Aa
General update
I finally got in to see a high-risk OB yesterday.It went fairly well although it took a long time. They did an ultrasound and we got pictures, so that was really exciting. The baby is really healthy and squiriming around. They said S/He is measuring about a day ahead of his/her due date, but the due date will still be Dec. 5th. We were just so happy to get to see our baby. I posted the U/S pics that we got on my profile if you would like to see them.
The doctor didn't really say anything about my medications, and they were much more concerned about my brain aneurysm than my medications. They told me the doctor was going to discuss PM options with me, so we waited out in the lobby for a while, then we were called back to a desk and the nurse gave me an order for a screening test, an order for an MRI of my brain, and a post-it note with "Drug free living, Methandone maintenance" on it with phone numbers, etc. I was very irritated and couldn't stop myself from asking "Did I become a drug addict when I became pregnant?" It was very irritating, but I managed to keep my cool and not get snippy, even though I wanted to send a post-it back to the doctor that said "This isn't PM or 'options'". So after that momentary sarcasm, I decided I would just graciously accept the note, smile and nod and say "Okay, sure".
So one of the biggest things is: My husband called my PM office and told the staff I'm pregnant. (I was just too nervous, but sitting right there hanging on every word.) The office staff said "Okay" and "That's all?" and said they would let the doctor know. So we're sort of axiously watching and waiting to see if the doctor calls back saying "What!?", but the office staff acted like it's not a big deal. It would really ease my mind if my current doctor is able to still see me, even if he says we need to change meds or reduce them, etc. I really appreciate his manner and he was an OB/GYN before becoming a PM, and that's somewhat reassuring to me. I feel much better just letting PM know and leaving it in God's capable hands as to what I will do for PM during this pregnancy. I have to say, though, it's amazing the difference in opinions between doctors who are informed about medications and doctors who are not.
Thank you to everyoone who's been kind and supportive to me during this time of not knowing what's going on with the doctors and being stressed out with worry. I really appreciate this forum.
The doctor didn't really say anything about my medications, and they were much more concerned about my brain aneurysm than my medications. They told me the doctor was going to discuss PM options with me, so we waited out in the lobby for a while, then we were called back to a desk and the nurse gave me an order for a screening test, an order for an MRI of my brain, and a post-it note with "Drug free living, Methandone maintenance" on it with phone numbers, etc. I was very irritated and couldn't stop myself from asking "Did I become a drug addict when I became pregnant?" It was very irritating, but I managed to keep my cool and not get snippy, even though I wanted to send a post-it back to the doctor that said "This isn't PM or 'options'". So after that momentary sarcasm, I decided I would just graciously accept the note, smile and nod and say "Okay, sure".
So one of the biggest things is: My husband called my PM office and told the staff I'm pregnant. (I was just too nervous, but sitting right there hanging on every word.) The office staff said "Okay" and "That's all?" and said they would let the doctor know. So we're sort of axiously watching and waiting to see if the doctor calls back saying "What!?", but the office staff acted like it's not a big deal. It would really ease my mind if my current doctor is able to still see me, even if he says we need to change meds or reduce them, etc. I really appreciate his manner and he was an OB/GYN before becoming a PM, and that's somewhat reassuring to me. I feel much better just letting PM know and leaving it in God's capable hands as to what I will do for PM during this pregnancy. I have to say, though, it's amazing the difference in opinions between doctors who are informed about medications and doctors who are not.
Thank you to everyoone who's been kind and supportive to me during this time of not knowing what's going on with the doctors and being stressed out with worry. I really appreciate this forum.
Thank you for your concern!
We thought we were moving soon, but the company ran into some financial problems and has been having payroll problems. They have a plan worked out, but until we know better, we can't set a date to move. As far as the doctors are concerned, I told the PM that I'm moving last appt, but I imagine with all the patients he probably forgot, the staff remembered, though. My plan with them is when we know for sure when we're moving, to make another appt, or see if it can be done by phone, to schedule referrals to doctors in AZ. I've already looked into a couple of them and I have their websites saved in my history for easy access when I need to do the referral thing. We are definetly going to make sure we have a High-Risk OB and PM when we get there. I may need to fly back to see these doctors for the first month or so, though, so we've counted that into the moving costs, just in case.
I'll definetly let you know when we have solid plans for moving, as well as letting the doctors know as soon as we know.
