I am angry. I am angry that I will never get to see Shyloh and Tyce turn one. I will never get to see them walk. I will never get to see them discover their likes and dislikes. I will never get to meet their girlfriends. I will never get to see them graduate. I will never get to see them go to college. I will never see them get married. I have every right to be angry. Or do I?
Maybe my right to be angry has been taken away. Taken away by the fact that He loves me. I am reminded of the scenes from The Passion of The Christ. The scenes of Jesus being crucified. I am reminded of the story of his crucifixion in the New Testament. I am reminded that not one time did Jesus ever get angry. Why didn't he? Because he knew what was coming. He knew His purpose.
This is graphic. It is scenes from The Passion of The Christ. If anything, just close your eyes and let the words of the song saturate you.
I can't be angry. I can only be a light in a dark world. And no matter what pain I must endure, I must keep my eyes on His purpose as it becomes my purpose......... because He loves me.
He loves us!
Love y'all,
Scott
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Trying to catch up with the world
Here's what I do not know....How could God give us 2 beautiful boys and then allow them to be taken away from us by a horrible disease? How could God allow my wife to go through the pain she went through without the joy of holding 2 crying babies in her arms? How could God allow us to experience such grief? How can God be such a cruel God? How can God allow evil people to walk this earth but take away our boys?
Here's what I do know....God is in control. God is not human. He sees the "big picture". He knows that our experiences, good or bad, will always be to our benefit. Here's an example - One night we had to take Shae to the emergency room because she had a little bit of blood coming from her female area. The doctors felt that it was a urinary tract infection but the only way the could tell was by examining her female area. I had to watch Shae cry and all I could do was hold her hand and remain by her side while they examined her. I remember her looking at me with her her big, beautiful, blue eyes with this look of "why are you allowing this to happen to me?" "How can you just stand there and let this happen to me?" Shae didn't understand that her mom and dad love her so much that we will do anything to make sure she is ok, even if it means causing her pain. That brief pain was necessary to make sure she is healthy now.
That is how we are. Renee and I have no idea why we are experiencing this horrible pain. God does. God is our Father and He knows what is best for us. It is very hard to swallow but we both know that Shyloh and Tyce will continue to impact people's lives for years to come.
Some might ask how long will the pain last? How long will God let us keep suffering? Let me be the first to tell you that we are NOT suffering. We are rejoicing because we have witnessed the impact these boys have had first hand. We are rejoicing because we know that our boys are in heaven and one day we will see them again.
God has taught us so much. God has taught us that we need to depend on Him more. God has taught us that we need to share our faith. God has taught me to love my wife with more compassion. God has taught me to love my wife with less judgment. God has taught me to pray with my wife. God has taught me to not be afraid. I could keep going and going. This is not suffering. This is accepting God's will for our lives and taking it forward so that others might see. This is God's plan for everyone.
Your time is coming. Your pain is coming. Be ready.
Here's what I do know....God is in control. God is not human. He sees the "big picture". He knows that our experiences, good or bad, will always be to our benefit. Here's an example - One night we had to take Shae to the emergency room because she had a little bit of blood coming from her female area. The doctors felt that it was a urinary tract infection but the only way the could tell was by examining her female area. I had to watch Shae cry and all I could do was hold her hand and remain by her side while they examined her. I remember her looking at me with her her big, beautiful, blue eyes with this look of "why are you allowing this to happen to me?" "How can you just stand there and let this happen to me?" Shae didn't understand that her mom and dad love her so much that we will do anything to make sure she is ok, even if it means causing her pain. That brief pain was necessary to make sure she is healthy now.
That is how we are. Renee and I have no idea why we are experiencing this horrible pain. God does. God is our Father and He knows what is best for us. It is very hard to swallow but we both know that Shyloh and Tyce will continue to impact people's lives for years to come.
Some might ask how long will the pain last? How long will God let us keep suffering? Let me be the first to tell you that we are NOT suffering. We are rejoicing because we have witnessed the impact these boys have had first hand. We are rejoicing because we know that our boys are in heaven and one day we will see them again.
God has taught us so much. God has taught us that we need to depend on Him more. God has taught us that we need to share our faith. God has taught me to love my wife with more compassion. God has taught me to love my wife with less judgment. God has taught me to pray with my wife. God has taught me to not be afraid. I could keep going and going. This is not suffering. This is accepting God's will for our lives and taking it forward so that others might see. This is God's plan for everyone.
Your time is coming. Your pain is coming. Be ready.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Today was a good day.
Every time Shae goes to sleep we say our prayers. It goes like this...
"Now I lay me down to sleep I pray the Lord my soul to keep. God Bless Mommy & Daddy, Shae Shae, Shyloh & Tyce, Charlie....." and continue to name off the rest of our family.
Today was the first day I was able to say the prayer without crying. ;o)
Every morning I wake up and my prayer is that the Lord give Shyloh & Tyce a hug and tell them how much I love them.
Although my body is a constant reminder of the babies no longer in my womb I am slowly able to rejoice again. Shyloh and Tyce, as tiny as they were, made such a difference. Isn't that every mother's dream? My little quarterback & linebacker made an impact far greater than I will ever truly know.
