Sensitive topic-Delivery early at 29 weeks-Update #1 7:30

So they drew blood again this morning and my hemoglobin is lower than 5 days ago. Its 7.6 and the lowest they want is 8.0. I am currently taking iron 1x a day but really need 3x a day but cant due to nausea it causes. I just saw my GI doc and he said that if my levels are low and affecting the oxygen the baby is getting. If they keep dropping-it will hurt the baby. My HR is currently 140's which is VERY HIGH. this happened this morning after they drew blood to check my hemoglobin levels and in order to continue to TPN feedings. Since I cant take the iron by mouth they can try Intravenously however iron doenst always absorb into the body this way and it can take days to work-problem my hemoglobin can drop faster than it may work. The other option is blood transfusions and my family is dead set against them including my DH. There are risks involved in taking blood, 1 in 50,000 but my family figures my odds are never good. I had severe hyperemesis and now the most severe cases of gastroparesis which is similar to teh trnsfusion odds so obviously they think I could end up being that 1. Ladies they have put the fear in me. My mom actually said she would prefer them to deliver early than take blood, same with Dad and DH surprised me-he doesnt want me to do the transfusions either even with knowing the risks. My family is very religious and stubborn so its not easy for me to go against their opinions especially since I have the same fear considering my medical history and constantly falling into 1% that has issues but at the same time I am so worried about this precious baby. I have carried her for 29 weeks 1 day and I feel like my body is failing her. I have a consult with the neonatologist as this is a real possibility. My GI doctor and the chaplain are both trying to make me feel less guilty I guess if I chose to deliver early -we have been hit with every hurdle-once I get the transfusion its not a 1x deal-its until I deliver and I feel like I have the hardest decision of our lives to make.

UPDATE:
My hematologist Dr. Tassi just came in. He urged me to get the blood transfusions because my levels should not drop with the iron I had taken in and since this happened the intravenous method is actually less effective. He went over the risks involved and I am petrified about getting the blood even more since it requires a separate line-it cant use my infusaport line so I may end up with a pic line for the blood. (I have had two blood clots already and my immune system is low)
One of the nurses came in and she held my hand and went over her own experience with blood screening. I am still scared but the risks for the baby are making me realize that if anyone is equipped to handle infections etc it is me and not I still have to wait for my doc and there is still the neonatologist consult to go but I am leaning toward saying yes to the blood transfusions. I think I am more scared of the fight the baby would go through than my own stupid insecurities but its so hard and its going to be harder stating this to my parents. DH is here napping next to me. He came a half hour ago and I explained the risks are greater in delivering early and he had tears in his eyes. He said he is just tired-I know better......

Update #2
Mom and dad just left visiting. I think it helped that a nurse was here to explain. My mom is stressing out and my dad left the room (he is worried). They listened to what the nurse said and they are being supportive of me having it. It is reluctant but its their support none the less. My OB is cautious due to my previous clotting history but it looks like I will be going ahead with the transfusions.

Message edited 7/12/2007 8:50:14 PM.

Re: Sensitive topic-Delivery early at 29 weeks

If you delivered her at this time, what are the chances of her not surviving?

ETA: I guess what I'm getting at is that if her chances of not surving from being born at this time are high and risky, then I wouldn't do it...but then again...what do I know...its tough...

Message edited 7/12/2007 3:32:30 PM.

Re: Sensitive topic-Delivery early at 29 weeks

I don't even know what to say - my heart hurts for you.

My prayers to you and your little one.

Re: Sensitive topic-Delivery early at 29 weeks

please let us know what the neonatologist says - ur health is very important, as is your daughter. i wish i could help

Re: Sensitive topic-Delivery early at 29 weeks

for you and your

I can only imagaine how hard things are for you right now......hopefully talking to the neonatologist will help you figure out what is best for the 2 of you.
Please keep us updated.

Re: Sensitive topic-Delivery early at 29 weeks

My prayers to you and your family. Keep us posted!!

Re: Sensitive topic-Delivery early at 29 weeks

I'm sorry, I have no advise, but just wanted to let you knowthat my best friend delivered her son at 26weeks last october and he is now happy and healthy.

