosh Sommer! You have really had a rough go of it! I’m so sorry you are still feeling VERY sick – I hope the meds combined with the PICC line work.
Your new OB office and Drs sound great! Looks like you and the babies will be well cared for.
I really really really hope you get some relief sickness wise soon.
Sommer,
A huge congrats on the babies. I’m very happy for you. I’m sorry the pregnancy has been such a rough ride so far, and I hope in time things only get better.
The IV fluids and meds should really help. PICC stands for peripherally inserted central catheter. It should enter your arm near your elbow-pit (slightly higher) and travel a distance to just above your heart. Should your nutrition get too poor, they could also give you TPN (think liquid nutrition) through that line.
Of course go with what your OB advises, but being in the field and working in the general area I would perosnally recommend Swedish over the UW. Both are fine, but I’ve heard so many wonderful outcomes from Swedish. The general feeling amongst the gyn community is that Swedish is the best around…not just for delivery but in particular for their NICU. A coworker of mine delivered at 27 weeks due to HELLP syndrome, but her baby was the size of a 24 weeker due to IUGR (1 lb 3 oz). The hospital I work at, also highly regarded for their birthing center and NICU, rushed her to Swedish for delivery since their NICU is better equipped. Her duaghter will be a year old soon and is the picture of good health. Her and her husband were completely happy with them. They literally saved both their lives.
Sending you and the babies only the best of wishes for good health,
Marcy
I hope the PICC line and meds work so you can start enjoying your pregnancy!
{{Hugs}}
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PICC_line has some info.
Oh Sommer!
I will have you, the twins, Skip and Calista in my thoughts!
I am so sad to hear what a rough time of it you have had recently!
I’m so sorry you feel so awful Sommer. A good friend of mine had a PICC line and it helped her tremendously – I hope it will do the same for you.
I hope you start to feel better soon…and that the rest of the pregnancy goes quickly for you. I know you know this, but the end result will be worth it.
Many hugs to you,
Allison
I’m so sorry you’re so sick. I really hope the PICC line will do it’s job and you’ll be feeling better soon.
I’ll be praying that you’ll be feeling better soon, and prayers for the babies that they don’t arrive until 34wks or as close to that as possible.
Big hugs Sommer! I hope things get better soon!
Sommer – I’ve been following your story from Cmoms, but have never posted here. HUGS to you. I”m so sorry you are having such a rough time w/ your pregnancy!
I currently live in Madison, wi, but moved here from Seattle. I second what the above posted RE: Swedish over UW. Everyone I know in Seattle has chosen Swedish over UW.
Hopefully it won’t matter and you will carry to 34wks and deliver locally. Do your best to stay positive… at least about the babies health and how long you will carry them. It sounds like despite all the trauma YOU are going through THEY are doing great! Hang in there and go put your feet up!
sommer~~ someday these babies are going to hear the story of how they came to be and are going to realize how wanted and loved they truly are. big hugs! you’ll make it through this…it sounds like switching drs was a good idea. best wishes,
amanda
I’m so glad you have a doctor that you trust and who is really looking out for you. Big hugs to you (and Skip) for all you’re going through.
Your Dr sounds wonderful – I’m glad you’re in such good hands. I hope you feel better soon. :)
PICC = Peripherally inserted central catheter – basically it’s a line that goes from the bend in your arm up to your subclavian and then down towards your heart. It is nice in that it will a) save you pokes for bloodwork and b) you can also get nutrition if you are not taking it orally as well as the whole hydration thing. I hope that things smooth out and you start feeling better.
Just a quick note to send you a BIG HUG!
We are here to support you! :)
Gosh Sommer, you’ve been through so much already. I really hope that the PICC line gets you back into good health.
Sounds like you’ve got a winner with your new doctor. I’m glad he’s fussing over you and taking good care of you and your babies.
Just hang on. I had HEG with my third baby, and I remember thinking each day, “this will not last forever.”
Lots of hugs coming your way.
Oh, and use the scooter! That’s what it’s there for. :)
Sommer~~Just got to you site and read all the blogs you put in. Sorry to hear about how awful you have been feeling because I really don’t know how it feels being without children. But I know you don’t make this stuff up. Just wanted to tell you to feel better, get rest and keep those blogs coming. I’m also glad that your doctors are really helping make this pregnancy go (hopefully) better as you go along. Keep me informed.
Lots of love from me and the other Book Center Cronies.
(((Hugs))) I’m so sorry you’re so frustrated and so miserable. It sounds like you’re in excellent hands now, thankfully. Hopefully things’ll start to look up for you soon! (((Hugs))) Hang in there.
Sommer,
Didn’t have time to read all the comments so don’t know if someone posted this or not yet…PICC stands for peripherially inserted central catheter. It is a really long IV that goes in your arm usually at or above the crook of your elbow. It threads in a vein through to pretty much where that big vein enters your heart. It’s not dangerous…many people freak a bit when they hear it is “near thier heart”. We put them in all the time. It’s a great way to ensure you can easily get hydration and the really good IV meds for nausea.
Sorry to hear you are still feeling poorly but I found gonig to the Dr weekly (from 20-34wks) to be comforting even if it was a pain to do so. Good luck with the previa.
I’m so glad to hear the babies looked so well on the ultrasound. The bright light in all of this. I hope that you feel better soon.
Hey Sommer – Sorry to hear it’s been so rough. You’re getting good care and the only thing between you and holding your babies is time. Do everything they tell you to and take care of the PICC line. Your doctor sounds like a blessing.
Besides. Think how much you’ll have to hold over their heads when they’re teenagers. The little buggers. Dancing while their mommy is suffering… ;)
Amanda
Sommer! I am so sorry you are having such a rough time
((Hugs))
If you ever need anything, pelase let me know!