Well, I was feeling pretty good about my appointments and ultrasound last week, but then yesterday the doctor called about the specific results of the ultrasound. She said the growth results were good, but it was noticed that Butterball potentially has hydronephrosis. Apparently, they were able to tell the the collecting ducts in the left kidney are distended. She is having me go in for a level two ultrasound with a perinatologist. They are supposed to call me today to set up the appointment. There was nothing about hydronephrosis in my pregnancy books and I did well to put off googling it until this morning. I just don't like lack of knowledge. I did find this site which is not alarmist at all, but provides good information:
Children's Hospital Boston: Hydronephrosis
The doctor freaked me out a bit by saying that she wanted the perinatologist to rule out genetic or chromosomal abnormalities because we now have two "red flags" with the kidney and the two vessel cord. Of course, I asked her if there were known genetic abnormalities associated with hydronephrosis and she said, No, but since there are two potential issues then we should rule it out. I can't imagine this is the case seeing as there is no family history and the initial screening at 13 weeks put us at extremely low odds.
The whole thing seems so crazy. I mean most people don't even have ultrasounds after the big one at 20 weeks, so what would happen if they hadn't caught this? Or heck, ultrasounds weren't even routine just a couple decades ago. I guess if they rule out genetic issues, then we just monitor the kidneys and have a plan with a specialized pediatrician for when Butterball is born.
I am alternating between being knowing there is nothing good about worrying and that it is best to just keep cool and be informed, and then giving all that up and worrying and being sad that it just seems like one thing after another.
To top it all off, they also did a urine culture at my appointment and determined I am a strep B carrier. I guess this is a common thing and some women are and some women aren't. It is not a problem if you are, but it can be an issue for the baby during delivery thus I will require IV antibiotics when I get to the hospital. As if that weren't enough, apparently my numbers were high enough to indicate a bladder infection (symptomless?) that means they want to put me on an oral antibiotic now.
Well, I hope this isn't too crazy of a post. I need to wrap my head around it all a little more and hopefully gather more info. I will keep you updated as I learn more.
7 comments:
We love you! I sent you an email. Call me anytime, I know how you are feeling after our experiences with Rachel. The site was great and looking at it made me wonder about all of the UTI's Rachel had as an infant. They never could find a cause and mentioned some of the issues discussed on the site while we were at the hospital. Thankfully she has been good for the last year (knock on wood). We will keep happy thoughts coming your way!!
We love you and are thinking of you and your wonderful baby boy.
Wade, Sissy, Zachary and Colton
Oh Sadie, I'm sorry to hear of the extra stress from your u/s and culture results. Lots of love and good healthy thoughts for you and Butterball baby.
Sadie & Sean, We're sorry to hear that you've gotten this worrisome news. Glad that you are trying to get smarter about what's going on without trying to over think or over worry the situation. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.
sadie and sean...we're thinking of you guys as you deal with your worrisome news. we're sending lots of love. :-)
mandy, scott and noah
Thinking of you, Sean & Butterball. With all of my current complications with my pregnancy, I understand the difficult balance between gathering info/wrapping you head around the somewhat unknown and keep your cool. I will think good healthy baby thoughts!!
How is everything going? You remain in my thoughts.
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