27 Weeks

Went to U of M on Monday 2/9, and baby boy is still stable and doing pretty well. Nothing much has changed since our last appointment, besides that his bladder went down to 48 ml. My amniotic fluid also went up from 26 to 28cm. I mentioned to the doc (a new doc we haven't met yet who was very nice) that I was having some major swelling in my legs and feet and she called in the nurse to get my blood pressure checked. It was 139/99 which is pretty high for this point in pregnancy. She said that after my appt with the pediatric urologist, she wanted me to go to triage for testing.

Met with Dr. Park who is one of the pediatric urologists at U of M, and he was wonderful. We've been explained what is going on with him by about 4 different docs, but he has done the best job making sense of everything. He drew diagrams for us and showed us exactly where the blockage likely is. He also said that he believes the bladder ruptured at some point, and it might just be a pinhole rupture, and that is why his abdomen has a lot of fluid pockets (ascites). He said it is a good thing that the pressure was taken off the kidneys and chest cavity, but the abdomen being full of fluid isn't great either. Better of the 2 though... so he said it's best we keep him in and growing as long as we can, and the pediatric team will be ready at birth with a plan. He said the first thing they will do is drain the urine with a catheter and do some testing on it. Next, they'll fill the bladder with a dyed fluid and watch on the ultrasound where exactly the fluid is traveling. If it is escaping the bladder and going into the abdomen, then they'll need to do surgery to repair that area. They'll also likely need to do surgery to remove the blockage, but that is a fairly simple procedure (does require anesthesia). The ureters might need some work too since they are so enlarged. He said most everything is repairable, except for kidney function. He does believe there is some degree of damage, but we won't know how much until he's born. He may have bladder issues down the road as well... but again, we won't know that for awhile. It was great to talk to him, He's one of the best in the world!

After that meeting, I was sent to triage where I got to wear an awesome hospital gown and get hooked up to monitors. They had one for blood pressure, my pulse, and baby's heart rate (non-stress test). They had me give a urine sample to test for protein and they took blood. My blood pressure was still high, so they had me lay on my left side which helped bring it down. I felt totally fine the whole time. After 2 hours, the labs came back and everything was normal. There is a chance preeclampsia could develop, so they'll be checking my blood pressure at every appointment. A lady from church has a blood pressure cuff she's going to let me borrow too so I can check it home. I'm trying to take it easy and take breaks throughout the day to rest. I definitely don't want to place any unnecessary stress on our little guy.

Next appointment is Tuesday in TC, then we'll be back to U of M the following week on Friday 2/27. Have been seeing the chiropractor 2 times a week and my back is feeling so much better. Very thankful for that... About 2.5 months left!!

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

26 Week Update

Had our 26 week check on Friday down at U of M. Good news is that the bladder is continuing to decrease in volume and is now down to 92 ml. Questionable news is that the amniotic fluid is TOO high... it is at 26cm and the top end of the normal range is 25. So it's not super high, but something that needs to be watched. Also, the ureters were slightly more dialated that before. Again, the doc did not know why. We had Dr Chames again, who we saw the first time. He was only in with us for a short time, and basically said that he's stable, but he still couldn't determine what is going on. He seemed to think there is something else big going on causing everything to happen... but he didn't know what.

After that, we met with the Neonatologist and she was great. She had a resident with her who we have met before and she is also very helpful and nice. They explained what will happen when he's born. We'll likely induce at 38 weeks so everyone who is needed will be there. I will deliver in the operating room so they have all of the equipment needed for him as well. If he is breathing right away, which they believe he won't have a problem with, then I'll be able to hold him for a few minutes before they take him and do a quick evaluation. Soon after, they'll start to do an ultrasound, some blood work, and kidney testing. The results of those tests will determine what comes next. They told us to expect to stay in the NICU for at least a week. Worst case senario is that his kidneys do not function and he needs to be on dialysis until he's big enough for a transplant (20-25 lbs)... dialysis would be about 12 hours every day. Really praying that isn't necessary and that his kidneys are functioning well at birth!

Pregnancy symptoms are full blown at this point for me. Seeing a chiropractor for my back pain, because I definitely don't want to get as bad as I did during the last pregnancy. It is much better now, but still achy. My ribs are super sore, and my feet and ankles (totally cankles) are very swollen. Sleeping is quite difficult... I wake up about every 1-2 hours and have to get up because my ribs/back can't take it. Crazy that we still have 12 weeks left! It's all ok though.... I will take all of this for our little guy!