We thought we were moving soon, but the company ran into some financial problems and has been having payroll problems. They have a plan worked out, but until we know better, we can't set a date to move. As far as the doctors are concerned, I told the PM that I'm moving last appt, but I imagine with all the patients he probably forgot, the staff remembered, though. My plan with them is when we know for sure when we're moving, to make another appt, or see if it can be done by phone, to schedule referrals to doctors in AZ. I've already looked into a couple of them and I have their websites saved in my history for easy access when I need to do the referral thing. We are definetly going to make sure we have a High-Risk OB and PM when we get there. I may need to fly back to see these doctors for the first month or so, though, so we've counted that into the moving costs, just in case.
I'll definetly let you know when we have solid plans for moving, as well as letting the doctors know as soon as we know.
I'm VERY happy for you about your PM Appt. I'm really glad that he's going to help you.
Jamie, when are you all moving and when are you coming to look at houses? You haven't mentioned it lately and I was thinking that it was supposed to be the First of July that you moved. You won't be there for your next OB/GYN appt. if it's in 3 weeks from now. If you aren't going to be there for it you need to find out about the aneurysm immediately BEFORE you start exerting yourself with the packing.
Did you tell your PM Dr. that you are moving and see if he can set you up ahead of time with a Dr.to help out here? If you don't get something set up you WON'T have ANY medical care at all out here when you first move.
I'm really concerned for you my Dear. Please let me know!! You KNOW how we surrogate NamNam's worry!!!!....Sherry
Jamie, when are you all moving and when are you coming to look at houses? You haven't mentioned it lately and I was thinking that it was supposed to be the First of July that you moved. You won't be there for your next OB/GYN appt. if it's in 3 weeks from now. If you aren't going to be there for it you need to find out about the aneurysm immediately BEFORE you start exerting yourself with the packing.
Did you tell your PM Dr. that you are moving and see if he can set you up ahead of time with a Dr.to help out here? If you don't get something set up you WON'T have ANY medical care at all out here when you first move.
I'm really concerned for you my Dear. Please let me know!! You KNOW how we surrogate NamNam's worry!!!!....Sherry
First off, Thank you all for the prayers and hopes. Sherry, you can definetly consider the baby your "Surrogate Baby". I'm actually very touched. :)
Secondly, I went to see the PM, so no ultrasound this time, although he was an OBGYN before PM and it would be nice if he could be the "All-in-one" here.
I first walked in the office and I got the impression that no one noted that I was pregnant when I called, so that made me feel that it wasn't a big deal to them, but also that the doctor didn't know and he might potentially tell me he couldn't see me.
I started off the conversation with "Well, we're pregnant" and he was visibly suprised, then he took a deep breath and looked at me like I was silly and said "Well I"m not going to shun you or anything", and I finally breathed a sigh of relief.
The whole appointment was rather long as we chatted about the whole pregnancy plan, his work in the Appalacians, and the growing medical intervention in childbirth.
He's a bit more holistic than I realized, although I should have remembered that, and he did start tapering my dose, but instead of having an extra pill every other day for worse pain, I have only 4 every day. The more concerning thing was that he tapered my soma and klonopin, even though the klonopin is considered safe in the second trimester and the soma could have been switched to flexeril.
He asked me if I knew when we came in last and since my husband was the one who didn't want to tell the doc, I looked at him. He said "We weren't sure the pregnancy would go through as we have had two miscarriages" and the doctor laughed and said "Oh.. You weren't suuurree." and I explained how the last doctor dropped me right before I miscarried and he was very understanding.
He also made us promise to read to the baby and play classical music for the baby as he explained that life in the womb is probably rather boring and the baby would appreciate it.
So I realized that he's a little eccentric, but I am, too and I enjoy eccentrics and that I'm going to have to taper continually, he wants me off the meds at birth. I told him I would do my best and he gave me a hug and another "Congratulations" as we were leaving.
All in all, it went very well. I'm a little nervous about the tapering, and the tapering of the Klonopin in particular as I have had a devil of a time sleeping lately and I have also had increased anxiety with the pregnancy, so I occasionally take a half a pill if I start to have a panic attack. I prayed and prayed that this appointment would go well and I feel that God answered my prayers and then some.
