Pregnancy Update

Prolonging the inevitable can only go for so long. Monday I was admitted to the hospital and it’s been an emotional roller coaster kind of day.

We drove to Atlanta Sunday night, stayed at our friend’s house again and got up this morning to start the long day of appointments. 

We started with the OB. We talked to her, asked some questions, she listened to the baby’s heartbeat and we were done.

Luckily the cardiologist is in the same building, so we headed there next. I had an echo, then saw my regular cardiologist, Dr. Book. She expressed how my heart looks worse than the last appointment, the valve is torn and would need repairing, and she wasn’t comfortable with me being so far away. Dr. Book finally used the term “bed rest” and said she wanted me under daily watch here in the hospital. I came prepared with my “bag” but I hadn’t really mentally prepared for actually being admitted today! She let me and Josh talk it over and soon as she left the room I just lost it. All I could think about is not being with Charlotte for several weeks. It kills me that I can’t be with her. But I also understand she won’t remember this when she gets older and if she does, she’ll understand Mommy had to do this for the family. 

Dr. Book was talking to another specialist, Dr. Bobalrous, who specializes in the structure of the heart. We discussed different ways to replace my tricuspid valve without having to open up the chest cavity. My heart cannot handle another open-heart surgery, so performing the least minimal invasive surgery is the best option right now. Either they will go through the groin or make a pen-size hole in the chest. It’s a relief if I don’t have to have my sternum cut open! When would this be? Hopefully we can get through the pregnancy without having to replace the valve. They are hoping my body can recover from having a baby and do this operation 6-12 months post delivery. The valve is the biggest issue right now. Praying that it can withstand the rest of the pregnancy. 

The last appointment was with the Maternal and Fetal Medicine team. This appointment is in Midtown Atlanta, same place where I will be delivering. They did another ultrasound on the baby. Everything looked great. This is the only benefit of a high-risk pregnancy...lots of ultrasounds and getting to see our baby girl. Baby Whitmore is weighing in (according to ultrasound) 3 lbs. 5 oz. Seems so big for this early! They are basically planning on me delivering between 32-34 weeks. I was really shocked to hear such an early due date, but they will take it day-by-day. 

After I met with the doctors, we went down to Labor & Delivery and got all registered. I have my own room (thank heavens) and Josh stayed until 8:00. He needs to be home for Charlotte and work! But before he left, we ordered room service, got my IV in (I needed the moral support because I HATE needles), blood draws, and got settled in. He has been so patient with this entire situation of driving out of state every month and I really have appreciated his support! I will see him on the weekends and when it gets closer to actually delivering the baby, he will come to stay permanently. 

I am completely drained emotionally and mentally. I have had a rough time adjusting to the circumstances just because I have actually been feeling really good lately and was hopeful I would be going back home after my appointments. If I don’t respond right away to your messages, please do not take it personally. I am tired and it takes a lot of brain power to type out responses (even this...I’ve been putting it off all day and it’s almost midnight) and chat. Luckily I had packed in the sense that Dr. Book had told me to come prepared just in case. I hope this isn’t too hodge lodge to read and makes sense. My mind is a little scattered right now. 

Thank you to everyone who has included our family in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you to everyone back home who has helped and reached out with love and concern. Our family has been amazing in helping us on the home front. Tahnee will be there through Saturday and Josh’s Mom will come back on Sunday. We feel very fortunate to have so many willing people helping us along the way. Like I said before, this has been a group effort!!