It's funny. People have thanked me for fighting so hard... Trying and doing everything we could to help Shyloh and Tyce. THAT was the easy part.
Have I mentioned that God is SOOOO GOOD? He gave us this beautiful blond little girl that needs her Momma to wake up every single morning..... usually so we can watch cartoons and eat a fruit snack ;o) I can't sit around and have a pity party. God gave me her little laugh to help patch some of the cracks in my heart. I know I've shared this verse before, but it is SOOOO comforting to me. James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above.
I'm sorry if this is rambling... These are just some of the thoughts I needed to get out and release.... Thank you to everyone that reads our blog. Thank you for your kind words, encouragement and prayers. I promise I will reply to all of you, I'm just not quite ready yet. But, know that I did start reading them and am SOOOOO touched by each and every one of you.....
God's timing... I have a friend from 10th grade that I used to play basketball with that I haven't talked to in YEARS... Well, we became friends on facebook and she read my blogs and she sent me the sweetest card and an AMAZING book when she read that Shyloh & Tyce had gone to heaven. This book brought me such comfort on one of the saddest days of my life. And to think God knew all along why she was apart of my life.... not so we could play JV basketball together in 10th grade.... but because he had something much bigger planned 11 years later. His grace is amazing!!
"Now I lay me down to sleep I pray the Lord my soul to keep. God Bless Mommy & Daddy, Shae Shae, Shyloh & Tyce, Charlie....." and continue to name off the rest of our family.
Today was the first day I was able to say the prayer without crying. ;o)
Every morning I wake up and my prayer is that the Lord give Shyloh & Tyce a hug and tell them how much I love them.
Although my body is a constant reminder of the babies no longer in my womb I am slowly able to rejoice again. Shyloh and Tyce, as tiny as they were, made such a difference. Isn't that every mother's dream? My little quarterback & linebacker made an impact far greater than I will ever truly know.
It's funny. People have thanked me for fighting so hard... Trying and doing everything we could to help Shyloh and Tyce. THAT was the easy part.
Have I mentioned that God is SOOOO GOOD? He gave us this beautiful blond little girl that needs her Momma to wake up every single morning..... usually so we can watch cartoons and eat a fruit snack ;o) I can't sit around and have a pity party. God gave me her little laugh to help patch some of the cracks in my heart. I know I've shared this verse before, but it is SOOOO comforting to me. James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above.
I'm sorry if this is rambling... These are just some of the thoughts I needed to get out and release.... Thank you to everyone that reads our blog. Thank you for your kind words, encouragement and prayers. I promise I will reply to all of you, I'm just not quite ready yet. But, know that I did start reading them and am SOOOOO touched by each and every one of you.....
God's timing... I have a friend from 10th grade that I used to play basketball with that I haven't talked to in YEARS... Well, we became friends on facebook and she read my blogs and she sent me the sweetest card and an AMAZING book when she read that Shyloh & Tyce had gone to heaven. This book brought me such comfort on one of the saddest days of my life. And to think God knew all along why she was apart of my life.... not so we could play JV basketball together in 10th grade.... but because he had something much bigger planned 11 years later. His grace is amazing!!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
God is like Scotch Tape.... You can't always see him, but you know he's there!!!
Renee's Perspective:
I want to first thank everyone for the messages, comments, phone calls, & texts. I hope you understand that I haven't read or listened to them because I am just not ready. Please know that I am just grieving privately with my family and when the time is right I will reply to each of you. My Mom, Dad & Scott have relayed a lot of messages... THANK YOU for your love and support, but I am just not ready to talk yet.
It's funny. My Mom and I had a conversation about people asking, "How are Renee and Scott doing?" She always politely says, "As good as can be expected." We think people don't really know what to say or what to ask, and that's ok. We really don't know what to say right now either. We are all physically fine. But, asking the Lord to help mend our broken hearts.
Here's a little about what happened.....
On Wednesday the 9th I had some very rough contractions at about 4 am. I was put back on magnesium to stop them and had an ultrasound as soon as, Jill, our Sonographer, came in. I could see right away that there were no heart beats. After all, I've seen Shyloh & Tyce everyday at our ultrasounds. I've learned what to look for and have asked questions along the way so I can see things for myself. Dr. Q. came in shortly after and confirmed what I already knew. I was then told I would be taken off the Magnesium so that I could have my contractions and deliver my babies.
On June 10th I gave birth to two beautiful boys. Tyce Lynn & Shyloh Lee Britt. Although I never heard them cry, they never looked up at me or held my finger in their hands, they were our little fighters.... our very own tiny Angels sent by God. I was able to hold them. Hug them. Tell them I loved them. My Dad even anointed them with oil, prayed over them and read the bible to them. It was heartbreaking as a mother, but I know they are in Heaven saving seats for us.
