Monday, February 2, 2009

The results are in...

Well, I've had 5 doctor appointments since the delivery, 2 with a perinatologist and 3 with my OB. They are disagreeing slightly about what happened, but the general conclusion is that I had a partial placental abruption with Alexis, which is why I was bleeding so much. A placental abruption means that the placenta started to tear away from the wall of uterus, causing bleeding. This bleeding caused irritation, which gave me some early contractions. I also then went from not dilated at all to dilated within just a few days, with no other contractions, hence the diagnosis of incompetent cervix. They don't know what caused the abruption, especially since I was really taking it easy, but there is a higher risk with twins. I am also told that the chances of it happening again are about 15%. Great. If it does happen, there is also really nothing you can do about it.

My peri isn't quite sure if I have IC and doesn't want to rush into a cerclage, but instead wants to monitor me once a week, starting at 14 weeks. The problem is, if I truly do have IC and don't get the cerclage, even monitoring once a week could be not enough. My OB is convinced I have IC and does not want to take any chances, so I will be getting a cerclage next time and will then be on bedrest starting at 14 weeks. I feel much better about this, because I have to do everything that I possibly can do to bring home a baby.

10 comments:

Mrs. Spit said...

I'm sorry. I remember my appointment with the peri, and while they were kind, in the end, no one has good answers for pe.

It's good to hear from you, I've been wondering how you were doing.

Never forgetting Gregory said...

That is partially what happened to me. I had a placental abruption and the bleeding caused the contractions. I went from 0-6cm dilated within two hours and delivered Gregory immediately without even knowing what was going on. I am glad to hear you will be getting a cerclage for the possible IC and understand your need to do everything possible to bring home a living child. Hugs.

Anonymous said...

I have been thinking about you. It is our nature as mothers to do whatever it takes to bring a our baby home alive and well. Do what you feel is right.

Tiffany said...

I understand what you mean about doing whatever it takes to bring home a baby. I would stand on my head if they told me to. Now preg, I will being finding out what path is for me to stay preg and bring home a baby, a scary rollercoaster.

Heidi Leach said...

I don't know, but I have felt lead to leave a comment on your site for sometime. I found your blog though a friend of a friend's blog. My heart breaks for you and your family everytime I think of you. I have added you to my favorites and everyday I get on the computer I look at your site hoping you have made another post. I can't imagine the depth of your losses and as I sit here my eyes fill with tears. I am so sorry for your losses. I think of you often and hope that you will experience some healing, but know it will also never be the same. I pray many blessings for you and your family. Blessings!

Lisa Spence said...

Jenell - we pray for you regularly and love you with all our hearts. I know the Lord will find a way to fulfill your desire to be parents and when He does, you are going to rock at it. blessed are the children you have and will hold in your arms.

lisa

Monica said...

just wanted to let know your on my heart often. - Monica Zamora

mrsmuelly said...

At least its some answers. If I can offer some unrequested advice concerning IC, I would talk to one of the IC gurus. I'd get their take on it all. There are risks associated with the cerclage since it is placed during pregnancy...and it doesn't always work 100%. I'd be happy to give you names, emails, and numbers if you want. Just email me at mattandwindy at yahoo dot com.

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you posted, and have been wondering how you're doing. ((hugs)) Have you been tested for the MTHFR blood clotting disorder? That's the first thing that came to my mind when I saw your post...it's definitely worth a check, but I know you've probably already explored that. Many hugs to you...(I am not an expert at all- just have been in grief support groups for awhile now and it seems like your symptoms fit what others have described as MTHFR)...

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear what you've just gone through. I as well just lost a baby at 20 weeks on Feb 1st, 2009. Today was actually her church servies. There is no pain like it, and I can't imagine having to go through it more than once. I'm glad to see you are strong and able to try again. I dont' know if I'm that strong yet to say to maybe go through that again. Good luck to you in the future!