This past month has been such a roller coaster for me. I've been so worried about getting our little girl here safe and sound and at the same time trying to balance my family and work. As many of you know or have read from my past blogs, our little girl was affected by genetic condition called neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia. This condition is very similar to RH factor, but the platelets are affected and the onset occurs while they're in the womb. I've been receiving 6 hour IV infusions 2-3 times a week since I was twenty weeks, and was never given a "guarranty" if the treatments would even work. These treatments are very costly and it's been a battle trying to get my insurance to pay for them. Last Friday I went to St. Mark's and The American Red Cross and I had some blood work done. The American Red Cross took my blood, filtered out the platelets, and then gave me back what was left over. The whole procedure only took a few hours -Which I thought was pretty amazing.
On Monday I went to St. Mark's to have a cordocentesis and an amniocentesis. Both procedures consisted of long needles, an ultrasound machine, and me baring all from the waist down (So much fun). They did the cordocentesis first. They were able to get the needle into the artery of my baby's cord. They drew some blood and then quickly infused the platelets. Then they did the amniocentesis (Twice I might add) to check to see how well our little girl's lungs were developed. After these procedures, I began to have contractions pretty regularly. Whenever I had a strong contraction, our little girl's heart rate would drop really low. My doctor felt that there was no way our little girl would be able to handle full blown labor, so we decided to do an emergency C-section. Alyssa was born at 3:17 pm. She weighed 5 lbs and 14 oz and was 18.5 inches long. Her platelets at birth were 223,000, so I think it's safe to say that the IVIG treatments/transfusion were successfull. Alyssa is doing great and we are loving every minute with her!
6 comments:
YAY HOORAY! I'm so glad that you and Alyssa are safe and sound. Are you guys home yet? My mom told me that you had your baby and I was waiting and waiting until you put pictures on your blog. She is beautiful. She looks so much like your other kids. Let me know if you need anything. I'm happy to help. :) Can we bring you some dinner or baby sit your kids?
WOW!!!! Congratulations!!! What a cutie and I am so glad that it looks like the treatments worked out! I had no idea about the baby being here.
Congrats!! She is so dang cute. I am so happy everything went well.
Congratulations! That is so exciting. I am glad both you and the baby are safe and healthy!
Hey there! So glad to see you are home. It was so nice to visit in the hospital You are one amazing woman!
We are so happy that little Alyssa is here and that everything went smoothly for you guys. She is just a little doll!! Love the name by the way...that is Reagan's middle name!!!
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