Yet again, apologies for the delayed post. Things have become a bit hectic on our end.
Since the beginning of her 3rd trimester, C has been itching a bit, but as of a week ago the itching became unbearable and unremitting. Today marks the 6th consecutive day without sleep, and she is covered in self-inflicted scratch marks. Apparently, in roughly 7 of 1000 pregnancies, women develop a condition called Obstetric Cholestasis (OC). In OC, bile acids enter the blood stream and cause severe and unrelenting itching. OC is very rare, but more common in mothers of twins than in mothers of singletons. I have no idea what 6 days of sleeplessness is like, but I do know that sleep deprivation is form of torture used on enemy combatants. C has just been elevated from generally amazing to superhero/sainthood status.
There is an entire support group devoted to moms with OC (www.itchymoms.com) but most of the messages posted attest to the frustration of those who suffer from it: the itchiness, in many cases, does not subside until delivery.
After a week of normal ultrasounds and echo-cardiograms, Dr. Simpson recommended that we begin bi-weekly monitoring as we cross the 32 week threshold (which passed this weekend). Today, Baby A's fluid was low enough that C was again admitted to triage at the Labor and Delivery unit for Non-Stress Testing, which we passed without incident. However, Dr. Miller has asked C to be admitted to the hospital and receive steroid shots in case Baby A's fluid situation does not resolve, in which case we would probably deliver in the next few days. During this time, C will be monitored closely. At this point, we're unsure if she will be staying in the hospital for several days (or weeks?).
Still, we hold out hope that we'll make it to 34 weeks (10 days away), when risk of pre-term complications diminishes greatly. It's no great comfort that our primary doctor (Simpson) is out-of-town while these decisions are being made, but Dr. Miller has given us excellent, if cautious, care up to now. Simpson returns on Monday.
For now, C is in hospital, I'm at work, and one of her best friends is by her side. I'm heading home to grab stuff for this unexpected hospital stay and we'll play it by ear.
Thanks to everyone for everything. We're in the home stretch now.
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Great news. I can't imagine how difficult this time has been on you all. Unfortunately, I know all too well how Carrie feels going on no sleep. Because of problems with my 2nd pregancy, I went for 10 days without sleep. It is miserable for her I know. We pray that she gets some sort of relief from the discomfort and exhaustion and pray for the babies, you have gotten this far and that is wonderful! Hang in there, you are so close. Courtney R.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on hitting 32 weeks- that's a big TTTS milestone and 34 is right around the corner! I was glad to read this update, though sorry that Carrie is dealing with this itching thing. That must suck.
ReplyDeletePlease send her my best, I am thinking about her, and sorry I never sent my Boost- it was really heavy to ship. :-)
-Tova
Just a couple of cute sets of footprints on your Facebook. AWESOME!
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