Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Expecting Hope

I was really excited to get on here in a few short weeks and write about how we are expecting a new baby in October but in the last couple of days everything has changed.  Even though this isn't a blog about babies or really even me as the main subject, I can't help but think if I write this it will help someone else who needs to hear it too.  The pain of a miscarriage is so deep and hidden and I want others to know I understand how they feel.

Two days ago we went for our 9 week 1 day ultrasound and expected to see the baby much bigger than last time with it little body moving around.  I even had gone to you tube so I could have a peek what it might look like.  When we saw it on the screen it had grown so much since the little peanut phase but when the tech said, "Let me get the Doctor", I knew something was wrong.  She said "There are no fetal heart tones." I was in shock.  How could this be?  The old standard for ultrasounds is that when you see the heartbeat, the chance for miscarriage goes down to 5-8%.  We saw the heartbeat two weeks earlier which is when we felt safe to tell our closest family members and a few friends.  We didn't want anyone else to know until the first trimester was over and now thankfully I'm glad we didn't.  Making those phone calls to even those few was the hardest words I ever had to say.

Immediately, the Dr. wanted to schedule a D&C which he did for the next day.  I was in such a fog and in total shock.  I couldn't believe that this was happening to us, again.  We had an earlier miscarriage last September and without all this it was devastating enough.  We never got to the point to see the heartbeat then.  I just started bleeding.  So yesterday was the day that I just had to get through.  I didn't google any information on D&C which is highly unlike me.  I didn't want to hear any one's bad stories or be better informed in any way.  The less that I knew what was coming the better I could get through it.  It was bad enough that I knew this is the same procedure that they give abortions.  Working at a Pregnancy Help Center I knew the risks for that, but I wasn't going to think about that either.  I only trusted my Doctor and God. I knew they would take care of me.

My husband didn't want to believe that this was happening, and neither did I.  We tried to find cases where the ultrasound could be wrong but there weren't any this many weeks into the pregnancy.  He decided that we needed to have one more ultrasound to make sure so we went in yesterday morning to see the baby again.  It was hard to look at it lying there knowing that it wasn't alive.  It did give us peace to know that we made the right decision.  So many times, doctor do misdiagnose a miscarriage, but not in my case.

My surgery was at 2:00 and I couldn't eat or drink anything, not even water.  I must have been plenty hydrated though because my body found plenty of tears to cry.  I think the hardest part was all the lead up to the procedure.  They ask you all the questions, tell you all the risks, make you sign lots of papers that you understand you could get a hole poked in your uterus or whatever random bad thing that could happen.  Then they took loads of blood out of my dehydrated veins.  I wondered what exactly they are testing me for right before the procedure? 
 
I had to change into a hospital gown and they sent a stretcher up to get me.  The hot tears had already started because I knew now that this was it.  The friendly stretcher guy Abraham covered me with warm blankets and scooted me through the hallways.  I hated it.  I felt like everyone was looking at me, I couldn't stop crying and I knew this was the end of such a joyful time. Tomorrow I won't be pregnant.  

I did want this done though.  I probably could have opted for a natural miscarriage but because I already had a trip planned to NC & SC leaving Thursday, I couldn't take the risk of waiting. Besides, if the baby was dead I wanted it out of me.  It's too much to know it's in there and not alive and I could start bleeding and pass it at any time.  I know that a natural miscarriage is the right decision for a lot of people and I would have liked to see the baby, I think, but for me I needed closure.

Thankfully, they put me to sleep during the procedure so I was gloriously unaware of what was happening.  The nurses, doctors, anesthesiologist, stretcher guy, and even the recovery nurses were all so kind and warm to me.  I was crying so much and they told me their stories of miscarriages or just rubbed my arm to let me know they cared.  I will forever be grateful to them.  

