Prayer request for my pregnant wife

[Brasscatz]

This may be premature or an overreaction, but my wife went in for a routine OBGYN appointment today for a pregnancy checkup and they told her that her blood pressure is way too high. They sent her upstairs to triage for further testing and is still up there now waiting for a room to open up. I'm preparing to leave work as we speak.

This is especially scary because she's been experiencing severe swelling in her feet and extremities. It's true that it could be a number of things, or even nothing, but signs could be pointing to Preeclampsia, which could possibly be fatal to both mother and child.

I haven't told many people this, but I lost my grandmother over the weekend, and my spirits aren't very high right now. I could use some prayers for my wife and daughter for their health.

Thank you in advance.

[4.3LXJ]

Sent one up Jim

[OneArmArrowSlinger]

you got it, stopping what I'm doing now

[Brasscatz]

Thanks guys. I'm sitting at work all packed up and ready to go if I'm needed. I was told not to come unless I get the word to do so.

[Brasscatz]

She's still waiting to be seen, so I'm taking that as a good sign. I figure if they were truly worried, they'd rush her in without waiting.

[Mayooo]

Prays.. Being a new father. I couldn't even imagine

[Mudderoy]

The first baby is always the scariest. You have a high likelihood that everything is, or will be, just fine.

Be very happy you're in Houston, and in the year 2015.

[bluedragon436]

Prayers going out for mother, daughter and you!!

[Brasscatz]

They are keeping her in the hospital at least overnight because her blood pressure is so high. I am here now. As far as the baby, everything looks ok other than she's very small. 6th percentile in size right now. Preparations are being made in case she needs to deliver now or very soon.
She will get a steroid injection and have to take oral steroids to aid in the development of Dylan's lungs

[abebehrmann]

You guys are in my thoughts.

[prerunner1982]

Prayers for all of ya'll.
Hang in there buddy.

[denverd1]

Prayers bro

[XJ Wheeler]

:pray:

[Brasscatz]

Alright guys, seems like for now it's just observation for the rest of the night. They're collecting urine for the next 24 hours. She sent me home to tend to the dog and bring food back for her. I'll probably stay up there with her until 9 or so.

Not out of the woods yet.

[bigjim350]

Let me know if you need any help with anything.

[autotech98]

Sorry to hear about your grandmother and prays for you your wife and the baby. Have faith brother

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[Brasscatz]

Ok, so not great news it's probably preeclampsia which is dangerous for both. She will be in a minimum of 3 days. If her bp goes too high again she's not going home until the baby is delivered. She won't make it to the April 27th due date, and they say no matter what, Dylan will be in the NICU. This is terrifying...

[autotech98]

Have faith man. Lotta prayers going out for you all.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547

[Brasscatz]

I went home around 9:20 and just couldn't do it. I got the in-laws to come pick up the dog and I high-tailed it back up to the hospital to stay the night with her.

[bluedragon436]

Just keep your head up Jim, the wife will definitely need the support... Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers!!

[Brasscatz]

Ok, so quick update. Couple scenarios. She stays until Friday and goes home on strict bed rest, she stays in hospital longer on strict bed rest, or delivers way early. They're going to try to leave the baby until 37 weeks, or 34, whichever is best. She's at 32 weeks currently.

[XJ Wheeler]

That sounds like a good thing that she can wait.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[4.3LXJ]

The longer she waits to deliver, the better it is for the baby

[OneArmArrowSlinger]

praying man

[Brasscatz]

Urine test came back with high levels of protein. So, not mild preeclampsia like we thought. As of right now, it looks like she won't be going home Friday. That could still change. The baby will keep cooking until it's safer outside than in.

[Brasscatz]

Thanks everybody. Means a lot to us

[Brasscatz]

My bed for a while lol

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/11/a3d7354663be5352423de696614369c4.jpg

[XJ Wheeler]

That protein is one of the signs of preeclampsia so its not abnormal. Probably best she stays there though. Constant care if needed and all.

They don't have any other bed for you? Most hospitals these days either have a couch that pulls out or a murphy type bed. Take care if your back though. Those things can be brutal, been there... done that. :rolleyes:

Praying hard bro...

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[denverd1]

no idea what yall are talking about, but still praying for ya! and yea, get a fold-out in there stat!

[Brasscatz]

Thanks guys. That chair actually folds into a bed. Buuuuut they moved her into yet another room. This one has a transforming chair as well.

