Wednesday, May 20, 2009

UPDATE #2

I’m happy to report that Brooke had the cerclage surgery today, and there were no noticeable complications. They were able to “push” the membrane of the amniotic sack back to where it should be and then stitch off the cervix, which will hopefully prevent it from shortening any more.

The surgery finally happened around six o’clock this evening and Brooke was in the recovery room before seven. She’s has had some really bad cramping and the two percosets haven’t been too successful in dulling it much. Hopefully, she’ll be able to sleep a bit and wake up to a pain-free stomach.

The good news is that the surgery worked and we are in a much better position than we were in just 24 hours ago. The bad news is that the risk of infection from the surgery is pretty high so we’ve got to be extremely wary for the next two weeks. Dr. Houlihan said that it will take two weeks without problems to be sure that there were no adverse effects from the surgery. So while we feel a lot lot lot lot lot lot better, we’re not out of the proverbial woods yet.

I’m home now as I’m typing this (11:43 p.m.) and Brooke just called me to report that, after I left the hospital, the nurses did some tests and heard each of the babies’ heartbeats and they all sounded just as strong as ever. It was also interesting (though not a good thing) that Brooke actually had a contraction after the surgery. They had told us this was likely to happen due to the drugs, Brooke had never felt one before. Luckily, it was just the one so there was never a concern that she was going to go into labor, but now she knows what it feels like for when the time does finally come—which will hopefully not be for at least another ten to fourteen weeks!

Brooke will be in the hospital for at least another full day. We asked about maybe being allowed to come home tomorrow night and Dr. Houlihan didn’t seem overly optimistic, but he also didn’t dismiss it altogether. But another day at the hospital to be monitored and cared for isn’t the worst thing in the world right now (though Brooke is going through some sort of withdraw from begin apart from her Roy-friend for so long).

Again, thank you to everyone for the constant barrage of messages, texts, emails, etc. Knowing we’re not alone has made this much easier for us both, and we’ve told the babies how lucky they are that so many people are going to want to meet them.

I’ll post again tomorrow night just to let you know how everything progresses.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad the babies are doing well and hopefully there won't be any complications from the surgery!
I'm keeping your whole family in my thoughts!

Melissa said...

you are all in my thoughts. thank you for giving an update.

Anonymous said...

THEY ARE FINE - THEY ARE FINE - THEY ARE FINE. WE HAVE TO BELIEVE THAT AND NOTHING ELSE... Give Brooke a huge hug and a kiss from all of us - let her know we are all here for each of you... Keep your chin up and be strong and make sure you are taking care of yourself as well... Hang in there... xoxoxoxo All My Love Always, Auntie :)

Rhea Reimer said...

Larry and I are so glad that the surgery went well and we will continue to keep Brooke and those three beautiful babies in our thoughts and prayers. Tell Brooke we send our best wishes and please keep us posted.

Sarah - The Home Cook said...

I'm absolutely thrilled that the surgery was a success and that Brooke is doing well. Hugs to you both!

Susan said...

My sister, a mom of twins had this procedure done in her 21st week of pregnancy, most moms of multiples have it done, I was surprised to hear your first doctor didn't want to do it, since it is so common. She stayed in the hospital for about 4 days after the procedure then went on mosified bed rest. The cerclage stayed put until one of babies decided it was time to come out and her water broke at around 32 weeks. They are 2 months old now, happy and healthy as can be! Best of luck to you guys on your journey!!!!!

White Toast with Butter said...

That is wonderful news. I am a follower of the Cookie blog - and came over to see what Brooke was up to! I'll continue to pray.

#1SAHM said...

I'm so glad she was able to get the surgery and that things are going well so far. Can they put her on antibiotics of some sort to prevent an infection? My fingers are crossed for you guys and you're all still in my prayers.

Amanda said...

Sounds like pretty good news. I'm still praying hard for you all!

scatterbrainliz said...

I'm so happy to hear the surgery went well and the heartbearts are just as strong as before. I'll keep you in my thoughts.

Anonymous said...

=) absolutely cannot wait to meet them!! glad to hear better news, and very happy to have received an email from ms. grickowski that you'll be in school tomorrow. ~~lots of good thoughts~~ nikki