My husband was and is such a rock to me during this whole time.  Yesterday when he went to get my medication, he asked me if I would need more pads.  I guessed I would since I wasn't planning on needing any for quite awhile being pregnant.  He said, "Do you want Poise or Serenity?"  I laughed and told him he was in the wrong aisle.  I mean, do I have to say again what a treasure he is to be looking in the incontinence aisle for his wife, then to browse through the sanitary pads reading me all the brands and virtues of each one-unscented, night-time, ultra-thin; Kotex, Always, Stayfree.  He also brought me home jello, applesauce, grape juice and chicken soup.  He takes such great care of me.  He even set his alarm at 2:00 am so I would take my medication on time.

During this dark time, I have felt lifted up by prayers of the few people who knew this was happening but also by the many women whom I've come to know in the pregnancy sites.  Even the women on makeupalley sent me so much love and prayers.  I really felt it get me through yesterday and still today.  

In our Young Married class at church we are starting to do something called "God Moments" and I've had so many in the past few days.  On Monday when I was driving to my ultrasound, I was nervous as usual but I felt this overwhelming peaceful feeling come over me and I started to cry.  I just felt like everything was going to be ok no matter what happened at the ultrasound.  I certainly didn't expect this to happen, but I did have that God Moment that I can look back on now and know why it was there.     

It still hurts so much and I know that it is going to come in waves and stages.  I can cry at any moment right now and I have the puffy eyes to prove it.  I still haven't cut off my hospital bracelets because I feel like it is one more step to forgetting and I can't do it now but I will tomorrow.  To be honest, I'm a mess but because of this trip I've had to pull it together and just get one thing done at a time.  I know tomorrow we are driving to Louisiana and on Friday I leave Gustavo for three weeks to go home, but I can't think about that now.  He is concerned about me driving the 10 hours alone and wonders if I'll be ok and I guess I will but I can't think about that either.  Right now it seems like Everest just to have to pack tonight.  On Friday I'm sure I'll conquer it though because in between now and then I will have conquered many little things.  

I know that it's my faith in God and Bible verses that I hold on to that have walked me through this week so far.  People keep saying that I'm strong but I know the strength is going to be needed as I keep walking and have to go on with normal life and conversations.  In a way it's comforting that right now can be all about my grieving.  I knew from the moment that this happened to me again that I had to use this experience to help other women.  I don't know yet how I will do that but I have been too touched to let it pass me by and act unscathed by it.  I think this can be transformative and healing if it is out in the open and nurtured properly.  

I'm hoping that going home will be a distraction for me and I can throw myself into something that will take my mind off the sadness.  This trip will be hard for me because it's when I was going to announce the pregnancy to the rest of my family and friends.  I'll even have a pair of maternity jeans I ordered waiting for me at my Mother's house.  I'm just going to hope that the trip will turn into something special still even if it wasn't what I was expecting.  

17 comments:

Fe said...

There are no words of comfort that seem sufficient here. I have experienced multiple miscarriages, and send you my heartfelt love and best wishes.

((((((( HUG )))))))

The Closet Therapist said...

Thank you Fe. I will accept all the hugs I can get. I know you know how I feel and hugs right back to you.

Stephanie said...

I am so very sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine what you must be going through but you do a good job of articulating how you feel. I will pray for you. This must be so hard for you.

Sherri said...

The best I can offer you is my prayers for your comfort and health and that God will soon bless you with a healthy baby. You are such a special person that I truly admire and I absolutely hate it that you have to go through this.

Unknown said...

I will be praying for you. You are a special person who looks to God during this time.

Feeling the sadness is the best way through this. You are so strong and I hate that you are feeling it but know we are here with you. I have been following you...."lurking" for awhile but wanted you to know I would be praying for you.

Cynthia

emigre said...

I'm very sorry for your loss, sending good vibes for better days ahead.

Kelly said...

I am so so sorry that you have to endure this. I've only had a chemical, so I can't even imagine what you're going through. May God give you the strength to overcome. :hugs:

Dytyna said...