God has been so good to us and continues to work in amazing ways! We always say every day is a good day, because it truly is. God gives us a sunrise and a new beginning every single morning. Is it hard sometimes, ABSOLUTELY, but we know God has a big enough band aid to eventually heal our hearts. Plus, we know God gave us Shae first for a reason. The other day we had a tea party that was absolutely hilarious. We needed to laugh that hard.
Through our grieving, our family has become closer. I feel like my hand fits even more perfectly in Scott's. We will continue to praise God in ALL things. We ask that you continue to pray for us and our time of healing.
We never knew the impact our boys and their fight would have on so many people. We just started blogging to get out what all was going on in our pregnancy. It's crazy to see all the ways God has worked through this blog.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
P.S. Shyloh & Tyce have inspired me to go back to school and get a degree in diagnostic sonography. I hope to be able to help other mothers see their beautiful babies just as I was able to see mine!!
Renee
I want to first thank everyone for the messages, comments, phone calls, & texts. I hope you understand that I haven't read or listened to them because I am just not ready. Please know that I am just grieving privately with my family and when the time is right I will reply to each of you. My Mom, Dad & Scott have relayed a lot of messages... THANK YOU for your love and support, but I am just not ready to talk yet.
It's funny. My Mom and I had a conversation about people asking, "How are Renee and Scott doing?" She always politely says, "As good as can be expected." We think people don't really know what to say or what to ask, and that's ok. We really don't know what to say right now either. We are all physically fine. But, asking the Lord to help mend our broken hearts.
Here's a little about what happened.....
On Wednesday the 9th I had some very rough contractions at about 4 am. I was put back on magnesium to stop them and had an ultrasound as soon as, Jill, our Sonographer, came in. I could see right away that there were no heart beats. After all, I've seen Shyloh & Tyce everyday at our ultrasounds. I've learned what to look for and have asked questions along the way so I can see things for myself. Dr. Q. came in shortly after and confirmed what I already knew. I was then told I would be taken off the Magnesium so that I could have my contractions and deliver my babies.
On June 10th I gave birth to two beautiful boys. Tyce Lynn & Shyloh Lee Britt. Although I never heard them cry, they never looked up at me or held my finger in their hands, they were our little fighters.... our very own tiny Angels sent by God. I was able to hold them. Hug them. Tell them I loved them. My Dad even anointed them with oil, prayed over them and read the bible to them. It was heartbreaking as a mother, but I know they are in Heaven saving seats for us.
God has been so good to us and continues to work in amazing ways! We always say every day is a good day, because it truly is. God gives us a sunrise and a new beginning every single morning. Is it hard sometimes, ABSOLUTELY, but we know God has a big enough band aid to eventually heal our hearts. Plus, we know God gave us Shae first for a reason. The other day we had a tea party that was absolutely hilarious. We needed to laugh that hard.
Through our grieving, our family has become closer. I feel like my hand fits even more perfectly in Scott's. We will continue to praise God in ALL things. We ask that you continue to pray for us and our time of healing.
We never knew the impact our boys and their fight would have on so many people. We just started blogging to get out what all was going on in our pregnancy. It's crazy to see all the ways God has worked through this blog.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
P.S. Shyloh & Tyce have inspired me to go back to school and get a degree in diagnostic sonography. I hope to be able to help other mothers see their beautiful babies just as I was able to see mine!!
Renee
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Update
We are sitting in the room with Renee and just patiently waiting for her to dialate. The contractions are coming more frequently and much harder. It is hard to watch but I've never known this beautiful mother to back down from anything. I am so proud of her.
Please continue to pray for Renee. She wants to be home so bad. Pray that God will comfort her.
Thank you
Scott
Please continue to pray for Renee. She wants to be home so bad. Pray that God will comfort her.
Thank you
Scott
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Thank you to everyone
It is with great sadness that I must tell you that Shyloh and Tyce have gone on to be with our Lord. My parents and I are headed down to Miami to be with Renee and her family. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers for safe travels. They are and will always be our boys and Renee and I will always be parents to identical twin boys. God is right here with us every step of the way and we praise Him for the time we had with Shyloh and Tyce. Thank you to everyone for everything you did for us. Food, money, airfare, hotel stay etc etc. We hope we can only do the same for you one day. We love you all!!
Scott, Renee, Shae, Shyloh, and Tyce
Scott, Renee, Shae, Shyloh, and Tyce
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Here's a picture of our beautiful baby Shyloh and some new news ;o)
We have 2 heartbeats today, so today is a great day!!!
Great News!!!
Fetal Echo cardiogram shows no more signs of arrhythmia
During our daily sonogram, Jill, our technician was sooooo kind to give us about ten 3D pictures of shyloh!! He is SOOOOO handsome!!! Boy does he look like his big sister and his Daddy!! ;o)
Not as good news....
