Another Pale Summer

While I was at work this morning, my cell phone started vibrating on my desk. When this happens it is almost always daycare calling telling me that 1) we are out of milk/food/diapers/wipes and need to bring some more. Now. Or 2) someone is really sick and needs go home. Now.

But today it was my new doctor's office calling. I found this strange as I had just been there and I am not scheduled to return until June 6th. When I left they told me everything was fine. I better not have HIV....

When I answer the nurse sounded pleasantly surprised that I have taken her call and she doesn't have to leave a message. She informs me that the doctors have discussed my "case" and with my history of pre-term deliveries, I am now a top priority. I'm not sure why it took almost a week to move up the ladder of importance, but nonetheless, I'm happy for any special attention I may receive.

She proceeds to tell me that the consensus of the group is that I should start receiving weekly injections of 17P (17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate) starting at 16 weeks. Which would be...this week. Apparently this is the new recommended course of action to try and prevent a repeat pre-term delivery.

I agree that sounds good. Anything to keep baby cooking a little longer. But Daddy raises the red flag. Sure, all of our kids have done their fair share of NICU time but at what *real* consequence. What are the risks of this treatment? Are we setting ourselves up for something worse in the long-term.

Huh. Hadn't thought about that.

So, I hop back onto the phone, this time with my dedicated Aetna nurse/case-worker (a nice service for us "high-risk" preggo ladies) and address my concerns. She makes me feel better. Although she does inform me that a down-side for the mother while receiving these injections is a heightened sensitivity to sunlight. So I'll be spending another summer NOT getting a tan. Oh well. I'll share the children's SPF 1,000 sunscreen and use this as an excuse to wear a funky big hat.

She also told me that my coverage affords me an at-home teaching session, where a nurse can come to our house and show my daring husband how to inject me. That way, I don't have to go to the doctor every week for a 30-second injection. That is, until I have to go to the doctor every week for a cervix check. But, at least it will buy a month (or hopefully two) of convenience.

It looks like I'll start my injections on Thursday or Friday of this week. Let's all keep our fingers crossed that they will help me carry this baby longer than any of the others!