Today was my post-partum visit with my MFM doctor. We learned more about Sawyer and a lot more about what also happened to me during the pregnancy and delivery.
First things first - "Dr. Digi" sat down and went over Sawyer's brief life in the NICU and we were informed that he had a severe form of Tetralogy of Fallot - Truncus Arteriosis Type 4. We are going to get a much more detailed explanation from Sawyer's doctor when I meet with her next week - but from what we were told, his condition was not only rare, but fatal.
Dr. Digi also explained to us that Sawyer's heart defect and the issues with the pregnancy (premature rupturing of the membranes, low amniotic fluid, placental abruption) were two completely separate things. The fact that both these things occured simultaneously was extremely rare. Basically, we had a better chance of winning the lottery.
So, to try and figure out why I had such premature labor, Dr. Digi is doing a full thrombophilia work-up to determine if there were any underlying causes that we aren't aware of. I'm hoping that this bloodwork finds something because at least we could have an answer and know what we were up against if I get pregnant again.
What does all of this mean for the future? A lot.
I'm at a much higher risk of having premature labor and having a baby with congenital heart defects. But, my doctor and I are going to meet again after more testing over the next few months to determine a plan of action for the next pregnancy.
At the very least, today's visit was the furthest thing from the nightmare I envisioned it to be. I was so nervous when we arrived and was shaking so bad that I could barely sign my name when we first arrived.
My doctor's receptionist - Karla - stood up, reached over and hugged me and said how sorry she was. And we cried together.
It was at that moment that I felt "home" - My nurse, my doctor, the residents - everyone in the Maternal Fetal Medicine department have been there since the beginning - and all of them were here for me in the end.
4 comments:
Love you sis...you are the strongest person I know...
Big hugs to you. When a nurse or receptionist or doctor treats you with respect, it helps so much. I'm sure the doc told you and you've uncovered this, but the heart defects happen when the heart develops. I didn't want to ask unless you brought it up, but was wondering about the premature delivery. Of course some preemies have CHDs, but I haven't seen a huge correlation, especially so early. But, I'm not an expert. Sawyer truly was one in a billion in more ways than one. Thinking about you. xo
I also as a mom that has lost a child to Truncus Arterosis, I truly send my thoughts and prayers your way.
I have been thinking a lot about you and your family over the past few days. As you may recall, I lost my Wyatt on 6/6/10 to hypoplastic left heart and fetal hydrops. Although our boys had different conditions, the stories are so much the same. Please know that I have been thinking about you and your family and you have remained in my prayers.
Post a Comment