Our appointment went well, today. Just a regular OB appointment, pretty much. We got to hear Denali's heart beat (143) and I got my bump measured. I'm measuring at 25 weeks which means I probably have polyhydramnios- an excess of amniotic fluid. The doctor (Dr. O) needed to check on the measurements from the ultrasound, but I guess it's pretty obvious. I thought that the perinatologist said I had the normal amount of amniotic fluid, but everything is pretty fuzzy right now. Having polyhydramnios makes a lot of sense. I gained a ton of weight right off the bat and then lost weight and then haven't really gained any more (2 pounds). Also, I've been bigger than I should have been, but I thought that was from being overweight to start out with. I've also been incredibly short of breath the whole time and that is a symptom of polyhydramnios. And swelling. Anencephalic babies can cause polyhydramnios because they are not capable of swallowing the amniotic fluid. So, it builds up. Not sure what we're going to do about it yet.
We also talked about my gallbladder that is still giving me grief, although it's been on the back burner these past few days, obviously. I may still end up having surgery.
We told Dr. O that we wanted to try to carry Denali full-term. She said that they would support us 100%. Also, I get to see her exclusively for appointments, which is nice. In about six weeks, the OBs are going to have a care conference with labor and delivery and the NICU staff to discuss what our plan is going to be. I'm so happy that they are taking this approach and letting us participate! It makes me infinitely more comfortable! I'm also happy that I get to deliver in this hospital. I've been saying all along that I wish I could deliver here! So, I'm feeling better overall about the conditions surrounding her birth and eventual death.
I'm so incredibly touched by the outpouring of support we have received! Today, my friend posted this on my Facebook wall:
"The brahma kamal flower is very unusual and beautiful, few ever get to see it's bloom as it only blooms for a total of six hours but those that have seen it remember it. Denali, regardless of how much time she does have will also be remembered as beautiful. Thinking about you."
Wow. That blew my mind a little! Another friend offered to send me some of her maternity clothes so that I don't have to go shopping for them! That's just a few examples. I'm so blessed to have friends!
Another HUGE blessing came today as well! I sent the residency program coordinator an email explaining my situation and basically telling her that I would not be back this year. Obviously, I was worried about that. I could lose my spot and have to go through match again, which is quite an unpleasant experience. Even the perinatologist was concerned about it. So, when the coordinator called me this afternoon, I was nervous. However, the first thing she asked was how I was doing and when I burst into tears, so did she. She said that she had spoken with the IM residency director and that she said they would support me 100% and that if I needed anything, all I had to do was pick up the phone and call. She further said that they felt I was meant to be in that program and that they would save my spot until I come back, whenever that may be!!! They're even sending me a letter so that I have it in writing. I started crying with relief! I can't believe it!!! I told Dr. O and she couldn't believe it, either! I'm just in shock! What an incredible program I've gotten into!
I do need some thoughts and prayers for two issues right now: 1) I rented an apartment back in Va that I have actually not set foot in. Since I won't be going back for a while, I obviously don't need it. But, I also don't have a job and I can't afford to pay for it. So, that situation needs to be resolved. I have to talk to the landlord next week. 2) I need to apply for temporary disability since I can't work and I'm broke. Those two issues are weighing on my mind right now.
John did manage to get me out hiking today. It involved a bribe of Coldstone Creamery, but I went! It was a GORGEOUS day and it was perfect. Even the mosquitoes weren't horrible. I've pushed myself through being short of breath hiking up mountains these past couple of weeks, but today I just felt really nervous about stressing Denali. If I'm short of breath and my pulse is racing, she probably isn't doing the best, either. So, I took it really, really easy. I think I stopped every ten feet or so to catch my breath. Finally I called it quits and rested with Mom on an overlook about halfway up while John and Samuel continued to the summit. While we waited a bald eagle flew right over our heads and a Mama Black Bear with her 3 cubs went walking by! We also pulled out the Wildflower guide Mom bought and had fun identifying all of the flowers. Have I mentioned that I love Alaska?
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