12/7/10

I went to the Doctor yesterday for some biophysical testing on the babies. These extra ultrasound tests look for the activity level of all the babies, the muscle tone, amount of amniotic fluid and the time they spend on practicing their breathing. They shared with us that a lot of times they don't begin the breathing practice until 30-32 weeks. I have taken my first course of steroids and was hoping to see some breathing. All three babies passed all portions of this test. In fact baby B (Tyler, the smallest one) and baby C (Emily) were fighting to see who was most active and Tyler had the most breathing activity. Based on their tests they are doing very well for only being 28 weeks along and the doctor felt it was time to deliver them. He based this on the fact that his umbilical pressures were the same to slightly worse and the risk for him and his identical twin (Ryan) were something to happen to him at this point. He felt the risk of waiting was higher than that of delivery. They started my second round of steroids, scheduled me for another appointment today to repeat the testing and get my second dose of steroids, and set my C-section for wednesday at 12:30pm.

The testing was good today as well. Ryan had less breathing seen on the ultrasound today than yesterday so the tech scored him lower than the other two but the physician was not concerned about this in the slightest given their gestational age. He still feels we need to deliver soon and asked how we were feeling about delivering tomorrow. I told him that naturally we were nervous because it is still so early but understand the risk not delivering is very high as well and that we felt some relief to know that any further complications will be each baby for himself and not effect the others. They were very honest to tell us that the first week is the hardest and there is a lot of testing that is done due to the increased risk of complications of prematurity. After the first week it is very common to still encounter problems and it is not easy but is generally less stressful than the first week. Each day is a new day and we will have some good and some bad.

I have to check into the hospital tomorrow at 10:30 am and they have my surgery scheduled at 12:30. The doctor said his deliveries are generally very quick and the babies are often born in the same minute because he wants them all to have the same chance of getting quick intervention for any difficulties they face immediately. For those of you who are wanting to visit you are welcome just know that depending on the babies condition they may not be able to be seen and when they are able to be seen, Rusty and I will be able to take 2 people in at a time and each person must complete a 3 minute hand scrub from finger tips to elbows before entering the NICU and will probably not be allowed to touch the babies. They also told us that it is flu season and if you have ANY symptoms that you are sick please do not come visit the babies or me. If I become sick I will not be allowed to see my little ones. Once flu outbreaks have hit our area they generally further restrict visitors so there is a possibility at some point that we will have to tell people they are not allowed in to see the babies. I know this is hard for some of you but it is important to keep them healthy so we can get them home faster where they can start their new lives! Keep in mind I am having surgery tomorrow as well as many difficult emotions due to the circumstances. Please be patient. I will try to get everyone including this blog updated after deliver tomorrow but it may be a day or two. I will do my best.