An Update on Ryan

I sent this email out to all of our amazing friends and family:

I thought you all might like to hear an update on Baby Ryan. I know Dwight sent you all a link to the family’s website with some pictures right after he was born. Hopefully, you were able to actually view them. (http://www.adventuresinchaos.com) Here’s the rest of the story…

When Ryan was born, he did not cry in the delivery room. They worked with him for several minutes and gave him oxygen, but he still didn’t cry. After being in the nursery for a couple of hours, they determined that his breathing, while not labored, was much too fast. He was taking about 120 breaths per minute versus the average baby’s 40-60 breaths per minute. They did lung x-rays and found out that his lungs were “hazy” or “wet”. They transferred him to the NICU and told us they expected him to be there for 24-48 hours.

Blood work showed a lot of leukocytes (or immature white blood cells) indicative of an infection. They started IV antibiotics and kept him on monitors. They put a tube in his throat to feed him so that eating wouldn’t stress him any further. After 3 days of antibiotics, his lungs were still hazy and his blood work still showed signs of infection. It was determined then that he’d need to have a 7 day course of antibiotics. They weren’t confident that the infection was the cause of his rapid breathing. They had anticipated his lungs clearing much faster. Even when his lung xrays eventually came back clear, his breathing was still much too rapid.

So, they did LOTS of tests … CT scans, kidney ultrasounds, ECGs, chest x-rays, daily blood work, chromosome panels, head ultrasounds, etc. After 7 or 8 days in the NICU, they even talked of sending him home with monitors and a “G” tube. (A G tube is a feeding tube surgically implanted in his tummy.) During the first week plus of his life, we never heard him cry. He basically just slept. I remember numerous times of walking into the nicu, hearing a baby cry, and hoping it was Ryan. There was always a feeling of sadness when I realized it wasn’t him.

Since I had a c-section, they had me stay at the hospital during the 2 weeks. This enabled me to provide “kangaroo care” (skin to skin contact) which they have found to be extremely helpful with NICU babies. It also enabled me to nurse as allowed. He was fed every 3 hours round the clock. Most of the time, I would go into the NICU, hold him while he was fed through the tube. When he was finished eating, I would go pump so that they would have milk to feed him for the next feeding.

Eventually to make a really long story must shorter, after about 10 days, he woke up. They found everything to be normal, except for 2 minor heart defects. The neonatologists think he was a “premature full-term baby”. Many of the problems he had were common for preemies, but at 38 ½ weeks and 7 ½ pounds, he wasn’t technically a preemie, but he did have many of the symptoms.

As for the heart defects … The first defect is fairly common and is a mild form of the problem. They anticipate it will correct itself with time. The second defect is not so minor and they anticipate it will need surgery at some point. For now, we will be following up with the Pediatric Cardiologist frequently. It could require surgery in a month, or it may not require surgery until he’s in his teens or later. We will just have to see (and pray for miracles).

Speaking of miracles… during our 2 weeks in the NICU, we witnessed numerous miracles for our family and others. Even prior to delivering Ryan, there were blessings. Some of you already know, that I had felt very impressed to change hospitals, which required a change in doctors. It was a hard choice to make as I really liked my OB. It worked out to be such a blessing that I did change. The new hospital is only 2 miles from home instead of 20. Additionally, Ryan would have been transferred from the old hospital to this one. If he had been transferred, I would not have been able to stay with him for the 2 weeks. This would have probably resulted in a G tube. Additionally during our stay, we were blessed with the best specialists, nurses and friends. Our dear friends brought dinner to our family each evening, and lunch to me each day. We had more offers for help than we could even use. We felt the power of the many, many prayers being given on our behalf. And, for all these blessings and miracles, we are very grateful!

We are SO thankful to have Baby Ryan home and that he has found his voice. (He really can cry! J Who knew that with my 6th child I would feel gratitude for his crying.)