Continuing to pray for complete healing!!!

26 Weeks

24 1/2 Week Update

Received a great report from the doctor today!! Bladder volume has decreased to 120 ml! It was at 244, then 187, now 120. Amazing. This took a lot of pressure off of the chest cavity and it means that there is good muscle tone around his bladder. There are pockets of fluid (ascites) in the abdomen, but that is expected with this. At first, the ultrasound tech and Dr. Kurtz were talking and thought it might be pulmonary... which about gave me an anxiety attack. Fluid around the heart is the first sign of heart failure. They started looking at different angles and found that it was below the diaphragm... huge relief!

The next thing they'll be looking at is lung function, along with continuing to monitor fluid levels and bladder/kidneys. They'll want to see him inhaling and exhaling the amniotic fluid, which they can start to see I believe at around 28-32 weeks. Won't know 100% about lung function until he's born, but seeing this will definitely be a great sign. Kidney's were about the same. Our next appointment is down at U of M and after the ultrasound, we will be meeting with Neonatologists to go over what to expect when he arrives!

Great news today... Thanking Jesus for his continued healing for our little boy!

24/25 Weeks

23 Week Update

We had our 23 week ultrasound check at U of M yesterday (Tues 1/12). It went great!!

The ultrasound showed right away the blood vessels coming out of his heart that couldn't be seen the week before. Huge relief. Still no fluid around the heart, and normal amniotic fluid levels, which is great. More amazing news... the bladder volume went DOWN!! At U of M they have the ability to calculate the fluid volume inside of the bladder. 2 weeks ago, it was at 244 cc's. That is the size of a normal adult bladder. This week, it went down to 187 cc's. Pretty significant decrease! Dr. Treadwell said she thought that the obstruction may have blown out (miracle!) or it could be a partial obstruction that releases when the pressure builds up. Either way... great news. The smaller volume also decreases the pressure on the entire chest cavity which gives those organs more room to grow. Dr. Treadwell was very pleased with everything she saw!

I brought up the fact that just 3 weeks ago, we were told down there by a different doctor that he didn't think our baby had a very good chance at surviving, and he asked if we wanted to end our pregnancy. She got a surprised look on her face, and she told us that she thinks our baby has a great chance. She said there are certainly still some big concerns. The major ones being probable kidney damage and the possibility of lung damage... But with what we can see, she thinks chances are really high of a great outcome. What a relief it was to hear that.

We will most likely be delivering at U of M and be staying in the NICU for awhile. The plan will probably be to be induced right around 38 weeks, and we'll have the right doctors there when needed. One of the neonatologists were in the room with us during the ultrasound and visit with the doctor. She briefly went over what to expect right after delivery. They will have a team of pediatric specialists there at birth to immediately evaluate him and figure out what the best treatment will be. There will possibly be bladder surgery and maybe one to remove an obstruction if necessary. They'll be watching the lungs closely to make sure they're working well. She threw a ton of information out, and it's hard to remember everything she said... but we are sitting down for a neonatologist appointment at our next visit to go over everything in detail. We will also be meeting with a social worker to discuss our stay down there. The following visit, we will be meeting with a pediatric urologist as well. I really feel like we are in the best hands down there.

Seriously relieved after this visit... I know this is still a serious situation for our little guy, but I now feel the most hope for a great outcome than I have since we found out about this. We truly appreciate all of the prayers... and I believe that God has begun healing our little guy! If the obstruction didn't release, this could be much, much worse. So, thank you Jesus!

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

22 Week Update

Just got home from our 5th Ultrasound for our little guy here in TC. Not much change, which is good! No fluid around the heart and it still looks normal. Amniotic fluid levels are good. The one thing our doc did not see was the blood vessels coming out of the heart that connect to the lungs. If those didn't form correctly, then there could be some sort of heart defect... but because they didn't see them doesn't mean they're not there. She said once he grows a little bigger in the next few weeks, they'll be able to get a better look. So... not going to worry about that right now. Kidneys are still functioning well at this point. If they weren't, there wouldn't be any amniotic fluid. Dr. Kurtz was very happy that they didn't see any fluid around the heart. She said she was very pleasantly surprised at that, since there has been a lot of compression. Fluid around the heart is a sign of heart failure, so we're going to keep praying for a strong, healthy heart. And kidneys. And lungs. :)

Next appointment is down in Ann Arbor on Monday, and we're praying for another great report! Hopefully they can get a good look at those blood vessels.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
—Ephesians 3:20–21

Hi Everyone!! He's hiding. And waving :)

22 Weeks

Baby Yost #3's Journey- First (long) post

Baby Yost #3 is a BOY!!!