My fluid level went up even more from yesterday. Today I'm at 16.4..... normal 2-8. You can just call us "Over Achievers" ;o) hehe
On another GREAT note!!! Mom and Ry are here ;o) Apparently even at 27 you need & want your momma ♥
They also brought me an AMAZING goodie basket from all my friends at church!!! I mean there is EVERYTHING in this basket!!!! beautiful cards, candies, food, pastels, sketch kit, sketch paper, hair ties, markers, Gatorade, tanning lotion (Lord knows I'm super white and not getting any sun down here haha) games, yarn, magazines, lotions, perfumes, sleeping mask, frames, nail stuff, razors, and my ABSOLUTE FAVE is the beautifully made cheetah print & hot pink hospital gown & matching flip flops (The gown was beautifully hand-made my Erin Geairn & I've already asked if she will make me more because these gowns aren't nearly as cute as hers!!!) I LOVE LOVE LOVE all the thoughtfulness put into this basket!! I am sooooo blessed to have such wonderful people in my life!! Thank you all SOOOOOOOOOO much!!!
Well, I think I'm going to take Momma Nancy down in one of my new games.... "Scrabble Slam card game" wish me luck!!!!
Thank you again for your prayers!!! We truly appreciate it & continue to need prayers!!! Today we are 23 weeks 4 days and every day is a blessing!!!!
♥
The Britts
Sunday, June 6, 2010
We still look at the bright side even if everyone else thinks it looks dim...
So here's what nights are like for me....
The nurses have to come in periodically and either give me my different medicines, my supplements (calcium and potassium), check to hear the babies heart rates are within normal range (sometimes just for a couple minutes and sometimes for 15 - 30 minutes at a time AND it takes time to find both boys' heart beats), do an EKG on my heart, take blood to send to the lab to check my levels (because the digoxen can affect my heart and kidneys), check my pulse, check my blood pressure & take my temperature. These things can take three minutes or thirty minutes. Here are the times I wake up at night...
The nurses get me up at....
8pm
10pm
12 midnight
4am
4:05 am
4:15 am
6am
8am
So, I HAVE to nap during the day as I get a chance. So, that's part of the reason I haven't blogged as much lately.
Here's some good news!! I've been off of the magnesium & my contractions have slowed/stopped. THANK YOU LORD!!!! No more cath. or I.V.!!!!
Both Dr. Quintero (The TTTS Specialist) & Dr. Ferrer (The Pediatric Cardiologist) came by to talk to us today. Dr. Ferrer said we still haven't seen any more signs of arrhythmia and that the dose of digoxin is just a preventative measure to ensure we don't ever see it again. Dr. Quintero's talk was a little less sunny...
Dr. Quintero came to let us know the medicine (clineral) that is supposed to help reduce the amount of fluid the boys produce isn't giving us the results we want yet. My fluid level is the highest its EVER been. It's 15.2 right now. Dr. Quintero also gave us a lot of different options to think about... We could get rid of this entire pregnancy, get rid of one baby, or ride it out with a 30% chance of brain damage in one or both boys. This percentage can go up depending on how early the boys are born as well. Well, there's only one option for Scott and I. We're believing in the 70% chance for absolutely no brain damage. By "riding it out" we are looking at the following....
1. My uterus is perfect right now, but with the amount of fluid in my uterus that could change at any time and i could miscarry, or go into preterm labor.
2. If the clineral balances out the fluid level in the next day or two that would be awesome....
3. If the fluid level continues to increase we'll have to do another amnio reduction which led to contractions previously.
4. At 23 weeks 6 days I will start steroids to help develop the boys lungs faster that way if they are born early they will have a better chance ;o)
Having said all that, we are still absolutely sure that God's plan surpasses all the statistics. We praise him in all things. So, if his will is beautiful healthy twins we're excited. We are equally excited if God decides our boys will have special needs or if he decides their home is with him in heaven. We are at peace and trust completely in God's will for our family. We are praying and ask that you continue to pray with us.
I want to share a couple scriptures with you that have been uplifting for us lately.
Nicola gave us a cross with this verse to hang in the boys room. ♥
James 1:7 Every good & perfect gift is from above.
A friend of Scott's gave him this verse.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Dad just found this one and shared it with me. I don't think we could find a verse more appropriate for right now.
Proverbs 3:5-8
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. THIS WILL BRING HEALTH TO YOUR BODY AND NOURISHMENT TO YOUR BONES.
So, just to recap.... We are praying to take home 2 beautiful healthy boys. We are asking that you continue to pray with us... For a long pregnancy, for healthy boys and for strength.
Thank you all so much!! We are very blessed by the people in our lives.
♥
The Britts
Friday, June 4, 2010
HOW PRECIOUS!!! The woman in the room next to us just gave birth to a baby girl. We got to hear her last push and the birth of the baby. Then the sweet cry!! I told Scott that Mom just fell in love all over again....
It's funny, I thought when Shae was born she would take a piece of my heart. I had no idea my heart would double in size. Her first cry is still the sweetest sound I have ever heard in my entire life. I can only imagine the mother in the room next to us is feeling the same way ;o)
So, today I started my digoxen. I will also start the medicine to reduce the fluid being produced, Clineral. I still have to take calcium every 8 hours, blood pressure every 4 hours, EKG's daily, labs (bloodwork) daily, 15 minutes monitoring the babies hearts every 4 hours. So, needless to say I try to sleep when I can because I don't get a solid 8 at night or anything ;o)
Great news is we're in great hands. We have tons of prayers. And so many friends and family have stepped up to help with Shae and Charlie. Scott's brother, Tim, mowed our lawn, people have donated money, time, a hotel room & dinners. We are sooo incredibly grateful for the outpour of love and support!!