We thought you might enjoy seeing some new pictures. If interested, go to:

http://s27.photobucket.com/albums/c193/MommyTin/

The password is: mannguest
(all lower case)

On the left side, you’ll see a list of our photo albums. You’re welcome to browse them all, but if you click on “Baby Ryan”, you’ll see our latest pictures. This will give you a small image of each picture. But, if you click on “Slide show” on the upper right side, then you can see the images and the descriptions. I hope that’s clear…

Love,
Tina

Half Way There

March 17th marked the half way point for the pregnancy.

On March 19th, I went in for another appointment with Dr. Murdock. Nothing remarkable. Everything seemed fine.

On April 7th, I took a tour of the hospital. It's a very nice facility. The majority of the tour was spent addressing the needs/concerns of those who will be doing vaginal deliveries.

Level 2 Ultrasound

On March 3, I had the Level 2 Ultrasound at Texas Perinatologist office, which showed no abnormalities. It was a huge relief! However, I had a feeling that something was wrong with the baby and I couldn't really shake the feeling even after the positive news. It wasn't a scarey feeling, but I felt like I was being prepared for something.

During the ultrasound the technician said "It looks like he has outdoor plumbing." It took me a few minutes to even realize what that meant. Kind of funny, right? So, it's a little boy. I was a little surprised, but just relieved that he appeared healthy.

New OB

On February 11th, I picked up all my records from Dr. Shows' office. She left a nice note on my paperwork saying that she'd miss me. I will also miss her. She was very good to me.

On February 14th, I met with Dr. Murdock for the first time. Her nurse, Elsie, took me back to an ultrasound room and talked with me for several minutes. I really liked her. She had previously worked at the practice with Dr. Shows, and said she thought I would really like this practice even better. It inspired extra confidence; however, I was sure that I had made the right choice. I guess I felt like I had been guiding by the Lord in the choice.

When Dr. Murdock came in she spent probably 20 minutes doing the ultrasound and watching the baby move. She was really enthusiastic and positive as she talked with me. She asked me lots of questions and thanked me for bringing my medical records. We talked a lot and I knew I had made the right choice.

She asked if they had told me the sex of the baby yet. I said No. She asked if I wanted to know. I said sure. She said she wasn't absolutely positive, but if she had to guess she'd call it a boy. She also commented several times on how active he was. And, he was! I was already starting to feel little flutters of movement constantly.

Notes from Stake Conference

Things we can do to help our children:

1. Have personal prayers. Let the kids hear you pray.
2. Have family prayers. Give children a chance to pray and let them hear you pray.
3. Have personal scripture study. Be immersed at all times. Memorize the scripture masteries with your children.
4. Have family scripture study. Let your children hear you read and testify.
5. Hold Family Home Evening weekly.

***

As we study our scriptures, fast, and pray, we bind ourselves to the iron rod. (See Alma 17:1-3.)

***

Prayer after curfew when the kids come home.
hmmm.... interesting idea

***

President Hinckley, as reported by the San Antonio Mission President, advised the new Mission Presidents to: 1) teach them who they are, their divine origins. They are sons and daughters of God; and 2) teach them their responsibilities.

Wouldn't it be great if it could be said of our family: "Pursued excellence in their scripture study."

***

Elder Anderson: "Let us be careful. Let us be frugal. Let us not buy things we absolutely do not need. Live carefully. Frugally."

Appointments, OBs & the Ultrascreen

On January 8th, I had my first regular OB appointment with Dr. Shows. We discussed the pregnancy, and she showed me pictures of her new little girl. She seems a little distracted, understandably so. We discussed doing the ultrascreen tests that I've always turned down.

Prior to going in for this appointment, I knew I would be asked if I wanted to do the triple screen to test for Down's Syndrome. I knew I was at high risk due to my age. I've always turned these tests down in the past due to the high incidence of false positives. I have never wanted the extra stress. This time I opted to have it. I felt like if there was a problem, it would be beneficial to know ahead of time so that we could have the right specialists available at the delivery. Also, I wanted to be able to prepare the children.

