God has other plans

As some of you may know, I went into preterm labor on Thursday evening.  Dr. Thompson was in Hanover, KS at Hanover Hospital and was covering for Drs. Linda and Roger Warren, so I headed for Hanover.  Dr. Thompson thought I was dilating and starting to contract.  I was put on fluids and a monitor for baby's heartbeat and contractions.  I got there at 6:30 pm and less than two hours later I was on a helicopter headed to Stormont Vail in Topeka.  I was so glad Dr. Thompson was there and equally happy to see Dr. Linda before I was put on the helicopter.  Small town doctors are the best!  I'm also grateful that Topeka was only 40 minutes away.  They have a NICU and are prepared to handle preterm babies.  We flew 125 miles per hour.  The guys on the helicopter were a hoot.  I knew it would be a fun ride when they told me not to worry, "They had pulled lots of calves before and I would be in good hands."  I definitely needed some comic relief at that point.  Dan was in Hanover with me and got to Topeka about 11 pm.

I have been on bedrest and constant monitoring since I got to Topeka.  My contractions have stopped and I have been given medicine to help the baby's lungs and brain develop.  The biggest concern now is infection since my water is leaking.  I have been pumped full of antibiotics to help prevent infection.  Right now it is just a waiting game.  The doc Friday morning said I would probably have baby girl within 72 hours, but there would be a 20% chance I could go two weeks or more.  The NICU doctor from Friday night told us it would probably be within the week.  My nurse this morning (Saturday) has been here for 20 years and told me she has seen women with my same condition that have held off labor for 6 weeks on bedrest.  It is daunting to think about being on bedrest for weeks, but I'm hoping and praying that I will be one of the lucky ones.  I was 27 weeks on Friday.  It is still very early, but there is a 98% survival rate but higher risk of complications to baby.  Basically, no one knows when I will go into labor.  I am taking it day by day and not thinking any further than that.  Each day is a victory and I thank God for every additional day I remain pregnant.

I have had some really good nurses during my stay already.  I have also been impressed with the doctors.  They seem rather short handed since it is a holiday weekend, but everyone has been knowledgeable, realistic, and optimistic about my situation.  The goal is to keep me pregnant as long as possible. Since my water is leaking, I will remain at Stormont Vail for the duration of my pregnancy.  I hope to be blogging from my hospital bed for many weeks, but everything is in God's hands.  Dan has been staying with me in Topeka, and his mom (Cindy) has visited too.  We appreciate your prayers, support, and love.  Lydia, Daniel, and Baby Girl