Yesterday was my fourth OB appointment. It was really no big deal, just your standard pee-in-a-cup, have blood pressure and weight checked, and listen to baby's heart beat appointment.
As expected, my test results from last Tuesday were not in yet, so I didn't get any answers on that front. The OB said that they won't call me if the news wasn't bad, so to call on Friday if I haven't heard anything just to make sure the results are in before my appointment on Monday with the high-risk specialist.
I got all of my other questions answered, too.
Q: Will the ultrasound on Monday be my last, or will they give me the standard 20 weeker at the regular OB office?
A: If the high-risk specialist wants to do more ultrasounds, they'll schedule them there. If they don't want anymore and I want the standard 20 weeker, I can request it at the regular OB office and have it done there.
Q: What about the amnio? Will I have my test results back in time to have that done if I need to?
A: They can do the amnio up to 20 weeks, so I should definitely have my test results back in plenty of time to do it if I need it.
So, while I still don't have my test results, I do feel a lot better about having my other questions all answered.
Oh, and by the way, according to the OB's scales, I am still down four pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight. Not that I want to gain a bunch of weight with this baby, but it would be nice to gain a little something. The doctors haven't said anything to me about it yet, but I'm sure if I don't start gaining soon, they will.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Picture Post
I just realized that my posts recently have been severely lacking in the photo department. So, I thought I'd share with you a few photos of our recent trip to Sea World. Enjoy!
Time to Relay
Today is the day! Phil just left to take Sarah to her friend's house to get ready for the ACS Relay for Life. The event doesn't actually begin until 1:00 this afternoon, but the team is meeting at one girl's house so they can get all of their equipment they've been storing there and get it to the event site to get set up.
It's not too late to make a tax-deductible donation, so if you'd like to, but just haven't gotten around to it yet, please click on the Relay for Life link over there >>> in my side bar.
It's not too late to make a tax-deductible donation, so if you'd like to, but just haven't gotten around to it yet, please click on the Relay for Life link over there >>> in my side bar.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Waiting Game
Anyone who knows me in real life knows that I am not a patient person. Granted, I've mellowed out a bit since having children, but I'm still not the most patient person. That's why I'm so stressed out right now.
Yesterday, I had blood drawn for the second part of the Nuchal Translucency Test that screens for chromosomal abnormalities like Downs Syndrome. This is now standard protocol for geriatric maternity patients like myself. Anyhow, I asked the nurse if they would have my results back in time for my appointment next Monday, and she said, "Probably not."
WTH?! This is important information we're waiting on here. My OB already told me that my measurements from my ultrasound were "a little high" and that they were waiting for the second round of blood tests to make any determinations about my likelihood of having a baby with chromosomal abnormalities. I am already 16 weeks (and 1 day today) pregnant, and the window for an amniocentesis is supposed to be 16 to 18 weeks. I'll be one day shy of 17 weeks at my next appointment, so I really wanted to have my results and be able to discuss with my doctor whether or not I needed to have the amniocentesis.
I guess I'll at least have the results in time for my big appointment at the hospital on April 6th. If my test results show a high likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities, then they can take extra care to look for the signs on the ultrasound. Hopefully, everything will be just fine and the most information I'll receive at that appointment will be the gender of my baby.
Yesterday, I had blood drawn for the second part of the Nuchal Translucency Test that screens for chromosomal abnormalities like Downs Syndrome. This is now standard protocol for geriatric maternity patients like myself. Anyhow, I asked the nurse if they would have my results back in time for my appointment next Monday, and she said, "Probably not."
WTH?! This is important information we're waiting on here. My OB already told me that my measurements from my ultrasound were "a little high" and that they were waiting for the second round of blood tests to make any determinations about my likelihood of having a baby with chromosomal abnormalities. I am already 16 weeks (and 1 day today) pregnant, and the window for an amniocentesis is supposed to be 16 to 18 weeks. I'll be one day shy of 17 weeks at my next appointment, so I really wanted to have my results and be able to discuss with my doctor whether or not I needed to have the amniocentesis.
I guess I'll at least have the results in time for my big appointment at the hospital on April 6th. If my test results show a high likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities, then they can take extra care to look for the signs on the ultrasound. Hopefully, everything will be just fine and the most information I'll receive at that appointment will be the gender of my baby.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Scary
Yesterday, we took a drive up to Land O'Lakes to pick up my step-son. It's a long drive, usually about an hour each way, and we had already been in the Jeep for about an hour before we started the trip because we had to drop Sarah and Emily each off at friends' houses for sleepovers.
On the way there, I realized that I needed to use the bathroom, and there was no way that I'd be able to hold it until we made it all the way home. I knew that using the bathroom at the step-son's trailer would not be happening, because even if his psycho-bitch mother would let me in, I would probably die from breathing in all of the smoke.