I also started to feel like I needed to deliver at a hospital closer to home. Dr. Shows only delivers at the Northeast Baptist Hospital. I had a good experience when I delivered Deborah there, but everyone else I talked with had negative experiences.

I had also started to feel like I needed a new OB. It was tough to think about that because I have really enjoyed seeing Dr. Shows. Additionally, she helped to diagnose 2 health problems that had been ignored or denied by other OB's. I felt a sense of loyalty to her, but eventually I realized that I was receiving spiritual promptings to deliver at the hospital closest to my home.

I started the process of finding a new OB. I asked several women at church about their OB's. The Northeast Obstetrics & Gynecology practice kept coming up over and over again. In fact, out of the 2 dozen or so women I spoke to, only 2 of them went to other practices. Everyone I spoke with had rave reviews for the North Central Baptist Hospital. I heard nothing but positive comments about the hospital and the nurses there.

Eventually I settled on Dr. Tammy Murdock with the Northeast OB/Gyn Associates. I did not find anyone else who was already her patient. But, after reading her bio online, I knew she was my first choice. Several things attracted me to her. First, she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering. It seems most engineering majors understand the need to be detailed and exacting. I like that. Additionally, she is the Chief of Obstetrics at North Central Baptist Hospital.

When I called to schedule an appointment with her, they took all my information and said they would call back to schedule the appointment AFTER they had verified my insurance benefits. So, I waited... and waited... After about 2 weeks, I called them back to follow up. I was assured they were getting to me and would call me back as soon as they could.

In the meantime, I had my ultrascreen blood work done. The following Monday, Dr. Shows called to discuss the results. It was abnormal, as we expected. My age related risk is 1 out of 72 for Downs. The blood test adjusted it to 1 out of 238. (Their cut off is 270.) Dr Shows recommended that we see a high risk OB around 15-16 weeks. Depending on the results, they may recommend an amniocentesis. She reminded me again that the tests just indicates RISK. It is not a diagnosis.

HcG Numbers & Sonograms

On December 3rd, I went into the doctor's office to have the results confirmed. They took blood work that morning and again on December 5th. On December 6th, they called to say the numbers were increasing adequately and it seemed to be a viable pregnancy. I felt great joy!

On December 10th, I had my first sonogram. I measured at 5 weeks.

On Christmas day, I had a little spotting. So on the 26th, I scheduled an appointment with Dr. Shows office. She was out for the day, so I saw Dr. Wratten. She did an ultrasound and everything appeared to be fine.

2007 Holiday Letter

December 2007

Howdy, y’all!

Our holiday letter is running a little late, but we wanted to wish you a very Merry Christmas and tell you a little about what’s been going on here in San Antonio. Mom’s been real busy helping with me, so I decided I’d write the letter for her.

My big sister, Jessica, is getting really tall! She’s almost 13 years old now. She’s very pretty and super sweet. She’s been taking dance lessons this year and is getting really good. She’s very smart and loves to read. She’s also been learning to speak in Spanish and Japanese. Sometimes mom doesn’t even know what she’s saying. Jessica thinks that might be a good thing.

My big brother, Jacob is really awesome! He’s already 10. I’m looking forward to the day when he teaches me to play Chess. He’s great at the game! He’s even beat Daddy a few times, 12 to be exact. Jacob took acting classes this summer. He really enjoyed doing all the stage fights. He’s been working hard at being a Cub Scout and now they call him a Webelo. He’s counting down the days till camp. He’s pretty cool.

My other big brother, David, is 9. He has the loudest burp you’ve ever heard! I’m pretty sure all of heaven can even hear him. I’m gonna have him teach me how to do it, too. Mommy says it’s not a gentleman or lady-like thing to do, but it sure makes people laugh. David is also a Cub Scout. They call him a Bear now, but he’s really a fun kid!

My other, other big brother, Johnathon, is starting to read and he’s only 5 years old. He’s doing a great job! Some day he’s gonna read books to me. He and all my big siblings attend a coop with a bunch of other really nice people. They learn really cool stuff there. Johnathon loves it! He also graduated from Speech Class this year. The teacher said he’s already smarter than most of the kids at her school.

