Thursday, March 26, 2009

Just Some Clarification...

Many of you have asked questions and I figured I would just answer a few of them here for all to see.



1. Have they tested for Downs Syndrome?



Aside from ultrasound I don't opt for other testing, so we did not do the blood test, but she shows no other signs of Downs Syndrome, nuchal fold is normal (which was not the case with Asher), nasal bone is normal and all of the other "soft markers" have not been seen. I assure you, that we are aware that though many doctors treat DS and most other "disabilities" as though they are the worst case scenario, we know otherwise. We will welcome any child the Lord gives us with open arms however He chose to create them.



2. Did you just fail the 1 hour glucose or the 3 hour.



I only failed the one hour, which I hear has a high false positive rate, I will be doing the three hour test on Monday morning. I am not really looking forward to it, but I know that it is necessary for my health and for baby's so in the grand scheme of things, it is inconvenient, but not that big of a deal.



3. What does it mean to be anemic?



It just means my iron levels are low, which is relatively common at this stage of pregnancy as baby takes what she needs and leaves me with what is left. I have been told to take an iron supplement twice a day in addition to my prentatal vitamin to prevent problems with me or baby or during birth. Anemia can be a serious problem if left untreated. It typically makes you a little dizzy and tired and even pale which are all symptoms I HAVE been having but I am typically a pale girl, and well tired and dizzy, I just figured it was all related to pregnancy, motherhood and stress. It can cause complications during and after birth so it is good to know now so I can start taking the supplements.



4. Have they diagnosed the baby with anything yet?



No, and maybe I didn't make that clear enough from the get go. Both Isaac and Asher were born with central nervous system issues, with Isaac I went in at 37 weeks, had an ultrasound and they saw fluid on his brain and a few other issues and decided to c section me right away to find out what was going on. After he was born it was noted that his head and brain had stopped growing and developing around 18 weeks. Otherwise he was pretty perfect. No other defects were found. I was told that a uterine infection likely assaulted his brain growth and that it was a "fluke".



Asher was a different story. During my 18 week ultrasound several anomalies were seen. He had a VSD or hole in one of the chambers of his heart, he was thought to have club feet (which he did not), He had fluid on his lungs, his head was small and his brain was already behind in growth. We were then sent to Pittsburgh where it seemed a new problem was found at each visit. So though Asher also had a small head and arrested brain development they had largely different issues as well. Doctors have tried to link the two and have yet to come up with a true diagnosis for what might be going on, they assume they are linked, but cannot tell for sure.



SOOOO....since they both had microcephaly, or small heads and underdeveloped brains that is now what doctors are on the look out for. I am currently 29 weeks and until this point there has been no indication that baby girl's head or brain was not growing or developing. At Monday's appointment, the doctor said that if it were anyone else he really wouldn't even be concerned but because of our history with microcephaly he just wanted to monitor because one of her measurements was coming back small. Her femur, abdominal circumference and BPD (diameter of her head)are all pretty average. Her head circumference growth seems to have slowed to the 6th percentile. Her overall growth is 46th percentile. So she has NOT been diagnosed with anything, and there is no definite problem. Just concern. I am panicked because this is EXACTLY how it all started with Asher, just concern. I have heard that because she is head down, there is a chance that the head circumference is not an accurate measurement and I am SOOOO hoping that s the case, that all of this worry is for nothing. Unfortuately my prior experiences tell me that when there is concern, it will be confirmed and possibly worse than imagined.



5. Are you going to Pittsburgh?



After much deliberation I have decided to head to Pittsburgh tomorrow morning. Howard cannot go because he can't afford to use his days off as he will need them when this baby gets here so a friend has offered to take me and another friend has offered to watch the boys. My appointment is at 9:30 and we will be leaving here around 7 am.

54 comments:

Anonymous said...

"The peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus"
Praying this for you today. You are an amazing woman and incredible mom. Don't take your eyes off of HIM.
Nicole

Nicole said...

Thank you for clarifying. Prayers are with you today and especially tomorrow. I will be sending out a prayer chain throughout my MOPS Group; as we have been praying for you before Asher was born. I'm always giving them updates. Have a safe trip and may you come home knowing more than you do now; with peace of mind as well. Take care Kristy.

Melanie said...

Will be praying and fasting for you tomorrow! I am trusting God that you are being sent to Pittsburgh to have absolute confirmation that everything is just fine, so little doubts don't cloud this time ("little foxes spoil the vine...").
Praying that the Lord goes before you, he shields your way...

