Update

Hello gang!

Thanks so much for your supportive comments. Obviously, we weren't ready for family to know about this pregnancy just yet, especially since we are still getting used to the idea ourselves :-).

I have so many unpublished posts, but I want to update you all about my appointments first.

Since we last spoke (if one can call it that), I have had 2 appointments. We had our first appointment with the MFM two Fridays ago (10/29). Can I tell you I was a nervous wreck! I was so nervous I was shaking -literally, clammy hands and all, heart racing a mile a minute. The tech did the standard NT measurement (normal a 12.5/13/3 - hank you Jesus!), took some shots of the little one, and had then had me strip from the waist down (dildo time!). Dr. R. then came in and asked questions regarding who did my TAC and so on. I was then able to ask whatever questions I had as well. The questions I asked were:

1.) How many TAC patients have you seen?

2.) How often will I be seen?

3.) Is Betamethasone shots going to be given at 24 weeks?

4.) What is your opinion regarding modified or full bedrest this pregnancy?

5.) How do you measure the cervix with TAC patients? Do you usually include the lower uterine segment which is contracted during the first trimester?

6.) To the u/s tech - Will you always be the one doing my c/l measurements?

In a nutshell, his response to the questions were, he has treated quite a few TAC patients and they have never done bedrest so he does not anticipate that I will be on bedrest, plus a TAC hold the cervix closed. If I am worried we will take it one appointment at a time. In regards to the steroid shots for the baby's lungs, it all depends on how we progress. The same protocol is used when measuring non TAC patients. He agrees with my OB's about starting the P17 shots at 16 weeks.

After this conversation, he then uttered the dreaded words, "let's take a look a his cervix". I immediately covered my eyes and remarked that my cervix and I have a love/hate relationship. ha! I did not remove my hands from my eyes until he said "good".

Now, keep in mind, my cervix measured 3.4 cm on October 24th (8 + weeks). At this appointment, it measured............................................................... ready for this?.............................................................. 3.62 cm (12 wks, 5 days) !!!!!!!!!!!!! Yup! The doggone cervix grew! Now, this may not seem much of a difference to you, but last pregnancy, my c/l measured 4.1 cm at 10 weeks, and by 12 weeks, 5 days I was measuring only 3.5 cm. I consider this a dramatic improvement! I left the appointment with a smile on my face, praising God and more confident than ever! Praise Jesus! I see the MFM again on November 23rd.

My next appointment with my OB was pretty short (11/05). I have only gained 3 pounds so far (yay!) I showed him the note from the MFM which said my c/l was 3.3 - confused but will follow up with the MFM when we see him again. Dr. C. said he probably made a mistake. We will see because I had Dr. R. repeat my c/l several times and he said it measured 3.62 cm. I am sticking with that report especially since I wrote it down.

Dr. C. then asked the next dreaded question, "what did Dr. R. say about you not working?" I quickly told him what he said. My OB is very conservative and is quick to put me on bedrest. I reminded him that the TAC should limit the need for bedrest and there is no way I went through major surgery only to end up on bedrest when my c/l is good! If it changes, sure, but I am not anticipating much change.

So, both positive appointments so far. I am taking it easy though. I come home and I am down for the rest of the night and stay down all weekend.

Thank you so much for your prayers, well wishes and good thoughts!

On another note, another blm and one of my dearest friends recently started a blog. Please stop by and leave Tonya some love!

Awaiting my expected end (great c/l and still working!)

Marie