We had our 20 week Ultrasound scan on Dec 23rd, and received some tough news. I knew something wasn't right during the ultrasound, because the tech stopped talking about after 5 minutes into it. After a few measurements, she told us that we weren't going to be able to find out the gender today and that we would be having another ultrasound soon. Ben and the kids were in the room with us, so he took them to the car while I waited to see Dr. Kurtz. They don't sit too still in the office.

I kept trying to keep calm while waiting for the doctor to come in, but my heart was racing. When the nurse took me to check my weight, I saw the ultrasound tech and my doctor having a serious conversation. It was the longest 15 minute wait ever. Dr. Kurtz came in, and told me that we have a problem with our little one. She told me there is likely a bladder outlet obstruction which is causing a very enlarged bladder and kidneys that were pressing up onto the heart and lungs. In addition, they found that the amniotic fluid level was low. She told me I needed to see a perinatologist to see what they could do, if anything. She said the best case scenario is that they would go in and place a shunt into the baby's bladder to release the urine, but she was unsure. I asked her what the worst case scenario was, and she said that our baby might not make it. Hardest news I've ever heard.

That appt was on Tuesday morning, and they said the soonest I could get in to see a perinatogist was the following Monday in Grand Rapids and set an appointment for me. When we left, we headed down to Harrison... and I was quite emotional. I decided to call my doctor back and see if we could get in somewhere else sooner. They made some calls and made an appointment for the next morning (Christmas Eve) at 9 AM at U of M.

When we got to Ben's parent's house, we did a lot of praying. Jim and Amy and their friends who are elders in their church came over and we all prayed together. I started to find some peace feeling that God was in control of this. I later found out that over 500 people were praying, including 2 churches during their Christmas Eve Services. There is serious power in prayer.

I slept maybe 3-4 hours total that night, and we woke up early to head to Ann Arbor. The ultrasound tech took us back and did a full anatomy scan that was an hour long! She was able to explain things as she went, which was very nice. She showed me the kidneys, and the normal size of them. They were about twice the size they should have been. She told us that she was looking for cysts which are signs of kidney damage, and she couldn't see any which was good. The bladder was about 4-5 times normal size. She checked the amniotic fluid, and it was normal!! I was shocked at that, because we were told it was very low the day before. Power of prayer?! She also said she was pretty sure we were having a boy :) After she was done, Dr. Chames came in and did some scanning as well. He pointed out the same things the tech told us. In addition, he said one of his feet was mildly clubbed, which could be due to several things. He also said the placenta was thick, which also could be due to several things. Also, he was measuring a little bit small. After talking for a few minutes, he asked us.... "Is ending your pregnancy an option?" Most heartbreaking question I've ever heard in my life. Almost lost it. Ben immediately said, NO... and the doc said, alright, well that changes how we go about this. I had to take a few minutes and pull it together before I could speak again.

After the ultrasound, we headed into a room with a genetic counselor. She told us some things all of this could be caused by... and honestly, I wasn't sure what any of it really meant at the time. If these things are being caused by a genetic defect, it wouldn't change a thing we did. After about 5 minutes of listening to her, the doctor came in again. I went and grabbed my parents who were in the waiting room. He went over everything again, and he said he was pretty skeptical about our baby's chance at survival. I didn't know what to say.... didn't know what to ask. He said we could do the bladder shunt, but the main reason they do that is to increase the amniotic fluid around the baby which wasn't a problem. He said our case is unique, and he suggested we come back the following week and see if anything changes. So we set another appointment for the following Tuesday, Dec. 30.

On Tuesday, we headed down to Ann Arbor with Jim and Amy. Had the ultrasound, and it was much shorter this time. She checked the amniotic fluid levels, which were normal. Nothing changed with the kidneys or bladder. The heart was still functioning well. A different doctor came in this time, Dr. Treadwell, and she was fantastic. She did a little bit of scanning, and then we headed in to a room to talk.

