Monday, December 15, 2008

There's a light at the end of the tunnel

Yesterday, when I reminded Dr. E that I was set to earn my A+ today, he replied, "You're not getting the A+! We're getting the A+! We're the ones doing all the work!" I just laughed, but really I was thinking, "Hmm, I'm pretty sure it's a lot harder to be me right now than it is to be you guys!" I then proceeded to try to pin him down on a timeline for the arrival of these quads. He told me that, although he and Dr. S had not put together a plan for me yet, he was pretty sure they wouldn't let me go past 34 weeks; he also mentioned that, after today, they wouldn't "torture" me with the mag anymore (since I am still on it, though, I assume he merely meant that I wouldn't be given any more boluses to reduce contractions).

So now we're in the final stages of the waiting game, unsure of just when in the next 2 weeks these babies will come. I am torn between wanting to make it all the way to 34 weeks for their sakes, and selfishly yearning to have my body back already. My belly is growing so fast that, every single day, I can detect a marked decline in my ability to move. I have never been allowed to leave my bed except to use the bedside commode (and every other day to shower), but even the seemingly simple acts of getting out of bed, standing up, turning around, and sitting down are laborious—and then I have to repeat the whole sequence in reverse (more than a dozen times a day, no less!). And forget about finding a comfortable position once I'm back in bed. Let's just say that, after nearly 7 weeks here, my rear end is sick and tired of sitting on this mattress!

I don't detail all of this to complain—I just want to provide a small glimpse into how increasingly difficult this pregnancy will be as its final days unfold. I sometimes I worry that I'll be completely bedridden, with a catheter and everything, before it is all over, but I just have to keep trusting in the Lord's timing for these babies. Although Ted and I can't wait to meet them, we know that their well-being is a million times more important than my comfort or our convenience. As long as the babies continue to be active, practice their breathing, grow at a similar rate to each other, and retain plenty of amniotic fluid in their sacs—and as long as my blood pressure and contractions stay under control—we shouldn't have a problem in making it all the way to December 29!

24 comments:

Suzanne said...

girl!!! that is amazing!!! you are doing such an incredible job!!! and horray for no more mag bolus!! woo hoo!!! (btw- the catheter was the BEST thing ever--not having to get up to use the restroom--heaven!) its the little things, right?! cheering you on from texas! your fellow quad mom, suz!

The Middletons said...

Yay Suzy!! Each time I check your blog (which is daily) I get so excited to see that you have made it another day. How exciting it must be for you and Ted to know that any day now you will be meeting four precious gifts of life!! Amazing! Praying for all of you.
Love~Staci

Jen said...

Great news!

But, for what it's worth, don't let them go TOO long... after all you've been through, I think you at least deserve the tax deductions this year :)

Sorry - just a little tax attorney humor :) Keep up the great work!

Anonymous said...

It's hard to believe you've been in the hospital almost 2 months already! Wow! Your patience is amazing. Hope you get to meet your little ones soon. We continue to pray for the safety and health of them all (and you too of course!). And, tell Ted we're definitely thinking of him too. I'm sure it's hard for him sitting on the sidelines, knowing how uncomfortable you are and not being able to help you. I'm sure he's been a great support to you and will an amazing dads to those 4 little sweeties. :-)

Oh,and I agree with Jen. Have those doctors deliver them before the end of the year so you can enjoy the tax breaks! That's why Olivia was a Dec. 28th baby and not a Jan. 4th baby. ;-)

Anonymous said...

Dear Suzy,
You don't know me, but I know you through this amazing blog ...
I cannot express how much I admire your courage, and spirit !!

I have been looking for your note daily..(recently)...and have been so sad about the hardships that you have lived through with your Mother and then loosing your grandfather..who would have had 58 (!!) great grand kids..I cannot imagine that at all..
What a blessing Your family is..! And I know those four babies will be the luckiest quads ever !

My name is Nitza, and your father, Nehiel, has been a wonderful friend to me for the last 5 or 6 years ! I simply love him. He saw me through 2 and a half years of my mother being on hospice care, and never missed a week ! He gave of his time and caring and love...I would not have made it w/o him. And he has been in touch with me after she passed, for the last 3 years...I got to meet your Mother too..You are so lucky to have them for parents.

He called me this evening..I was in tears..SO happy to hear from him...have been so worried..have not heard in a while, and read about your mom in your blog...I had left a message for him at his office, which he did not get, but must have "heard" me calling..and he called me back..This has been happening to us quite a bit...

I am sorry to write so much here...But I just felt I HAD to let you know how blessed you are, and NOW I know, how blessed your parents are too, having a daughter like you. And I know where your spirit, faith, and love comes from...

May you have the best of luck, and as easy a time until the quads come, and when they finally do.

I feel like I am about to have four new grand babies..(and I already have 4..I definitely could be your mother..or almost your grandmother..)..So forgive me for rambling so...I don't write as well as you do.

In Hebrew we say MAZAL TOV , meaning, good luck...May it be in good luck and good health and with much joy...

truly - Nitza

Bethany said...

YAY! For your sake I hope they come out today. They'll be fine. :)

Lori Cates Hand said...

Great job, Suzy! I am rooting for you daily. You've already got your A+; from here on out it's just extra-credit points. I third the motion that you need to have these babies before January 1. Tell those doctors to get you on the c-section schedule soon, because it always fills up fast with people wanting to get their tax breaks!