Re: Sensitive topic-Delivery early at 29 weeks

Can I ask, are you concerned about the blood transfusion for religious reasons? If that is too personal please ignore my question. What do your doctors feel? Do they feel the transfusion will help you? Will it hurt the baby? Will it help both you and the baby? How many days will a transfusion buy you? Is it possible for you to get blood from someone you know -- like a family member?

Re: Sensitive topic-Delivery early at 29 weeks

I'm sure your doctors will guide you in the right direction.

Some thoughts from reading what you wrote....

Is it possible for someone in your family to donate blood for you if that would make everyone more comfortable?

Can you overcome the nausea of the iron pills for just a few weeks? Every week matters now, and if they know you are delivering early they can start pumping you with steroids to help the baby grow faster...

You can only be that 1 so many times!!!

Re: Sensitive topic-Delivery early at 29 weeks

I have to tell you, Ive been following your posts since you got pregnant and my thoughts and prayers have been with you.

I think it is best you take the advice of the neonatologist and your Doctor, but you have to make the choice that is right for you and your family.

Also, my SIL delivered at 30 weeks and she has a healthy 5 year old boy and I have two friends that delivered at 27 and at 28 that also have healthy children today...... but, it was a long battle in the NICU.......

Again, my thoughts and prayers are with you.....

Re: Sensitive topic-Delivery early at 29 weeks

Just wanted to send hugs your way

I know you have difficult decisions ahead, rely on your family, and rely on your instincts.

I htink your baby girls chances of survival are still very good at this point, but I know this must be incredibly difficult.

Re: Sensitive topic-Delivery early at 29 weeks

Have you tried the iron pills yet to see what will happen? Scary I know.

Also..is there something that they are concerned with the low hemoglobin levelsaffecting the baby so severly?

When I was hospitilized, my hemoglobin was 7 and I was not on iron pills ( due to my hyperemesis) but they just monitored me closely with blood and the baby was never at risk with it at 7.

IMO, I know you trust your Dr's...but I would get a second and a third opinion before delivering my baby at 29 weeks.

I might be sensitive to it as I had a late loss but I would fight as long as I could to keep that baby in there. Every single day counts.

I do know how hard it is to be so sick....but the end is in sight.

Good luck

Re: Sensitive topic-Delivery early at 29 weeks

I have been following your posts as well and I think you are the strongest person I know. I can't imagine going through all this. I think you should really talk to your husband about it and make the decision together. If you do decide to deliver at this point I think that your baby girl has been fighting strong already and she will be fine if you deliver at this point.

Re: Sensitive topic-Delivery early at 29 weeks

First, is there any way to get blood from a family member? That would seem safer as far as that is concerned.

My friend has twins at 29 weeks due to one of the girls' water breaking. There is a 99% chance of survival for babies born at 29 weeks. One of her girls was in the NICU for 6 weeks and teh other about 9. they are both amazing, strong and healthy at 16 months today. You can FM her at TwinMama. You could also try FMing JTK. She is a NICU nurse and can probably help. Good luck to you.

ETA: Girls seem to handle premature birth better than boys

Message edited 7/12/2007 3:59:31 PM.

Re: Sensitive topic-Delivery early at 29 weeks

Posted by LSP2005

Can I ask, are you concerned about the blood transfusion for religious reasons? If that is too personal please ignore my question. What do your doctors feel? Do they feel the transfusion will help you? Will it hurt the baby? Will it help both you and the baby? How many days will a transfusion buy you? Is it possible for you to get blood from someone you know -- like a family member?

Re: Sensitive topic-Delivery early at 29 weeks

Posted by dm24angel

Have you tried the iron pills yet to see what will happen? Scary I know.

Also..is there something that they are concerned with the low hemoglobin levelsaffecting the baby so severly?

When I was hospitilized, my hemoglobin was 7 and I was not on iron pills ( due to my hyperemesis) but they just monitored me closely with blood and the baby was never at risk with it at 7.

IMO, I know you trust your Dr's...but I would get a second and a third opinion before delivering my baby at 29 weeks.

I might be sensitive to it as I had a late loss but I would fight as long as I could to keep that baby in there. Every single day counts.

I do know how hard it is to be so sick....but the end is in sight.

