Amniocentesis

My alarm went off at 5:15 this morning to begin my day of doctor appointments. My eyes were basically swollen shut from all the crying.   Mike & I left the house at 6:30 to get to my OB's office to do my glucose test.  (Disgusting drink by the way).  We then shoveled food down our throats after the appointment before we met with our Genetic Counselor.

Last night our Genetic Counselor left us a message explaining that she still thought it could be heterotaxy.  However after this morning's appointment and watching her expression on her face when we listed all her heart defects, her expression became solemn.  She was not aware of 4 of the heart defects.  The only hope she gave us was that since Zoe's double bubble isn't a true "Duodenal Atresia" (because that is found at 20 weeks) it may just be related to the heart.  However, I'm going with the assumption that she has Downs.

We then move to another pavilion at Northwestern to head to the Amniocentesis.  Originally I was against the Amino just because we would have never terminated.   But I need this for my own piece of mind.   Google has gotten the worst of me and I would rather know what she has and then start preparing/researching.

We met with Dr. Shulman who was a funny doctor.  Discussing Green Bay and the Bears, however I do know he and the nurse were trying to change the subject so I wasn't concentrating so much on the needle.  They did a full growth scan of Zoe, and again, she appears perfect outside the heart and bowl obstruction.  The nurse panned in on her sweet little nose.  Looks perfect in every way.

Every doctor appointment I get to go home with favors, Zoe's ultrasound pictures.  She's going to have a baby book full of her growth from 8 weeks on.    These are the few from yesterday's appointment.

Dr. Shulman decided to take 30 ml of amniotic fluid from me instead of 20.  I think because I have an over abundance of it.  No pain can compare to labor (epidural didn't work for me), but this was a bit painful.  Luckily it went quick.  I actually told the doctor I felt like I was going to throw up all over him and was extremely faint.   The procedure went smoothly, I just have to rest.  I just feel worn out.  I still have the pinching feeling in my stomach, but I'm hopeful by tomorrow morning, I'll feel 100% better.

Thank goodness for all the grandparents in Zander's life.  He's had more sleepovers as a toddler then most.

I apologize if I haven't responded to all of your emails and texts, its been really hard on me.  Just know I appreciate every single one of you and all of the support.   All my close friends used to make fun of me because they thought I kept in contact with the world....but you know what, all of you are helping me stay sane and the power of prayer is out there, which is what Zoe and we need.

Results should be in on Monday.  Only hoping I'm not at my desk at work and they call Mike.