So my visit at the doctor today was pretty fast. My doctor said he was surprised when the results came back from the amnio that the baby was ready, since it's still so far until my due date.
When he was getting some things ready to check my cervix, the nurse came in with the results of the other test from the amnio. He was telling her that there's really no norm, that it depends on the age of the baby and that you have to graph it out to figure out what the results mean. He told me that they would have told him how soon he'd have had to do another amnio. I'm grateful he doesn't have to.
When my doctor checked my cervix, luckily I've already dilated to a 1-1/2. So apparently all the contractions I had yesterday after the amnio actually did something. My doctor said that the moon must have lined up for me with this one.
So on Thursday morning at 7:00, I go in to the hospital to be induced. She'll be exactly 4 weeks early, and I'm not complaining. At least we know that her lungs are good and she should do well.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Ben's award and some other pictures
This morning Ben had an awards assembly at school. This is the third one they've done this year, but Ben was getting an award at this one, so I made sure I could make it. The awards assemblies are a little on the boring side, just because you get to sit through all the other kids getting awards too. Luckily, the school divides the assemblies into different grades, so it's not as long as it could be.
Ben got the award for being a math whiz. His teacher said that he's always one of the very first done with his math assignments and she knows she can ask him any math question and he'll know the answer. I'm glad it looks like he's taking after his dad rather than his mom in that particular subject.
Here are some pictures I took there. Sorry, some of them are a little dark..for some reason my camera doesn't really like to cooperate in the school lunchroom:
These first two are of Ben sitting with his class waiting for his turn to go up and get his award:
Here's Ben standing with his teacher, Mrs. Cruz, who is actually a long-term substitute teacher for his usual one who is on maternity leave (this one is dark, but if you look close, you can see Ben on the left):
And here's Ben leaving with his award. That's as good as I got when I asked him to hold up his award for me:
Now for some random pictures. I'm not going to label them, just because I'm lazy. But some are from when the boys were playing in the waiting room during Alex's speech therapy and some are from our last trip to the zoo last Friday during Ben's Spring Break. It was really the one good day during Spring Break, so it was not an original idea.
Ben got the award for being a math whiz. His teacher said that he's always one of the very first done with his math assignments and she knows she can ask him any math question and he'll know the answer. I'm glad it looks like he's taking after his dad rather than his mom in that particular subject.
Here are some pictures I took there. Sorry, some of them are a little dark..for some reason my camera doesn't really like to cooperate in the school lunchroom:
These first two are of Ben sitting with his class waiting for his turn to go up and get his award:
Here's Ben standing with his teacher, Mrs. Cruz, who is actually a long-term substitute teacher for his usual one who is on maternity leave (this one is dark, but if you look close, you can see Ben on the left):
And here's Ben leaving with his award. That's as good as I got when I asked him to hold up his award for me:
Now for some random pictures. I'm not going to label them, just because I'm lazy. But some are from when the boys were playing in the waiting room during Alex's speech therapy and some are from our last trip to the zoo last Friday during Ben's Spring Break. It was really the one good day during Spring Break, so it was not an original idea.
Monday, March 30, 2009
More doctor stuff
So this morning at 8:30, the nurse from my doctor's office called. She said that my titer levels had "gone up significantly," so my doctor wanted me to go in the office today at 1:00 for an amniocentesis. If you don't know what one is, it's where they stick a big, long needle into your stomach to draw out amniotic fluid to test for certain things. That phone call upped my stress level a bit. I definitely was not looking forward to the procedure.
Since Bryce had the van today, I called him and asked if he could drive home at lunch and let me take it to the doctor. We decided instead that we would have him go with me. I was glad that he was going to be there, just for the extra support and so I wouldn't have to explain everything that happened to him later.
So we got to the doctor's office (again, a huge thank you to Katie who is so willing to watch my kids for me even on short notice like this was) and went back to the ultrasound room. The nurse had me sign a waiver thing since there are risks associated with the amnio, although she said in all the times they've done them, she's never seen any of them. She then explained a little bit about what they would do and said that I really should take it easy and try to rest for the remainder of the day and avoid lifting stuff. That's easier said than done when one has a 21 1/2 month old son. She said that she thought the main thing the doctor would be checking for with this was for the Fetal Lung Development, to see if it would be safe for the baby to be induced now. After explaining things, she went to see if she could find the doctor, who was finishing up doing a c-section. We really didn't have to wait long at all for him though. Oh, she also told us what the titer level was. It had gone from an 8 to a 16.
When the doctor came in, he said something along the lines of, "Problems. We've got some major problems here." He said I was his first Anti E patient who ended up with problems. He's had other antibodies do it, but I was his first Big E. Lucky me, huh?
To start the amnio, the doctor used the ultrasound to find a nice deep pocket of amniotic fluid and marked where he'd be placing the needle. Of course it was right by the one rib that the baby always likes to push on, so it was a bit uncomfortable to have the ultrasound scanner thingy pushed on there through the whole thing. Even though the amniocentesis wasn't pleasant, that was actually probably the worst part of it.