Maria, our nurse just brought in my Clineral so we have now started that medication too.
Please continue to pray for the boys.
Please pray for Scott & Momma Nancy as they leave tomorrow to head back home.
Please pray for Dad as he stays with me and works from here.
P.S. The lady that just gave birth is now gagging & dry heaving. Apparently she ate McDonald's right after giving birth... BAD IDEA. The sound was hillarious though. We prayed for her....
Now my turn...This is Scott
Most people may think that spending your birthday in the hospital would not be a rewarding experience. But I could think of no better place to be than with my beautiful wife and our 2 sons. It has been a great birthday. God has blessed me with another year of life and I am grateful for it. :)
Thank you to everyone for the birthday wishes. I truly appreciate them.
Nancy and I are heading home tomorrow. I need to see Shae so she can get back to some normalcy and I need to catch up on bills and get back to work. Hopefully the next time I come down, Shae will be able to come with me. We are doing great. The room will be a bit busy tonight but we should be able to get SOME sleep. Thank you for all of the prayers and please know that we say prayers for everyone of you as well. Love you all!!
The Britts
It's funny, I thought when Shae was born she would take a piece of my heart. I had no idea my heart would double in size. Her first cry is still the sweetest sound I have ever heard in my entire life. I can only imagine the mother in the room next to us is feeling the same way ;o)
So, today I started my digoxen. I will also start the medicine to reduce the fluid being produced, Clineral. I still have to take calcium every 8 hours, blood pressure every 4 hours, EKG's daily, labs (bloodwork) daily, 15 minutes monitoring the babies hearts every 4 hours. So, needless to say I try to sleep when I can because I don't get a solid 8 at night or anything ;o)
Great news is we're in great hands. We have tons of prayers. And so many friends and family have stepped up to help with Shae and Charlie. Scott's brother, Tim, mowed our lawn, people have donated money, time, a hotel room & dinners. We are sooo incredibly grateful for the outpour of love and support!!
Maria, our nurse just brought in my Clineral so we have now started that medication too.
Please continue to pray for the boys.
Please pray for Scott & Momma Nancy as they leave tomorrow to head back home.
Please pray for Dad as he stays with me and works from here.
P.S. The lady that just gave birth is now gagging & dry heaving. Apparently she ate McDonald's right after giving birth... BAD IDEA. The sound was hillarious though. We prayed for her....
Now my turn...This is Scott
Most people may think that spending your birthday in the hospital would not be a rewarding experience. But I could think of no better place to be than with my beautiful wife and our 2 sons. It has been a great birthday. God has blessed me with another year of life and I am grateful for it. :)
Thank you to everyone for the birthday wishes. I truly appreciate them.
Nancy and I are heading home tomorrow. I need to see Shae so she can get back to some normalcy and I need to catch up on bills and get back to work. Hopefully the next time I come down, Shae will be able to come with me. We are doing great. The room will be a bit busy tonight but we should be able to get SOME sleep. Thank you for all of the prayers and please know that we say prayers for everyone of you as well. Love you all!!
The Britts
Thursday, June 3, 2010
here's the NEW NEW
If you can't tell yet, things change minute by minute around here!!! Who needs tv with this much action in your life!! haha (this is being typed as Scott and I try to solve all the puzzles on Wheel of Fortune) ;o)
So, after Dr. Ferrer (the cardiatric specialist) reviewed the films and sonograms he came and talked to us for a while. He explained that the Top 1/2 of Tyce's heart was beating twice as fast as the bottom which isn't good. The good thing is that it isn't consistant. It comes and goes. So, yet again he explains how rare and special our case is. Dr. Ferrer is going to give us Dijoxin (spell check that.... I am just spelling it how it is pronounced) This medicine will help slow down Tyce's heart. He's only had to use this on 60 women since 1983. I guess that would make us super duper rare ;o) Have I mentioned that God put us here for a reason?!?
In order to do the medication I had to have an EKG on MY heart, Dr. Ferrer had to check my heart himself, and I had to have blood drawn & tested (for my kidney functions). If my heart wasn't in good shape then we couldn't do the medicaiton. Also, if my labs aren't correct then we can't start the medication....
Well, my 1st set of labs showed my potassium levels were a little too low. So they took my 2nd labs and just got the results. Because of the Magnesium I am taking for the contractions my calcium and potassium are just below what they should be. So I am not able to start the Dijoxin tonight as we had hoped. But, they are giving me potassium in my i.v. & a calcium pill to bring those levels back up. At 6 am I will take my 3rd labs and do another EKG hopefully all will be normal and we can start the dijoxin!!
Thank you soooooo much for your prayers!! We truly appreciate it!!!
