Day 22: T- 32.5 hours

We are now counting down the hours... Less than a day and a half to go until we hit that precious, 24w threshold and get those magic betamethesone injections. Bring on the big needles. I am ready.

I dont consider this the end of the journey by any means. I mean, we will still be living life in 2w increments. Every 2w is a better prognosis. First 26w, then 28w, then 30w and 32w. By the time 32w gets here, I think I may even do a 4w countdown (wow, optimistic me!) for that awesome, 36w cerclage removal!

I saw Dr M this morning. She checked with the endocrinologist and they agreed that yes, the steroids will supress my immune system and yes, post-steroids, my immune system is going to be a junkie for a few days. But they dont feel it is going to be enough to need to withhold my medication. Just for safety, she decided to run some baseline panels today so that, if things look funky next week, they can run a repeat and compare numbers. But, all in all, I think that things will be fine. I'm still glad we asked. She's also running panels for preeclampsia. I dont have any markers right now (in fact, my blood pressure rocks and I am very non-swollen considering all the summer weather), but just to be safe, since toxemia issues reared their ugly heads after Alexander. I'm hoping that they all come back very normal and that there are no underlying, hidden issues. (I mean, I cant argue if they say my liver or kidney tests come back poor...) But, fingers crossed, no issues!

Getting to the bloodwork... 3 sticks of the needle... The first was in my hand (note to folks: avoid any hand pricks at all cost; my hand is bruised and sore) and the second in the middle of my elbow. The third and final was in the side of my arm, where I had asked that the first needle be poked. Imagine that... The side worked. I tried to explain that I have spent the last 2y having my blood drawn CONSTANTLY and that I know where my working veins are, but... The nurse was very nice, but I wish that people would listen to me sometimes. My worst blood draws are when people dont listen. They mean well and they have their training on their side, but I have my veins. Like quite a bit of my body, they are false advertising. They look fine but when you poke them... not so much. But I digress... Blood was taken, urine was taken, and now the lab is analyzing them... I expect we will hear something tomorrow, but we shall see.

So, not too much else to update on. Having some increased discharge which freaks me out, but the pH is still normal. But, increased discharge makes me think of preterm labor so I'm trying not to think about it too much. I've had a few strange pains (quick ones) when my bladder gets full so I'm making sure that doesnt happen. Otherwise, my mammerjammer babies continue their growth spurt and playing soccer in my belly. I refuse to think about losing them at this point. 24w is in no way a sure thing although there are so many more interventions possible. I just am holding out for a safe labor in the vicinity of 36w, and two healthy, screaming, kicking babies at the end of the day... Babies that far outlive Peter and I and have families of their own.

So, here we are... The countdown continues!!! And tomorrow- we will almost be there!!!