Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Just an update...

I should really be cleaning up the living room right now - it looks like a strong wind blew everything around, but I was too tired to deal with it before bedtime. Basically, I broke my own clean up before we go upstairs rule tonight. I also sat in my bed with Mitchell and had a fudgesicle date. Usually a squirrely, 5 year old boy + chocolate + my bed is not going to happen, but tonight, it worked.



Anyway - I know I sort of said "Hey, I'm having an ultrasound today" and then disappeared, which wasn't very nice of me. We did have our u/s last Tuesday, but it turned out to be somewhat emotional and confusing so I just decided to avoid the update thing until we knew what was what.



Because of my *cough* age, we were having a Level II u/s done. When I scheduled the appointment, the receptionist asked if we would be doing an amnio. I said that our strong inclination was to not do one, but that I didn't feel comfortable 100% turning it down. She said she'd put us in an "amnio" spot for our appointment, which meant we could meet with a genetic counselor, get any questions answered, etc. and then if we decided to do one after the u/s we could, and if we decided not to, that was fine.



Okay - I did say I would nutshell this, right? No? Well, I'm going to try. I'm sort of too tired to relive the whole entire thing at the moment, and I *have* to clean up the living room - it's bugging me.



Short version...right...short version.



We had the u/s. 99% of everything was absolutely perfect. Amazing. Still so absolutely amazing to see that tiny little person swimming around in there! The spine is what always looks so completely awesome to me -- I'm not sure why, but I am always thinking "Wow!!! Look at that!!!" Sweet feet, precious hands, everything was just so fun to see.



Now, about the 1% that was not so perfect. Basically, they saw something called a "bright" or "ecogenic" bowel, which means that part of the bowel looked as bright white as the bone around it. This can be attributed to the baby having swallowed some "uterine debris" (ick, huh?) or possibly having some sort of infection. On the much more serious side, it's considered to be a soft marker (more coincidental than diagnostic, particularly when in isolation) for some chromosomal abnormalities, like Down Syndrome for example.



Like anyone, this difference made us a bit uncomfortable as we listened to the possible explanations and their wide range of severity. Thankfully, this was one of the first things that the u/s tech commented on and it was followed by nothing but positive, right on track measurements and development.



So. We were left with the option of having an amnio done. Or not.



They told us that if it was the uterine debris thing, most likely if we came back for a follow-up u/s in 4-5 weeks, it would be gone as the material would be reabsorbed. Would that inspire more confidence that nothing else was abnormal? No, was the answer. (This is the extremely abbreviated version.)



All I can say about the actual doctor (a reproductive genetic specialist, or something like that) is that he was loud, pompous and EXCEPTIONALLY inappopriate about voicing his opinion. Again, to shorten the story -- he pretty much downright offended us in communicating his opinion about what he would do and why. We made our decision in spite of his advice, because we felt like it was the best choice for our family. In the end, if something was seriously different with regards to our baby's health and/or development, we decided we'd like to know sooner rather than later to prepare not only ourselves, but our children and our families for some things.



We went ahead and had the amnio done -- and whoa, nelly -- that was pretty painful. I think that half of it was because the doctor had me so worked up and emotional (and keep in mind I'd been awake since 2 am that day) that I couldn't relax at all. At. All.



Today I spoke with the genetic counselor and she gave us the wonderful news that everything is fine. There are no chromosomal abnormalities, and since I tested negative for the cystic fibrosis screening -- that is not a good likelihood. It was just so nice to get that reassuring news.

Had to edit since Rebekah reminded me that I didn't share boy/girl info. *sigh* Here's the thing, I want to find out and hubby doesn't. So we decided not to. But I'll tell ya, when she asked if I wanted to know yesterday and I knew this wasn't based on a guess on the u/s but was like FACT information, I had a hard time saying no. I also had a hard time not calling back. I told Chris last night I *almost* called back. He said it was up to me and he wouldn't be mad if I just couldn't take it. I think I just need to get over it. If he wants to be surprised and it's our last hurrah, then I should give him that chance. So, it's a surprise baby. We are both guessing boy.

And noooooo way could I keep that secret. No. Possible. Way.



And now I'll be writing a letter to the doctor about his behavior and lack of professionalism. He disgusted me and I'm appalled every time I reflect on his words and attitude. Just awful and simply unacceptable. Ack. Almost went into detail. Can't! Must go clean!!!!



ANYWAY - there you go. (And trust me, this truly was the biggest nutshell ever.) I came down with a pretty nasty virus/cold thing the same night as my u/s -- I think between being awake for 20 straight hours (I took Chris to a basketball game that night) and my emotional state being completely out of whack, my immune system was pretty weak. Now that I'm almost over it, I'm feeling pretty good again.



So, I'm off to clean the living room - here's a bonus -- especially for you, Jennifer P -- a picture of me right after Georgia's 2nd birthday party (that will be another post this week). We un-invited both our brothers/their kids and my grandparents since I was a sickie. Both of our parents decided to throw caution to the wind and still came -- my dad took this picture as they were leaving. I was absolutely exhausted and literally just climbed into bed (clothes and all) for a nap about 2 minutes after he took this. Enjoy the belly -- 18 weeks exactly in this photo.





