So once again, we wait. Truly other than placing a cerclage there is nothing that can be done to stop a cervix from funneling and further shortening. We've placed the cerclage. Most doctors otherwise place a patient on bedrest if a cerclage is not placed, or it is too far into pregnancy to place a cerclage effectively. Well, because of the fact that my cervix is so short, it is early in the pregnancy, and we still have weeks to hurdle to the point of a viable baby - I will be on bedrest with the cerclage in place. If in the next few weeks the integrity of the actual stitch for the cerclage is in question or in other words comes undone, there is a remote possibility that my OB could try to place another one if possible. Dramatic changes in the cervix can cause this. That would be yet another surgery, and going through everything again. I'm not sure how I would handle that.
So as I said, here we wait - Spot and I and my newly "softened cervix." In a week and a half we have our anatomy scan which I'm hoping is filled with "Ohhs" and "Ahhs" and a lot of cute moments on the DVD of our ultrasound. I'm trying really hard to focus on the positive right now, and any fun things in the weeks ahead.
This is already a really long post and I don't want to bore anyone who is nice enough to keep reading my posts which some have been a bit of a downer lately. I'm trying to keep upbeat myself, so if you don't mind I feel like I still have so much more to say, but I'll save it for another post this week. In a nutshell it deals with cramping, contractions, starting more additional medication soon to stop some of this uterine activity if it becomes necessary (which he feels is likely), and the newer revelation that Spot is measuring small for their gestational age currently. I think the last of which is the one that truly worries me the most. We'll know more at the growth and anatomy scan in a week and a half.
I almost forgot to post the picture of my home pedicure from yesterday. My feet were really swollen when I took the picture so don't mind the puffiness. Heck I'll take a little puffiness if it means I'm a normal pregnant woman. Any bits of normalcy are welcomed lately. My dog couldn't resist sitting next to me as I took the picture, so her front feet - I mean paws - got in the picture too!
Congrats to Mel and JJ on their great news yesterday - two bits of good news in one day. I'm truly so happy for you both!
34 comments:
I love t hat your dog got her feet in the pic.
You seem to be making the best of a scary situation. Sorry you are not having that care-free pregnancy everyone else seems to have. You are doing everything possible. That's all you can do. Thinking of you.
your toes look loverly! and the doggie got in on the action - good job doggie.
i am keeping my fingers crossed for you.
The list of scary stuff is, yes... scary. But the length is holding and you are pushing 17 weeks - which rocks. I know you will do everything you can to keep little spot safe - even if it means lying left for the next few months.
You're beating me to the anatomy scan!!!! I may try to move mine up a few days because I am getting upset about them letting me go 4 weeks without a cervix check. That would be cool if we could go the same day!
Oh Sweetheart - you are doing great. Don't apologize about your mood. We are all allowed to feel a little down and worried some time - even chipper ol' you! I am pulling for little spot and dreaming about long, lean and non-funneling cervixes for the both of us.
Cute tootsies (and doggie tootsies!)
xoxoxoxo
Meredith
Now you'll have to paint your puppy's toes so she can get into the picture properly.
I'm sorry that you have to go through so much wait and worry, but I am sure it will all work out in the end for a beautiful baby.
You and your pup are too cute.
And don't you ever worry about us reading or being a downer. That's what we're all here for, I'll always keep reading.
I've got everything crossed things stay looking good. And maybe Spot is just gearing up for a growth spurt
Your tootsies and your dogs paws are really cute. I will be holding you all close in my thoughts and prayers for a wonderful anatomy scan and cooperative cervix.
On a lighter not, I have another joke for my favorite preggo CRNA:
3 little boys find a magic lamp, they rub it and out comes the genie who will grant them each one wish.
The first little boy asks for a IQ 25 points higher so he can really please his parents. The genie grants his wish.
The second little boy wants to be really smart and be a CRNA ;o)and asks for 50 more points for his IQ and the genie grants his wish.
The third little boy asks for 100 more IQ points because he really wants to do good in school, and the genie says, "Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure" says the little boy.
And the genie turns him into a girl. (Okay, I know this is sexist and my disclaimer is that it was told to me by a boy)
You are always so positive and sweet... say it all my dear, we are here to listen all you have to say. We want to be there for you on those difficult days. I pray that things start getting better and better. You deserve the best. HUGS
you write long posts if you want to - you deserve and reserve all rights! And those toes are perfect! you know i am saying lots of prayers for you and spot!
What pretty toes.
I'm sorry that your pregnancy has so much worry in it. I wish there was something I could do to help. I'll just keep sending lots of hopes and positive thoughts that your cervix remains the same.
You should write about whatever is on your mind; it appears that you have readers who are truly here b/c they're interested and care. Good luck in the days to come. I imagine it's impossible not to worry in your position, but just keep up your positive attitude.
I am sorry the appointment was not all that positive. You rant and rave on here all you want to, we're here to listen. Thinking and praying for you and Spot. Hang in there little one and keep growing!
It's too cute, your dog's little feet next to yours - very nice toe nails (and sandals).
We're always here to support you no matter how "long" or "boring" or "downer" you think you're being! We're here when you want to talk. In the mean time, stay put little spot. We want to meet you--just not yet!
Love the pedicures, for both you and pootch!
Hang in there, girl.
Love those toes, and the shoes!!!!! Lovely!
I know your situation is supremely scary and every day you must be on pins and needles. But we know spot is still there and still doing great, so let's focus on that and guess if we think Spot's a he-spot or a she-spot!!!
I say she-spot!!!!
*hugs*
sorry I haven't been around much lately, but I've been thinking of you. You're handling this situation way better that I ever could - I have a ton of respect for you for that! I'm pulling and praying for you and Spot!