She explained to us 4 different things that could be causing the enlarged bladder and kidneys. The most likely cause is posterior urethral valves which occur in boys and it is a developmental obstruction that forms... or a small extra fold of tissue. That's it... and it blocks the flow of urine near the end of the urethra. The second thing could be Prune Belly, and then there were 2 more options that I can't remember the names of. They had to do with the bowel and urinary tract developing improperly. She said it is very likely the posterior urethral valves. She thought that there is probably a pinhole-sized opening somewhere in the blockage that is allowing some urine to pass once the pressure builds up enough. That is why there is fluid around him. She said there may have been a period where there was very little fluid, which is dangerous for lung development... but we don't know when or if that happened. 17-23 weeks is critical to lung development, so if it happened during that time, then we may have lung issues to worry about. The club foot could have been caused during a time of low amniotic fluid when he might have been constricted space-wise. Could be something else too. The thicker placenta could be a sign of distress for the baby, but also could be something else too.

She said the kidneys did not have cysts, which is good... but they were reflecting back some brightness in a certain area which usually indicates some degree of kidney damage. We don't know how much. She said many kids function just fine with some damage, and there are things that can be done if there is more severe damage, like dilation or a transplant down the road. Also, kidney damage typically happens before 20 weeks, so it likely won't get much worse during the rest of the pregnancy. She said after birth, they would asses the degree of damage. They would also likely do surgery right away to remove the obstruction and possibly repair the bladder if needed. The club foot is a minor issue, and can be fixed with casting and/or bracing. She said weekly ultrasounds will be necessary to monitor the amniotic fluid and make sure the compression on the heart and lungs isn't too much. If fluid starts to form around the heart, that is a sign of heart failure... and then we would likely opt for the shunt to relieve that pressure. So far, the heart is doing well, so that isn't necessary right now. I asked about possibly early delivery to get the problems fixed sooner.... and she said that if there was any lung damage due to low fluid at any point, then the baby would not do well if born too early. So the goal will be to get as close to full-term as we can.

We decided to do ultrasounds every week, back and forth between Traverse City and Ann Arbor. The next one will be in TC, and they will be checking the same things. Definitely helps with not having to make the 4 hour each way drive every week. I felt so much better after this appointment than the last. I know nothing changed, but I felt that we were really explained our options and I had a lot more hope.

There are still a lot of question marks... like, was there any lung damage? How severe is the kidney damage? What about the bladder? Could there be something genetic causing all of this that might be more serious than all of the other things? We just don't know. Sure, we could go in and do amnio testing, but there are always risks with that. Water could break, I could go in to early labor, risk of infection.... and it really wouldn't change anything. I have been reading so many medical websites about this, and I feel that I have a really good understanding about the condition and possibilities. I've read stories about kids who have had this and have been ok, and others who have not. Because we never saw a point with no amniotic fluid, my hopes are very high. My biggest concern is pressure on the heart at the moment... and what labor/delivery is going to be like. We will most likely be delivering in Ann Arbor (possibly Grand Rapids). Like I said, there are still many unknowns. We will continue the weekly ultrasounds and most importantly, PRAYER!

I know God's got this. He is the ultimate healer and he is in complete control. There's nothing I can do to change anything, and I have to often remind myself of that. God loves this little boy even more than I do, and he has a plan for him. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Prov. 3:5. We are fully relying on the Lord!

18 Weeks

20 Weeks

Baby #3 is on the way!!

Wow, I sure haven't been very good at updating this! A few months ago, we found out that baby #3 is on the way! We are super excited :)

We did plan on trying for #3 soon after Jacob turned 1. Didn't take long! Due on May 8th :) First trimester was a little rough at times, but I survived. I started feeling sick right at the 6 week mark. I wasn't quite as sick as I was with Claire (no throwing up), but I was sicker thank with Jacob. Will be interesting to find out the gender! Ben has been out of town working, so it was challenging at times when I felt terrible and I had to take care of the 2 little ones. Oh well, we survived!

Second trimester has been pretty great so far! I'm currently 17 weeks and feeling pretty good. I have been dealing with some lower back pain already... so I think I'm going to go see a chiropractor soon to get re-aligned. It is too early to be dealing with that already. We have the gender ultrasound on Dec 23.

So blessed to have such amazing kids and another on the way!

Baby #3 at 12 weeks