Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Womb Mates
Monday, October 8, 2012
Screen & Cerclage
Last Thursday,and yes, I am posting late again due to this relentless morning sickness, Matt and I traveled to Lexington to see our specialist for our NT screen and to check for any obvious abnormalities. Some couples choose to go through this screen, along with a blood test, however because I have to have a cerclage, the screen is highly recommended for me. It checks for indicators of possible chromosomal abnormalities, including Down Syndrome and Trisomy. It is suggested that along with the ultrasound, blood is drawn to give the couple an idea of their likelihood of having a baby with a disability. We decided to turn down the blood draw for a few reasons. The first reason is that we were told that twin pregnancies produce only about a 60% accuracy rate, thus creating a possible worry throughout the entire pregnancy that was not necessary, we didn't plan on aborting, and our NT scan came back within normal range. This does not mean that our babies don't have chromosomal abnormalities, it just means that the likelihood is relatively small. As the geneticist was giving us ratios for a couple of our age for various fetal conditions, all that I could think was, "1:250 of having chromosomal abnormalities seems crazy high compared to our 1:70,000 chance of having Identicals again!"
The appointment took over an hour and we left having scheduled my cerclage on the day I turn 14 weeks, which means that in two weeks these two little ones will be "sewn" (for lack of a better word) in. Given the outcome of my last twin pregnancy, I am glad this option is available to me.
The appointment took over an hour and we left having scheduled my cerclage on the day I turn 14 weeks, which means that in two weeks these two little ones will be "sewn" (for lack of a better word) in. Given the outcome of my last twin pregnancy, I am glad this option is available to me.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Sick and Tired of being Sick and Tired
Well, I went to the specialist over a week ago and had another appointment with my regular obgyn yesterday, but due to the continuous vomitting, posting about either was near impossible. So, I am going to mix both posts into one.
At 8 weeks and 6 days I had my first appointment with my perinatologist. I walked in nervous to find out who would be caring for me this time around, as I was used to being cared for by PDC, a specific group out of Lexington. While sitting in the waiting room, I noticed a familar face walk in. Immediately, Matt recalled his name, Dr. O'Brien. My doctor from the last set of identical twins and the dr who performed my last cerclage. He was as suprised to see me as I was to see him!
We settled in our ultrasound room and the tech began measurements and heartrates. Both heart rates were in the 160's and both measured 8 weeks and 6 days! As soon as she was finishing the scan, Dr. O'Brien walked in. I asked him if he remembered us and he said, "Of course!" Then, after looking at the picture on the ultrasound machine he said, "Well, I certainly didn't expect THIS!" I didn't need to remind him that the odds of having two sets of identical twins were crazy. We caught up, talked about my cerclage, and left with a feeling of confidence that THIS time we WOULD get it right.
Fast forward to yesterday...I had my 10 week 4 day appointment/ultrasound. The babies heart rates were in the 170's, so I am still thinking girls, and they both measured 11 weeks. Perfect. The only thing that isn't perfect is my constant nausea and vomitting. I haven't gained any weight, which didn't seem concerning, but we are running out of options for keeping me comfortable. My OB decided that I could try the drug KYTRIL, which I took with my last set of twins to help me get through the next few weeks. Crossing my fingers that it helps!
So, in summary, so far, so good. My next appointment is next week with the perinatologist and an ultrasound to determine the date of the cerclage.
At 8 weeks and 6 days I had my first appointment with my perinatologist. I walked in nervous to find out who would be caring for me this time around, as I was used to being cared for by PDC, a specific group out of Lexington. While sitting in the waiting room, I noticed a familar face walk in. Immediately, Matt recalled his name, Dr. O'Brien. My doctor from the last set of identical twins and the dr who performed my last cerclage. He was as suprised to see me as I was to see him!
We settled in our ultrasound room and the tech began measurements and heartrates. Both heart rates were in the 160's and both measured 8 weeks and 6 days! As soon as she was finishing the scan, Dr. O'Brien walked in. I asked him if he remembered us and he said, "Of course!" Then, after looking at the picture on the ultrasound machine he said, "Well, I certainly didn't expect THIS!" I didn't need to remind him that the odds of having two sets of identical twins were crazy. We caught up, talked about my cerclage, and left with a feeling of confidence that THIS time we WOULD get it right.