I decided to stop at a McDonald's on the way there to use the bathroom. On my way back out to the Jeep, I lost my balance in the parking lot and fell straight forward to the ground. It all happened so quickly, but from the way I ended up laying on the ground in the parking lot, and from the looks of my injuries, I must have tried to protect my belly by turning sideways a bit.
After Phil helped me up from the ground and I made it back into the Jeep, I noticed that my lower belly felt tight and a little achy. I wasn't having any sharp pains, but it was still worrisome. When we finally made it home, I went to bed and called my OB. I really didn't want to go to the ER, so my OB told me to just take it easy and to go to the ER if I started having sharp pains or bleeding.
Thankfully, everything seems to be just fine now. I'm still a little achy in my lower belly, but that's it. Oh, and my right knee is pretty messed up, too. I'm pretty sure my baby is okay in there, too, because last night she was quite active. It was almost like she was trying to reassure me.
On the way there, I realized that I needed to use the bathroom, and there was no way that I'd be able to hold it until we made it all the way home. I knew that using the bathroom at the step-son's trailer would not be happening, because even if his psycho-bitch mother would let me in, I would probably die from breathing in all of the smoke.
I decided to stop at a McDonald's on the way there to use the bathroom. On my way back out to the Jeep, I lost my balance in the parking lot and fell straight forward to the ground. It all happened so quickly, but from the way I ended up laying on the ground in the parking lot, and from the looks of my injuries, I must have tried to protect my belly by turning sideways a bit.
After Phil helped me up from the ground and I made it back into the Jeep, I noticed that my lower belly felt tight and a little achy. I wasn't having any sharp pains, but it was still worrisome. When we finally made it home, I went to bed and called my OB. I really didn't want to go to the ER, so my OB told me to just take it easy and to go to the ER if I started having sharp pains or bleeding.
Thankfully, everything seems to be just fine now. I'm still a little achy in my lower belly, but that's it. Oh, and my right knee is pretty messed up, too. I'm pretty sure my baby is okay in there, too, because last night she was quite active. It was almost like she was trying to reassure me.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Finally!
The people who live directly behind my house are FINALLY cleaning their swimming pool. It's been over two years since they've done so. I guess all of those calls to code enforcement and mosquito control are finally paying off. Now, maybe we'll be able to let Katie go out into the backyard to play without slathering her in insect repellant.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Job
I have what feels like a full-time job now. No, I'm not talking about Katie, though she does take quite a bit of work. What I'm talking about is taking my medicine. Seriously, I feel like that's all I do anymore.
Obviously, I'm still sick. I went back to the doctor yesterday, and I am now taking an antibiotic in addition to everything I was already taking. And some of these pills I have to take are SO HUGE that I just can't take them all at the same time. Or on an empty stomach. So, I have to space them out and schedule them around my meals.
I'm also taking a couple of inhaled meds on top of all of the pills. It's such a pain! And, yes, I know I'm whining, but at this point, I think I've earned the right to whine.
Obviously, I'm still sick. I went back to the doctor yesterday, and I am now taking an antibiotic in addition to everything I was already taking. And some of these pills I have to take are SO HUGE that I just can't take them all at the same time. Or on an empty stomach. So, I have to space them out and schedule them around my meals.
I'm also taking a couple of inhaled meds on top of all of the pills. It's such a pain! And, yes, I know I'm whining, but at this point, I think I've earned the right to whine.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Just a Reminder
Sarah will be walking in the local American Cancer Society's Relay for Life in just two short weeks. If you haven't already donated to this wonderful cause, or if you'd like to donate more, please click on the link over in my side bar and do so.
Cancer is a bitch, and we need to kick its butt hard!
Cancer is a bitch, and we need to kick its butt hard!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Crazy Katie
Katie has needed a haircut for a while now. Her hair grows very fast, so I decided that I would just let her bangs grow out instead of getting then cut all of the time. The only problem with that is the fact that Katie refuses to keep any sort of hair clip or ponytail holder in her hair for any length of time.
This morning, since I had an hour to kill while waiting for my prescription to be filled, I decided to bite the bullet and get Katie's hair cut. Here's a lovely "before" picture.
Here's a picture that I took of her this afternoon before we left to take Katie to the doctor.
And just a little while ago, Katie decided to highlight her face.
And one more picture for your viewing pleasure. Katie decided to put on a pair of Sarah's socks and shoes a few days ago.
You may have noticed that Katie is only wearing clothes in one of those pictures. She has decided that wearing clothes is beneath her. Actually, the only reason that Katie has clothes on in the "after" picture is because we were about to leave for the pediatrician. Katie has her first ear infection, by the way.