When the nurse arrived, they slathered the spot for the amnio with some betadine. The doctor numbed the area (that shot was actually worse than the amnio part, probably because I was numbed for the amnio), made sure the ultrasound was showing the right spot, and stuck the needle in. It did hurt a bit when the needle went into the amniotic sack. I had to try to hold as still as possible while he drew out a couple of vials of amniotic fluid. He was getting a couple of tests done, one was the FLD like the nurse had said, the other was called Delta 48 or something like that. He didn't really say what exactly that one was testing for, but I assume it was to test for effects of the antibody. He said that they should get the results of the amnio tonight, then we'll decide where to go from there. If the baby's lungs aren't developed enough yet, I "get" to have another amnio in a week and a half. And he did say that it's likely that I'll have the baby this week or next week.
After the amnio was done, they had me go with another person to go have a Non-Stress Test done. Basically I got to lie on an examination table with montiors on me for about a half hour. They had to come and buzz the baby because she decided she'd rather sleep than move though. She didn't like the buzz and jumped, but it did wake her up. And I had lots and lots of contractions while I was lying there. But everything looked good on the stress test, so that was good.
So now I wait for the doctor to call me with the results of today's amnio and I'm scheduled for another doctor appointment and NST on Thursday morning. I would definitely be fine with having her sooner rather than later, especially if this antibody could be hurting her.
Since Bryce had the van today, I called him and asked if he could drive home at lunch and let me take it to the doctor. We decided instead that we would have him go with me. I was glad that he was going to be there, just for the extra support and so I wouldn't have to explain everything that happened to him later.
So we got to the doctor's office (again, a huge thank you to Katie who is so willing to watch my kids for me even on short notice like this was) and went back to the ultrasound room. The nurse had me sign a waiver thing since there are risks associated with the amnio, although she said in all the times they've done them, she's never seen any of them. She then explained a little bit about what they would do and said that I really should take it easy and try to rest for the remainder of the day and avoid lifting stuff. That's easier said than done when one has a 21 1/2 month old son. She said that she thought the main thing the doctor would be checking for with this was for the Fetal Lung Development, to see if it would be safe for the baby to be induced now. After explaining things, she went to see if she could find the doctor, who was finishing up doing a c-section. We really didn't have to wait long at all for him though. Oh, she also told us what the titer level was. It had gone from an 8 to a 16.
When the doctor came in, he said something along the lines of, "Problems. We've got some major problems here." He said I was his first Anti E patient who ended up with problems. He's had other antibodies do it, but I was his first Big E. Lucky me, huh?
To start the amnio, the doctor used the ultrasound to find a nice deep pocket of amniotic fluid and marked where he'd be placing the needle. Of course it was right by the one rib that the baby always likes to push on, so it was a bit uncomfortable to have the ultrasound scanner thingy pushed on there through the whole thing. Even though the amniocentesis wasn't pleasant, that was actually probably the worst part of it.
When the nurse arrived, they slathered the spot for the amnio with some betadine. The doctor numbed the area (that shot was actually worse than the amnio part, probably because I was numbed for the amnio), made sure the ultrasound was showing the right spot, and stuck the needle in. It did hurt a bit when the needle went into the amniotic sack. I had to try to hold as still as possible while he drew out a couple of vials of amniotic fluid. He was getting a couple of tests done, one was the FLD like the nurse had said, the other was called Delta 48 or something like that. He didn't really say what exactly that one was testing for, but I assume it was to test for effects of the antibody. He said that they should get the results of the amnio tonight, then we'll decide where to go from there. If the baby's lungs aren't developed enough yet, I "get" to have another amnio in a week and a half. And he did say that it's likely that I'll have the baby this week or next week.
After the amnio was done, they had me go with another person to go have a Non-Stress Test done. Basically I got to lie on an examination table with montiors on me for about a half hour. They had to come and buzz the baby because she decided she'd rather sleep than move though. She didn't like the buzz and jumped, but it did wake her up. And I had lots and lots of contractions while I was lying there. But everything looked good on the stress test, so that was good.
So now I wait for the doctor to call me with the results of today's amnio and I'm scheduled for another doctor appointment and NST on Thursday morning. I would definitely be fine with having her sooner rather than later, especially if this antibody could be hurting her.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Latest doctor appointment
Yes, I went to the doctor again this morning and had another ultrasound. Everything looked normal with the ultrasound and the baby seems to still be doing well. He didn't take the measurements of her size this time, so I don't know how big she is now, but she's still growing well and looks healthy.
I was a little surprised when my doctor also did the strep b test and checked my cervix at this appointment. With only being 35 weeks today, I thought he would do that next week at the earliest. But no, I'm not dilating yet and wasn't surprised at that.
I did get my blood drawn at this appointment. They should have the results within the next couple of days. I didn't even feel the needle going in the arm this time, so that was always nice.
My doctor had to leave quickly after he finished checking my cervix because he had been paged and apparently had someone ready to deliver, so the nurse guessed that I would need to go back again next week because I'm "special." I think normally they would have had me go back in 2 weeks. I don't mind going back more often, since I know they're making sure the baby is doing well and isn't being harmed by the antibodies.