Fast forward to yesterday...I had my 10 week 4 day appointment/ultrasound. The babies heart rates were in the 170's, so I am still thinking girls, and they both measured 11 weeks. Perfect. The only thing that isn't perfect is my constant nausea and vomitting. I haven't gained any weight, which didn't seem concerning, but we are running out of options for keeping me comfortable. My OB decided that I could try the drug KYTRIL, which I took with my last set of twins to help me get through the next few weeks. Crossing my fingers that it helps!
So, in summary, so far, so good. My next appointment is next week with the perinatologist and an ultrasound to determine the date of the cerclage.
Friday, September 7, 2012
8 Weeks
I just returned from my 8 week doctor's appointment and received great news! Each baby has his/her own sac. This is a huge relief because as of last week they appeared to be sharing a sac, making them monochorionic/monoamniotic, or MoMo twins, the most dangerous kind. Most MoMo's are delivered via c-section at 32 weeks, so 2 months before their due date because of cord entanglement issues as well as other scary things.
So, for now, we are expecting Mo-Di twins. (Monochorionic/Diamniotic). Adelide and Belle were MoDi, so I feel a little more confident in understanding the risks involved.
On to better news! Both Babies were measuring 8 weeks and 2 days at our 8 day ultrasound, so they both took a big growth spurt this week, and so did my tummy. I am quite sure I will be unable to hide the pregnancy for long! Baby A heartrate was 168, while Baby B came in with 164. These heartrates make me think they are girls, but only time will tell!
Because of my extreme nausea and vomiting, my OB offered to send me to the hospital for fluids, but I declined, opting instead for trying a new medicine combo. I am now on 8 mg zofran 3 times a day and reglan 4 times a day. As of right now I am sick most of the day, so I am hoping this will subside in the next few weeks.
I was schduled to meet with the perinatologist next week for another ultrasound and to discuss our course of action as well as the cerclage that will be placed between 13-14 weeks.
So, for now, we are expecting Mo-Di twins. (Monochorionic/Diamniotic). Adelide and Belle were MoDi, so I feel a little more confident in understanding the risks involved.
On to better news! Both Babies were measuring 8 weeks and 2 days at our 8 day ultrasound, so they both took a big growth spurt this week, and so did my tummy. I am quite sure I will be unable to hide the pregnancy for long! Baby A heartrate was 168, while Baby B came in with 164. These heartrates make me think they are girls, but only time will tell!
Because of my extreme nausea and vomiting, my OB offered to send me to the hospital for fluids, but I declined, opting instead for trying a new medicine combo. I am now on 8 mg zofran 3 times a day and reglan 4 times a day. As of right now I am sick most of the day, so I am hoping this will subside in the next few weeks.
I was schduled to meet with the perinatologist next week for another ultrasound and to discuss our course of action as well as the cerclage that will be placed between 13-14 weeks.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Our Journey Begins...
Our journey began on our 10th Wedding Anniversary, August 3rd, 2012. I had been dealing with a very large pain in my neck (because a level was "out"), and decided that I absolutely could not stand it anymore and was going to take some pain medicine. Because we had decided that this would be our last month trying to concieve, I thought it necessary to take a pregnancy test before I popped any pills. Given that my period was not due for another 9 days, I never in a million years would have dreamed I would get a positive result. But that is just exactly what I got! So I rushed to lie back down and called for Matt to tell him the news and ask for an icepack...I wouldn't be taking pain meds anytime soon! I was cautiously optimistic because, as anyone who knows my history can attest, I have had quite a few miscarriages and failed pregnancies.
I decided that this news would best be kept secret, even from my doctor, until I had two weeks worth of positive pregnancy tests, to rule out the possiblity of a chemical pregnancy. Well, that didn't last too long because I was having my first blood draw August 7th. The nurse who called with the results was a bit surprised by the number and asked again how far along I thought I was. I told her I was still 3 days from missing my period. My hcg level was 326, needless to say, very high! She scheduled me to come in 2 days later for another draw to be sure the levels were doubling and told me not to be too alarmed, but that possibly I ovulated much earlier than I thought.
