Evan, Aidan, Bella & Sophia » November 2004 Journal Entries » AboutMyBaby - online baby scrapbooks, photo albums, videos, birth and pregnancy announcements

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Tue, Nov 30, 2004 10:30 AM
I finally made it to the NICU so I can see Aidan & Evan. I am so sick. I am throwing up everything I swallow (water, ice chips, liquids - it doesn't matter);. I have thrown up 6 times today.

The NICU is kept very warm (over 85 degrees) and the heat made me have the urge to throw up yet again.

We saw our little boys. Both of them are hooked up to the CPAP (not a ventilator) to help with their respiratory systems. We were told that they looked great for their gestational age, and their weights are fabulous.

Mom, Dad, Melissa, Bill & Theresa visited us tonight. Thanks to everyone for their unending support.

Unfortunately, Slawek went down to kiss Evan & Aidan goodnight, and the Nurses were having trouble getting an IV in Aidan. They blew out 8 veins in his tiny little body trying to get the IV administered. Slawek returned to my room a mess. He was so upset at what he was witnessing, he had to leave. At 3 am (12/01/04), he had me go down to the NICU with him in order to see if everything was straightened out with Aidan's IV. They ended up running Aidan's IV into his head. Although the sight was frightening, we were told that it was a good spot for IV placement. :o( Poor Aidan. Evan is doing just fine, so far.

The first 24 hours are the most important... come on little ones, be strong for Mommy & Daddy.

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Tue, Nov 30, 2004 4:30 AM
Delivery Timeline:

11/29/04:
1:30 PM - I showed up at L&D Triage, just as directed after I called my Perinatologist and told him of the bleeding I saw. I am 5 cm. dialated! Dr. Marcotte gave me and Slawek the choice to deliver now, as I am obviously in pre-term labor (again) - OR - go through the Magnesium Bolus and see if we can stop the contractions. Slawek and I asked Dr. Marcotte to help us save the pregnancy, so the Magnesium Bolus IV (6 grams) was started, and a Brethine injection was administered. I started the Non Stress Test Monitoring. I was also given a demerol injection to take the edge off the pain.

7:30 PM - After approximately 6 hours of the worst labor and contractions, Dr. Marcotte decided to give me an epidural. This epidural lasted until about 12 AM.

11/30/04:
12:00 AM - Additional medication was given through my epidural, but I couldn't feel any difference. I was still pounding out painful contractions. The anesthesiologist found that my epidural catheter had shifted out of place, so I had to have another epidural.

At this time, I finally got to sleep. Slawek and my Mom were both in the room with me. I was confident that with the Magnesium IV and the Brethine, I would eventually stop contracting. That wasn't to be the case.

4:30 AM - While we were sleeping, EVAN'S (Twin A) WATER BROKE! I knew instanteously that this meant an Emergency C-Section. Dr. Marcotte was around the corner, luckily, and confirmed that Twin A's sac had ruptured. What I didn't know is that I had been having more intense contractions all night, and that my Nurse had already informed Dr. Marcotte of the possibility of me delivering soon.

5:14 AM - Evan Brown Gorczyk (Twin A) is delivered via emergency c-section. Evan weighs 3 lbs. 9 oz.

5:15 AM - Aidan Stanislaw Gorczyk (Twin B) is delivered via emergency c-section. Aidan weighs 3 lbs. 12 oz.

Happy Birthday little ones. We love you.

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Mon, Nov 29, 2004 11:00 PM
Eight hours after she was admitted, Christine is still having severe contractions. She was checked out thoroughly, her cervix is now 5 cm. dialated, but despite the contractions holding pretty steady and not dialating any further. She was also immediately given Magnesium Sulfate bolus (IV) and some other fluids. Later in the evening she received 3 epidurals which helped with the pain a bit. The doctor will decide later tonight whether they need to proceed with the delivery or perhaps the contractions will be under control enough to let us gain a bit of time. Naturally, the longer the Twins stay in, the better off they are. The doctor wanted to keep them in as long as possible. It seems as though they will not be born on their Grandma Campbell's birthday - 11/29. (By the way, happy birthday Grandma!)

Poor Christine has been in so much pain and having acid reflux so bad she was offering good money to anyone who could give her some Tums! She was eventually given some Pepcid and Maalox. Some relief but not enough. Her groaning and moaning breaks my heart because I cannot do anything to lower her suffering. That is all for now. Peace - Out.

