Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Week 3 – To Amnio or Not to Amnio?


We had our 2nd appointment with our specialist and we also met a genetic councilor. We completed a fetal echo which looked at all areas of Alexander’s heart and found that there are no heart defects and it was working properly. We also were given a list of possible diagnoses. After hearing these diagnoses, we thought maybe an amniocentesis was appropriate at this time. An amnio could possible give a definitive answer as to what Alexander had. They gave us hope; then we went home. I looked up the 5-6 differentials and found that frankly, they all suck. There was not one that had a great outcome, and no matter what differential, most babies die shortly after birth. It took us a couple days but we decided there is no point in an amnio because I didn’t want to risk a miscarriage. In the end, if Alexander’s chest grew he had a chance of survival; if it didn’t, he did not.

For the most part, my high anxiety was gone. I’m wondering if it was because I was assuming that they would diagnose TD. Maybe it was just the realization that this could very well be fatal. As much as it hurts, I think I am closer to accepting that Alexander might only be with us here on earth for a couple of hours.

In the past 3 weeks I have felt more emotions on a higher level than I ever thought possible. I have felt confusion, doubts, fears, anger, overwhelming despair and high levels of anxiety. I have felt hope, acceptance and loss, steadfast love for our baby boy and strong love from our God. God has been with us from the very start and will always remind me of His word and His promise.

Every day I feel what I need to feel. I give myself time to release the emotions; to let myself cry, to let it hurt, and then I move on. 

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