Scary news from our appt...

[megd893]

I posted this in my BMB this morning... but I wanted to share here.  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.
I end up on the boards... 


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.

[shemarie82]

I am so sorry that you are going through this. ((hugs))

[megd893]

shemarie82, thank you... I just want more. More info, more reassurances, more... anything. You know?

[mahler5]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I hope you get all your questions answered by the doctor. I hope you feel better after talking to the doctor again. Hugs to you.

[healz413]

Oh my goodness megd893. How absolutely terrifying!

As weird as it sounds, I suppose that in some ways it is good that you didn't find out about this at your A/S (not that the doctor was right not to tell you!). It saved you 4 weeks of worry (since, in hindsight, nothing went wrong during those 4 weeks) and now you're at viability, right?

Of course, I know that viability is not a guarantee and that being at viability does not make it not super serious or super scary. I'm not trying to downplay your fears at all. I totally understand why you're scared. I'm just saying, thank goodness this was found, thank goodness you're at least as far along now as your are, and thank goodness you have a proactive doctor who is going to make sure that you're looked after and taken care of.

I think you are right to be concerned about insurance coverage and travel to the United States. I think there is no way that you'll be covered by your insurance. On top of that, there is the (very small) added risk of flying. Is it possible for you to cancel those work trips?

I'm so sorry that your pregnancy has gone from low risk to high risk so quickly. I know how terrifying a high risk pregnancy is. I'm going to be keeping everything crossed for you and sending all the good vibes your way that I can.

I wish I had something actually helpful to say.

Thank you for sharing with us.

[megd893]

healz413 - you think it's not helpful but it is. Its helpful to see how many positives its easy to forget when you're scared.
I am 24 weeks 2 days. I have reached viability. Right now, he's growing. He's healthy. Heart is good and he's moving and kicking. These are real positives.

I'm waiting to hear from the doc today about if he considers us high risk or not. He told me to fly, which is strange, and I need clairifications. Again, checking with insurance, both of ours. The flight in 10 days is work related - I'll be working a conference 10-12+ hours a day... however in April, I'm supposed to be going to florida and relaxing at my parents place. If theres risk, I'm not doing either. I'm in the lack of information limbo.

K and I are making a list of questions I can print and take with me so I don't forget anything. I'll be heading out for the appointment in 40 mins.

Thank you. The conversation is helpful. The words, are helpful.

[healz413]

manada is the queen of lists of questions for doctor's appointments.

I hope you get as many answers as are possible at this point.

[kh826]

I'm so sorry you have this worry. I will be thinking of you and keeping everything crossed that you are able to carry that little guy to as close to term as possible. Please keep us posted. Hugs!

[ionaerebor]

Oh, I'm so sorry. That must be terrifying. I hope you get the answers you need from your doctor.

[karlamo]

I'm sorry you are going through this and no one told you till now. I know things are really scary right now. It seems your situation is a wait, monitor and see. Looks like they are keeping a look out for IUGR. I know several babies born early due to it and they are healthy and on par with their peers.

For what it's worth we had a parallel experience with R's a/s. Baby looked great and we were excited then the tech told us my wife's cervix was shortening and funneling. Cue panic mode. We had weekly u/s till 24 weeks when they decided it wasn't getting any shorter and baby was viable. It was a very scary 6 weeks for us but those weekly u/s kept us calm. She ended up delivering him at 41 weeks!

I hope you get to keep him in as long as possible. Just keep thinkig positive thoughts.

[megd893]

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. It means a lot.

[healz413]

I'm glad he answered your questions.

I'm also surprised by the no ultrasounds from 20-32 weeks thing. I had assumed that the whole purpose of those appointments was to get ultrasounds. I don't think you need to do this, but I'm a worrier, so I would probably insist on at least one during that period. For your mental/emotional health even if it is not medically indicated.

As for the eating, the Tim Hortons near me now has a cranberry walnut bran muffin (or something like that), that was pretty tasty. It doesn't feel as indulgent as the fruit explosion one (it's got bran after all!), but if you need to mix it up to keep your eating up, then I'd recommend trying it.

Also, I don't know if you've ever heard of the Brewer's Diet but it's a pregnancy diet that is based on the idea of getting enough nutrition (especially protein) and making sure that you eat enough and regularly enough. If you feel like you could use guidance on the eating enough front, it might be worth googlng.

[mrsnorris]

I'm sorry you're dealing with this! It must be scary! It's good that LO is growing on schedule! It sounds like your doctor is very thorough and that you're in good hands! Thoughts and prayers for all of you! Like PP, I might push for extra ultrasounds, just for peace of mind and extra reassurance. Regarding insurance, I don't know much about those issues but doesn't the ACA make it illegal to decline coverage based on a pre-existing condition anyway?

[wittyandwaiting]

megd893 - I'm so sorry.

It's a blessing that your doctor has been so through and accessible to you and that he's getting additional opinions.
More importantly, it's so positive that he is growing right on schedule. Keep growing Baby Boy!!!!!

[PiradicalMaid]

I am so sorry you are dealing with this and can only imagine how scary it must be.

I do want to share a positive story-- I know someone who had this issue, although it was undiagnosed during pregnancy. She had a natural, full term birth. Complications afterwards lead to the discovery of this condition, but her and her baby are both doing completely fine. The reason for the complications was because it was unknown so, even though it sucks that you have extra worry, it's good that you know ahead of time. She also wishes she had known ahead of time because she would have paid more attention to nutrition, just like your'e planning to do. Her little peanut is still growing and nursing like a champ.

Wishing you all the best.

[Deleted]

PiradicalMaid, nice to hear of some great outcomes! megd893. Knowledge is power- you will continue to eat and baby to grow...All the best.

[megd893]

PiradicalMaid thank you for the story, it's much appreciated. It's funny, knowing I have this I find myself paying more attention to everything. I didn't sleep last night because he's not moving as much as he has been. Little things. While there's both a positive and a negative, I'm glad I know - you're right.
Hopefully this little bug stays right where he is for 15 more weeks!

[jgy]

megd893, you're doing all the right things for yourself and this baby! Look at what a great Mom you are already.

In general, I've found that Dr's really appreciate when their patients are informed and organized. Their level of trust in YOU grows, as seems to be the case with your Dr. I'm really glad that he considers you low risk at this point, and also really glad that he's going to have his judgement peer reviewed. I'll be thinking about you!

[RM80]

Thinking of you megd893, I'm so sorry you have to worry. It sounds like your doctor was response to all your questions which is great & is having it all peer reviewed. I would say if you want a second opinion too from outside of that clinic- get one! Keep us posted & i hope baby boy gets to 'cook' for lots longer!

[PiradicalMaid]

Mar 9, 2015 7:17:20 GMT -5 megd893 said:

PiradicalMaid thank you for the story, it's much appreciated. It's funny, knowing I have this I find myself paying more attention to everything. I didn't sleep last night because he's not moving as much as he has been. Little things. While there's both a positive and a negative, I'm glad I know - you're right.
Hopefully this little bug stays right where he is for 15 more weeks!

Yeah, knowing has its pros and cons. Stay put, little bug!