Slawek

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Mon, Nov 29, 2004 1:20 PM
After a gush of bleeding today - I am being admitted back to Good Sam Hospital, Labor & Delivery - here I come again.

I will post something (or Slawek will) on our website, as I am fortunate enough to have my Uncle Bill's laptop computer.

Wish us luck - the Nurse just informed me that we had another FULL MOON. (I was admitted on 10/1 after a Full Moon, and again we had a Full Moon when I was admitted on 10/27... so, here we go again).

Say a prayer for us!

Christine

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Mon, Nov 29, 2004 9:30 AM
Happy Birthday Mom!! I made it to 31 Weeks!!

About 90% of the women I have met or know who have Twins delivered at 31 weeks! I always told Slawek in the beginning, "If I can just get past 31 Weeks... I will be very happy." So, I did it! I know the babies both weigh around 4 lbs. each now, and they are doing just fine.

Tomorrow is my 31 week Ultrasound, Bio Physical Profile, Non-Stress Test, Amniotic Fluid Study, and Doppler Flow Study! I'll post after I get back from the appt!

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Wed, Nov 24, 2004 12:30 PM
26 Days until my 34 week GOAL due date!! Come on 12/20!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Mon, Nov 22, 2004 2:11 PM
I am 3+ cm. dialated! (Can't I get an epidural at 4 cm? I know, not funny, Christine).

I just returned from my Doctor's appt. with Dr. Brady, plus a Level 2 Full Ultrasound, Biophysical Profile, Amniotic Fluid check, and Non-Stress Test. The good news is that the Twins are doing great! The bad news is that I am gradually dialating more and more.

Twin A weighs 3 lbs. 3 oz.
Twin B weighs 3 lbs. 12 oz.

Both twins got a 10 out of 10 (perfect once again) on their NST/Bio Physical Profiles today. It is such a relief to see that they are consistently overachieving on the tests.

I have gained an additional 2 lbs., making it 39 lbs. total that I have gained. I measure 42 weeks pregnant (2 weeks overdue).

I asked Dr. Brady how much longer he thought I would hold out. Of course he responded by saying they never know for sure, but that I should be taking it "one day at a time." I asked if Twin A's amniotic sac was bulging down through my cervical opening. Dr. Brady said "no" but that he could feel a hand or a foot (Twin A is still breech). Yikes! Basically I am supposed to stay down all the time now.

I still have contractions every day. Actually, I have been waking up in the middle of the night with horrible contractions (both lower back and in the front). While they are not back-to-back (rhythmic) ~ they are painful and daily. I suppose these contractions are contributing to my dialation.

I have been having frequent dreams that my water breaks. I know it's inevitable - it's just a matter of time. I am trying to prepare myself mentally, emotionally, and physically for the possibly lengthy NICU stay - just in case. If we can only make it 4 more weeks (34 weeks total)...

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Mon, Nov 22, 2004 8:33 AM
Hooray! I am 30 weeks pregnant!!!!!

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Thu, Nov 18, 2004 10:00 AM
Family & Friends - please go to http://www.expectnet.com/ and type in Game Name "Gorczyk" to guess our Twins' Birthdays, weights, genders, and length!

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Tue, Nov 16, 2004 10:00 PM
Our Little Dumplings: You both keep getting the hiccups! Tonight, Slawek got to feel them. It's so amazing to feel you separately!

PS. My Perinatologist said that hiccuping is wonderful! It happens when they try to breathe and suck fluid down the wrong pipe! Breathe Breathe Breath!

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Mon, Nov 15, 2004 12:42 PM
Drs. appt. summary: Twins scored 10/10 (excellent!) on BioPhysical Profile, they are reactive on their Non-Stress Test, I have gained 37 lbs. total, I measure 41 weeks pregnant (past full-term, overdue) even though I am 29 weeks exactly today, and I am 2-3 cm. dilated...

Details ~ today has been a hectic one, with lots of appts. for me at the Hospital. I had a 9:30 am NST (Non Stress Test). Next I had a 10:45 am BPP (BioPhysical Profile) and DFS (Doppler Flow Study) ~ basically an Ultrasound with testing on the Twins. Last, I had an 11:30 am OB appt. with my Dr.

