Baby Collins #3
Warning: this is not a happy story, or one with a happy ending, or even one without a bit of blood and guts.
OK, you've been warned.
Thursday morning, I started to experience some early warning signs of a miscarriage. The doctor said it was probably nothing, but unfortunately the symptoms increased steadily through the afternoon, until by early evening I was fairly certain of the worst. An ultrasound Friday morning confirmed what I already pretty much knew: Baby Collins #3 did not grow past the 8 week mark. It was all over two weeks ago, and it was only a matter of time until my body caught up to the fact and began ejecting the now unneeded support structure. My doctor, after much sympathy, gave me some options: I could take some medication to speed up the process of expelling the leftovers, or I could wait it out - a process that could take days or even weeks. I couldn't make the call right there in the doctor's office, so I went home planning to get some wise counsel, think it over, and decide after the weekend - all the while hoping that it would just happen by itself with no intervention from me.
Well, it did - or at least started to. That same night, in fact. Unfortunately, it happened a little too fast and a little too hard and I wasn't really adequately hydrated in the first place. Long story short, after very nearly passing out on Beth's floor, she and Tauna and David convinced me to go to the ER about 10 pm. (Logistical note: David's mother happens to be visiting this week, and so she was able to be home with kids - for which we are Awfully grateful!) Even longer story short, after a 90+ minute wait (Another logistical note: Friday night is not a slow time in the ER!), the doctors and nurses ran several batteries of tests and exams, pumped me full of fluids (I didn't need any blood, thank you God!), and stabilized me to the point both the ER doc and an OB from my doctor's office were comfortable in sending me home - about 4 am!
Unfortunately, I wasn't sent off with an unqualified clean bill of health: at the risk of being graphic, everything has not finished coming out and no-one can predict exactly when it will do so, except that it ought to be "soon." And therefore, no-one can really rule out that more intervention may be needed - although even after my hard night, the doctor didn't seem to think I was showing huge risk factors. I therefore am attempting to remain optimistic.
Today, though, my body is taking a break: my worst symptom has been a hangover-worthy headache for most of the morning and afternoon. I was able to mostly take it easy, although this is labor in an of itself for a mother of two toddlers. I had to laugh when the doctor offered David (who faithfully stayed by my side all night except when there was blood in evidence!) a note for his boss at work. I wondered if perhaps I could get a note excusing me from work? And who I might show it to if I did?
Anyway, thank you for all of you who stayed and/or prayed with me on Friday night and have remembered us in your prayers since. For the immediate future I'm planning to continue to take it easy: the kids' grandma will be here until Wednesday, and as much as I regret the damage to her vacation, I am awfully grateful for her presence. I'm also grateful that for the moment my emotions have almost entirely switched off: I think my body is too busy dealing with immediate health concerns to worry about the full ramifications of the event. I am sure there will be a "butcher's bill" to pay later in the week or month - no predicting that, I guess. Anyway, no neat little bow to wrap this unpleasant little story up with. Just the facts for those of you who want to know them and hopefully plan to keep us in your prayers!
OK, you've been warned.
Thursday morning, I started to experience some early warning signs of a miscarriage. The doctor said it was probably nothing, but unfortunately the symptoms increased steadily through the afternoon, until by early evening I was fairly certain of the worst. An ultrasound Friday morning confirmed what I already pretty much knew: Baby Collins #3 did not grow past the 8 week mark. It was all over two weeks ago, and it was only a matter of time until my body caught up to the fact and began ejecting the now unneeded support structure. My doctor, after much sympathy, gave me some options: I could take some medication to speed up the process of expelling the leftovers, or I could wait it out - a process that could take days or even weeks. I couldn't make the call right there in the doctor's office, so I went home planning to get some wise counsel, think it over, and decide after the weekend - all the while hoping that it would just happen by itself with no intervention from me.
Well, it did - or at least started to. That same night, in fact. Unfortunately, it happened a little too fast and a little too hard and I wasn't really adequately hydrated in the first place. Long story short, after very nearly passing out on Beth's floor, she and Tauna and David convinced me to go to the ER about 10 pm. (Logistical note: David's mother happens to be visiting this week, and so she was able to be home with kids - for which we are Awfully grateful!) Even longer story short, after a 90+ minute wait (Another logistical note: Friday night is not a slow time in the ER!), the doctors and nurses ran several batteries of tests and exams, pumped me full of fluids (I didn't need any blood, thank you God!), and stabilized me to the point both the ER doc and an OB from my doctor's office were comfortable in sending me home - about 4 am!
Unfortunately, I wasn't sent off with an unqualified clean bill of health: at the risk of being graphic, everything has not finished coming out and no-one can predict exactly when it will do so, except that it ought to be "soon." And therefore, no-one can really rule out that more intervention may be needed - although even after my hard night, the doctor didn't seem to think I was showing huge risk factors. I therefore am attempting to remain optimistic.
Today, though, my body is taking a break: my worst symptom has been a hangover-worthy headache for most of the morning and afternoon. I was able to mostly take it easy, although this is labor in an of itself for a mother of two toddlers. I had to laugh when the doctor offered David (who faithfully stayed by my side all night except when there was blood in evidence!) a note for his boss at work. I wondered if perhaps I could get a note excusing me from work? And who I might show it to if I did?
Anyway, thank you for all of you who stayed and/or prayed with me on Friday night and have remembered us in your prayers since. For the immediate future I'm planning to continue to take it easy: the kids' grandma will be here until Wednesday, and as much as I regret the damage to her vacation, I am awfully grateful for her presence. I'm also grateful that for the moment my emotions have almost entirely switched off: I think my body is too busy dealing with immediate health concerns to worry about the full ramifications of the event. I am sure there will be a "butcher's bill" to pay later in the week or month - no predicting that, I guess. Anyway, no neat little bow to wrap this unpleasant little story up with. Just the facts for those of you who want to know them and hopefully plan to keep us in your prayers!