Home Stretch

Today I went to the perinatal doctor to see if my non related placenta issues were resolved. The great news is, everything has worked itself out and I am no longer at risk for Placenta Previa! That means that Mr. Colin is doing well. I also went to the regular OB today to see how things were going for my routine appointment and to have my glucose screening. I talked to the doctor about scheduling the c-section; however, they have not had my patient care conference to discuss all my options.
 
In this patient care conference they will discuss my anesthesia options, my overall health and all that has to do with the delivery of my sweet Colin. My doctor seems to think everything should be fine but couldn't give me any specifics. The reason for the anesthesia quandary is related to the syringomyelia. They just want to make sure the cyst doesn't grow any larger.
 
On a positive note, my son is growing VERY well and actually already weighs 3 pounds 5 ounces and is in the 79% of babies in his gestational week. Thank goodness he is super healthy because it makes me feel better emotionally even when my spine is feeling like it might just rip right out of my back! I have now started the two week appointment cycle so I will have more updates on the c-section date as they are able to schedule it. I'm in my third trimester and have only 12 weeks to go if I reach 40 weeks. I am so excited to meet this little guy!

 

Realizing I Have Limitations Related to Delivery

Most expectant mothers worry about going into labor at an inopportune time like at the grocery store or at work. Expectant mothers with Chiari and/or Syringomyelia have a much different outlook on labor and delivery. We have to take so many things into account when it comes to both the safety of our unborn children and the safety of ourselves. We generally do not deal with traditional worries as other mothers do, rather we have new challenges to face.

In the very beginning of this pregnancy I was adamant that I was NOT going to have a cesarean section. My obstetrician and perinatal specialist both recommended c-sections and I promptly stated that I delivered my first two children naturally and I wanted to do the same with Colin. Finally at 23 or 24 weeks I saw a post for a conference presentation on one of my Syringomyelia support group pages about pregnancy with Chiari and/or Syringomyelia that was presented by a leading neurologist for my condition. I watched the video and was shocked that they recommended c-sections for all Syringomyelia patients who had not had surgery. I then posted on the support page asking for any ideas from mothers who had delivered with Syringomyelia. Each mother had their own story, but there was one common theme…DO NOT HAVE A VAGINAL DELIVERY! I was taken aback and did not want to believe that it could affect me so negatively. I conceded and agreed to have a c-section during my last doctor’s visit.

Tonight I watched another webinar from that same well known neurologist in the field and he confirmed my fears. I should NOT have a natural birth. Now for the decisions that face me in relation to my labor and delivery. First off, how should I deliver? The answer is obvious at this point, c-section. The second portion of this is HOW should the c-section be performed?

There are a few options which I have to consider with the consultation of my group of doctors. The first is to have an epidural for my c-section. This is the least ideal for individuals with Syringomyelia because it could cause a magnitude of issues including an infection in my spinal cord. The second is to have a spinal tap. Now many people see this as a highly negative term; however, it is one of the safer ways for a person with Syringomyelia to deliver via c-section. The safest way is to have general anesthesia. I am apprehensive about this because I completely miss out on the birth of my son. The other risk factor for this is that they will have to intubate me. Intubation for individuals with Syringomyelia and/or Chiari will cause serious damage. In fact, people like me should NEVER have their necks hyper-extended. This causes some reluctance for the general anesthesia.

My doctor’s are planning a meeting with each of the necessary points of focus during my delivery prior to our delivery of Colin. My medical arsenal for Colin’s delivery will include my OB, Perinatal Specialist, Neurosurgeon, Neurologist, Anesthesiologist and surgical nurses. I feel like I need to go to medical school just to attend my own delivery of my son.

The one thing that I want to make sure everyone is aware of in all of this is one very important fact, no matter how much I have to go through in order to bring my son into this world; I am willing to give everything for him just as I am for my other sweethearts. My children are my life and I don’t care how much pain I have to be in, as long as they are ok, I am one happy mommy. Thanks for reading through and I will keep you posted as I find out more information about my pregnancy and upcoming delivery.

Conference and Videos from Roger W Kula, MD FAAN, Medical Director Chiari Institute:
CSF presents Pregnancy & Diagnostic Methodologies: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qz6MfRCyfCk
ASAP presents Pregnancy in woman diagnosed with Chiari and/ or Syringomyelia: http://www.asap.org/index.php/online-video-library/pregnancy/

 

Taking Care of Myself to Take Care of My Son

I apologize for the amount of time that has lapsed since my last posting. I am now 26 weeks pregnant and have been medication free, besides the rare days I have had to take a hydrocodone approved by my arsenal of doctors, for the entire pregnancy. My symptoms are not as bad as I predicted; however, there are new things that have surfaced.

My current symptoms are generally intermittent with the exception of the obvious back pain. I do have the traditional pain in the area of the syrinx (cyst). The newest pain point is in my lower back. It sometimes feels like someone has jammed a knife blade in between my vertebrae. That is most definitely not the most pleasant feeling in the world. I lost vision more in the last six months than I have in quite some time. I believe it is just a result of not taking my neurological medication. The burning in my face, neck and arms has returned full force. This is extremely uncomfortable, as I’m sure you can imagine.

I had a trip to the emergency room several weeks back when I had a strange grouping of symptoms. I was 23 weeks pregnant at the time. My symptoms were the burning in my face, arms and neck, shortness of breath, overall weakness and I hadn’t felt the baby move much that day. When I called my doctor’s office they told me with my history I needed to head straight to the emergency room. When I arrived, I was wheeled up to the labor and delivery which was terrifying in and of itself. On a positive note, everything appeared to be fine. Despite my labored breathing, my oxygen level was great and my blood pressure was stable and within normal range. They got a great heart rate for our sweet little Colin and besides just feeling crummy, I was fine, too.  I was released after about 4 hours. I was grateful to have my loving husband there with me to console me through the entire process.

They said that Colin was as healthy looking on the monitors as a 40 week baby. That made me feel so much better and made me grateful that I have been so steadfast in not putting anything into my body that would potentially harm him. I love my son so much and he’s not even here. I’d risk my own health to ensure he is healthy and happy. He’s so much more important than me feeling well…my body is not just mine for these 9 months; I am sharing it with my newest little addition.

I also need to remember that I have to rest more, drink more water, and avoid all things that could potentially harm me or my little guy. Things even unrelated to Syringomyelia or Chiari. Things like walking too much, lifting, over-doing it and being around second hand smoke. Breathing is hard enough during the latter stage of pregnancy, I don’t need help not being able to breathe. So I will try to enjoy the last 14 weeks of pregnancy as much as possible and try to stay as healthy as possible. I will try to keep you all posted on my progress.