Weeks 17-18

Week 17:

I had my follow up in Birmingham for all the big scaries I had mentioned in my last post.  Long story short, both the u/s tech and doc scanned me and said things weren't right. While baby A's fluid came up a little, his ductus vein to his heart had abnormal flow.  The doc mentioned a birth/heart defect and thought it was best I get seen in Houston.  My sweet mama flew out to me and helped me, the pets, and Skittle drive to Houston for my end of the week appointment.  Tricare was a beast all its own. (First approving my referral, then NOT, then 12 hours before my appt and in my desperation finally agreeing to approve the referral again.)  I was on the phone and chat with them for HOURS at a time, going back and forth between Tricare, my PCM, and my doc in Birmingham.  It was a mess but ultimately worked out. 

Week 18:

Yesterday I had my first appt in Houston at the UT Professional Building which is associated with Memorial Herman.  The staff was less than stellar but it was fairly easy to get to since traffic was light. 

My sonographer was, how shall I say it, lacking human decency and kindness.  All she says to me when she takes me back in the exam room is "Undress from the waste down." Umm, WHY? Who are you?  She could have been the cleaning lady for all I knew!  She said, "cervix check." Great, thanks.  She was rough and it was very unpleasant but I kept my mouth shut (Like I've said before, I've had vaginal ultrasounds a million times. It was NEVER like that).  My cervix measured 3.5cm.  She never spoke to me the entire time.  Then she said, "Get dressed and I'll be back." Normally, I'm told, take your time, clean yourself up, etc etc.  I get dressed, not sure what's happening next. 

She comes back in and she says, "This will be the longest ultrasound you've ever had." Great.  My mom (who was actually allowed to come back with me) asked, "Can you tell us what we are seeing?" Nope, the doctor will do that.  Sure, I get that she can't give me a DIAGNOSIS, but she can't tell us what she is measuring?  Apparently not. (Every other tech I've had at least tells me what she's doing.) The exam started and it HURT. Like at times I was in agony at how hard she was pushing on my stomach with the ultrasound wand.  It felt like a form of torture.  This went on for 1.5 hours with almost no commentary from her. I was able to understand some of what she was doing and tried to fill my mom in as best I could.  My arm fell asleep, and I had to keep moving my feet because I was flat on my back for so long.   When the exam was over, she said she had to input notes and the doc would come talk with us.  And that was it from her. 

A doc (who looked 14...ok, maybe 18) took us to a conference room.  I was pretty nervous to hear what they had to say.  One of the first things out of his mouth was, "You don't need surgery right now!" Music to my ears!!  He went on to explain that I have stage 1 sIUGR (growth restriction) as baby A is in the 4th percentile and baby B is in the 34th percentile.  He explained that stage 1 has the best outcomes and that the chances of it getting to stage 2 or 3 was less than 10%.   A's fluid level was now over 3cm and baby B's was 4.5cm.  All good! The goal is to get to 36 weeks and then they will need to come out. As long as baby A is still growing on his curve, I will be allowed for them to stay in.  We will just have little peanuts when the time comes for them to come out.

Now, I wanted to know all about his ductus vein and probably the real reason we were referred to Houston.  He told us that there was NO indication of any birth or heart defects.  His heart looked PERFECT.  Y'all!  I'm not sure you fully understand the magnitude of that.  During both my 16 week and 17 week u/s his ductus vein was abnormal.  It was confirmed by two people.  At this appt, our baby A was completely healed.   The amount of people praying for us and our babies was astounding and we truly believe God worked a miracle here.  His wave forms with his cords and blood flows were normal for the first time, which the doc explained to us again, was good. While we are not out of the woods with TTTS, I was cleared to be monitored back in AL and could go home.  I don't know why I get so amazed to see what God can do, as if I doubt Him and His abilities to heal. 

As of right now, our baby boys are alive (and kicking me daily).  Thank you to everyone that has reached out, prayed for us, and offered us support during this time.  You are loved.