In other news: I had an MRI and MRA (better vascular imaging) of my brain yesterday. We were hoping the aneurysm had gone away as they couldn't pick it up on the CT scan when I went the the ER with the worst headache of my life a few months ago. The report says that the aneurysm has gone from less than 2mm to 2mm. It also detected a second aneurysm on the right frontal lobe that is about the same.
Now I'm not freaking out about this too much because I only read the radiology report and I haven't heard it from a Neurologist. (I never can wait to hear it from the doctor, I always have to pic up the radiologist report ASAP) I told myself that if it wasn't good, I wouldn't freak out, so I'm not. I still feel fine, etc. However I think I need to make an appt with a Neurologist to have it looked at, rather than just wait for the OBGYN to decide what I should do. I have an old referral to neurology, like 9-12 months old, so I'm not sure if it's still good, but I may have to go see a PCP or wait for the OBGYN anyway to get a new referral.
But overall I feel that today went well and I am trying not to worry about the radiology report.
And: The baby started kicking a little bit and we can feel where s/he is sometimes in my belly as it feels like a little hard lump. It's great. :)
Secondly, I went to see the PM, so no ultrasound this time, although he was an OBGYN before PM and it would be nice if he could be the "All-in-one" here.
I first walked in the office and I got the impression that no one noted that I was pregnant when I called, so that made me feel that it wasn't a big deal to them, but also that the doctor didn't know and he might potentially tell me he couldn't see me.
I started off the conversation with "Well, we're pregnant" and he was visibly suprised, then he took a deep breath and looked at me like I was silly and said "Well I"m not going to shun you or anything", and I finally breathed a sigh of relief.
The whole appointment was rather long as we chatted about the whole pregnancy plan, his work in the Appalacians, and the growing medical intervention in childbirth.
He's a bit more holistic than I realized, although I should have remembered that, and he did start tapering my dose, but instead of having an extra pill every other day for worse pain, I have only 4 every day. The more concerning thing was that he tapered my soma and klonopin, even though the klonopin is considered safe in the second trimester and the soma could have been switched to flexeril.
He asked me if I knew when we came in last and since my husband was the one who didn't want to tell the doc, I looked at him. He said "We weren't sure the pregnancy would go through as we have had two miscarriages" and the doctor laughed and said "Oh.. You weren't suuurree." and I explained how the last doctor dropped me right before I miscarried and he was very understanding.
He also made us promise to read to the baby and play classical music for the baby as he explained that life in the womb is probably rather boring and the baby would appreciate it.
So I realized that he's a little eccentric, but I am, too and I enjoy eccentrics and that I'm going to have to taper continually, he wants me off the meds at birth. I told him I would do my best and he gave me a hug and another "Congratulations" as we were leaving.
All in all, it went very well. I'm a little nervous about the tapering, and the tapering of the Klonopin in particular as I have had a devil of a time sleeping lately and I have also had increased anxiety with the pregnancy, so I occasionally take a half a pill if I start to have a panic attack. I prayed and prayed that this appointment would go well and I feel that God answered my prayers and then some.
In other news: I had an MRI and MRA (better vascular imaging) of my brain yesterday. We were hoping the aneurysm had gone away as they couldn't pick it up on the CT scan when I went the the ER with the worst headache of my life a few months ago. The report says that the aneurysm has gone from less than 2mm to 2mm. It also detected a second aneurysm on the right frontal lobe that is about the same.
Now I'm not freaking out about this too much because I only read the radiology report and I haven't heard it from a Neurologist. (I never can wait to hear it from the doctor, I always have to pic up the radiologist report ASAP) I told myself that if it wasn't good, I wouldn't freak out, so I'm not. I still feel fine, etc. However I think I need to make an appt with a Neurologist to have it looked at, rather than just wait for the OBGYN to decide what I should do. I have an old referral to neurology, like 9-12 months old, so I'm not sure if it's still good, but I may have to go see a PCP or wait for the OBGYN anyway to get a new referral.
But overall I feel that today went well and I am trying not to worry about the radiology report.
And: The baby started kicking a little bit and we can feel where s/he is sometimes in my belly as it feels like a little hard lump. It's great. :)
Great news !! I'm glad that you can rest assured knowing that the baby is healthy.
My best,
Mollyrae
My best,
Mollyrae
Sweetie,
You KNOW that ALL of my Thoughts and Prayers are with you today and ALWAYS!!
