Five weeks down and who knows how many to go. I haven’t written in a while because I don’t have many new facts to share and feelings aren’t my strong suit, but I will try.
As Brian mentioned yesterday, we are closing in on a new phase of this unique pregnancy. Because nobody expected Baby Wittenberg to make it this far, discussion didn’t begin until this week about hospitalization.
Prior to 23.5 weeks a baby is deemed unviable, therefore no medical measures are taken to assist the baby in after birth and thus the child dies. After 23.5 weeks, medical intervention can sometimes be effective. Minutes, if not seconds, count when dealing with a preemie, so the doctors are leaning toward having me admitted to the hospital at the 23.5 week mark.
So now, Brian and I have turned our attention to choosing a hospital. The primary consideration is the quality of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), but we will also have to transition prenatal and obstetric care. This is a very difficult process.
There are no real rankings and it is almost impossible to compare NICUs. The major university hospitals have much more experience in neonatal care. On the other hand, I can’t imagine trying to resume life and making the trek down to Northwestern daily while baby is in the NICU, or being this far away should something go wrong.
If any of you have thoughts or expertise with NICUs, we can use all the help we can get.
Last week, I had a sobering conversation with the head of neonatology at Children’s Memorial. With the utmost compassion, she reminded me that even with the best doctors and best technology available, Baby is not likely to survive.
The Internet provides an amazing ability to connect people. I have joined an very “exclusive” list-serve for a small group of women who experience an extended pPROM pregnancy. This past week, one women posted the following about her feelings after three weeks of hospital rest:
“If feel like someone told me ‘There is a very good chance your baby will die. Now sit alone in this room for weeks on end waiting to found out.’ I just feel lost and alone and scared out of my mind.”
Welcome to my world.
3 comments:
Hey Carie Anne,
Just a few bible versus to keep in mind during this time. I hope you find them as encouraging as I did when I most needed them. Also, keep in mind Central Dupage Hospital is known as one of the best Children's Hospitals in town. I can only say good things about it from our experiences and it is somewhat close to town. Take care!
Philipians 4:6
"Do not be anxious in anything, but in everything; by prayer and petition and with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
1 John 5:14
"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, he hears us. And if we know he hears us-whatever we ask-we know that we have what we asked of Him."
Mark 11:24
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."
Matthew 18:19
"Again, I tell you that if two of you on Earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in Heaven"
I had a good experience with the NICU at Park Ridge, IL. Although I do realize it is a bit of a trek. Due to Sasha's heart issues this was the location we were sent to. I felt the neonatologist and NICU nurses were great. However it is a personal decision and well, I didn't get the choice to choose as you seem to be able. The drive wasn't too bad as long as I avoided rush hour traffic.
So encouraging! Prayed just now for complete healing and "normal" pregnancy from this point on. Also for this experience to completely baffle the doctors and specialists on how this baby came full term and totally healthy. Blessings to you and Brian. I can't imagine the emotional toll this is taking on you.
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