Friday, May 02, 2008

More Doctors

I've been having my weekly ultrasounds because of the whole Fifth Disease thing. They'd been going just fine. In fact, they were getting downright boring. Just a quick check of the brain and spine and I was out the door, without showing me many cute little baby images. I figured we were out of the woods. But, then yesterday some stuff showed up that is a concern. The baby has increased blood flow to the brain, which is an early sign of anemia, and has something with the bowels that is a sign of a virus. So, bascially, the baby has the parvovirus (Fifth Disease) infection now.

Which, everyone totally told me would NOT happen. The specialist yesterday said, "We rarely ever see it get to this point." (Wow. That is most decidedly NOT reassuring.) And now I get to spend the next week freaking out while waiting to be seen at the "Center for Advanced Fetal Care" (the specialists' specialist?) where they are talking about cordocentesis, where they sample some blood from the umbillical cord with a really long needle, and possibly a blood transfusion into the umbillical cord. My appointment isn't until next Wednesday, which is WAY too far away.

Last night at my choir concert I had nonstop Braxton-Hicks contractions for about three hours straight. Is the fetus pissed off about all the clanging music? The virus? The poor little baby! I'm trying to remain calm and not let myself go to the "what ifs." If you have any words of advice on how to do that, let me know, because I am working REALLY hard to stay positive!

15 comments:

justme said...

oh i am so sorry. maybe if you call the doc and tell them about the braxton hicks they can get you in sooner ?? i am sure all will be ok, since you and the docs are on top of it. hang in there. breath.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry to hear about this. I'm sure everything will be fine.Hang in there,kiddo.

Andrea and Ben said...

Katie,
I hope they are wrong and the specialist referred by the specialist can give you some peace of mind. At least s/he is active in there letting you know how much the love the music. At least you are super busy right now which should help the time pass.

Unknown said...

I agree with Feener. Get in sooner, if you can. I don't handle stress well when I'm pregnant. So, I can't give you any good advice. I just know you will feel SO much better if you get in sooner. At least you will get some more answers.

In the mean time, focus on your music and your family. I know that's so hard. Take long showers and warm baths. Allow yourself 15-mins once or twice a day to worry and about it and then distract yourself. That's it from me. Hang in there, I'll be thinking about you!

Tracy said...

You are doing a great job of staying calm. This may sound silly, but I am really proud of you. And a HUGE bright side to this, you in the perfect location. Can you imagine being in AK? This little cruncher is super strong, and if she is like Becca, she could going to have the fifths virus all out of her/his system by the ultrasound. Keep up the positive thinking!

molly said...

stay strong and stay positive, kates. if nothing is wrong with the peanut, getting upset would be a waste of time and energy. in these types of situations, i try to remind myself that there will be plenty of time to get upset if something bad actually does happen. in the meantime, it's better for your mind and body to keep thinking positively. i love you!

Joel and Angela said...

I just heard of a mom here that had all that done and the baby is fine. Don't worry too much! I know that is easier said than done!

Anonymous said...

Hang in there, Katie. Have been following on your challenge. I am sorry to hear about it. I agree with many people here to let your doctor know about braxton hicks and any other conditions that concern you. Your doctor knows you are really concerned. But sometimes they do need a push/reminder from the patient regularly. I am sending lots of good vibes your way. That little baby knows his/her parents are doing everything in their power. Love.

Anonymous said...

My advice is put it in God's hands. We are thinking of you and praying for you. Everything will be fine.

Alaskan Neighbors

molly said...

thinking about you a lot today. xoxoxo

Anonymous said...

You have the specialists' specialist! That's like when we Longhorns had Vince Young and won the national title. You have the winning team and you will pull through!

Hook 'Em Doc!

PS - Sorry for being trite! Bevo is doing the best it can.

joanna said...

I hope you're breathing easier today. Prayer, deep breaths, and positive thinking help me destress about big things. Wish I could say more to help...

MaryB said...

Thinking about you.! I cant say that I have any better advice than all those above me. I especially agree that a phone call to the doc re: the Braxton Hicks sounds like a good idea to work your way in sooner. I also REALLY like the idea of not wasting energy being upset unless there is something concrete to get upset about. You've got some very smart friends. And, that right there is a very bright side!

You sound like you have nerves of steel. I am impressed. Keep hanging in there and we'll all keep praying and sending positive vibes your way.

Lysandra said...

Oh man Katie that is awful! I will be thinking about much more than I usually do.

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry that you're having to go through this. My advice: stay busy enough to distract yourself from obsessing about the possibilities, but cut yourself some slack and rest enough so that you both can get healthy. Hang in there.