Oh, BTW: Nice feet! :)
Pretty toes - both of you!
Everyone's situation is different, but if it makes you feel at all better, my cervix has been soft since I went on bedrest at 18-ish weeks and I'm still hanging in there. I hope your cervix is just a sweet ol' softy and stays that way for many, many weeks to come. :) Who wants to be long and hard, anyway? Uh, talking to the ladies, of course.
Love the sandals AND the adorable little furry paws in the picture from the other day!
I was just checking on you to see how you've been doing. You are so encouraging- not only your story, but your optimism is too! Keep your spirits up. Every day is a day closer to a healthy baby. You are doing everything possible to give Spot the best chance. I am praying for you!
You've been so strong Sara and I know all this can't have been easy.Make your posts as long as you want. I'll continue reading and praying for the good progress of this pregnancy one day at a time. & I love the sandals and red paint.
Hey Sara,
I'm so sorry I've been MIA through all this scary cramping. I'm glad that your appointment went ok. The soft cervix news was probably scary but you just have to keep hoping and praying for the best. Exactly like you've been doing all along. It's totally normal to be worried and a little scared, what you're going through is worrisome and a little scary!
I am still open for bringing you over some dinner! Maybe I can get mexican carryout from somewhere and bring it over so we (and your hubby too) can eat and chat!
I also wanted to know if you wanted to go in together on a gift for Tracy. I can go pick it up and send it. I wasn't sure what your plan was but I know you're limited by bedrest! Let me know!
The pedicure is lovely and I covet your fun shoes!
I will be sending your cervix very stringent "TOUGHEN UP" thoughts and I will keep my fingers crossed for you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
That is great with your pretty toes and your dog's paws!
It's great you can keep an upbeat attitude about things and I hope that that cervix does its job. You're doing what you can.
Hello! I just wandered over from Mel's L&F. I'm a bedrest veteran myself and know how it gets. I found it hard to lay there and feel myself getting weaker and weaker, but it all comes back with time, as I'm sure you know. I'm back into running, and my bedrest baby turns three soon! With practically no cervix left and it being too late for a cerclage, she still made it to 36 weeks. I hope you hang in there!
I see from your sidebar that you read City Girl Tales; I assume you've found her bedrest advice post! Good luck.
Your toes and shoes are adorable! I am praying like mad for you Sara. Let me know when you need me to bring over dinner. Sending hugs and prayers!
So...I thought you might appreciate a success story. :) With my first son I had to be induced at 42 weeks. With my second son, I had an ultrasound (first one) at 29 weeks and I was 3-4 weeks dilated and the bag of waters was poking out. I was put on strict bedrest and delivered via scheduled c-section at 39 weeks. With my 3rd child, I had some unusual discharge at 19 weeks and 2 days. i called the doctor and they told me not to worry about it. I called my perinatologist from my previous pregnancy and she said "get in here...." I was 1-2 cm dilated although my cervix still had some length to it. My bag of waters was again protrudring from the cervix. I had an emergency cerclage placed. They gave me some medicine to decrease the amniotic fluid in the hopes that she could push the bag of water back in and do the cerclage. The surgery was a success although she told me (after I finally delivered) that she had essentially closed my cervix with a prayer. I was on strict bedrest until 35 weeks. I had a c-section scheduled at 39 weeks, but delivered at around 38.
IT SUCKS. Bedrest is horrible...and it is HORRID to be placed as early as you were. It was hard to know that we had weeks to go until viability. Even though bedrest is emotionally (and physically) difficult, know that every day you do it is another day for the baby to "cook." :)
I just wanted to let you know that it is possible to make it to full term. :)
Good luck!!
Your home pedi looks great! I wish my toes looked as good when I try to paint them myself.
Sara, your attitude amazes me. I don't think I could be half as strong or positive. I'm thinking about you every day and sending you hugs.
I'm glad that everything is staying stitched up as far as your cerclage is concerned. I, too, will only focus on the positives as well.
You should have had your dogs little nails painted as well, and it would have made the picture even that much cuter. LOL!
they do not look swollen lady@ you're nuts. I wish the waiting could be less and all could be easier for you, and anyone who goes through the what ifs and uncertainty of pregnancy issues. We all wait with you, I hope you know that. sending well wishes, good luck and staying power to you and spot.
Hey Sara! I tried to email you and the sucker got kicked back again. I don't think your inbox likes me much. *wink*
You and Spot are in my prayers. If you need to vent the negatives to help you stay focused on the positives, you know I'm always here to listen. (((HUGS)))
I'm glad Spot is doing well so far!
I do love the sandals, and your pedi turned out great, too!
Oh my gosh, the dog feet in the picture had me smiling.
I will be sending you lots of positive thoughts and prayers for the next anatomy scan. I break out into a sweat just remembering the anxiety leading up to each scan. It isn't easy.
Thanks for your good wishes. I am trying not to hold my breath - I have about 12 more days to go!
I just wanted to tell you again that I am thinking about you and little spot. I am feeling a little fragile, and I just think about how amazing, and seeming solid you have been through this ordeal. Let's just be honest. The cervix, while a necessary partner in this venture, sucks! And man, you are doing so awesome, I just think that damn doughnut shaped thing needs to lighten up and get its act together!!!
I got lots of good vibes for you coming from the easst coast ans you bedrest the weekends away. Hang in there - you are doing a great job!!!
xoxoxoxo
love the toesies!!!
And will be keeping you in my thoughts.
Sara, I just replied to the email you sent me this morning! I commented here so you could let me know if you don't get it. I can try to send it from my secondary email account and see if that one goes through if the original one doesn't. :)
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