As I am downloading and listening to music from iTunes I became inspired to write a little in my blog. So much has been on my mind but I haven't made time to express it. Wow, I can't believe its April. It will be 5 weeks since my surgery and I feel great. I am heading back to work on Monday. It was much needed time for healing and reflection. I’ve had a chance to meet some wonderful women who've shared their personal stories...from heartbreak to miracles. I’ve learned we all have a story. One that inspires and touches the heart. But most importantly a story that makes a greater impact on our lives. That impact brings change, a good change, if you choose it to be.
My personal story has brought me inspiration to change. I've watch myself grow in ways I never knew I could. I'd always let fear get in the way. I believe that fear equals failure. Many of us will not change because we are afraid of failing. I 'm here to tell you that sometimes you don't have a choice, fear could smack you in the face at any given moment when you least expect it and you have no choice but to change...will it be good or bad? It's your decision. I made that choice when I lost my son. I could sit in fear for the rest of my life but I knew that is not me. Instead I embraced the fear of change and turned it into something meaningful to myself and others.
Change is good and I need that as part of my healing process…I think we all do at some point in our lives. If you don’t change how do you learn more about yourself and become a better person? For those of you who are planners like me, remember your plan can take a detour at any given moment....mine did. What's next? Well...My change has inspired me to start all over again.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Video of Lap TAC
Warning this might be graphic for some to watch. The link below provides a video of a Lap TAC performed by Dr. Demir.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=630Ax6N6yp0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=630Ax6N6yp0
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Update... it's been a little over a week since my surgery and feeling pretty good. I am up and walking and have even left the house. Still not driving, will tackle that next week. It just feels good to relax and catch up on some really good movies.
I also wanted to post info about a sight I found called Abbyloopers.org. This site/group was put together for women who are looking for support and information about the transabdominal cerclage. I think I found my calling....becoming an advocate for other women with IC. This group of women provide amazing support. The stories told are heartbreaking. I ask myself why so many women had to experience multiple losses before a doctor would even consider performing a TAC...but each case and doctor is different. I feel much compassion for other women like me and would do anything to help. A woman should not have to experience multiple losses if there is a procedure that can offer a ninety-five percent chance of carrying to term. Now that is something to be hopeful about!
If there are women out there who have experienced a loss due to IC and have any questions regarding the TAC please feel free to post.
I also wanted to post info about a sight I found called Abbyloopers.org. This site/group was put together for women who are looking for support and information about the transabdominal cerclage. I think I found my calling....becoming an advocate for other women with IC. This group of women provide amazing support. The stories told are heartbreaking. I ask myself why so many women had to experience multiple losses before a doctor would even consider performing a TAC...but each case and doctor is different. I feel much compassion for other women like me and would do anything to help. A woman should not have to experience multiple losses if there is a procedure that can offer a ninety-five percent chance of carrying to term. Now that is something to be hopeful about!
If there are women out there who have experienced a loss due to IC and have any questions regarding the TAC please feel free to post.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Abdominal Cerclage
To think I was so nervous yesterday and now it's all over. What a relief and another hurdle I have jumped. The surgery was a success. Now just recovering.Took a walk down the hall and back today boy did it hurt like hell...Can't even stand up straight. Good thing Sean was there to help. I am enjoying the quiet time alone watching TV and sleeping. Finally off the liquid diet. Thank gosh for that!!
For those women who are considering the abdominal cerclage as a last resort it is well worth it. The surgery itself is pretty fast and recovery time is about 5 weeks. I will continue to blog for those of you who are interested in my journey and of course to help other women who share the same experiences as me.
A huge "Thank You" to Dr. Gilbert and Sutter Memorial Staff (Sacramento Ca) in Labor and Delivery. You are truly the best around.
For those women who are considering the abdominal cerclage as a last resort it is well worth it. The surgery itself is pretty fast and recovery time is about 5 weeks. I will continue to blog for those of you who are interested in my journey and of course to help other women who share the same experiences as me.