Christine news ~ I now measure over-due, > full-term pregnant, 41 weeks!!! (I am only 29 weeks pregnant!) I have only gained 37 lbs. total (which is very good, lower than average at this point). And the bad part ~ I am dilated 2-3 cm now. When I was released from the hospital last week, I was 1-2 cm. dilated. I have been feeling contractions at home for the last week, but nothing regular or rhythmic.

Twin news ~ they scored EXCELLENTLY.... literally! They both scored a 10 out of 10 (perfect) on the BPP (BioPhysical Profiles). The BPP tests whether they are breathing on their own, whether they have a sufficient amount of amniotic fluid, whether they are reactive and moving during the ultrasound, etc. The Ultrasound tech told me that a 6 is normal / average for my gestational length (29 weeks). However, they both scored a 10! The ultrasound tech said, "Both your Twins are overachievers!!" Thank God for good news. It was truly amazing to see their little lungs breathing in the fluid. I asked the Ultrasound tech if the reason they are scoring so high is due to the steroid injections I received while in the hospital (to mature their lungs quickly in case of delivery). She said, "No - the steroid shots only help them breathe outside the womb, but have nothing to do with their breathing in utero nor their score on the BPP." So we have a couple of overachieving Einsteins that are about to be born, eh?!!

The NST (Non Stress Test) went well. I didn't register any contractions while I was being monitored (although I have had 4-5 ultrasounds since the cervical exam), and both Twins are reactive.

For the next 2 weeks, I will spend one day each week at the Hospital. I will repeat the same tests I had today (BioPhysical Profile, Doppler Flow Study, Non-Stress Test, and OB appointment). Once we get to 12/06/04, I start having these tests TWICE weekly ~ on Mondays & Thursdays. I also see my Dr. every week now.

On the funnier side ~ when I was walking out to meet my Dad (he drove me to my appts. today), a Hospital Volunteer said to me, "You are pregnant with a BOY, aren't you?" I said, "I am pregnant with Twins and we don't know FOR SURE what they are." She said, "Well, I didn't know about the Twins, but you are for sure having a Boy." I had to laugh.

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Thu, Nov 11, 2004 1:50 PM
I just saw the Guestbook Entry from Sandy, one of the SCOB (Special Care Obstetrics) Nurses at Good Sam - THANK YOU! You are too sweet!! All of the Nursing Staff were awesome!!!!! :o)

I thought I would share the names we have chosen for the Twins:

Boys:
Evan Brown Gorczyk
Aidan Stanislaw Gorczyk

Girls:
Izabela Jean Gorczyk
Hannah Zofia Gorczyk

Have a good day! I have nothing to report today - all is well, babies are kicking up a storm!

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Wed, Nov 10, 2004 11:56 AM
Good Morning! I added new ultrasound photos to the Ultrasound Photo Album. I added photos from 10/27/04, 10/29/04, 11/05/04, and 11/09/04. Take a peek!

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Tue, Nov 9, 2004 11:37 AM
I am going home!!!! I was just released from the hospital. After 2 long weeks, Dr. Lambers says I am good to rest at home until I deliver now - unless I dilate any more, of course.

It has been such a hectic day - I had my Level 2 Ultrasound from 9:30 - 10:30 am, and then a NST (Non Stress Test) from 11 - 11:30 am. After that, my Dr. came in and did an exam. She said I am the same (about 2 cm. dilated) as when I was admitted. So, with all the good news, I was released to go home!

Twin A weighs 2 lbs. 9 oz.
Twin B weighs 3 lbs. - (chunky monkey)

Both their fluid levels look great, as does their arterial flow blood pressure. So, they decided I could rest at home. The goal was to get me to 28 weeks, and now - being that I am home - I am just supposed to go as long as I can.