Hi ClosetT...

I stumbled upon your blog. I'm Dy from one of the sites you used to hang out at (TWW). For some reason I wondered how you were today, and ended up here. In that anonymous way of the internet, I shared your joy when you found out you were pregnant. And I was and remain grateful for all of the kind, loving support you give everyone around you. You have such a pure heart, and give so much of yourself. Take good care...and safe journeys...and know that you're in my thoughts and prayers. Big hugs to you. Be in touch...

Rosepep said...

Hi Jennifer. This is Rosepep from Two Week Wait. I'm so sorry to hear you lost the baby. I wish I could say something to make you feel better. You are such a sweetheart and deserve only blessings. When he is ready, God will bless you with a child. If you get lonely and want to chat, you know where to find us.
Much love,
Amy

La Belette Rouge said...

I am so sorry. I wish there is something I could say that would do any good or make you feel any better. I am afraid all I can say is that I am so sorry and that my heart aches for you. Huge hugs and lots of love to you.xo

Helene said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I have had 3 miscarriages and the last one was 2 years ago at 12 weeks, right when we though it was safe. I have just cried and cried in the last 10 minutes reading your post. I wish I could extend passed this screen and give you a hug or make you a cup of tea.
You have a wonderful husband, this is absolutely crucial for what's next. Tomorrow is next with all its unexpected moments and discoveries.
I wish you the very best to come. It will.

mom of two! said...

I am so sorry for your loss, I know all to well how much it hurts. I will be praying for you.

Unknown said...

Hi Jennifer,

this is newlywed from TTC. I just heard and I want to tell you how truly sorry I am for what you are going through. You are such a wonderful person and your encouragement and kind words touched me deeply when I needed it. Please know that you and your DH are in my thoughts and prayers.

Alison at Wardrobe Oxygen said...

Oh sweetie, I have been away from blog reading and decided to stop by and see how you have been. I am so sorry and want you to know you and your husband are in my thoughts and prayers. Much love and big virtual hugs to you my dear, wishing I was claser so I could actually be there for you.

Shara said...

Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm praying Jer.29:11 over you and your future child(ren)!

Beth Tavel said...

I am a friend of your friend Renee's...she sent me the link to your blog. As I was reading it, I felt as though I were reading my own words. I have had 4 miscarriages, but have also been very blessed to have 2 healthy boys (3 miscarriages were between the two and one after the 2nd son was born). 3 of my miscarriages were just like yours...what they call "missed miscarriage". It is so tough because, until it happens to you, you are blissfully unaware of what can happen. Of course you are going to see that baby moving around on the ultrasound...after all, you still FEEL pregnant and LOOK pregnant (I was still having morning sickness). Anyway, my purpose for writing to you is to tell you that you are putting your faith where it needs to be...with God. He alone can give you "the Peace that passes all understanding." This is what got me through my 2nd successful pregnancy. I was so stressed out during the pregnancy that resulted in my 3rd miscarriage...so when I did get pregnant again with my 2nd son, I decided to give it up to God...knowing that He was the one in control anyhow. I know that it is not because of that that I had a successful pregnancy, but that it was what kept me at peace with whatever the outcome would be. I want you to know that putting your trust in God will carry you through, no matter what happens for your future. I wish you peace, joy and also pray that you will be given the gift of a happy, healthy baby very soon.

hillary said...

hi jen,
this is hillary from tww. ive been thinking about you and wondering how you've been doing...remembering your blog, i wanted to stop by to let you know that you are still in my thoughts and i hope your healing process finds you with more closure than the day you wrote this post. you have god in control of your everything, and with that-you can get through anything.

you are truly admirable. keep hangin' in there :)
xoxo

Our Trip to Rosemary Beach, Florida

I'm linking up again with  Erika ,  Andrea  and  Narci  for the Friday Favorites!  I love reading everyone's favorites too! ...