This morning, since I had an hour to kill while waiting for my prescription to be filled, I decided to bite the bullet and get Katie's hair cut. Here's a lovely "before" picture.
Here's a picture that I took of her this afternoon before we left to take Katie to the doctor.
And just a little while ago, Katie decided to highlight her face.
And one more picture for your viewing pleasure. Katie decided to put on a pair of Sarah's socks and shoes a few days ago.
You may have noticed that Katie is only wearing clothes in one of those pictures. She has decided that wearing clothes is beneath her. Actually, the only reason that Katie has clothes on in the "after" picture is because we were about to leave for the pediatrician. Katie has her first ear infection, by the way.
Another Week Sick
Here we are. It's been another week since I've posted anything, and I'm still sick. I think I may have had the flu last week, but I'm not 100% sure about that since since not everyone in my house got it. Whatever it was, though, it has left me with a lingering nasty cough.
So, I went back to the doctor this morning to get checked out. I saw my asthma doctor today, since my problems seem to be located in my lungs. First, they checked my lung function, and it was pretty low. Amazingly, though, my oxygen levels in my blood weren't that bad. They weren't great, but they could have been worse. After a breathing treatment, my lung function improved slightly, but it still wasn't good. Now, I get to get pumped up on steroids for the next ten days.
Backtracking a little bit now, I saw my OB last Monday morning for my regular monthly check-up. Because of my illness, I had lost two pounds at that point. But we listened to the baby's heartbeat on the Doppler, and it was nice and strong.
Then, I asked my OB about my test results. I figured that everything was okay since they hadn't already told me that there was a problem. However, after looking through my chart, I was told that the measurements from my ultrasound for my nuchal translucency test were "a little high." My doc said that he wasn't going to worry about it now, though, that they were going to wait until after they get the results from my second round of blood tests before they make any conclusions. I will be having my blood drawn for the second round of tests in two more weeks, so I have at least that long to keep worrying about this stuff.
I also got a phone call last week from my OB's office to let me know when my Level 2 ultrasound at the hospital was scheduled for. I will be having that done on April 6th, and I will be one day less than 18 weeks pregnant then, which means we should have confirmation on the sex of the baby then. Less than one more month to wait for that. I'm pretty excited about it.
In other news, I've been having a very difficult time with Sarah recently. One of the things that has been causing me (and Phil) a lot of headaches has been the fact that Sarah has been going around telling lies about me and our family. It's made for some very stressful times in my house, and I'm at my wit's end about what to do about it. I sent her to stay with her bio-dad last night to see if he could make any headway with her. I'm hoping that she'll come home from school today with a better attitude, but I know that it's not likely that she'll change her attitude overnight. Please pray for us.
So, I went back to the doctor this morning to get checked out. I saw my asthma doctor today, since my problems seem to be located in my lungs. First, they checked my lung function, and it was pretty low. Amazingly, though, my oxygen levels in my blood weren't that bad. They weren't great, but they could have been worse. After a breathing treatment, my lung function improved slightly, but it still wasn't good. Now, I get to get pumped up on steroids for the next ten days.
Backtracking a little bit now, I saw my OB last Monday morning for my regular monthly check-up. Because of my illness, I had lost two pounds at that point. But we listened to the baby's heartbeat on the Doppler, and it was nice and strong.
Then, I asked my OB about my test results. I figured that everything was okay since they hadn't already told me that there was a problem. However, after looking through my chart, I was told that the measurements from my ultrasound for my nuchal translucency test were "a little high." My doc said that he wasn't going to worry about it now, though, that they were going to wait until after they get the results from my second round of blood tests before they make any conclusions. I will be having my blood drawn for the second round of tests in two more weeks, so I have at least that long to keep worrying about this stuff.
I also got a phone call last week from my OB's office to let me know when my Level 2 ultrasound at the hospital was scheduled for. I will be having that done on April 6th, and I will be one day less than 18 weeks pregnant then, which means we should have confirmation on the sex of the baby then. Less than one more month to wait for that. I'm pretty excited about it.
In other news, I've been having a very difficult time with Sarah recently. One of the things that has been causing me (and Phil) a lot of headaches has been the fact that Sarah has been going around telling lies about me and our family. It's made for some very stressful times in my house, and I'm at my wit's end about what to do about it. I sent her to stay with her bio-dad last night to see if he could make any headway with her. I'm hoping that she'll come home from school today with a better attitude, but I know that it's not likely that she'll change her attitude overnight. Please pray for us.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Sickness
I realize that it has been a while since I have posted anything new. I also went to the doctor yesterday and should probably update you all on how that went, too. But, I am just WAY to sick right now to blog about anything, so you're just going to have to wait a little while longer. Sorry.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