Looks like my life will consist of MANY Dr's appts. from now on. I will have (every week) 90-minute BPP (Bio Physical Profiles) and DFS(Doppler Flow Studies on umbilical cord). After that appt., I will have an exam with my Perinatologist. Once I hit 32 weeks, I will have these twice a week! UGH. I will live at the hospital anyway, so what's the difference? Sheesh. My mom is freaked out about me driving. She - or my dad - is making arrangements to take off work and take me to each and every appt. I will go from looking forward to ultrasounds, to hating them. I can already tell you, I hate those NSTs. I can't stand them. They bind me up with 3 big straps (1 strap and monitor for each twin and 1 contraction monitor). And to top off all the squeezing and uncomfortableness - I am on brethine again... which makes me feel like I am going to have an anxiety attack or something. I found myself paging the nurse to "get these contraptions off me." When I was on the Magnesium, I never had that anxiety going on.... I was so calm and relaxed. I guess the twins are much more hyper now, too. While on Magnesium, their heart rates ranged from 120 - 135 BPM. Now, off the Magnesium & on the Brethine, their heart-rates range from 140 - 165 BPM. Poor things, bless their little hearts. I am glad they are handling the medications well, though.

I am having a tough time (again) adjusting to the Brethine. Last night I felt like I was going to die. I have found that I have even WORST heartburn on Brethine, and that my heart feels like it's up in my throat - pounding, pounding, pounding. I can't get comfortable when I sleep (sleeping down on my side makes me feel like my heart is going to explode - and sleeping sitting up makes me feel like I can't relax). Oh well, I'll get through it. 3 days and I will adjust and feel so much better.

Have a good day!!

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Mon, Nov 8, 2004 10:00 AM
Dr. Voss just unhooked my IV! No more Magnesium Sulfate for me! So far, I am doing okay. I will be monitored for the next 24 hours, just to see how my body adjusts to being off the Magnesium. I am also taking Brethine every 4 hours again.

My poor body feels like it has been pulled through a clothing wringer :o( I have been on the fire-water Magnesium Sulfate for so long ~ which slows down your body considerably. And now I have been taken off Magnesium and put on Brethine again, which makes me feel a jittery mess. My blood pressure on Magnesium got down to 84/48. Now I am back up to 115/70. I hate adjusting to medication!

Tomorrow will be my Level 2 28 week ultrasound. If all looks well, and if I don't start back up with contractions, I will more than likely get to go home.

The NST (Non Stress Test) this morning still shows Twin B as being "reactive" and Twin A as being "non-reactive." The RN explained to me that they usually have trouble with babies passing the NSTs while the pregnant mom is on Magnesium Sulfate. So, she brought in this buzzing/shocking device to stimulate Twin A. I will be anxious to see if they both do better on the NSTs after taking me off the Magnesium. Plus, the ultrasound tomorrow will show how they are doing in utero.

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Sun, Nov 7, 2004 2:00 PM
Today and last evening were *good days*. I didn't have any back-to-back contractions - only a few sporadic ones (normal). I spoke with Dr. Marcotte today. He is weening me off the Magnesium Sulfate IV drip tomorrow and I will be put on Procardia (oral pill). I will be monitored for at least 24 hours, just to see how I handle being off the Mag. I will have a cervix exam tomorrow - just to see if I am any farther along than I was almost 2 weeks ago. On Tuesday, I will have my 28 week Level 2 ultrasound, to see how much the Twins weigh.

IF my cervix has remained unchanged, IF I tolerate being off the Magnesium and IF the Twins look okay during the ultrasound on Tuesday, I will be going on Tuesday evening.

Onto tomorrow - my 28 week Milestone!

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Sat, Nov 6, 2004 6:30 AM
Last night was a bad night. From 9 pm - 12 am we couldn't get my contractions to stop. The Resident OB wanted to *watch & wait*. As usual, the contractions intensified and got closer together. By 12 midnight, Slawek insisted my RN call the Resident OB (for a 3rd time). I finally got another Brethine injection. Once I got the injection, the contractions quickly subsided and I went straight to sleep. These contractions were very scary. They were very painful, very intense. I couldn't breathe, I was crying - it was horrible.

This morning, I spoke with Dr. Marcotte about my horrible experiences last evening (the pre-term labor contractions and the Resident OB who wanted to "watch and wait" before he gave the RN orders for the Brethine injecction). Dr. Marcotte was not happy about what I told him. Today, he wrote detailed instructions in my chart to give "daily sub-Q brethine injections" and also wrote orders that if the Resident OB has any problems or questions, they are to call him on his cell phone. That made me feel better. There is nothing scarier than knowing you are in the middle of labor, and having a Resident OB who doesn't want to make a decision on whether to medicate or not.

