1.27.2006

There's Something (Bad) About Mary

This morning I went to see the perinatologist. My understanding was that I was going to see him so he could do a more intensive ultrasound and evaluate the kidney issue a little further since we weren't able to get into the pediatric urologist until February 14th. So I went alone to the appointment because I figured it was just a routine, easy appointment - no problem! I left there in tears because of Mary. But before I go into the whole thing, don't worry because everything is fine and Cooper is healthy and wonderful and still a big boy (this time his belly measurement was 4 weeks ahead and his weight was 4 pounds 15 ounces).

After filling out like five pages of paperwork, I went into the ultrasound room with the nurse. The doctor came in just a few minutes later and he's the one that conducted the ultrasound. He was a nice guy. He measured Cooper in all kinds of ways, said the heart looks great, the amniotic fluid is good, everything looked great. He gave me a cute picture of Cooper's profile and we got some good video of his face and legs and everything. I can't wait to see him in person! :) He said that he would do another ultrasound in 4 weeks to check the kidneys again.

After this, I got my stuff together and was ready to go and they were like "oh please wait in the living room for the genetics counselor." Um what?! Genetics counselor? Why?! So now I'm freaking out in the waiting room. The other patients consisted of either overweight pregnant women, older pregnant women, or women of other nationalities (there are some genetic disorders that are more prevalent for different races, etc.). And I'm the one that has to go to the genetics counselor?

So then they call me in there to see her. Her name was Mary. She was the genetics counselor. Apparently, enlarged kidneys can SOMETIMES be a marker for Downs Syndrome. But she proceeded to tell me how this was something that we needed to be aware of and how I could have a late amniocentesis. I told her that I had taken the quad blood screen and everything came back normal, and she told me that they needed to have the exact numbers to be sure. She asked if I wanted to have a detailed family history done to determine the percentages and things, and I said no because we have no family history of these things and I have passed the tests and never before have I been told that this is something to be concerned about. I just wanted out of there!

I made my appointment for the next time, waited for the elevator, got to my car, and started bawling. I debated on whether or not to call and tell Austin because I knew he would just get upset and worry. But I knew I had to tell him. After several attempts at telling the story, I finally got it out. He was furious because he didn't understand why they had told me all of that and what was going on and why our doctor had never said anything before if that was the case. He finally got through to my regular doctor (love her!), and she told him that we had nothing to worry about because I have had so many ultrasounds and that they would have seen other markers if something was actually wrong and how I had great results on the blood screen and to please not worry. She also said she would call Mary and let her know what she had done.

Mary then called me to "apologize" and say that she didn't have the test numbers earlier and that they were great - the lowest they could possibly be and that there was a LESS THAN 1 in 5000 chance for any of the genetic disorders and there were no other markers or indicators so there should be no problems with Cooper. Okay, could she not have told me that before and/or kept her mouth shut until she had the correct information instead of completely freak me out unnecessarily?!!!!

Needless to say, my blood pressure is still probably through the roof as I try to calm down again after the freak-out morning that I had. I talked to my dad about it, and he said that he had known about that in the beginning, but that both he and my doctor had talked before about the fact that there was absolutely NO reason to indicate that and that it was just a kink in the tube from position or the reflux thing that can be fixed after birth. His heart is wonderful which is usually a major sign and he is a big boy (which most downs babies are small) so there is NOTHING to worry about. But it was a very scary morning for me!!!!!

I refuse to see Mary again, and I'm going to tell my doctor that I will only go back for that appointment to the perinatologist on the 24th if they promise I don't have to see her too. :) Other than that, I'm just happy because my little boy is okay and it's Friday! Of course, I should have just called in sick because I'm super drained now and tired even though I actually for once got some sleep last night! But we have fun stuff to do this weekend along with the packing so it should be a good time. Hope you all have had a better day than me and have a WONDERFUL weekend! :)



3 Comments:

Blogger Sara said...

Well I know I told you this in the email when you told me this story, but once I knew for sure that everything was fine I would have gone off on that counselor until I made her cry.

And shes supposed to be a counselor? I imagine she will avoid you at all costs bc she totally made herself look like a fool.

January 27, 2006 2:47 PM  
Blogger Kim said...

That is terrible how she upset you so. Being pregnant sure was easier 15-18 years ago. They said stop smoking. Drink a glass a wine with dinner every night. Three healthy kids. Who would have guessed about all that fancy stuff they are making you do!

January 30, 2006 11:38 AM  
Blogger Mo said...

I can't believe that she upset you like that! How unprofessional! I'm glad you contacted your doctor though and that Mary did call you back and apologize. I can't imagine how terrifying that was for you.

January 30, 2006 12:45 PM  

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