Shannon said...

Kristy,

You are constantly on my heart, on my mind, and in my prayers.

Hugs, hugs, hugs!!

bri said...

Praying for that peace that surpasses all understanding. Praying that the trip to Pittsburgh will be one of complete understanding and wisdom!

Blessings!

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you as you travel today. May God give you peace. Thansk for keeping us updated.

Unknown said...

Kristy -

I am praying. I cried my eyes out after reading the past few posts. I remember pleading with God for Lucy's life. And I know you plead with Him for the lives of Isaac and Asher. And just not KNOWING what He is going to do - it is mind-numbing and, yes, it leaves you feeling hollow.

Praying for peace for you, and a normally developing little girl, because that is all I know to do.

Rachel

Mindy said...

Have a safe trip tomorrow. I know tomorrow's appointment is going to go well and you will hear these words "EVERYTHING IS JUST FINE!!" Your Baby Girl is just getting you prepared for when she makes her entry because little girls are SO very different from little boys :) Things will go your way. HE will see to it!
Much Love,
Mindy

Mindy said...

Have a safe trip tomorrow. I know tomorrow's appointment is going to go well and you will hear these words "EVERYTHING IS JUST FINE!!" Your Baby Girl is just getting you prepared for when she makes her entry because little girls are SO very different from little boys :) Things will go your way. HE will see to it!
Much Love,
Mindy

The VW's said...

I've been thinking of you and praying for you often! I pray that tomorrow will bring you the peace that you crave and deserve! Hang in there!

zanesmommy said...

Will be praying!

Laurie in Ca. said...

Praying for you non stop for tomorrow! Praying for confirmation that this baby girl is fine. Praying so hard for your heart to be at peace and for your stress level to vanish. Easier said than done I know, but it is my prayer for you. I love you and pray for safe travel tomorrow.

Love and Hugs and Peace, Laurie

the mama said...

Will be praying for you and I'm glad to hear that you have decided to go. I would've too. :)

Staci said...

I will be thinking of you and praying for you and Baby Girl Bolte :)

Jennifer said...

I am glad that you decided to go. I will be praying for you during the drive and the visit. I hope that your friend is REALLY good at distraction! Turn the music up...and sing your hearts out!

Praying that the measurements will blow those doctors socks off and they will question why you were even send for a visit...

Lipstick Jungle said...

Not that you needed to clarify, but thank you!

I will pray so very hard for you tomorrow! Worry, concern and any other emotion are very well to be expected. I cannot imagine your pain and worry right now, and pray that you will find some peace from within and in Him while you make the treck tomorrow.

Maybe it is best to have a friend with you. I don't know you or your husband at all, but sometimes having a friend with loving and caring support can bring you through this stronger and more ready to fight whatever may or may not lay before you. I am sure your husband is just as scared as you are, but men by nature start to shut down and are not the greatest pillars of strength when we need them to be.

Take care, God Bless you, safe travels, and positive reports tomorrow!

Lori

sumi said...

Praying for you and baby girl, Kristy...

Erin Parker said...

I will pray for your appointment at 9:30.
I really appreciate the honesty in your posts about how you are truly feeling. I think many people believe that Christians should never get angry with God, never ask him why, and that we should just be happy no matter the circumstances of our lives.
God understands our hurts and frustrations, as even Christ asked, "My God! My God! Why have you forsaken me?"
So, he understands your pain. Even though He doesn't always give the answers to the why's as we think He should, He is always there as the comforter and savior. He loves you and He loves this little sweet girl!

Mashel said...

Kristy, Let us know as soon as you can how your appointment goes. I was curious, how were Luke and Ben's measurements during pregnancy and after? Is there a chance that all your kids measure small heads, and in Asher and Iaasc it was just more? Praying for you and your sweet baby girl.

Melissa said...

Thank you for the clarifications. I will keep you in my prayers, especially tomorrow as you go to P.

Kathaleen said...

Praying for your trip to Pittsburgh Kristy. Praying for you and your baby girl. So hoping it is God's will for her to grow up with your family.

Love Kathaleen

Anonymous said...

I dont comment very often but I wanted to let you know that my prayers are with your family... I cant imagine how worrisome that last ultrasound was for you and I am praying that your appointment in pittsburg will go well and they will put your mind at ease...or as much so as you can expect after already losing 2 children. Good Luck !

Anonymous said...