I am exhausted. I feel like I have been hit by a mack truck after last night.

Dr. Marcotte said he is going to do an exam on Monday - to see how my cervix is holding up through all these contractions. We are hoping and praying that there is minimal change. If there is no change, I will be weened from the Magnesium Sulfate on Monday 11/8. I am happy that I am being taken off the Mag, as I have absolutely NO reflexes left - but at the same time I am scared to death. Dr. Marcotte has assured me that I will be closely monitored for the 24 hour period after being taken off the Mag. Monday or Tuesday I will have my 28 week full Level-2 ultrasound.

Today my Grandma Wright-Perry came to visit me, along with my mom, sister, and Slawek. Last evening, Father Pennington stopped by for a visit, as well. The visits from family and friends have been so wonderful - it certainly doesn't seem like I have been in the Hospital for 10 days now!!

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Fri, Nov 5, 2004 1:00 PM
My Ultrasound went well today! Both Twins are doing great and all test results were perfect.

Amniotic Fluid Volume is better than normal (for Twins, >2 cm. pockets are good).

Twin A = 4.0 cm. volume
Twin B = 5.6 cm. volume

Their Umbilical Blood Flow is perfect, as well:

Twin A = 2.6 S/D ratio
Twin A = 2.7 S/D ratio

Both Twins are still Breech, with their little heads side-by-side.

Next Ultrasound.... 11/9/04

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Fri, Nov 5, 2004 7:15 AM
Happy Name Day, Slawek! Wszystkiego najlepszego z okazji Imienin, Slawus!!!

I just met with Dr. Marcotte. He said the plans are to keep me here until Tuesday (28w1d) and evaluate how I am doing at that time. I will be weened from the Magnesium Sulfate on Monday or Tuesday. Dr. Marcotte also wants to continue doing the twice-daily Non-Stress Tests (NST) on the Twins. Additionally, I still have the twice-weekly ultrasounds and doppler flow studies.

That's the scoop - and the plan for now. Last night was a good night!

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Thu, Nov 4, 2004 6:00 AM
Good Morning. Had a fiasco in my hospital room this morning. It RAINED (yep, in my room). The ceiling leaked and I was dreaming I was sleeping in the cold rain. Well, it wasn't a dream. It was REAL. The ceiling leaked or something and you could SEE the circles of rain drops stained on them. And more than that, you could HEAR it. I got up to go to the bathroom and the
floor was flooded wet. Anyway, they forced me to leave my NICE, PRIVATE room... and now I am in a SHARED room with a poor girl suffering with hypermesis (severe morning sickness to be point of being malnourished). She is puking all over the place. Poor thing.

My # temporarily for today 513-872-1534. I am going to repeat TEMPORARILY and will keep repeating it until everyone (including my nurses) understands this is TEMPORARY.

Supposedly a girl who is in a private room is getting released today, so I was told I am being moved to her room as soon as she is released. PLEASE GO HOME SOON. I was also told that the room I will be getting is a newer, bigger, much nicer room. Please don't let this be yet another cruel joke.

Slawek has already been here this morning. He had to come and pack up my room. I had a dorm-room full of things - pictures, flower bouquets,
balloons, baskets, candy, magazines, books, games, clothes... and we also have a refrigerator FULL of food and diet cokes (for visitors). I was really beginning to feel at home there, and now they moved me in with hypermesis girl. I guess I didn't realize how well I had adjusted to my "home-away-from-home" until they evicted me. Okay, enough of the pity-party.

Last night the contractions started once again. After 3 contractions around 9 pm, they just gave me the Brethine injection. I was glad, rather than exhaust myself with contractions, they nipped it in the bud fairly quickly this time. The Resident OB mentioned this morning that if they ever send me home, I may have to be on a Brethine/Terbutaline IV pump.

I passed my Gestational Diabetes test with flying colors - better than expected, actually. My score was 127 - and even though the Nurse told me she thought it should be <120, the Resident OB told me this morning that I
passed better than expected. The Dr. said that they are giving me "sugar water" intravenously, and normally the Diabetes screening would come back MUCH higher than 127 considering that fact. So, I can still eat my tootsie
pops and pringles.... and boy do I have a stash of food. And I'm not sharing, either. Just kidding.