Anonymous said...

Suzy, I agree you are doing the hard work! Stick those doctors in a hospital bed for 2 months and hook them up to some mag and see how they do!

You're amazing, and the babies are going to do GREAT, even if you have them today. You are all in very good hands. I hope the next couple of weeks (or whatever!) go quickly.

-Christine

Anonymous said...

Suzy, you are awesome. Hang in there for this final stretch (no pun intended...).

Seta F. stopped by and asked Mary Beth if we'd heard anything, people here are all so excited and rooting for you and your family.

Peace to your day,
Ami

............. said...

You're doing awesome -- hang in there for this final stretch!!
It was 9 years ago I went into labor at 21 weeks and met magnesium sulf. -- I called it chemical warefare!!

I know how terribly hard it is to wait and deal with these last days, at times counting hours in the day, not just the day itself. But you're doing awesome!!. God knows the right timing and when it is HIS timing it wll happen -- blessings to ALL of you!! donna

Anonymous said...

Yay, I'm so proud of you! You've done a great job being pregnant with FOUR little ones. I had a sympathy contraction while reading your post. ;)

I've been thinking of you today, glad to see things are going so well (and you got that A+)!!

Anonymous said...

It really is nothing short of amazing that you are practically carrying QUADRUPLETS to FULL-TERM!!!! You rock! And God's pretty cool, too. :) I check your blog every day waiting for an update...I'm so excited! You are brave and strong and I am so proud of you!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Suzy-
As my birthday (Dec. 29th) approaches...I get more and more excited for YOU!! I can't wait to see if I will share my big day with your quads! :)
As always, we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Hang in there - you deserve that A+ WAY more than the docs do!
love ya - Becky

Anonymous said...

Yes, for the babies' health and wellness. 'Cause, really, you will probably only be pregnant once. Right? Haha.

So glad to see you pre-births! Keep on, ST. I'm sure you don't miss the mag.

Norberto Kurrle said...

Hola Suz,

We're praying for you here from Paraguay and check in on you regularly. We're so thankful that you (and the docs too) have achieved an A+ by making it to 32 weeks.

Take advantage of your last quiet moments to reflect, pray, give thanks. You've been given an amazing gift this Christmas!

Anonymous said...

Those doctors have GOT to be kidding! You're doing some superhuman work. I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Hey Suzy,

I am so happy for you. You have done an amazing job carrying these babies for 32 weeks. You deserve an award for sure. I am very much looking forward to seeing and hearing all about the babies once they arrive.

All the best and Happy Holidays!!!

Ana xoxo

Kerry Lynn said...

Hi, I just found your blog from the Murray crew.
You are doing such a great job especially for having some other pretty serious things on your mind. I'm so sorry about your grandfather. I can't believe he has so many great grandchildren!
Thank goodness your mother's surgery went well.
I was on hospital bed rest with mag from 29-32 weeks with my twins. Luckily I was able to go home at 32 weeks to be on bed rest there. They waited til 36 weeks to make their appearance.
I actually handled the mag pretty well until about day 11 when they took me off it and put me on nifedipine which actually ended up stopping the contractions where the mag had only slowed them down.
I was also going to say that the catheter was a god send!
I remember how uncomfortable it was to find a good position in bed. It really was awful and I can't imagine having TWICE as many babies in my belly!

I'll be following your story now!

Unknown said...

I too found your blog via the Murray blog. I spent 7 weeks on mag (many, many bolus'), indocin, steroid injections and like you I only got up on the side of my bed to use a portable potty and showered every few days. It seemed like a minute lasted for hours. However, despite loosing 2 of my quints I now have 3 funny, argumentative, curious, and energetic 3 year old children who love to play, sing, read and learn. Although those days in the hospital were some of the worst days of my life, they saved the lives of my kiddos.
You are doing great!!! Keep it up!

Jess said...

Hi Suzy! You don't know me, but my name is Jessica.... I've become a "fan" or follower of the Quad Chicks and found your blog through Jen Murray's.

Just wanted to let you know that I'm praying for you and your children! Congrats on making it this long!

Anonymous said...

WOW WOMAN you are a true superhero. you need more than an A+ you deserve mom of the year award. wow im so proud of you and happy for you guys. cant wait to hear that they have arrived and are home.

Erin said...

Hi Suzy -- I stumbled across your blog from another blog from another blog -- and just wanted to say congratulations! I can't believe you've carried your quads this far and endured so many rounds of Mag ... You should be really proud of yourself, it's a huge accomplishment! I will be following your journey -- get ready for the ride of a lifetime! I *only* have twins (born at 32 weeks), and it is the most amazing experience! Good luck to you!

The Carlsons said...

great job making it to 32wk! (btw, i found you from jen murray :) ) you are doing so awesome! yeah, that 34wk goal is painful but if you can do it, that is SO awesome for the kiddos!

praying God continues to give you His strength and endurance to make it to the end...34wk :)

-fellow quad mom of GGGG and a 4yo boy

p.s. that's awesome that you get to have a fellow quad mom, jen, to mentor and urge you on. yay!

Anonymous said...

Found you through MurrayCrew.
You are amazing woman!! I cant even imagine going that long. Your babies are so lucky to have you. You are doing great.
And to be on mag that long, you truly are a picture of strength.
Praying for you in texas.
Casey Gerwer
BGGB quads born 1/16/08 at 29 weeks

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