So, went to my doctor last Monday and they discovered my cervix was shortening and funneling - this apparently is a common thing with twin pregnancies ... super. His advice? Get a cerclage done immediately the following day and stay in the hospital for about a week ... yay more fun. Next day, Tuesday hubby & I wake up bright and early and to the hospital. We check in at 8:00 and the surgery isn't until 4:30. Ug. Lots of nurses come in, and incompetent flaky nurse tries to put an IV in. She pokes a big hole in the top of my left hand and arm, then she finally gives up and gets a more competent nurse ... yeah, good idea now that I'm bleeding everywhere.

Finally, 4:30 rolls around and they take me to the pre-surgery (whatever) room. Have a conversation with the good looking fast talking anesthesiologist. He wants to do a spinal block for the surgery, but is concerned with my scar tissue from my scoliosis surgery 16 years ago. His only other option is to do general anesthesia. He doesn't want to do the anesthesia because pregnant women as far along as I am (20 weeks) can aspirate and choke, and well ... die (he says he can put a tube down my throat to prevent this ... whew.) Decide to try the spinal.

The spinal was sooo painful and ultimately he couldn't get it to work. He tried 2 times and I was shaking it f*@king hurt so bad. Two big needles right into my scar, with him moving them around and saying ... "hmm, I'll I'm hitting is hardware, I wish I could see what I'm doing." Christ, just do the damn general, and he did.

The cerclage surgery went great, except for all the throwing up after the general anesthesia and having a painfully dry and sore throat. I also got a terrible headache and my sinuses were all crappy from the lovely hospital "air".

I was in my hospital bed until Thursday, then they took the catheter out and I could get up and pee on my own and shower. Best shower of my life. The bed sucked and I tried to do as much pressure relief for my sore ass as I could. It's funny, I'm such an independent para that I take for granted all the things I really can do. Having the nurses come and help me out of bed, and well basically help me with everything, really made me get a slight taste of what it's like for hubby. As independent as he is to me, it really opened my eyes.

My doctor checked in my on me every morning and was very pleased with how the surgery came out and my progress. He was going to keep me until Monday (today) but decided I was in such good shape, that he sent me home on Saturday.

So, here I sit in a reclined position, trying to get comfortable. I'll have to be like this for months. MONTHS people. The only time I can leave the house is for doctors appointments. I really don't want to complain ... but bed rest sucks.

Sorry for the novel ...

My aunt who is AB had to get a cerclage with all three of her kids. While she was giving birth to the 3rd, she pushed, and actually broke her tailbone. She heard a loud POP, but she couldn't feel anything (epidural), lol.

Anyways, I'm sorry you have to stay on bed rest for so long, but it is best for you and the boys. Just remember it will be worth it! Halfway there, right? ;)

Hang on, it's only for a while. Try to get comfortable with a few good books. Good luck.

Enjoy the rest, it's the last one you'll get for the next 18 years or so!

knitting
crossword puzzles
word searches
music


These are a few of the things that kept me occupied. I managed to keep the 1st one in till fully cooked.......the 2nd bun came out of the oven a bit too early 32&1/2wks. along. So for the others I got the bed treatment. Breakfast in bed looses it's appeal pretty quick when you also get lunch & dinner day in day out. I feel for you. But there's no better incubator than good ol' (note I did NOT say OLD) Mommy (Mummy for the Britts).

Karen,
It has been awhile since your last post. I have been thinking about you for the past several months and hope that you and your husband are doing well. Life itself comes with all sorts of bumps and bruises, that eventually heal themselves with time. You have been such a positive inspiration to many spinal cord patients. Thank you for helping so many in their time of need. I realize that when the time is right, you will send another post. Take your time, and rest as much as possible. Take care of yourself. My thoughts and prayers are with you.