I spent the next two days blowing Google up! I could find NO instance where a number that high didn't result in twins or triplets. I prepared myself mentally. Surely this wouldn't happen twice!?! Two days later the lab results were back and my number was doubling nicely, as it should, at 682. This calmed my nerves because I had spent hours researching twin pregnancies and remembering the endless weeks of morning sickness and fatigue. I felt like I could breath again. I knew I could carry and delivery 1 baby without any trouble, I have done that 3 times, but 2 babies was not something I felt I could do. I failed the first time.
Because my numbers were so high compared to my cycle day, my OB asked me to come in for an early scan, because he felt I might be much farther along than I thought. I went to the appointment alone, prepared for the worst. As the image showed on the screen in front of me, tears filled my eyes. Not tears of joy, but tears of panic. I saw 2 sacs, one regularly shaped and one oddly shaped. After the ultrasound was complete, the Dr. spoke with me in his office. He seemed less than optimistic. The very round sac was definitely a good sign, but the odd shaped sac wasn't. We were not able to see a yolk sac or fetal pole, so at this point it looked grim. He asked me to return in one week and I questioned him about my high hcg numbers and the fact that there was only one sac. He told me that only time will tell.
One week later I returned, scared out of my mind. This was it...I couldn't stand to experience another loss. The image of the sonogram in front of me was all too familiar. I saw one sac and TWO circles (fetal poles). I stunned the ultrasound tech when I acknowledged the identical twins on the screen before me. She had no idea I had experienced this before and was reluctant to say anything to me. She rushed out of the room to get the doctor, while I layed shaking on the table. The doctor confirmed what I saw instantly...Identical twins! There was still no heartbeats, but everything seemed to measure just as I predicted.
"My suggestion to you is to go and play the lottery!" were the words that first came out of his mouth. The chances of having identical twins twice is about 1:70,000. I was crying and shaking from both excitment and fear. First excitement, then an overwhelming fear. I couldn't do it last time, what made me think I could carry these babies this time? I dialed Matt's number as I walked into the parking lot and told him the one thing I never thought I would say to him again..."It's twins...they are identical." I then became rather hysterical and called my mom. She got the brunt of most of my anguish and fear. How could I be excited when A) there were no heartbeats and B) I had already failed at this once? Only time would tell...
They scheduled me for another ultrasound 2 weeks later and at the 9 day mark I called and asked to come in ASAP...I could wait no longer. They agreed, and this time Matt got to come with me. I thought I was 7 weeks, and the ultrasound confirmed, complete with two identical heartbeats at 141 bpm! I clapped, I cried, I experienced every possible emotion. Reality began to sink in, this was a real pregnancy, and at least for the time being there were 2! The due date, even though twins never go that far was set for April 19th, the day before A turns 7!
Over the next week, my morning sickness hit hard. I began taking the maximum dose of zofran and struggled to keep anything down. My nights were miserable. My days were miserable. The only difference is this time I have other children to tend to. They were my priority and I did the best I could given the circumstances.
Today I am 7 weeks and 6 days and entirely too nauseous to be staring at this computer screen. We go for another appointment tomorrow and I plan on asking about mixing medication to get me through the first trimester. My stomach is already popping out, so I know getting nutrients is vital. Another update to come tomorrow! Bring on 8 Weeks!
I decided that this news would best be kept secret, even from my doctor, until I had two weeks worth of positive pregnancy tests, to rule out the possiblity of a chemical pregnancy. Well, that didn't last too long because I was having my first blood draw August 7th. The nurse who called with the results was a bit surprised by the number and asked again how far along I thought I was. I told her I was still 3 days from missing my period. My hcg level was 326, needless to say, very high! She scheduled me to come in 2 days later for another draw to be sure the levels were doubling and told me not to be too alarmed, but that possibly I ovulated much earlier than I thought.
