Monday, May 19, 2008

Baby Watch

Unfortuately, this week the baby isn't looking as good. The blood flow rate to the brain has increased (which shows that the baby is pretty anemic) and there is a bit of fluid around the heart, scalp and possibly liver. The fluid has been there for a while, but the blood flow significantly increased this week. The doctor said all this means the baby isn't going to get better without intervention. Thank you, Fifth Disease. I hate you with the burning hatred of a thousand exploding suns.

Anyway, tomorrow they will be giving the baby a blood transfusion into the umbillical cord using a needle guided by ultrasound. It only takes about 30 minutes or so. They may have to give the baby a drug to paralyze it, which is a bit terrifying. John asked the doctor if he had much experience doing this and he answered, "I was the first person to perform this procedure in North America." So, at least we are being seen by the best!

We will know a lot more tomorrow after they actually get a sample of the baby's blood. It will show exactly how anemic it is and other things as well. John and I were so baffled that I think we hardly heard what the doctor was saying.

We were supposed to be leaving tomorrow morning for our Florida vacation. So, this whole thing just SUCKS, SUCKS SUCKS. But, on a positive note, at least John is here in town (granted, this is his one vacation week of the year, which hardly seems fair) and Becca is in good hands. She is on her way down to Texas with my parents and then she'll be staying for a few days at Jo Anne's.

And let me tell you, it is WEIRD to be at home without Becca. As John and I were in the airport this morning, I looked longingly at every 2-year old. I felt sad that Becca wasn't with us and I missed her terribly. Then, I remembered all the hundreds of hours I have spent in airports, a spastic toddler running in every direction, looking longingly at all those lucky people travelling without kids. Motherhood is such a conundrum. I will never get to the bottom of it.

19 comments:

joanna said...

I was really hoping for good news! I'm sorry. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow. Glad John's there this week and glad Becca got her vacation! I so know the feeling when you aren't with your kiddo like that.

Erin said...

Oh Katie. Everything about this SUCKS. And you can't really even enjoy your child-free home because all that ANXIETY. I am so sorry. I wish there were something I could do. Just know that I am out here, thinking about you and sending all sorts of positive, iron-rich thoughts to that baby.

Kayris said...

I'll be thinking of you tomorrow. And it's a huge plus to have such an experienced doctor doing the transfusion. Good luck!

Smitty 1, 2 , 3 and 4 said...

Damn it! I too HATE Fifth disease with burning passion!! Katie and John, We love you and are sending positive thoughts your way. Let us know what you need. Good luck tomorrow.

molly said...

We love you. Like you, (and everyone else on this blog) we were hoping for different news today. Things WILL look better soon, we're still sure of it. Sending hugs and kisses.

Peregos said...

Thank you for the update, my thoughts and prayers will be with you and your doctor tomorrow. It is so amazing to me that they can give the baby a transfusion while inside you, wow. All the very best, big hugs, Jenna

justme said...

i will be saying prayers. i am sorry you are dealing with this. and yes motherhood is a conundrum - i might need to use that quote. hang in there.

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Anonymous said...

Goodness Katie...many hugs and prayers coming your way!!!! I second Erin...lots of iron-rich wishes to your sweet baby.

Marie Green said...

Wow, scary. Hope everything goes well. Let us know, I'll be checking often!

Lysandra said...

Katelope...this is sucky. I am sorry. I miss you and wish I were there to help you cope.

Angie said...

Oh, Katie. I had NO IDEA when you first wrote about fifth disease that it could lead to this. Prayers for all of you! So good that John is there.

I look forward to bed time and day care, and I sometimes miss Ashlyn when she is just in bed. Being a mom is confusing.

Ann said...

Praying for you and your little one! I am glad you don't have to go through it alone.

And I totally agree motherhood is quite the confusing range of emotions. My older one drives me nuts but I don't know what I'd do with out that smile...

Unknown said...

I too was hoping for better news. You'll be in my thoughts today.

Anonymous said...

The whole thing just STINKS!! Lots of prayers, love and good thoughts from us as well. We're here if you need us. Stay strong baby #2!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh Katie - this sucks! It's pretty crazy and amazing that they can do all that to such a little baby. Science baffles me but once again, you should be thankful you still aren't in North Pole. Sounds like you are in great hands.

Don Mills Diva said...

I'm so sorry you're going through this Katie - please post and update us on how everything goes today...

Swistle said...

I am SO SORRY you're going through this. Fifth Disease is THE SUCK.

Andrea and Ben said...

katie,
You are in our thoughts. Being the eternal optomist, I really wasn't expecting to read this. It is reassuring tohear your doctor is experienced. Best of luck friends, we will be sending positive vibes your way.