Scary news from our appt... Update
Mar 6, 2015 9:55:07 GMT -5
Post by megd893 on Mar 6, 2015 9:55:07 GMT -5
Hey all -
Strangely, I don't want to talk to my real life people yet and at the same time I need to 'talk' to someone, somewhere.
We were told by the doctors office on the phone that everything from our A/S came back normal. Great! So we wait four weeks to go to the next appointment (which was yesterday), which happened to be our first appointment with our OB.
OB says, "Did Dr. Z talk to you about the placenta issue?".... ISSUE?
"No, we were told everything was normal."
"You have a condition called placenta circumvallate....", he continued speaking.
I took in some of what he said. It looks like this *shows google image*, and it means your placenta is buried further than normal into your uteran wall. He told us that this generally can prevent the litle one from getting the nutirition he needs, and in many cases will eventually cause the baby to stop growing entirely. He told us he's going to see us again in 4 weeks (28 week checkup), and after that he will be seeing us every 2 weeks to check the boy's growth. I mentioned I'm suppsoed to be coming to the US twice in the next month - that I was cleared for a while ago. He seemed to not be concerned about it, said see how Atlanta goes, then determine how you feel about Florida.
We went home, not sure what to think. We did what everyone does and what they tell you not to do - we googled. We ONLY read .org sites to learn about the condition to be accurately informed. By the end of the night, we knew lots: majority of babies will be delivered early (when growth stops), its very important to eat - eat heatlhy and eat a lot to make sure that he's getting as many nurtrients NOW as he can, the liklihood of a vaginal delivery is slim, and the scariest part... the risk of placental abruption is high. Any uteran cramping and/or bleeding is worth a call to the doctor. Lastly, we realized just before bed, that with this new "pre-existing condition", I may not have travel/health insurance when I cross the border.
This morning, K called her insurance and I called mine. I called my doctors office and the nurse reassured me he's happy to chat again and answer my questions. I have an appointment in an hour and a half.
I know, logically this can't all be doom and gloom. There are probably plenty of women with this who absolutely deliver healthy, term babies. I want to be one of them. I'm worried about how long I'll be able to carry him for. How healthy he'll be when he's born. I'm worried he won't have what he needs while he's in there growing. I don't like not having control.
If you made it to the end, thank you for 'listening'. I really appreciate it.
Update:
I spoke with my doctor again this morning. I went in with a list. Printed. Started at the top and he patiently addressed everything for me.
He said he wouldn't consider me high risk as of just yet, and that right now as of 24 weeks, the boy is growing on schedule. *deep sigh of relief*
He is going to get a second and third opinion/review of my chart and let me know if his colleagues would consider me high risk. If so, he'll be referring me to another doc immediately.
In terms of his growth, I asked the doctor why he doesnt seem concerned with no US from 20-32 weeks when it seems pretty crucial to know how hes growing?! He said that the measurements he takes in our appointments tells him the growth of the uterus. If baby isnt growing the uterus wouldnt really be stretching either. Thus, he said unless measurements are a concern - there's no reason to panic yet. He did share that the boy's umbilical cord is slightly off centre, which, shouldnt cause an issue but could also restrict nutrients so he wants to make sure I'm taking it easy, eating lots and eating well. I had gained a total of 16 pounds at my 24 week appointment - which he was happy with. However, he said that from here on in - no matter when you're hungry you must eat right away, it will be very important.
I asked about delivery options and was told that I COULD carry to full term and I COULD deliver vaginally. However, when most people will be induced if no delivery by 41 weeks, they may consider an induction for me at 37 weeks instead. A pre-booked C-section isn't something he would reccommend (especially at this point) and unless something happens between now and full term (bleeding, abruption, cramping etc.) he'd like to see me do it naturally.
Lastly, we talked about travel and travel insurance. He stands behind his statement that air travel is safe for me. However, when talking about insurance coverage he was impressed I was being so dilligent. I presented him with the papers from my wife's insurance company that lay out what would exclude me from coverage. He said HE wouldn't say I should be excluded, but can't promise the insurance company won't conclude differently. I asked him if he would be willing to sign something that backs what he just said, and he told me absolutely. In addition he said if I can't get something from the insurance company IN WRITING, saying they accept his opinion, he would reccommend me not going.
So, ladies, for now I wait. Nothing I can do except eat right, eat often, and take it easy. Make sure he's moving in there, and listen to his heartbeat when we're concerned. I'm not sure what will happen with travel plans, but I need more information from all parties to make the best decision mefically, financially and for my family.