The Britts
So, after Dr. Ferrer (the cardiatric specialist) reviewed the films and sonograms he came and talked to us for a while. He explained that the Top 1/2 of Tyce's heart was beating twice as fast as the bottom which isn't good. The good thing is that it isn't consistant. It comes and goes. So, yet again he explains how rare and special our case is. Dr. Ferrer is going to give us Dijoxin (spell check that.... I am just spelling it how it is pronounced) This medicine will help slow down Tyce's heart. He's only had to use this on 60 women since 1983. I guess that would make us super duper rare ;o) Have I mentioned that God put us here for a reason?!?
In order to do the medication I had to have an EKG on MY heart, Dr. Ferrer had to check my heart himself, and I had to have blood drawn & tested (for my kidney functions). If my heart wasn't in good shape then we couldn't do the medicaiton. Also, if my labs aren't correct then we can't start the medication....
Well, my 1st set of labs showed my potassium levels were a little too low. So they took my 2nd labs and just got the results. Because of the Magnesium I am taking for the contractions my calcium and potassium are just below what they should be. So I am not able to start the Dijoxin tonight as we had hoped. But, they are giving me potassium in my i.v. & a calcium pill to bring those levels back up. At 6 am I will take my 3rd labs and do another EKG hopefully all will be normal and we can start the dijoxin!!
Thank you soooooo much for your prayers!! We truly appreciate it!!!
The Britts
Quick update
Renee had her ultrasound this morning and everything looks good. Her fluid level is back up but she will be able to take some medicine that will help with that. Her ultrasound also showed that Tyce's heart was having some electrical issues. His little heart looked like it was quivering. It was just beating way to fast. They brought us down a floor to do an ultrasound on his heart so they can determine what is going on with his heart. That is where we are now.
2 things I want to share. The leading pedia-cardiologist in the nation is at this hospital. Obviously God did not have us come down here just to see Dr. Quintero. He knew what he was doing. I try to look at it like this. There are some people down here that need to see God and His hands and the only way they will get to do that could be through me and my family. Can you imagine that you could possibly be the only example of Jesus Christ some people will ever see? Don't hold back anymore. If you feel like God is telling you to witness, then u better be witnessing! Be the light in peoples dark worlds. We all can do it.
The 2nd thing I wanted to share is this: We went down to have the test done for Tyce's heart and it is now beating normal. No medication. Just our mighty God. :)
The Britts
2 things I want to share. The leading pedia-cardiologist in the nation is at this hospital. Obviously God did not have us come down here just to see Dr. Quintero. He knew what he was doing. I try to look at it like this. There are some people down here that need to see God and His hands and the only way they will get to do that could be through me and my family. Can you imagine that you could possibly be the only example of Jesus Christ some people will ever see? Don't hold back anymore. If you feel like God is telling you to witness, then u better be witnessing! Be the light in peoples dark worlds. We all can do it.
The 2nd thing I wanted to share is this: We went down to have the test done for Tyce's heart and it is now beating normal. No medication. Just our mighty God. :)
The Britts
More details about earlier today ;o)
Hey Y'all!!! It's Reneé!!! I know I've had a lot of messages and comments that I haven't replied to. I promise I will, I just wanted to blog about what's been going on since the procedure.
I know Scott shared the procedure went well. PRAISE GOD!!! We've got 2 beautiful baby boys with great heart beats this morning (AND they've been kicking like crazy hehe) PRAISE GOD!!!
However, after the procedure I started having some rough contractions and continued to contract every 2 minutes. EESH!!! It is normal to contract a bit after having the procedure, but to make sure and stop the contractions they had to give me magnesium. I also had to take a pill to help me sleep last night. The contractions stopped in the middle of the night so they took me off of the magnesium. HOWEVER, the contractions started again and they had to put me back on the magnesium. So, I'm giving my uterus a pep talk and we're trying to get it together ;o).....
**I was typing this early this morning. Dr. Quintero came in so I stopped.... here's what happened next**
He was looking at the boys on the ultrasound and let us know about a medicine we could take that would slow down the amount of fluid being produced in order to "buy us more time". Then we suddenly saw Tyce's heart was A-rhythmic. Meaning it was beating incorrectly... way too fast. So our sonographer, Jill, took over and started documenting the irregularity in his heart. It was funny, Dr. Quintero's exact words were, "Jesus Christ, never a dull moment!" Then he looked over, smiled & let us know there is medicine that can fix this right up ;o) In the bible it says "Call on my name".... Lord, we are calling out to you and so grateful for every single day you give us!!
We then went down and had a fetal echo cardiogram so that we could have a pediatric cardiologist check out the sonograms. Did we mention this is a leading pediatric cardiologist? God is SOOOOO GOOD!!! So, now we have the leading TTTS Doctor & the leading Pediatric Cardiologist working with us ;o)
We went down & had the fetal echo cardiogram & guess what? Tyce's heart was absolutely normal!! Thank you Lord!!! Just another blessing!!! ;o)
I also want to point out how great God's timing is!! Cindy, our Pastor's wife, just happened to invite all the ladies from church over for coffee and fellowship on Wednesday. That's the same day we found out there was nothing else we could do to fix the TTTS. So, the coffee & fellowship turned into a meeting of prayer warriors!! I was having the Amnio Patch & Amnio Reduction at the same time they were praying. How amazing? It makes me tear up to think of all that God has in store for us. This truly is just the beginning!!