I am so glad you are going to Pittsburgh. I think it would be inhumane to suffer through the kind of torture waiting the two weeks would have put you through. I hoped you would decide to do this. I hope and pray beyond anything that all is well with this baby and that the measurements are just off. I pray for your peace of mind.
Shellie

Laura said...

Praying...sending love.

Just Me said...

You did a great job of answering questions...and, all your sentences made perfect sense, so the prayers for hope, strength, breathing, calm must be working at least a little bit :o)

Praying for peace for your heart, safe travels, a healthy baby girl Bolte...

Hugs and LOTS of prayers,
Amanda

malette-foreveryoung said...

I am glad that your friends are helping you, blessing for you friends.
If I was you I would do the same.
I will be praying that you can find some comfort in the outcomes of tomorrow.
Praying as always

Anonymous said...

I will be praying for you all.
Lord give them peace that surpasses all understanding and lord please let this baby be healthy and nothing will be wrong.
Amen

Lisa said...

Best of luck to you and I hope your trip here shows only good things. We live in Pittsburgh and had all of our children at Magee. I'm not sure what hospital you're going to but they are all wonderful. All three of ours were NICU babies with their own stories but the doctors there were great...as they are in the other big hospitals here. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!

Angie said...

Kristy, I have been praying for you, all day everyday since I got the first word. I believe in my heart that this is nothing but a false alarm, but I know that it is impossible not to have these raging emotions battling it out inside you. I am praying for a PERFECT ultrasound tomorrow!

Rachel said...

I will be praying for you, your family, and especially your precious daughter. Hope your appointment goes well!

Mary said...

I will be thinking of you tomorrow as you head out for your appointment. Sending hugs your way, Mary

Penny said...

rayinf for you tonight. For a good nights rest, for peace and feeling the grace God wants for you. Tomorrow we will be praying for you and your little sweetie. I am glad you have a friend to ride along with. Maybe on the way home you can stop and get that paint!

We will be focusing prayer at 9:30.....

This baby is so loved all ready!!

Liz said...

Praying that you get some reassuring news tomorrow! I hope you have peaceful sleep tonight, and a safe trip tomorrow. Liz

Unknown said...

God, move mountains in this family now. Your perfect will be done.
Amen

Angela said...

I have had a lot of anemia 'issues'. Not fun or helpful when you have kiddos to care for. :-) You are in my prayers and I'll be thinking of you guys all day tomorrow...and praying for you.

Brittany said...

Praying for you and your baby girl tonight and tomorrow!!!!!!!!

Michelle said...

I be praying for you in the morning Kristy!

Anonymous said...

Praying for you that you will get good news at your appointment and your mind will be put at ease and peace will fill your heart.

Lissa Lane said...

Thank you for clarifying huni. My prayers are with you

Kim (marygracesummons.blogspot.com) said...

Kristy,
thinking of you and praying this morning!! I wish I could give you a hug:)
love you,
Kim

Anonymous said...

I am in a bible study with Emily Cassady and I wanted you to know that I am praying for you. I can't imagine being where you are, but I know someday I might be. My husband and I want to start a family soon and we don't know what God has planned for us. You are so strong and reading your posts are a testiment of showing God glory in the good times and bad. Know that lots of women in Bowling Green are praying!

Angie said...

Kristy, I am praying this morning.

Joanna said...

Its 9:30 Kristy. I am praying right now!

Penny said...

Praying for you now. Praying for your little girl.

Anonymous said...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_e4zgJXPpI4

Lipstick Jungle said...

Popping on to wish you GOOD LUCK TODAY! (even though I know you are already there and probably done already!)

I am praying extra hard for a good outcome!

Alicia said...

Have been praying....and checking for an update.

Love,
Alicia

Anonymous said...

We stopped our Esther study and prayed for you last night. Still praying.......

Anonymous said...

Your story was shared in my Women's Bible Study group last night. What a powerful testimony to the faithfulness of Christ you are! Praying for you, your sweet baby, and your family today!

Anonymous said...

We have been praying for you. Hope everything went ok this morning :)
Jessica

read2kds said...

I will be praying for you all day today.

Blessings, Amy in NC

Devon said...

its 10:30 pst -- praying for you...praying for good news. praying that no matter what you feel god's presence and peace.

sumi said...

I am praying for you now, Kristy. Sending lots of love your way,

Sumi

Kim said...

So thankful you are able to go. Will be praying and checking for an update!