A huge "Thank You" to Dr. Gilbert and Sutter Memorial Staff (Sacramento Ca) in Labor and Delivery. You are truly the best around.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
There is hope! Sean and I met with Dr. Gilbert at Perinatal Associates last Wednesday to discuss our options for future pregnancies. I am a candidate for the TAC (Trans abdominal cerclage). This procedure is not common and for most woman like me it is a last resort to prevent future losses. Similar to the trans-vaginal cerclage the TAC is placed through the abdominal and is permanent.
Recap, I previously had the trans-vaginal cerclage placed at 19 wks due to cervical incompetence. This diagnosis is rare (occurs in only 1-2% of all pregnancies) and usually is not detected until a woman has experienced a loss during her second trimester . My cerclage failed resulting in premature labor at 24 wks. After experiencing much devastation over the loss of our first child and a 95% success rate we know a TAC is our last option. My surgery is scheduled for March 5 and I am looking forward to many future miracle pregnancies.
I found a great link from Channel 7 news in LA covering a story of a woman who had a successful TAC. Her story touches home. Thought I would share being a strong advocate for this procedure.
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/health&id=6608988
Recap, I previously had the trans-vaginal cerclage placed at 19 wks due to cervical incompetence. This diagnosis is rare (occurs in only 1-2% of all pregnancies) and usually is not detected until a woman has experienced a loss during her second trimester . My cerclage failed resulting in premature labor at 24 wks. After experiencing much devastation over the loss of our first child and a 95% success rate we know a TAC is our last option. My surgery is scheduled for March 5 and I am looking forward to many future miracle pregnancies.
I found a great link from Channel 7 news in LA covering a story of a woman who had a successful TAC. Her story touches home. Thought I would share being a strong advocate for this procedure.
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/health&id=6608988
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
I've had much time to reflect on what has happened over the past few months. Spent 5 weeks on bed rest, 3 at home, 2 in the hospital, lost our first born at 24 weeks premature and 3 weeks later my Grandma Huny passed away.
I've felt sad, angry, jealousy, fear and guilt...it's like riding the emotional roller coaster that never stops. Most of these feelings have subsided but of course they will never truly go away. I've found comfort through many things; therapy, writing, religion and stories of women who share the same experiences.
I've thought long and hard about my Catholic roots. I say this because my Grandma Huny was a devoted Catholic. As I watched Huny prepare herself for the next journey in her life I saw no fear only comfort and acceptance. She had something to believe in to help guide the way. As my journey through life is different at this very moment I too must believe that GOD has a plan for Sean and I. Believing helps me put one foot in front of the other each and every day.
I've learned so much from what has happened...one that many may not understand and that is ok. We should appreciate life and the people that surround us. They are gifts! I don't want to sweat the small stuff. I want to embrace the things that truly make me happy like Sean (my hubby), family and friends, Zoey and Sadie (my two labs) and most of all...Life.
I welcome 2010. It's all about new challenges and a happy and healthy new year.
I've felt sad, angry, jealousy, fear and guilt...it's like riding the emotional roller coaster that never stops. Most of these feelings have subsided but of course they will never truly go away. I've found comfort through many things; therapy, writing, religion and stories of women who share the same experiences.
I've thought long and hard about my Catholic roots. I say this because my Grandma Huny was a devoted Catholic. As I watched Huny prepare herself for the next journey in her life I saw no fear only comfort and acceptance. She had something to believe in to help guide the way. As my journey through life is different at this very moment I too must believe that GOD has a plan for Sean and I. Believing helps me put one foot in front of the other each and every day.
I've learned so much from what has happened...one that many may not understand and that is ok. We should appreciate life and the people that surround us. They are gifts! I don't want to sweat the small stuff. I want to embrace the things that truly make me happy like Sean (my hubby), family and friends, Zoey and Sadie (my two labs) and most of all...Life.
I welcome 2010. It's all about new challenges and a happy and healthy new year.
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