Good luck

Message edited 7/12/2007 4:28:27 PM.

Re: Sensitive topic-Delivery early at 29 weeks

Just to give you some hope, my DH was delivered at 27 weeks in 1979. Medicine has improved trememdously since then and he is a very healthy man with no effects from being so premature. He was 1lb, 6oz at birth and is now 215lbs and 6'3". And girls are usually in better shape than boys!

Posted by dm24angel

Have you tried the iron pills yet to see what will happen? Scary I know.

Also..is there something that they are concerned with the low hemoglobin levelsaffecting the baby so severly?

When I was hospitilized, my hemoglobin was 7 and I was not on iron pills ( due to my hyperemesis) but they just monitored me closely with blood and the baby was never at risk with it at 7.

IMO, I know you trust your Dr's...but I would get a second and a third opinion before delivering my baby at 29 weeks.

I might be sensitive to it as I had a late loss but I would fight as long as I could to keep that baby in there. Every single day counts.

I do know how hard it is to be so sick....but the end is in sight.

Good luck

Re: Sensitive topic-Delivery early at 29 weeks

Re: Sensitive topic-Delivery early at 29 weeks

Re: Sensitive topic-Delivery early at 29 weeks

Posted by KateDevine

Just to give you some hope, my DH was delivered at 27 weeks in 1979. Medicine has improved trememdously since then and he is a very healthy man with no effects from being so premature. He was 1lb, 6oz at birth and is now 215lbs and 6'3". And girls are usually in better shape than boys!

Posted by dm24angel

Have you tried the iron pills yet to see what will happen? Scary I know.

Also..is there something that they are concerned with the low hemoglobin levelsaffecting the baby so severly?

When I was hospitilized, my hemoglobin was 7 and I was not on iron pills ( due to my hyperemesis) but they just monitored me closely with blood and the baby was never at risk with it at 7.

IMO, I know you trust your Dr's...but I would get a second and a third opinion before delivering my baby at 29 weeks.

I might be sensitive to it as I had a late loss but I would fight as long as I could to keep that baby in there. Every single day counts.

I do know how hard it is to be so sick....but the end is in sight.

Good luck

I also agree with Donna that I would continue to get opinions and see what else is out there. Do MAJOR research and see what else can be done for you.

Re: Sensitive topic-Delivery early at 29 weeks

At this point, you need to do what is best for the baby and you! One is no good with out the other! Many prayers to you and your family! If you are this strong, just imagine how strong your daughter will be!

Re: Sensitive topic-Delivery early at 29 weeks

My heart breaks for you and all you have been through so far.
I am not sure what kind of advice to give you except to let youknow that you and your baby are in my thoughts and prayers.

I like the idea about another posted suggested about a family member donating blood to you. ( if that would even be a feasable option)

I am so sorry that you are in this precarious situatiuon. YOu and your baby are both fighters and I am hoping and praying for the best for both of you.
I can't even imagine what you are going through day to day.

I am hoping that your Dr's can help you find a safe solution.
Keep fighting



Please keep us posted,

Re: Sensitive topic-Delivery early at 29 weeks

it is a tough decision. i would go with the doctor's advice and do what's best for the baby. My friend delivered twins at 30 weeks and they are OK now but it was a LOOONG stretch for them, surgeries, sicknesses etc...

Re: Sensitive topic-Delivery early at 29 weeks

My mom is not a match nor my dad. DH is coming in later-he doesnt know his blood type but I am hopeful.
Insult to injury is that I am having a few contractions so I am stressing out a bit. The nurses said this is the first day they have seen me down so they have been checking on me. I just need answers.....

Re: Sensitive topic-Delivery early at 29 weeks

I am so sorry!!

1. I think that giving you the iron intravenously may work and how much harm or delay would it do to try it? (I'm asking becasue I honestly don't know how risky that would be).

2. It sounds like if not for your parents, you may opt for transfusion. I think it's time to take them out of the equation and then decide, whichever way you may go. Sorry if that sounds harsh.

I have anemia but not nearly that severe. I'm supposed to take 2 pills a day but I can only tolerate 1. I know how terrible you can feel from it and I'm sorry you are going through. this.