They finally let me go last night, but I have to go back in to the cardiologist this morning for some stress tests.  Yesterday, while I was in Jen's room, my heart just started doing the funky chicken.  I've felt that before, like I was getting an extra beat in the middle of the normal beats.  Usually it doesn't hurt, but this built up to where my heart simply wasn't pumping blood to my brain any more, and I started to pass out.  I got a really cool picture of the strange heart rhythm from the nurse, I'll try to post it later.

So, we are back to having just Jen there.  They have tried to treat her with terbutaline, which made her sick, then they gave her phenergan (I have no idea if I spell those right) which is supposed to help nausea, but it made her violently ill.  Thankfully, now she is calm and not as sick.  My little adventure yesterday didn't help much.

Once again, thanks for everything.

DennisM1045 wrote on Sep 22^nd, 2008 at 12:43pm:


busted

My goodness Shawn, I think someone up there is preparing the both of you for twins! What could possibly be stressful after all this?!? 

On a serious note, I have kept you in my thoughts and been sending all the positive vibes I've got to you. Every day that goes by is a day those babies get stronger.

Love Em
x

We're still praying for you all.  You will be mentioned for special prayer tomorrow at church, and in the academy at church.  God has a purpose in all of this.  I often wish He would tell me what it is, but He hasn't yet.   Keep your chins up.  We're still behind you.

Jerry

your all in my prayers!  Phew what a load your bearing.  I will pray everyday .

DennisM1045 wrote on Sep 23^rd, 2008 at 9:17am:


Also beware the Red Bull...if you use that.  I'm glad that you're getting good care.  My dad actually had a very similar rhythm and his managed to resolve spontaneously somehow, so I hope that yours does too!  Lord knows you don't need to be going through more issues!  My dad's actually happened during a time of extreme stress, but I believe resolved without medication.  He is on heart medications, but not for rhythm - but for blood pressure and so on.

As far as the babies - you know I've been praying for you nonstop for years, and I escalate those prayers even higher every time I read one of your updates.  So the NICU talk - I know the talk.  It can be very scary.  And it's obviously even more scary when you've got TWO babies!  They are officially viable by dates, as I'm sure they told you - but multiple births mean they are technically younger than they really are.  Although not all twins turn out that way by any means!!

And those problems they probably listed?  Just have to take it one day at a time.  If they do come early and are admitted to the NICU as micropreemie twins, then the ONLY thing you can do is take it one day at a time.  I can tell you that there are times when it all seems awful, times when it all seems great, then times when it all seems awful again, then a good day, then 2 bad days, then 5 good days, a week of bad days, and 2 weeks of good days.  Or sometimes an hour of good, hour of bad, hour of good and so on.  What is ultimately most important is the big picture.  To have them move in a forward direction OVERALL.  Not every baby hits every problem, but they still have to forewarn you of all the possibilities.

I know I'm not telling you anything they didn't already tell you, but you just can't let their talk totally blow your mind off.  Obviously you have choices, depending on when the babies come and how things go at delivery.  How you proceed throughout ANY of these things (birth, initial minutes/hours/days/weeks/months) and the choices you make are your choices - and you must trust that you are always making the best decision you can, with the information you have AT THAT TIME.

Let the doctors and nurses worry about everything - and you and Jen just continue to hope and pray for the best, and we will all do the same with you.  It really does help the babies when the parents try to remain calm (sometimes an impossible request) and are present and interacting - if they do end up in the NICU at an early gestation.  All of this is a major "WHAT IF".

The docs don't want to scare you, but they have to give you all your options and the full picture of what you may be getting into.  It isn't fair to your or Jen not to present you with all the possibilities, even though it will make you feel horrible and scare the living daylights out of you.  It allows you to make informed decisions and to decide what direction you want things to go.  Once the babies are born, all you can do is hold on to every single positive thing that happens and hang tight during the tough times.

This is the best I can do from my end to add to the preparation speech without going to much more into it.  (And I know you didn't ask for my NICU input, but just always know you have a trusted NICU nurse friend and CH buddy in me!!)  But you and Jen are very strong - and you have all of us behind you every step of the way, no matter what.

I am praying BIG TIME for the babies to just hold tight in there each day a little longer!!  Have they talked about giving steroids before delivery to help with lung maturity if they do start to come?

I cannot begin to tell you how many miracles I have seen out of the NICU.  NOTHING is predictable.  Each day they stay inside mom is another day for them to get stronger and for their lungs and vital organs to develop just a little bit more.

Hang in there and take care.

Much love, hugs, and PF wishes!!!
Carrie

Soo, we need to form a team of people to play checkers with Jen to drown out the neighbor...and, for you......you.........some yoga, deep breathing exercises and......for the babies..............YOU precious angels.keep hanging on! We're all looking forward to your arrival, but NOT YET!
Nonstop vibes for all of you!
Shawn thanks for the positive news, now go take care of yourself!!
GOINg  for 25 weeks now......baby steps for babies.......next week, we'll ask for yet another week, then another......then another!
cathi

Still praying for you Shawn and Jen.  Hang in there!

Ray

Shawn,
more prayers are on their way. I'm glad that things are bit better now - and I hope that more good news are on their way. Such as Jen's roommate will find a new room.

Hugs and prayers to you all,
Sanna

Thanks for the update.  Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Hugs and Kisses,

Jen

Thanks for the update.

You and your family continues to be in my thoughts and prayers.  Sorry to hear Jen has a problem roommate.  Being in the hospital is stessful enough without having to deal with that.  I agree with Jeannie that you should request a room change for the reasons given.

Beth

So glad to read good news here. Each week is a milestone you, Jen and babies overcome. We're all counting the weeks down with you, willing those little ones to keep safe and to not make an appearance until they are strong and ready. Bring on 28 weeks and beyond!

I'm with the others in requesting a room change. That isn't good for your stress levels and will undoubtedly be affecting Jen too. I'm sure the hospital will understand.

Still sending vibes.

Em
x