As you probably know, Daddy spent most of his time in Pennsylvania this year. Everybody missed him a bunch! We’re glad Daddy’s been able to be at home with us for the holidays. He hasn’t heard where his next assignment is, but his last two were on islands. Mom’s jealous and wants to trade jobs.

As for Mommy, well, she keeps herself busy all the time. She says it’s cause she has so many kids, but I think she just likes doing a whole lot of stuff. She always makes time for knitting and has made my big sister some pretty sweaters.

Speaking of my big sister, I almost forgot to tell you what Deborah’s been up to. She’s 15 months old and she’s walking FAST now. Mommy can barely keep up. She loves to climb on things to get what she wants, but she’s still learning how to talk. She has a few words mastered … like Daddy. Mommy says it’s really good cause she always calls for Daddy in the mornings. She’s gonna be a fun playmate!

Even though Daddy was gone so much of the year, he still managed to find time to slip one past the goalie. I’m really looking forward to meeting y’all some time late in the summer. I’ve heard lots of good things about you. The doctor told Mommy that I’ll be here by 8-8-2008, just 3 days before she turns 40. Till then please keep us in your prayers and my family will remember you in their prayers.

Love,

The Mann’s -- Dwight, Tina, Jessica, Jacob, David, Johnathon, Deborah, and me

PS Keep in touch! We’d love to hear from you

I'm PREGNANT!

I went downstairs and said to Dwight, "It looks like I won't need to have that test this week." He was completely confused and motioned for me to come sit with him. So, I went over and sat on his lap. I repeated what I said and he asked "Why?" So, I whispered to him. He is really excited also! I can't believe I'm pregnant again. I'm so excited. I'm thrilled that my dr's were wrong. :)

It looks like my due date will be 8-8-08, just 3 days before I turn 40. Whewhoo!

Two lines?????

To satisfy Dwight I bought a home pregnancy test today. I've been drinking a ton of water all day and while I know they say you can test at anytime of day or night, I figured I should probably wait till morning. Then my curiosity got the best of me... afterall, there are two tests.

Can it be two lines?



I'm shaking! I'm so excited! I must go tell Dwight....

December finally rolled around. On the Saturday, the 1st, Dwight was home for the weekend. We needed to go grocery shopping and Dwight was adamant that I needed to take a pregnancy test. I was only 2 days late, which was not uncommon for me and I felt it was a waste of money. Dwight was a little irritated with me and thought I was being silly. I didn't think it was wise to waste money when we knew that I couldn't get pregnant.

Anyone who knows Dwight, knows that he can be quite opinionated. It is often easier to just agree to what he wants than to argue with him. So to satisfy Dwight I bought a home pregnancy test. A box of 2 actually.

I had been drinking a ton of water all day (in hopes of losing weight). And, while they say you can test at anytime of day or night, I figured I should probably wait till morning. Then ... my curiosity got the best of me... afterall, there were two tests.

Shopping

I can't believe it's already December. YIKES! Dwight and I need to go grocery shopping this morning. He thinks I should buy a pregnancy test. I'm only 2 days late, and I think it'll just be a waste of money. He's a little irritated with me. He says I'm being silly. I just have financial goals that I'd really like to meet.

David

David has amazing Primary teachers. A few of our children have been blessed to have them as instructors in various classes. Bro & Sis Kimball magnify every calling and they're just really neat people. This is a picture they took of David:

Just a little moody today...

I'm just a little moody today. I keep reminding myself that it's just a cycle thing. I should be starting anytime, and every month I'm a bit moody a day or two before I start. I must remember to be patient.

My sweetheart ticked me off tonight and he's not even home yet. After I hung up the phone I realized that it is really me, not him. I need to apologize.

Thanksgiving

It has been a very relaxing day with the family. I have much to be thankful for in my life. I'm especially thankful for my sweet husband and that he could be home today. I'm thankful that he has a good job and that he is a hard worker.

I'm also very thankful for my children. Each of them are very good and kind.