Well, that's all for now. Still waiting to see my Dr. today. I have an ultrasound tomorrow to check on the Twins' amniotic fluid level and cord blood pressure (arterial blood flow). Then on Tuesday, I have my big 28 eek full ultrasound to measure the Twins' weights.

My body is apparently having some negative reactions to the Magnesium Sulfate IV after being on it >1 week. Last night my legs were retaining a lot of fluid and when they tested my reflexes, they are showing that I am overly-drugged in Magnesium (showing all the negative side effects). We'll see what my Dr. says this morning once he arrives.

Such is the life.....................

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Wed, Nov 3, 2004 4:26 PM
Today is a good day. My Dr. measured my fundus and I am measuring 35 weeks pregnant (8 weeks larger). This is a good thing with Twins. Also, I scored a 127 on my Gestational Diabetes screening (1 hour). They told me that the Dr. prefers the results to be <120, so he may want me to do the 3-hour test. We'll see tomorrow when I see my Dr.

I spoke with Dr. Voss this morning about the horrible ordeal yesterday, and the continued contractions. He confirmed my thoughts - the next time I have just ONE contraction, I am to request to have the Dr. paged and also request a Brethine injection. Dr. Voss doesn't want me sitting around all day *monitoring* contractions when we can nip them in the bud quickly. The Brethine injections every-other-day seem to do the trick (in addition to the Magnesium Sulfate & Soledec pill I am on).

Mom is coming down tonight to help me shower and wash my hair. I am not allowed to shower alone with my IV at this point.

Friday is my next ultrasound (arterial doppler flow study and amniotic fluid measurement). Onto Friday!!

*ADDITIONAL INFO*
I did end up starting contractions again this evening. After 3 contractions, my Nurse Heather pages my Dr. and was given quick instructions to give me a Brethine injection. The Brethine injectin nipped the contractions in the bud rather early and I got a full-night's sleep.

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Tue, Nov 2, 2004 10:44 PM
Today has been a horrible day. I have had contractions off & on all day today, ranging from every 5 minutes to every 20 minutes. To top it all off, I started having *new* pains... my lower abdomen feels like it is on fire, as if something inside is about to explode and gush out of me. Last night around 9-10 pm, Slawek had the Dr. paged and they gave me a shot of Brethine. The Brethine (and Mag Sulfate that I am continuously on) immediately stopped the contractions. I also took a Soledec pill at 9 pm. So far, so good.

Slawek helps me so much. When I was going through the contractions yet again, he had decided enough was enough. He walked out and told the Nurses to please page my Dr. and "do something." Sure enough, they did. They got the injection much sooner than usual, and the contractions subsided and I could sleep. Slawek ended up spending the night with me last night, just to watch over everything. I am very glad he did. (If he wasn't going to, my mom was).

On a positive note, I had an ultrasound today. The Twins are growing and squirming just fine! Their amniotic fluid was measured (Twin A = 6.0 cm amnio; Twin B = 3.8 cm amnio). I was told both amounts are normal. Also, their arterial cord blood flow (blood pressure in umbilical cord) was measured. The babies couldn't be better. Both babies are now BREECH. Twin B has slid down along side of Twin A. Both heads are in my ribcage and both feet are on my BLADDER. It was very sweet to see both their little heads together on the ultrasound. They can see each other now, too - as their eyes are unfused.

Tomorrow I have my Gestational Diabetes (1 hour) screening. I hope I pass!

Happy Election Day! Who will be the President for our Twins?

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Tue, Nov 2, 2004 6:17 AM
I have a laptop computer in the Hospital, thanks for my Uncle Bill! WOO HOO! Thank you to my wonderful family & friends, who have really helped us through this emotional roller coaster.

I am finally adjusting to my new life in the Hospital. Should I start with a basic explanation for anyone who doesn't already know? Hmmm... Yep, I am bored. Guess I will.

10/27 Wednesday I came in for what was supposed to be my VERY LAST cervical measurement ultrasound. The u/s tech noticed that my cervix had thinned from 2.6 to 1.8 in just 1 week, which alarmed her. She immediately called in the Dr., who did an internal exam. Dr. Polzin said I was 1-2 cm. dialated! He said upon feeling it felt like 1 cm. dialated, but as soon as he even touched my cervix, it was so soft that it opened up to 2 cm. dialated. Needless to say, they rushed me up to Labor & Delivery right away. I did get to see the Twins on the u/s and they looked fine that day.

