Seriously, it’s all in the timing.

Last updated on February 17, 2021

So, I’m in the hospital right now. It’s nothing seriously major yet – just a 24-observation – but this is shaping up to be a little ridiculous. Here’s the story:

We’re at 31 weeks with Daniel. Earlier this past week (Tuesday the 9th), I had an ultrasound, it looked like that nuchal cluster that was forming was starting to resolve. I didn’t really take it to heart too much – just couldn’t feel relief about it – but maybe I’m just paranoid and it’s really a good sign.

Turns out, no, not really. I started getting some weird readings in our nightly monitoring, namely that Daniel’s heart rate would go down to “sleeping range” (between 120 and 105 bpm), but then he’d roll or move and it would drop further – 94, 92, 90, 87, etc. – and within about 20 seconds, give or take, he’d jerk himself awake, his heart rate would jump to 160, and he’d slowly go back down to the 120-105 range.

He was kind enough to do this while I was in the office Friday morning for my standard NST monitoring, so Dr. Eskam decided that we needed an ultrasound. I had to go over to Labor and Delivery in the hospital for this since they only had one tech available (the other two are in Vegas at a “convention” 😉 ).

That nuchal cluster now makes the Dallas Mix-Master look like a two-road intersection with 15-second stop light.

(For those not in the know, what we’re looking at is a process called torsion, wherein the baby moves in the same direction all the time and the umbilical cord gets twisted up back onto itself repeatedly. You know those phones with cords that can never seem to stay untangled? THAT’S what it looks like – if your neurotic aunt was on the phone with a friend and pacing ceaselessly for about six hours, going around in circles. It’s a big mess – and the same type of entanglement that killed Toby two years ago.)

Dr. Eskam decided that now would be a really good time to give me a couple of steroid shots so that Daniel’s lungs would develop a little faster. We’re all expecting a very early delivery at this point, I think, and the only thing that’s really in question is whether we’re getting induced or having an emergency c-section. I’m just really kinda hoping that we make it at least to November, but there are no guarantees at this point. Seriously.

I am really, really glad that I was in the hospital tonight, though. Those steroid shots actually mess with the blood sugar really bad, and two hours after my dinner, my blood sugar reading was over 300. Yes, that’s very bad. The good news was that I just showed the reading to Phyllis, she got me an insulin shot, and now things are just fine.

Now, I’m about to go to sleep. I’ve finished the first pair of fingerless gloves, I’m on Ravelry.Com finally (Lilith70 – shock of shocks), and I thought it would be a good time to update everyone. I’m not even making this friends-only.

Oh, and I can’t get into any of the AmericanMcGee.Com sites from here, so to all my e-kids – I swear I’ll be there as soon as I can. Send a PM to Mage if you need anything.

Dawn Written by:

17 Comments

  1. October 14, 2007
    Reply

    Wow. I hope everything goes ok, I was just thinking about you!

  2. October 14, 2007
    Reply

    My best thoughts and energies are with you and Daniel right now.

    Poppa

  3. October 14, 2007
    Reply

    i gotta tell you…the steroids are probably the strongest reason why the girls got to come home straight from the hospital (born at 34 weeks) they really seemed to help with their lung development…

  4. October 14, 2007
    Reply

    Oh, my. I’ll definitely be keeping you in my thoughts.

  5. October 15, 2007
    Reply

    Lilith dear I really hope everything turns out okay for little Daniel, you, and Mage. bless your family <3
    may your child be healthy and beautiful and wonderful.. Daniel will be in my wishes.

    the forums will miss you greatly until you return.

    love,
    Jackie (kqbn)

  6. Anonymous
    October 15, 2007
    Reply

    EVERYTHING WILL BE FINE!
    –“erwy-chan”

  7. October 15, 2007
    Reply

    You absolutely cannot beat me to the end of this race, ya hear me? I’m so glad that you have competent people taking care of you right now.

  8. Anonymous
    October 15, 2007
    Reply

    hey

    I wish you the best luck in the world and I hope everything goes okay. I know it’s not much, but I really do love you like a mother. You’re always there for us all and I wish I could be there for you.

    loads of hugs

    Gabriella (a.k.a AoD)

  9. Anonymous
    October 15, 2007
    Reply

    hey knave here. just stopped by to say i hope everything works out for you. on a sidenote, i like the name you chose for the kid. reminds me of dreams.

  10. Anonymous
    October 15, 2007
    Reply

    Lilith,

    Wishing you a safe delivery and expedient recovery.

    Sincerely,
    Daniel (D`Sparil)

  11. Anonymous
    October 15, 2007
    Reply

    hey, Lilith! i hope everything will go on as planned and Daniel comes well and sound to this world! my best wishes and blessings for your future life to you, Mage and little Daniel ov course!

    have a nice day and stay cool. everything will be fine!

    -Gosha

  12. October 15, 2007
    Reply

    *hugs hugs hugs* You are all in my thoughts, dear. All will be well.

  13. Anonymous
    October 15, 2007
    Reply

    Hullo.

    Helloo. Tweed from AmericanMcGee.Com here.

    Erph, I’m terrible at this sort of thing, so I’ll just say this; best of luck with everything, and I hope Daniel isn’t too mischievous. 😉

    From me.

  14. October 15, 2007
    Reply

    More positive thoughts coming your way from Reno. Sounds like you and your doctor are on point with the situation; your writing seems calmer than it has been – all will be well.

  15. October 17, 2007
    Reply

    Keeping you guys in my thoughts. Lots of healthy baby vibes heading your way. It’ll all be okay. 🙂

  16. October 18, 2007
    Reply

    A bit late, I know

    but I wish you both well. =)

  17. Anonymous
    October 27, 2007
    Reply

    Hey Lil-

    I really hope that everything will be okay for you and Daniel.

    He has a great name. 🙂

    -Sarah

    (skurfergirl)

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