I am a very blessed woman.

An HSG has been ordered...

I spoke with my OB and she is sending the orders for an HSG. I will need to schedule it once I start my next cycle, which should be the beginning of December. It has to be done sometime during cycle days 5-9. I'm nervous about it and still a little unresolved about doing. However, I've decided to have it done in hopes that it will give us more information on why I'm so tender.

It will also give us a more clear picture of whether my tubes are really completely closed or not. It should be interesting. It seems like it's a long time away though. I'm anxious.

I had been praying about this whole situation with my tubes and IVF, etc. On Saturday, November 10th, the answer came that I needed to speak with Brother Jeremy King at church. In October, he shared his testimony. He shared a story about his work experience as a fertility specialist for the military.

I am a very private person, especially when it comes to personal health issues. However, the Lord had prompted me to speak with him and so on Sunday I did.

Bro King was so kind. He said that it is premature to make a definitive diagnosis of hydrosalpinx from an ultrasound. He said I really need to have an HSG or laproscopic surgery to see what is really happening. Bro King recommended that I ask my dr for an HSG to start. He even offered to order it for me if my doctor was unwilling to order it that he will order it for me. Unfortunately, because he's military, he was unable to treat me in his office, but he was willing to help in any way possible.

He sounded hopeful. I'm thankful that he came as an answer to prayer. What a blessing for me.
I'm so thankful for personal revelation.

On Thursday, November 15th, I spoke with my OB. She was willing to order the HSG even though she really felt like I was putting myself through unnecessary discomfort. It was to be scheduled at the start of my next cycle, which was due at the beginning of December. It needed to be done sometime during cycle days 5-9. Thus I was instructed to call on cycle day 1 to schedule it.

I was very nervous about the HSG. I had heard they were very uncomfortable. I was also still a little unresolved about doing it. However, I decided to have it done in hopes that it would at least give us more information to explain the tenderness.

I was also hopeful that it would give us a more clear picture of whether my tubes were really completely closed or not. I was anxious and it seemed that the first day of my cycle would never come. I also noted at that time, "I think this situation is also not being dealt with as well as it should be due to the fact that my OB is having her own first baby tomorrow. I love this OB; however, I think she just has other things on her mind now (understandably). "

Answers

I spoke with the fertility specialist at church. He was so kind. He said that it is premature to make a definitive diagnosis of hydrosalpinx from an ultrasound. He said I really need to have an HSG or laproscopic surgery to see what is really happening. He recommended that I ask my dr for an HSG to start. He said if she's unwilling to order it that he will order it for me. Unfortunately, because he's military, he can't treat me in his office, but he's willing to help in any way possible.

He sounded hopeful. I'm thankful that he came as an answer to prayer. What a blessing for me.

Prayer

I have been praying about this whole situation with my tubes and IVF, etc. The answer came today that I need to speak with one of the men at our church congregation. In a testimony that he shared last month he shared a story about his work experience as a fertility specialist. He is military; thus, I wouldn't be able to see him professionally. I don't usually like to share my health information with people. However, my answer was to speak with him. I will do that on Sunday.

I'm so thankful for personal revelation.

And the OB says ...

I spoke with OB. She said the enlarged and fibrous appearance to my uterus on the CT is consistent with having had 5 children.

The hydrosalpinx is not something she would recommend treating. She again confirmed that there is nothing her office can do for us as far as having another child. She feels like we'd just be wasting our time with any type of attempt to get pregnant. She's also concerned that if I do IVF that I might get pregnant with multiples. She's not sure that my uterus could handle a pregnancy with more than 1 child.

I still feel very confused. I do not have an answer to why I have such tenderness on the left side. Additionally, I'm not sure it makes sense for us to spend $15,000 on a CHANCE of getting pregnant when we already have 5 beautiful healthy children. I called the fertility specialist and they want $280 to just talk with us on an intial visit. If money were no object, I wouldn't hesitate. However, that is not my reality. I just feel so unresolved about all of this. I will keep praying.