Thank you so much for your prayers.
Please continue to pray for the boys and I. That they would continue to grow and that our pregnancy would be a long one. We are praying to last 36 weeks. Today I am 22 weeks 6 days.
Please pray for Mom & Scott who are with me & Dad who is on a flight down here.
Please pray for Shae as her world is completely different right now. She is in great hands and very loved, but since Monday, everything's been different for her.
Thank you for your prayers for Charlie, our fish!!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Procedure is over
The procedure has been over for about 2 hours now. Everything went well. They were able to get the patch done as well as take out a little over 2 liters of amniotic fluid. She has a had contractions since the procedure but they gave her some magnesium to calm things down and it seems to be working. She just can't get comfortable. Please pray that she can get some rest.
First thing tomorrow morning they will do an ultrasound to check on Shyloh and Tyce. After that, we will hopefully get to head back to the hotel. She will be able to come home for a few days but will need to come back next week. She will more than likely remain in Miami from that point on.
She got to eat and as I finish this up I look over and I believe she is asleep. Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers. God is good all the time!
Goodnight
The Britts
First thing tomorrow morning they will do an ultrasound to check on Shyloh and Tyce. After that, we will hopefully get to head back to the hotel. She will be able to come home for a few days but will need to come back next week. She will more than likely remain in Miami from that point on.
She got to eat and as I finish this up I look over and I believe she is asleep. Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers. God is good all the time!
Goodnight
The Britts
The latest and greatest
Renee was able to watch the video of the procedure that they did the first time she was down here. Know this, she was the first person to ever get to do that with Dr. Q. While watching the video the doctor discovered some bad news. There is nothing more he can do to help our boys. He can still go in and take out fluid to help Renee be more comfortable but that is it. He asked if she wanted to let go of Shyloh so Tyce would have a better chance and Renee immediately said NO! These boys are a package deal! :) The boys are doing well. Shyloh is a fighter and just like his momma he will refuse to give up! He might be small but he is full of heart and determination.
So, we have some decisions to make. Renee's specialist called and told Dr. Q that he thought it would be better if Renee and the boys stayed under Dr. Q's care. That would require us to stay down here until the boys come or drive back and forth. We both feel more comfortable under his care but we need some help to make it possible. Please pray for God's direction in our lives as we attempt to figure out what to do.
Renee is still going to have a procedure today but mainly to just remove fluid and to also perform the "patch" procedure.
Is this a setback? NO! This is God showing us that he is God and that he is the Great Physician. Even though the man He gave the gift to save thousands of babies is unable to help our boys anymore, we praise Him for the care and love we have received from Dr. Q and will continue to praise Him for every kick Renee feels. We are so proud of Shyloh and Tyce for taking care of each other and we can't wait to meet 2 more of God's special children!
Love you all!
The Britts
So, we have some decisions to make. Renee's specialist called and told Dr. Q that he thought it would be better if Renee and the boys stayed under Dr. Q's care. That would require us to stay down here until the boys come or drive back and forth. We both feel more comfortable under his care but we need some help to make it possible. Please pray for God's direction in our lives as we attempt to figure out what to do.
Renee is still going to have a procedure today but mainly to just remove fluid and to also perform the "patch" procedure.
Is this a setback? NO! This is God showing us that he is God and that he is the Great Physician. Even though the man He gave the gift to save thousands of babies is unable to help our boys anymore, we praise Him for the care and love we have received from Dr. Q and will continue to praise Him for every kick Renee feels. We are so proud of Shyloh and Tyce for taking care of each other and we can't wait to meet 2 more of God's special children!
Love you all!
The Britts
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
We had our doctors appointment today and learned a WHOLE LOT of new things. This blog might be lengthy so if you need to stop and get some popcorn & a soda now is the time ;o)
Today was a long day full of great things. We got to the hospital at 9am and left around 5:30. My ultrasound was 3 hours today, but we learned a lot! I'm very excited for dinner tonight seeing as I can't eat after midnight again. I plan on getting crazy on some seafood!!!
Great news =
1. My cervix is looking AMAZING!!!! (Probably because I do my cervix cheer every time they measure me lol)
2. Shyloh and Tyce have grown adequate amounts ;o) Tyce = 1 lb 13 oz & Shyloh = 15 oz
3. Dr. Quintero is awesome... still
Now for the complicated part....
I don't remember if I shared with y'all that my placenta is ANTERIOR meaning its at the top/front of my placenta as opposed to having a posterior placenta at the bottom of your uterus like most do. Everything you read about TTTS and having the Laser procedure says that Anterio is NOT good. However, God is SOOOOO GOOD!!! (I'll explain why in just a second)
Tyce & Shyloh have persistent TTTS and a full membrane detachment. Let me brake it down for you just like Dr. Quintero broke it down for us....