So this week's appointment is done and I just get to wait to hear how the antibody titer levels are doing and get to go back again next week.
Here's an ultrasound picture from today. It's kind of hard to see, but it's her face and an arm. My doctor was going to get me a 4-D picture of her face today, but she decided to move her arm right in the way when he went to try it.
I was a little surprised when my doctor also did the strep b test and checked my cervix at this appointment. With only being 35 weeks today, I thought he would do that next week at the earliest. But no, I'm not dilating yet and wasn't surprised at that.
I did get my blood drawn at this appointment. They should have the results within the next couple of days. I didn't even feel the needle going in the arm this time, so that was always nice.
My doctor had to leave quickly after he finished checking my cervix because he had been paged and apparently had someone ready to deliver, so the nurse guessed that I would need to go back again next week because I'm "special." I think normally they would have had me go back in 2 weeks. I don't mind going back more often, since I know they're making sure the baby is doing well and isn't being harmed by the antibodies.
So this week's appointment is done and I just get to wait to hear how the antibody titer levels are doing and get to go back again next week.
Here's an ultrasound picture from today. It's kind of hard to see, but it's her face and an arm. My doctor was going to get me a 4-D picture of her face today, but she decided to move her arm right in the way when he went to try it.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Trip to the Dentist
This morning I took the boys for their semi-annual dental exam and cleaning. It took a bit to get them all moving and ready to go, so we ended up leaving about 10 minutes later than I had wanted to leave, but we still made it to the appointment on time. And this was even after being stuck behind the guy who thought more than 5 mph below the speed limit was a good idea. I guess it's a good thing I overestimate how much time it will take to get there.
Ben was pretty nervous about the appointment, and when they called him back first, we had to all walk back with him to help him feel a bit more confident. We didn't have to stay with him though, so that's a good thing. And he did really well and said it wasn't bad at all.
Alex got called back shortly after Ben went back, since they were having different hygenists work on them. It was much nicer that way. It cut down the time we'd have to be sitting in the waiting room. Alex had no fear and went right back with the hygenist and also did well for his appointment.
Chris kept wanting to go back and be with his brothers and didn't think it was fair that I was making him stay in the waiting room with Daniel and me. They have a cute little play area in the office, so I thought that would keep them fairly entertained, but they didn't want to spend a lot of time in there. He was glad when Alex was done with his appointment and he got to go back for his turn. He also went right back with no fear, which was good.
Daniel got a bit bored waiting for his brothers, but it was a lot nicer to be able to have the room for him to wander around and the play area to try to distract him, which made it not so bad. The last time we went to the dentist, we had to all go back and wait and watch everyone take their turns and it got frustrating to try to keep kids from pushing buttons they shouldn't be pushing and getting into things they shouldn't be getting into. So I was much happier this time when the kids were fine going back on their own.
And the good news is that none of the boys had any cavities, so that's it until their next cleaning and check-up. I was a little worried about having to squeeze cavity fillings in with having the baby and all the other stuff we've got going on.
After the appointment, we got to go and take Bryce to lunch. The boys thought that was pretty cool, since they don't get to see much of their dad during the day. Ben especially liked it. He's out of school this week for Spring Break and liked the extra outing.
So the appointments that I had been dreading a little bit because of the last time went well, and I'm glad we don't have to do it again for a while.
Ben was pretty nervous about the appointment, and when they called him back first, we had to all walk back with him to help him feel a bit more confident. We didn't have to stay with him though, so that's a good thing. And he did really well and said it wasn't bad at all.
Alex got called back shortly after Ben went back, since they were having different hygenists work on them. It was much nicer that way. It cut down the time we'd have to be sitting in the waiting room. Alex had no fear and went right back with the hygenist and also did well for his appointment.
Chris kept wanting to go back and be with his brothers and didn't think it was fair that I was making him stay in the waiting room with Daniel and me. They have a cute little play area in the office, so I thought that would keep them fairly entertained, but they didn't want to spend a lot of time in there. He was glad when Alex was done with his appointment and he got to go back for his turn. He also went right back with no fear, which was good.
Daniel got a bit bored waiting for his brothers, but it was a lot nicer to be able to have the room for him to wander around and the play area to try to distract him, which made it not so bad. The last time we went to the dentist, we had to all go back and wait and watch everyone take their turns and it got frustrating to try to keep kids from pushing buttons they shouldn't be pushing and getting into things they shouldn't be getting into. So I was much happier this time when the kids were fine going back on their own.
And the good news is that none of the boys had any cavities, so that's it until their next cleaning and check-up. I was a little worried about having to squeeze cavity fillings in with having the baby and all the other stuff we've got going on.
After the appointment, we got to go and take Bryce to lunch. The boys thought that was pretty cool, since they don't get to see much of their dad during the day. Ben especially liked it. He's out of school this week for Spring Break and liked the extra outing.
So the appointments that I had been dreading a little bit because of the last time went well, and I'm glad we don't have to do it again for a while.
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