Is today when we find otu the sex of "OUR" MH Baby? I hope that you don't mind but I think we all feel like we are either "Aunts", "Uncles", or in my case as well as some others "Surrogate Grandmothers or Grandfathers"!!!!
We will be on pins and needles until we hear back from you later today!!!...Sherry
You KNOW that ALL of my Thoughts and Prayers are with you today and ALWAYS!!
Is today when we find otu the sex of "OUR" MH Baby? I hope that you don't mind but I think we all feel like we are either "Aunts", "Uncles", or in my case as well as some others "Surrogate Grandmothers or Grandfathers"!!!!
We will be on pins and needles until we hear back from you later today!!!...Sherry
Best of luck with the appointment! We're all eager to hear what the doc has to say and praying that it's all positive.
Looking forward to hearing an update from you soon!
Looking forward to hearing an update from you soon!
Just wanted to let everyone know that I have an appointment today at 2:30 Eastern Time. Any prayers you can offer up for me are so welcome. I'm very nervous since the last doctor had me come in for an appointment and dropped me. (Last pregnancy)
I'll come back later and let you know how it goes. I haven't been on lately because the internet's been on and off, so if I don't let you know right away, I will when I can.
Thanks everyone!
Bree
I'll come back later and let you know how it goes. I haven't been on lately because the internet's been on and off, so if I don't let you know right away, I will when I can.
Thanks everyone!
Bree
Thank you. Past comments are just water under the bridge, no problem. I'm sorry that I got snippy back, it's been such a battle with this pain and it's hard to be pregnant on top of it all. I understand the concern for the baby and I appreciate it. With the meds I take, they don't have any tylenol in them. I had a problem when I was taking regular hydrocodone with my stomach and they realized it was all the tylenol, so they switched me to meds that don't have tylonol "built-in", so to speak.
I know methadone is a widely used pain med, and I've been on it before, but it didn't help the pain as much as the meds I take now. If worse comes to worst I'll take it, but I'd rather just continue with the oxycodone.
Thanks about the ultrasound. We were so impressed with the quality of it. We could see everything. I remember when my son was in the womb (and that was 13 years ago) the sonographer had to point to everything to tell us what it was. Same with my daughter 10 years ago. I was so happy to see the baby has a fat little belly. You could also see when it was live, that the baby has fat little legs, too. We were just entranced looking at the sonogram screen. It's a little too early to tell the sex, so we didn't push it, the sonographer said she thought maybe a girl, but when we told her we have two already and one boy she said "Oh no, and I just said another girl, well I'm still not sure, so it really might not be a girl.". So we left it at that. I think I have one in about 3 weeks where they will tell the sex.
Thanks for the kind comments, I'm glad we were able to work things out. :)
Bree
I know methadone is a widely used pain med, and I've been on it before, but it didn't help the pain as much as the meds I take now. If worse comes to worst I'll take it, but I'd rather just continue with the oxycodone.
Thanks about the ultrasound. We were so impressed with the quality of it. We could see everything. I remember when my son was in the womb (and that was 13 years ago) the sonographer had to point to everything to tell us what it was. Same with my daughter 10 years ago. I was so happy to see the baby has a fat little belly. You could also see when it was live, that the baby has fat little legs, too. We were just entranced looking at the sonogram screen. It's a little too early to tell the sex, so we didn't push it, the sonographer said she thought maybe a girl, but when we told her we have two already and one boy she said "Oh no, and I just said another girl, well I'm still not sure, so it really might not be a girl.". So we left it at that. I think I have one in about 3 weeks where they will tell the sex.
Thanks for the kind comments, I'm glad we were able to work things out. :)
Bree
I'm sure you and your baby will be fine either way your Dr decides to treat your pain. The most important thing is that you don't suffer any withdrawal symptoms or pain because pain is added stress and not good for pregnancy either. Don't stress or worry about anything. I know I expressed an opinion in earlier post to you. Thats all it was just an opinion. I apologize for things I may have said that upset you. I know I suggested methadone thats only because in rehab they put a pregnant woman on it because her Dr said it was alot safer than taking the lortab she was taking because of all the tylenol. She was getting her meds from her family Dr and had a legal rx. The reason she was in rehab was so they could switch her to the methadone. It really made her retain water. Her feet were like 3 times their normal size. It was just an experience I wanted to share. I know your doing everything you can because all mothers love their babies. Your doing all you can do with these Dr's some are so uneducated and don't give a **** about their patients it's not even funny. All they want is money.