So, her bp spiked above 160 again and I think that sealed the fate of staying in the hospital until the baby needs to come out.

[XJ Wheeler]

They got all kinds of stuff at MD-A and hopes they would over there.

But thats not too bad on the Bp. She'll be fine bro. My moms handled far higher. And she's older and has an aneurysm. Like 200/120. ;)

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[Brasscatz]

Ok, latest update. Diagnosis is severe preeclampsia. They're going to try to get her to 34 weeks, but that might be optimistic. She got more sleep last night as the night before only let her sleep 10-20 minutes at a time for a grand total of about an hour. Her spirits are much higher today.

Looks like my daughter will be born extremely soon, and will be in NICU for several weeks.

We have come to terms with this and our morale is high. Anything could still happen, but we'll cross those bridges as they come.

Thanks to everybody for the continued thoughts and prayers, they mean the world

[4.3LXJ]

Glad to see it is at least figured out. Best wishes to you and your soon to be increasing family

[Mudderoy]

Ok, so not great news it's probably preeclampsia which is dangerous for both. She will be in a minimum of 3 days. If her bp goes too high again she's not going home until the baby is delivered. She won't make it to the April 27th due date, and they say no matter what, Dylan will be in the NICU. This is terrifying...

I hate to hear this. Keep spirits up and hope for the best. I bet it's still going to turn out okay, you'll just have to keep calm and trust the man upstairs.

[DanB98TJ]

My wife had similar issues during her pregnancy. She was put on limited activity early in the pregnancy, then had to go three times each week for fetal stress tests. At about 34 weeks she was admitted and stayed in the hospital because her blood pressure was way too high (around 200 over something at one point). She was given steroids to ensure the baby's lungs were developed, and there were several times when we anticipated an emergency C-section. An amnio was done at 36 weeks - on my birthday - to make sure the lungs were developed. A C-section was done the following day, and my daughter was small - 5lbs 10 ounces, 17 inches - but she was healthy and was discharged from the hospital before my wife! My daughter is now five and is a normal, healthy, active kid that tests our patience on a regular basis.

Believe me, I know it is terrifying when you think about all the bad things that can happen - I was a wreck during the last few months of the pregnancy - but know that having a premature baby is no longer as high of risk as it once was. Between the advancements made in medicine and help from above, I'm sure your wife and child will be just fine.

[Brasscatz]

Ok update time. Lauren's blood pressure has been higher yesterday and today, but otherwise we're still doing ok. We had an ultrasound yesterday and today the doctor came in to tell us that the baby weighs less than 4 lbs right now. EXTREMELY small for 8 months pregnant. Hopefully, if we can make it to 34 weeks, she'll gain that little bit of weight and make it to 4 lbs which will give her a better fighting chance after delivery. They are still going to let her cook for as long as she can until it's no longer safe to stay in.

Spirits are still high, though Lauren is getting very antsy. We were told that if she continues to do well, we might get to make a trip in a wheelchair outside so she can actually see the sun. She's been inside without so much of a view of outside since Tuesday morning.

As for me, I'm doing ok other than my back. Some of you know that I have some spinal degeneration happening and the rock hard "bed" that I've been sleeping on is taking its toll. It's worth every minute as long as I can stay up here with her, though.

[autotech98]

Glad to hear the update and continuing to pray for you all

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547

[XJ Wheeler]

Getting out and around sounds nice! Glad she's getting ansy, if she wasn't she would be worrying.

Still praying, she's a fighter!

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[Brasscatz]

Latest update: The baby will be delivered on Sunday if she can hold on that long. It's exciting and scary at the same time lol.

Also, I accidentally bumped Lauren's bed last night with my chair and it startled her really bad. BP spiked very high and stayed high for most of the night. It's back down to a decently low level today, though. She did have to have her IV changed, and that was extremely painful for her and she was jabbed twice. I don't like the nurse that did that at all. She's just really cold and doesn't seem to care. Most of the other nurses are angels though.

[autotech98]

Hang in brother..and unfortunatly some medical professionals are very impersonal..prating all goes well

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[4.3LXJ]

Hoping and praying it all comes out well in the end

[DanB98TJ]

Will be praying for your wife, baby, and you - I know it is a very stressful time but all will be well.

My wife had excellent care but did have one nurse that annoyed her, and one that really hurt her when trying to insert an IV...in the inside of her wrist. It was all I could do to not deck him. She was running out of good places for the IVs by that point, but that still wasn't a good choice...


