Rollercoaster

Challenges are what makes life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. -Joshua Marine

Whew! It has been a crazy couple of days, and I have waited an waited to get you all updated on baby Lincoln.  Monday afternoon we had an appointment to see how he was doing.  He is doing well.  He has no more fluid around his abdomen.  He still has fluid around his skin (edema) and around his lungs.  It has not progressed though, so I am SO thankful for that.  His heart is beating like a champ, and he was so wiggly and active that it made me smile.  I do have a little excess amniotic fluid, but not enough to be extremely alarming or to take action quite yet. (no wonder I feel huge) Keep praying for him because he needs it. We need it. We obviously want the hydrops to resolve themselves so he can live a happy, healthy life.  I still have hope and faith and as long as he is still fighting, so am I.  

It has taken me this long because I was actually admitted into the hospital Monday at my appointment due to high blood pressure.  I wasn't discharged until around 9pm last night, so I am thankful to be relaxing at home today and getting to write this blog.  They did labs and everything came back normal, and shortly after I was admitted my blood pressure dropped significantly.  It is definitely something that we will have to monitor very closely and daily to keep me and baby safe.  If you have one any research on hydrops, you have probably heard the term "mirror syndrome". 

" What is maternal mirror syndrome? This problem occurs when a pregnant woman has fetal hydropic, which is abnormal accumulation of fluid in two or more fetal compartments. The disorder gets its name because the mother suffers the same symptoms as the sick fetus. She will become ill and have signs of preeclampsia: water retention, high blood pressure and protein in the urine. When this happens, doctors monitor the mother for maternal mirror syndrome. The syndrome is dangerous for both the expectant mother and her fetus. There have been cases in which the fetus died."

Don't freak out, people.  I do not have any of the other symptoms and my labs all came back clear.  This is just a precaution to what can happen with a baby that has hydrops.  My doctors are taking great care of both of us and all is well.  I feel great! 

So, it has been quite a roller coaster the last couple of days.  There has been high stress and anxiety all around our household.  (and also extreme boredom sitting in a hospital room by yourself, ha!)  SO, keep praying for us all.  We need to make it much more further for baby Lincoln.  

I have been overwhelmed, in such a good way, with Facebook comments, shares, text messages, cards, and friends coming over just to visit.  We appreciate it so much.  Without all the prayers and support from all of you, we would have a much bumpier roller coaster.  Special thank you to Tahnee, Krystin, and Tricia who sat in the hospital with me Monday night.  It really meant a lot.  You all mean so much to us and we are SO blessed to have this prayer circle.  God is good!