I spent the next two days blowing Google up! I could find NO instance where a number that high didn't result in twins or triplets. I prepared myself mentally. Surely this wouldn't happen twice!?! Two days later the lab results were back and my number was doubling nicely, as it should, at 682. This calmed my nerves because I had spent hours researching twin pregnancies and remembering the endless weeks of morning sickness and fatigue. I felt like I could breath again. I knew I could carry and delivery 1 baby without any trouble, I have done that 3 times, but 2 babies was not something I felt I could do. I failed the first time.
Because my numbers were so high compared to my cycle day, my OB asked me to come in for an early scan, because he felt I might be much farther along than I thought. I went to the appointment alone, prepared for the worst. As the image showed on the screen in front of me, tears filled my eyes. Not tears of joy, but tears of panic. I saw 2 sacs, one regularly shaped and one oddly shaped. After the ultrasound was complete, the Dr. spoke with me in his office. He seemed less than optimistic. The very round sac was definitely a good sign, but the odd shaped sac wasn't. We were not able to see a yolk sac or fetal pole, so at this point it looked grim. He asked me to return in one week and I questioned him about my high hcg numbers and the fact that there was only one sac. He told me that only time will tell.
One week later I returned, scared out of my mind. This was it...I couldn't stand to experience another loss. The image of the sonogram in front of me was all too familiar. I saw one sac and TWO circles (fetal poles). I stunned the ultrasound tech when I acknowledged the identical twins on the screen before me. She had no idea I had experienced this before and was reluctant to say anything to me. She rushed out of the room to get the doctor, while I layed shaking on the table. The doctor confirmed what I saw instantly...Identical twins! There was still no heartbeats, but everything seemed to measure just as I predicted.
"My suggestion to you is to go and play the lottery!" were the words that first came out of his mouth. The chances of having identical twins twice is about 1:70,000. I was crying and shaking from both excitment and fear. First excitement, then an overwhelming fear. I couldn't do it last time, what made me think I could carry these babies this time? I dialed Matt's number as I walked into the parking lot and told him the one thing I never thought I would say to him again..."It's twins...they are identical." I then became rather hysterical and called my mom. She got the brunt of most of my anguish and fear. How could I be excited when A) there were no heartbeats and B) I had already failed at this once? Only time would tell...
They scheduled me for another ultrasound 2 weeks later and at the 9 day mark I called and asked to come in ASAP...I could wait no longer. They agreed, and this time Matt got to come with me. I thought I was 7 weeks, and the ultrasound confirmed, complete with two identical heartbeats at 141 bpm! I clapped, I cried, I experienced every possible emotion. Reality began to sink in, this was a real pregnancy, and at least for the time being there were 2! The due date, even though twins never go that far was set for April 19th, the day before A turns 7!
Over the next week, my morning sickness hit hard. I began taking the maximum dose of zofran and struggled to keep anything down. My nights were miserable. My days were miserable. The only difference is this time I have other children to tend to. They were my priority and I did the best I could given the circumstances.
Today I am 7 weeks and 6 days and entirely too nauseous to be staring at this computer screen. We go for another appointment tomorrow and I plan on asking about mixing medication to get me through the first trimester. My stomach is already popping out, so I know getting nutrients is vital. Another update to come tomorrow! Bring on 8 Weeks!
The world still doesn't know
While we aren't quite ready to tell the world we are expecting again, I wanted to start this blog to document our journey, so that when the time is right, family can read through our experience. First of all, let me start by saying that the thought of having identical twins again NEVER crossed my mind. Identicals are considered "flukes", with no real understanding of why they happen. Apparently the odds of having identicals twice is 1:70,000! After the loss of Adelide and Belle, our first set of identicals, I mourned for a very long time. I mourned my babies, I mourned motherhood being taken from me, and last of all I mourned the amazing opportunity of being a mommy to identical twins being torn from my grasp. I will detail this loss in another post, however, right now, I am choosing to look at the positive, exciting aspects of this pregnancy. Follow us in this amazing journey...
Identicals AGAIN
I am starting this blog to document our journey into the unknown, yet again. We are expecting identical twins for a second time, so this blog will serve as a way to update family/friends on progress in our pregnancy.
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