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October 24, 2005
time to let you in
Sorry, I haven't been around much the last few days. It has been a stressful couple of weeks.
Grumpy and Little Bear got bad colds last week and passed it on to me. I was out sick from work on Thursday and Friday. We also had my in-laws, brother and sister-in-law, and their sweet baby here for four days, from Arizona.
It's been rough because, dear reader, I haven't told you yet, but I am pregnant, 17 weeks to be exact. So being pregnant when you have a fever and a bad head cold SUCKS!
I am also trying not to stress out because I had to take the triple screen test last week, which looks for signs of abnormalities in the baby. When I was pregnant with little bear it came back positive. The dr. told me he most likely had Down Syndrome and I ended up having to have an amnio, which was very scary.
Thankfully, he didn't have any issues like that but since I had pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes and a host of other problems at the end there, Little Bear ended up with a lack of oxygen to the brain that caused his cerebral palsy.
So as you can imagine, I am scared. I was already nervous from day one because I understand all too well the host of problems that can arise and how delicate life can be. I am more scared because on Friday my doctor called to tell me that as a 34 year old woman, my triple screen test indicated that I have a 1 in 130 - something chance of having a child with Down Syndrome (this is higher than the norm at my age), but it still falls in the negative range (which is good). But (God, I hate that word), my test came back postive for Trisomy 18, so I have to go have a very detailed ultrasound on Wednesday, to see for sure if the baby is ok or not. I may have to have another amnio as well. Apparently the triple screen blood test isn't that accurate so the dr. told me not to worry yet. HA! Easy for her to say.
I really am trying not to stress out about it but I can't help it.
So, please send some positive thoughts my way if you could.
Posted by bugg at October 24, 2005 01:24 PM
Comments
Although I am sure your baby is going to be a healthy as a horse, either way, you and grumpy are such amazing people and caring parents that things will work out. Any child born to you is lucky to have such loving parents.
Posted by: melanie at October 24, 2005 02:22 PM
Your baby will be fortunate to be with you and Brian, regardless of what your tests indicate. I'll spare you the clichés–except to mention that I'll be thinking of you.
"All of my friends have big buts..."
Posted by: Brian-who-used-to-be "Cinderfella" at October 24, 2005 04:45 PM
Don't get me started on the "you are 34 years old so therefore...." shit that the doctors always spout. I had all of my children when I was over 35 and this speech was pulled out like clockwork. It's easy to say not to worry, but try not to. Let us know what's going on.
Posted by: SJ at October 24, 2005 05:13 PM
My mom had my sister at 38.
Congratulations.
But - even though I have internet at my fingertips - what is cerebral palsy?
Posted by: Armaedes at October 25, 2005 06:38 AM
melanie - i hate you when you make me cry at work. :)
BWUTBC - Thanks for the love. I love talking to Chas but I miss talking to you. Big buts - God, I love that movie.
SJ - I'll certainly keep you posted. Thanks for the support.
A - Thanks. I'll email you about the cp. It's a long explanantion.
Posted by: bugg at October 25, 2005 09:01 AM
Hi, I'm Melanie's mom. I was 34 when Mel's sis was born. Everything was fine. The best I can tell you is that I will pray for you - peace and health.
Posted by: Cathy at October 25, 2005 07:28 PM
Good Health and Best Wishes are winging their way over from Scotland. Take Care! x
Posted by: newplanet at October 26, 2005 02:54 PM