Imagine that the babies are in a room. ALL of the sheet rock comes off of the wall and acts like a curtain draping over the babies (the sheet rock is my membrane). Well, if my Placenta were on the floor (posterior) the procedures he has to do would be very difficult, BUT because my placenta is on the ceiling(Anterior) he gets to see all the exposed "wiring" of my wall (placenta) ;o) THEREFORE having an Anterior placenta is a complete blessing!!!! This makes us an extremely rare case ;o)
Tomorrow afternoon I get to watch the video of the last procedure with Dr. Quintero and decide which vessels to target and look at again. (PLUS that means I get to see my babies on the video just like I did during the procedure last time!!!) After he studies the video we will have a 3 for 1 surgery. I will have more vessels lasered, 1-2 liters of fluid extracted, & an amnio patch to attach the membrane back where it is supposed to be. Just to give you an idea of how much fluid I have in my uterus, I am measuring what a woman carrying 1 baby who is 43 weeks pregnant would measure!!! WOWSERS!!! That could explain why I can't get comfy...
I go in at 8:30 am tomorrow. Get my labs and pre-op taken care of. My surgery should be around 1pm.
After the procedure I'll stay 1 night in the hospital and then I'll be on bedrest again.
I am very excited to see the boys through the microscope again. I'm hoping with less fluid I'll be able to sleep better and be less uncomfortable. Plus, Mom & Scott keep rubbing my back to help, so maybe they won't have to ;o)
Thank you SOOOOOO much for your prayers and support!!! We truly appreciate it!!!
Prayer requests:
Please pray for our doctors & nurses to ensure a smooth procedure
Please pray for a speedy recovery for me and the boys
Please pray for Mom & Scott as they help take care of me, & wait patiently all day tomorrow. It's going to be a long day for all of us.
Please pray for Shae & My Dad who are at home.
Please pray for our fish Charlie.... we have to remind Dad to feed him hahaha
Thank you so much again for your prayers!!! We serve a mighty God & can't wait to see all the wonderful things that will come out of our situation. We praise God in everything!!
Britt Family
Today was a long day full of great things. We got to the hospital at 9am and left around 5:30. My ultrasound was 3 hours today, but we learned a lot! I'm very excited for dinner tonight seeing as I can't eat after midnight again. I plan on getting crazy on some seafood!!!
Great news =
1. My cervix is looking AMAZING!!!! (Probably because I do my cervix cheer every time they measure me lol)
2. Shyloh and Tyce have grown adequate amounts ;o) Tyce = 1 lb 13 oz & Shyloh = 15 oz
3. Dr. Quintero is awesome... still
Now for the complicated part....
I don't remember if I shared with y'all that my placenta is ANTERIOR meaning its at the top/front of my placenta as opposed to having a posterior placenta at the bottom of your uterus like most do. Everything you read about TTTS and having the Laser procedure says that Anterio is NOT good. However, God is SOOOOO GOOD!!! (I'll explain why in just a second)
Tyce & Shyloh have persistent TTTS and a full membrane detachment. Let me brake it down for you just like Dr. Quintero broke it down for us....
Imagine that the babies are in a room. ALL of the sheet rock comes off of the wall and acts like a curtain draping over the babies (the sheet rock is my membrane). Well, if my Placenta were on the floor (posterior) the procedures he has to do would be very difficult, BUT because my placenta is on the ceiling(Anterior) he gets to see all the exposed "wiring" of my wall (placenta) ;o) THEREFORE having an Anterior placenta is a complete blessing!!!! This makes us an extremely rare case ;o)
Tomorrow afternoon I get to watch the video of the last procedure with Dr. Quintero and decide which vessels to target and look at again. (PLUS that means I get to see my babies on the video just like I did during the procedure last time!!!) After he studies the video we will have a 3 for 1 surgery. I will have more vessels lasered, 1-2 liters of fluid extracted, & an amnio patch to attach the membrane back where it is supposed to be. Just to give you an idea of how much fluid I have in my uterus, I am measuring what a woman carrying 1 baby who is 43 weeks pregnant would measure!!! WOWSERS!!! That could explain why I can't get comfy...
I go in at 8:30 am tomorrow. Get my labs and pre-op taken care of. My surgery should be around 1pm.
After the procedure I'll stay 1 night in the hospital and then I'll be on bedrest again.
I am very excited to see the boys through the microscope again. I'm hoping with less fluid I'll be able to sleep better and be less uncomfortable. Plus, Mom & Scott keep rubbing my back to help, so maybe they won't have to ;o)
Thank you SOOOOOO much for your prayers and support!!! We truly appreciate it!!!
Prayer requests:
Please pray for our doctors & nurses to ensure a smooth procedure
Please pray for a speedy recovery for me and the boys
Please pray for Mom & Scott as they help take care of me, & wait patiently all day tomorrow. It's going to be a long day for all of us.
Please pray for Shae & My Dad who are at home.
Please pray for our fish Charlie.... we have to remind Dad to feed him hahaha
Thank you so much again for your prayers!!! We serve a mighty God & can't wait to see all the wonderful things that will come out of our situation. We praise God in everything!!
Britt Family
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