Latest update: The baby will be delivered on Sunday if she can hold on that long. It's exciting and scary at the same time lol.

Also, I accidentally bumped Lauren's bed last night with my chair and it startled her really bad. BP spiked very high and stayed high for most of the night. It's back down to a decently low level today, though. She did have to have her IV changed, and that was extremely painful for her and she was jabbed twice. I don't like the nurse that did that at all. She's just really cold and doesn't seem to care. Most of the other nurses are angels though.

[Brasscatz]

Latest update: Her amniotic fluid is low. They are going to deliver her in the morning.... let the anxiety begin

[4.3LXJ]

prayers are with ya bud

[Brasscatz]

I'm sorry it took me so long to update, but I'm happy to announce that at 8:05-a.m. weighing in at 3 lbs 6 oz and measuring only 15" long... Dylan MacKenzie Fulbright was born! Mother and child are doing well so far!

Thank you to everybody here that kept us in their thoughts and prayers!! It really helped us get through this


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[Mudderoy]

Other than the size and tubes the baby looks very healthy with good color. I hope the long term prognosis is as good as the baby looks.

[Innojazz]

Congratulations Brasscatz!!!

[autotech98]

Congradulatons bro!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547

[4.3LXJ]

:congrats:

[cpttuna]

the power of prayer

[XJ Wheeler]

I just gotta say it again! Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[DanB98TJ]

Congratulations and continued prayers!

[oderdene]

Congrats bro,

[Brasscatz]

Thanks everybody! Lauren finally got to see her this morning and we both got to hold her this evening!!! She's breathing on her own and the feeding tube was moved to her nose so that she could have her mouth free to practice eating with a bottle!


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[illuminator]

Congrats, I'm praying for y'all, she looks stronger already.

[denverd1]

awesome!! and great progress already!! congrats dude

[abebehrmann]

Congrats! Now it's time to start building her Jeep! Maybe a nice TJ or YJ...

[Brasscatz]

Quick update: My wife was discharged this evening and is home resting! She fed the baby twice from the bottle today, and we both got to hold her skin to skin. This is the most awake I've seen my daughter... the progress is absolutely amazing!
God is good and I have everybody's thoughts and prayers to thank for this. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!!!


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[autotech98]

Awesome man!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547

[bluedragon436]

Congrats Jim!!

[RangerJeep]

Praying for your wife and baby.

[Outlaw star]

Hope all is well. Thoughts and prayers.

[Brasscatz]

Update! We went up to feed her today and she had her feeding tube removed and was out of her isolator! This means she's regulating her body temp better and is eating on her own much better!!

She has also been gaining weight. Yesterday, she was back to her birth weight and today was up to 3 lbs 9.1 oz!!

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[XJ Wheeler]

She is really starting to look like you both. Very pleased she's progressing as well as she is, and only getting better. ;)

[abebehrmann]

Wooohoooo! Glad she's doing well. She's regulating her temp well now huh, that's better than Mudderoy's Jeep going 70mph! :smiley-taunt002::smiley-scared003::rolleye0012:

[4.3LXJ]

Congrats. starting to look like a little human being :D

[RangerJeep]

Glad to hear things are going well.

[oderdene]

Nice to hear that, congrats bro

[OneArmArrowSlinger]

glad all is well, congrats!

[Brasscatz]

Quick update, She's up to 3 lbs 11 oz and passed her hearing screen today. She's pretty much ready to come home (for the most part), but now they're wanting her to reach 4 lbs... so she can fit in a car seat! On that note, we got rid of the "Jeep" Patriot and got Lauren a new 2015 Subaru Outback today. Now she has a problem-free car with working a/c and tons of safety features. I will also say that back when we both smoked, we smoked in that Patriot a lot. It never reeked of cigarettes, but I know there was a lot of nicotine and crap in the upholstery, so new car = safe for baby in that sense too.

We were asked to bring her car seat up to the hospital tomorrow to do a test fit and learn how to put her in it. We'll have to go through CPR training and whatnot at some point soon, too.

Things are looking up! Thanks again to ALL of you for your thoughts and prayers!

[Firemanray]

Awesome news. I'm so glad everything is going so good. She looks like pure gold.