19 comments:

Rebekah said...

I am so glad everything checked ok. Hope you are feeling better soon. Is it a boy or girl? Or are you telling? Or did you tell and I missed it?

Short Stop said...

Tara,

I'm so glad that all is well with your little one! God is so good!

I'm so excited for you. I've been thinking about you and wondering how you've been doing. Trust me, I know what it's like to NOT want to blog at all when you're so tired! Thank you for sharing this update...it was great to hear from you!

Cheri said...

I'm so glad you got good news.
Dr's sometimes can be so pompus- I had a bad experience with one also. Write the letter!!!
Feel better soon.

Sittintall said...

You poor thing. I can't imagine what an exhausting time this has been. I would be an emotional wreck too. So glad that things checked out alright. I pray that everything goes smoothly the rest of the pregnancy.

Mari said...

You look so cute!
I'm so happy all is well. I'm sure that was a most stressful time, but what joy to hear that news! It was great to hear from you, now you can rest again.

Renee said...

Do you KNOW how much I miss you?? Seeing that (adorable) picture of you is just tugging at my heart strings. You are so special to me, and I really wish I could be there to see you and your cute pregnant belly.

I like your hair...it looks a little longer than usual, but it looks really good!! :)

And you know how happy I am for you that everything looks good for your bambino. I'm still praying for that little one, but it's nice to have some closure on that issue.

((((((((((Tara))))))))

I miss Tara!!!

Shelley said...

Oh Tara! How scared you must have been. I know I would. I'm so glad that you got good news, and that you're feeling better. I definitely think you should right your letter. I think Doctor's sometimes get a little too full of themselves, and need to get brought back down to earth. We had a run in last week with one that, although not as bad as yours sounded, needs a reality check on dealing with children. Honestly, I hadn't thought of a letter, but maybe I should.

We'll continue to pray for you, your family, and your precious baby.

Oh, and I broke lots of my own "rules" when I was pregnant the third time around!

Janelle said...

I am so glad the news was good. I imagine all the feelings that were going through you. But, Praise God your baby is healthy.

Cute tummy! Don't you just love it?

YES--write the letter! It could make a difference, but it will make you feel better.

Sadie said...

(((BIG HUGS))) You are one of the strongest people I know. Emotionally and physically. You never fail to amaze me. I want you to know that. You are always so positive and I could learn a lot from you! I hope you are feeling better soon. I enjoy reading your blog!

I have NO idea how you didn't call back. I still want the docs number!!

Earen said...

Oh man...such relief in my heart! I'm so glad everything is ok, but what an ordeal! I'm sorry you had to go through all that & that you had a jerk of a doctor! I'm continuing to pray for you dear friend & will call you soon!

Terri said...

I'm glad that it all turned out okay. It's so stressful! Why are some doctor's so arrogant? I'd write the letter too - it'll make you feel better.
And I love the picture - you look great!

Alana said...

Praising God for your good news!!!

And how CUTE are you? Really cute, I say!

Kristen said...

You look so stinkin' cute with that pregnant belly - you are just glowing :o)

Thanks for the update ! I am glad things are okay with the babe - what an exhausting ordeal. I will continue to pray for you and the babe!

I agree, write the letter to the doctor. It will make you feel better to at least know you said something.

The Stressed Momma said...

Ah Tara. Honey I'm sorry you had to go through all that worry and get treated so rudely. I'm glad that things are OK with both of you, and I really hope you have a good last half of your pregnancy. Enjoy it! ((((HUGS))))

And you look adorable! It almost, *almost* gives me baby fever!

Heather C said...

So glad everything is fine with the baby. I can't even begin to imagine the stress you've been under... and give me that doctor's address... I have half a mind to write him myself!!

You.look.absolutely.adorable!!! No kidding. Sick and all.

Love you!

Heather

BethAnne said...

Do you want me to write that nasty doc a letter too? Cause I can ya know! I can do it!!!!!

I have had three friends have similar experiences with their prenatal tests and all their children have been 100% AOK healthy. As a matter of fact, one of my friends was told that there was a 50% chance that her baby would have Down's - he was/is completely healthy. Do not be discouraged!

You look so cute in your picture. I am sure you are tired so I forgive you for not blogging ;-). I think you are having a boy......just my opinion - (I am usually pretty accurate on these things)

Anonymous said...

Well, that just stinks - I hate those doctors. You'd think by now they would understand PREGNANT WOMEN!!!

Glad to hear it all went well. Boy, can those guys ever work you up over nothin'. Why do we fall for it every time? It's like they have THE POWER.

Go rest - hope you stay well. Tis the season, evidently.

Anonymous said...

Don't you look cute! :)

Have to go put some kiddos to bed but had enough time just to check on you......

I'll be back a bit later to visit.

AlaneM said...

Your belly pic is sooo cute!
PTL everything is ok, that must have been heartwrenching. And shame on that Dr - how rude.
Blessings,
Alane