Thank you again for caring. Means a lot.
Strangely, I don't want to talk to my real life people yet and at the same time I need to 'talk' to someone, somewhere.
We were told by the doctors office on the phone that everything from our A/S came back normal. Great! So we wait four weeks to go to the next appointment (which was yesterday), which happened to be our first appointment with our OB.
OB says, "Did Dr. Z talk to you about the placenta issue?".... ISSUE?
"No, we were told everything was normal."
"You have a condition called placenta circumvallate....", he continued speaking.
I took in some of what he said. It looks like this *shows google image*, and it means your placenta is buried further than normal into your uteran wall. He told us that this generally can prevent the litle one from getting the nutirition he needs, and in many cases will eventually cause the baby to stop growing entirely. He told us he's going to see us again in 4 weeks (28 week checkup), and after that he will be seeing us every 2 weeks to check the boy's growth. I mentioned I'm suppsoed to be coming to the US twice in the next month - that I was cleared for a while ago. He seemed to not be concerned about it, said see how Atlanta goes, then determine how you feel about Florida.
We went home, not sure what to think. We did what everyone does and what they tell you not to do - we googled. We ONLY read .org sites to learn about the condition to be accurately informed. By the end of the night, we knew lots: majority of babies will be delivered early (when growth stops), its very important to eat - eat heatlhy and eat a lot to make sure that he's getting as many nurtrients NOW as he can, the liklihood of a vaginal delivery is slim, and the scariest part... the risk of placental abruption is high. Any uteran cramping and/or bleeding is worth a call to the doctor. Lastly, we realized just before bed, that with this new "pre-existing condition", I may not have travel/health insurance when I cross the border.
This morning, K called her insurance and I called mine. I called my doctors office and the nurse reassured me he's happy to chat again and answer my questions. I have an appointment in an hour and a half.
I know, logically this can't all be doom and gloom. There are probably plenty of women with this who absolutely deliver healthy, term babies. I want to be one of them. I'm worried about how long I'll be able to carry him for. How healthy he'll be when he's born. I'm worried he won't have what he needs while he's in there growing. I don't like not having control.
If you made it to the end, thank you for 'listening'. I really appreciate it.
Update:
I spoke with my doctor again this morning. I went in with a list. Printed. Started at the top and he patiently addressed everything for me.
He said he wouldn't consider me high risk as of just yet, and that right now as of 24 weeks, the boy is growing on schedule. *deep sigh of relief*
He is going to get a second and third opinion/review of my chart and let me know if his colleagues would consider me high risk. If so, he'll be referring me to another doc immediately.
In terms of his growth, I asked the doctor why he doesnt seem concerned with no US from 20-32 weeks when it seems pretty crucial to know how hes growing?! He said that the measurements he takes in our appointments tells him the growth of the uterus. If baby isnt growing the uterus wouldnt really be stretching either. Thus, he said unless measurements are a concern - there's no reason to panic yet. He did share that the boy's umbilical cord is slightly off centre, which, shouldnt cause an issue but could also restrict nutrients so he wants to make sure I'm taking it easy, eating lots and eating well. I had gained a total of 16 pounds at my 24 week appointment - which he was happy with. However, he said that from here on in - no matter when you're hungry you must eat right away, it will be very important.
I asked about delivery options and was told that I COULD carry to full term and I COULD deliver vaginally. However, when most people will be induced if no delivery by 41 weeks, they may consider an induction for me at 37 weeks instead. A pre-booked C-section isn't something he would reccommend (especially at this point) and unless something happens between now and full term (bleeding, abruption, cramping etc.) he'd like to see me do it naturally.
Lastly, we talked about travel and travel insurance. He stands behind his statement that air travel is safe for me. However, when talking about insurance coverage he was impressed I was being so dilligent. I presented him with the papers from my wife's insurance company that lay out what would exclude me from coverage. He said HE wouldn't say I should be excluded, but can't promise the insurance company won't conclude differently. I asked him if he would be willing to sign something that backs what he just said, and he told me absolutely. In addition he said if I can't get something from the insurance company IN WRITING, saying they accept his opinion, he would reccommend me not going.
So, ladies, for now I wait. Nothing I can do except eat right, eat often, and take it easy. Make sure he's moving in there, and listen to his heartbeat when we're concerned. I'm not sure what will happen with travel plans, but I need more information from all parties to make the best decision mefically, financially and for my family.
Thank you again for caring. Means a lot.