[Brasscatz]

Thanks, Ray! When she's big enough, she'll be out wheelin' with all of us :D Oh, and since the wife got a new car, it gives me more leverage to keep my Jeep fund and snag that bumper from you :thumbsup:

[XJ Wheeler]

Awesome to hear! The progress she's making is nothing short of amazing. Glad you got rid of the patriot too, lauren doesn't need to deal with those problems right now too.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[autotech98]

Awesome man glad everything is going well

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547

[Brasscatz]

She reached 4 lbs today and came home!!!!

[XJ Wheeler]

I know THAT has to feel good! :thumbsup:

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[denverd1]

looking good buddy!

[DanB98TJ]

You have a beautiful daughter, and I'm glad to hear she was able to come home and is doing well. When she hits the terrible twos - which my daughter started at 18 months and STILL hasn't stopped - remind yourself of this time! It will help put everything in perspective. :)

[autotech98]

Glad to hear shes doing well and at home

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[OneArmArrowSlinger]

Glad to see the answered prayers!

[Brasscatz]

Alright guys, could use some more prayers now. My wife called me in tears today while I was at work saying that Dylan was feeding and quit breathing. She had turned blue, but had started up again and regained her color. I called the NICU and asked if we needed to bring her in, and they said to call her pediatrician. They said to take her in to the emergency room at Texas Children's hospital. I rushed home and got her up there.

After about 5 hours, a couple chest x-rays and an EKG later, (that all seemed to come back normal), they admitted her into the NICU there overnight for observation.

Please keep us in your prayers that it was a one-time occurrence and that all is well.

[4.3LXJ]

Sent one up

[bad luck]

Jim,

I haven't been on the forum for a while and just read about the difficulties that you and your wife and baby have had.
So congratulations on the new family member.
I hope that all turns out well for you guys.

[OneArmArrowSlinger]

prayers sent up

[Brasscatz]

They just did an echo on her heart. She had another episode and turned blue again today. :( don't think we'll be taking her home tonight

[xj-jake]

Hang in there brother sending one up for you guys.

[XJ Wheeler]

Do they have an idea of what's happening? She's strong bro. I know it's hard but stay strong. We'll be praying.

Sent from my KFTT using Tapatalk

[4.3LXJ]

Still praying for her.

[Brasscatz]

Thanks everybody. They're keeping her for another night at least. The results of the ECG came back normal. Right now, all examinations and tests are coming back normal. Tomorrow, they are going to do an MRI on her brain to rule out neurological problems. I think that once all else is ruled out, they will chalk it up to severe reflux issues. I don't know what the treatment for that will be, though. Just scary that this happens to her. When she turned blue today, they had to blow oxygen into her face until she recovered.

I will say that we are used to her being in NICU after spending the first 19 days of her life in one. We know that she's in the safest place she could possibly be, and that gives us comfort to come home and get some sleep. But after having her home for 2 weeks, it just feels so wrong not having her here.

[Brasscatz]

The MRI came back normal as well. This is truly great news, but that leaves reflux problems and there's really not a lot we can do other than pray it doesn't happen again. We could take her home tonight, but we opted to leave her in there one more night in case anything should happen again. Please continue prayers that she never stops breathing ever again.... it just terrifies us to bring her home now.

[autotech98]

Still praying brother hang in there

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[Brasscatz]

Brought her home today. Now we pray it doesn't happen again. Thank you so much guys.

[DanB98TJ]

Praying for you all. I can't imagine how scary that would be, and how stressful it is wondering if it will happen again. I'm glad all the tests came back good, now hopefully they can figure out how to treat the reflux and prevent more problems.

[Brasscatz]

I figure it's time for an update: We've made it several weeks without another incident! She's growing fast and is more awake than before. That also means that she's a lot more fussy than before lol. We had some photos done of her the other week and I thought I'd share a few.

As of last weigh in, she was 5.3 lbs. She'll be two months old on the 21st

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/20/72e3a318fa2cee39d756408b74fcd85f.jpg

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[4.3LXJ]

Getting to be cute as a bug's ear Jim :thumbsup:

[Brasscatz]

Thanks Steve :D

[XJ Wheeler]

She's looking great, and no kidding, she's adorable!

Sent via messenger pigeon. I talk, he types.

[OneArmArrowSlinger]

Praise God you've got a beautiful young un' there!

[Brasscatz]

Thanks guys :D I'm definitely a proud father!

[XJ Wheeler]

I'm very impressed with how well she's doing. One strong little girl! :D

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[DanB98TJ]

I am thankful that she is doing well and there have been no more problems. She is a beautiful girl, and she looks like she is healthy and doing fine! Great pics!