Doctor Updates

I'm now pretty settled in and have seen most of the specialists that will be following me through this. Here's what we know and sorry if it is TMI:

Dr N (my ob/gyn) - In the tests that were order at my arrival all have come back completely within normal ranges except one. Because of the risk of Preeclampsia again, a 24 hour urine collection was done to see how much protein I was "spilling" to at least have a baseline to start. The top of the range according to textbooks is 150mg and my result was 300mg. Although a little higher, no one is overly concerned at this point. Just to compare to where I was with Jackson, my reading at admission was 3000mg. He also ordered steroid injections that will help the baby's lungs mature at a faster rate to prepare him for a preterm birth. I get two initially a day apart and then will get a booster close to when we think he might be delivered.

Dr. G (perinatologist - high risk ob/gyn) - He did an ultrasound when I was admitted on Wednesday and the baby looked great. His estimated weight was 2lbs 2oz (Jackson was 2lbs 9oz at birth and was 2 1/2 weeks farther along). I had a second ultrasound done this morning and baby is still looking good. The doctor mentioned that as long as my blood pressure stayed below under 160/110 we would keep everything as it currently is medication wise. Last reading about 2 hours ago was 142/85. It has fluctuated from a high of 157/101 last night to the current reading, so I'm still not having a stable blood pressure. He does not want to adjust or add any additional medication at this time because if it goes too low it could affect blood flow to the baby and the same if it is too high. The baby seems to be used to everything and is obviously thriving.

Dr K (neonatologist) - First I want to say that we have a long history with this doctor. She was the one that took care of Jackson for his 81 day stay here 5 years ago and I am SO thankful she is still here. She came by and visited with me. I had a list of questions ready to see what support would be needed based on when my ob/gyn thinks the earliest I might deliver (32-33 weeks) and what complications we might be facing with him being born at this gestation. This timeframe would be lightyears better than what we experienced with Jackson and would probably mean only a 4-6 week NICU stay. We are hoping to make it as far as possible and bring this baby home, but spending a little time with NICU staff would not be the end of the world.

Well, that's where we stand today. Jackson is spending the night with Grandma tonight and most of the day tomorrow. Please be thinking of her and pray she gets some sleep. Nana is still recovering from having him stay Wednesday night and all day Thursday. We are hoping to get him set in a regular schedule, so he knows what to expect and keep behavior issues to a minimum.

Thanks again for all the prayers and well wishes we have received!

P.S. I was finally moved to out of Labor & Delivery and am in an antepartum room, which is where I will stay until the time arrives.