As soon as I was admitted, the Resident OB in the Special Care OB unit (where I am ~ S.C.O.B.) did another internal exam. She very loudly yelled, "Page her Dr., she is 3 cm. dialated!" At this point, I was hysterically crying. It was going from bad to worse and I hadn't even done anything except be examined by a different Dr. I couldn't get ahold of Slawek at work - but did manage to call my mom and sister, who drove down immediately. My Dr. (Dr. Polzin) did return and checked me for yet a THIRD time that day and said, "No, you are 2 cm. dialated, like I said." The contractions were still coming hard and strong, but when I asked about steroid shots for the Twins' lungs, Dr. Polzin seemed confident that he would be able to get my contractions to stop. I was immediately given a shot of Brethine and started on the Magnesium Wash/Bolus. After 4 hours of the IV meds, the contractions were getting stronger and more frequent. At this point, Dr. Polzin ordered the Steroid injections. He explained to me and and Slawek that he was concerned I wasn't responding to the Magnesium nor the Brethine - and that he wanted to go ahead... just in case. (I was relieved he agreed to administer the steroids... just in case, like he said).

I am on the Magnesium Sulfate IV, and am also taking a pill called Soledec (sp?) for the contractions. I will be on both meds until I am at least 28 weeks pregnant (11/8). Ever since that day, I have had contractions off & on. Last night was a relatively good evening; however, Sunday night (10/31) I started back up with contractions every 5 minutes and had to be given a Brethine injection again for the emergency.

This has been a horribly emotional experience for me, Slawek and my family. It is absolutely NOT fun to sit up here in the hospital, where I can't breathe right, can't eat right, can't poo right, and I miss my home. My family - especially my mom and Slawek - have been fabulous, though. They are here every single day, tiring themselves out just to make sure I am okay. My Hospital room looks rather nice now - there are tons of flowers, balloons, pictures on my bulletin board. I have games and books to keep me busy (and now a laptop, heh heh).

We did speak with Dr. Polzin about "WHY IS THIS HAPPENING? WHAT AM I DOING WRONG?" He assured me that I am doing absolutely NOTHING wrong whatsoever. He told me that the IVF treatments (horomonal injections, etc.) have been shown to *soften* of *weaken* a cervix, and that is exactly why they monitor my cervix length so closely every week. I am certainly glad I have been so closely monitored, as I would have lost these 2 little guys, he said. I mean ~ I am on the STRICTEST bedrest and on IV meds, and even Sunday night they couldn't get my contractions to stop once again.

I will definitely be in the Hospital AT LEAST until 11/9/04. I have my 28 week Level 2 Ultrasound that day, and the Drs. want to see how much the Twins weigh, etc. My Dr's goal is for me to make it until at LEAST 28 weeks pregnant (without delivering). At 28 weeks pregnant, our Twins can possibly breathe on their own AND regulate their own body temperature. A lot of changes take place between weeks 27 and 28, and we just want to cross past week 28 more than anything. After I meet that goal, my Dr. said he will CONSIDER weening me off the Magnesium Sulfate IV and POSSIBLY sending me home on oral medication again. I will have to start coming in 1-2 times per week (if I am released) no matter what.

This Hospital is WONDERFUL. I have met the NICEST Dr's, Nurses, Personal Care Assistants, and staff here. Slawek and I are 100% informed on what is going on at any given point in time. The NICU staff met with us and told us *what to expect* - and we feel as prepared as you could feel when faced with a situation like this. This has been very hard on us. I have spent just about every day crying with Slawek, afraid of what could happen, worried that I am doing something wrong, scared that we could be robbed of meeting our miracle Twins. But, God is watching out for all 4 of us, and I have Faith that he won't let me down now. Speaking of God, my Priest has been here twice - and brought me communion on Saturday. I thought that was sweet.

Please keep us all in your prayers. I love and miss you ALL. The 4 of us sincerely appreciate all the thoughtfulness, generousity and concern from our wonderful friends and family. I will try and post updates now that I can (in between monitoring, ultrasounds and tests). I am strapped up to monitors twice per day just so the Dr's can see how the Twins are tolerating the meds I am on - poor things.

Love you all!

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