You baby looks darling. You can tell it's a baby, unlike when I had my kids I'd get an ultrasound and couldn't tell what was the head and what was the butt. You can even see your baby's little fat belly. Was it to early to tell the sex? or was he or she turned wrong?
Good Luck
Jessica
You baby looks darling. You can tell it's a baby, unlike when I had my kids I'd get an ultrasound and couldn't tell what was the head and what was the butt. You can even see your baby's little fat belly. Was it to early to tell the sex? or was he or she turned wrong?
Good Luck
Jessica
Thank you, Tuck! I'm sorry for your losses. Each one is painful, I know. I'm so glad you had ten pound boyS? So was that TWO ten pound boys at once? That is wonderful.
The chronic pain is hard, and I know you're right, methadone is often used to treat chronic pain, I was actually on methadone for a while for pain but it didn't work very well at the doses I was on. The only problem with methadone is the stigma. LIke when I would first walk into a doctor's office and they would say "So you take the methadone for heroin addiction?". It was almost a given so I would try and pre-empt them with "and I take methadone for chronic pain". I know it's not the worst thing in the world, to me the pain is, as long as the pain is controlled, I will be okay.
I just find it so silly because from what I've read, opiates are the safest in pregnancy for pain control and methandone is in the same pregnancy classification as oxycontin.
Thank you for your encouragement, hopefully my doctor will have some ideas and answers. He used to be an OB/GYN, so it should be interesting.
The chronic pain is hard, and I know you're right, methadone is often used to treat chronic pain, I was actually on methadone for a while for pain but it didn't work very well at the doses I was on. The only problem with methadone is the stigma. LIke when I would first walk into a doctor's office and they would say "So you take the methadone for heroin addiction?". It was almost a given so I would try and pre-empt them with "and I take methadone for chronic pain". I know it's not the worst thing in the world, to me the pain is, as long as the pain is controlled, I will be okay.
I just find it so silly because from what I've read, opiates are the safest in pregnancy for pain control and methandone is in the same pregnancy classification as oxycontin.
Thank you for your encouragement, hopefully my doctor will have some ideas and answers. He used to be an OB/GYN, so it should be interesting.
You have been through much! I can relate as I lost three babies in the first trimester. My first and last pregnancy produced healthy ten pound baby boys. But my dear I did not have chronic pain to deal with also, my heart goes out to you. No one can judge your choices.
Let me assure you that in my opinion "Drug free living, Methadone maintenance" does not insinuate you are an addict. Methadone is often used to treat chronic pain. Some physicians beleive it is the best drug of choice for pain management. There are some great articles on that fact.
I wish you the very best with this pregnancy. I am glad that you got to "see" your precious baby. Bless you and your baby. Do what you have to do and be open and honest as you have been with your physicians.
My Best to You,
~Tuck
Let me assure you that in my opinion "Drug free living, Methadone maintenance" does not insinuate you are an addict. Methadone is often used to treat chronic pain. Some physicians beleive it is the best drug of choice for pain management. There are some great articles on that fact.
I wish you the very best with this pregnancy. I am glad that you got to "see" your precious baby. Bless you and your baby. Do what you have to do and be open and honest as you have been with your physicians.
My Best to You,
~Tuck
I've had two previous miscarriages. The most recent was in February my pain management dropped me, without so much as a referral, I miscarried a week later. When I got pregnant this time, it was a surprise to both the doctors and us. We were hopeful and praying, but didn't know if I would make it to 12 weeks. We feel very blessed with this surprise pregnancy and have been worried every day about any twinge or cramp that I feel. It's been very stressful and even now we're hopeful, but still worry. That is one factor.
When I first saw the OB, he told me the high-risk OB would help me with coordinating pain managment. The first high-risk OB had terrible office staff and dropped me. The first time I have ever gotten to see a doctor this entire pregnancy was on Tuesday. With most pregnancies that are high-risk, it would have been many appointments, much sooner. With low risk pregnancies, at least one appointment sooner.. I have been essentially "on my own" as far as doctors are concerned. That is another factor.
On top of that I have many other stresses that I don't just share with everyone. My husband and I chose to tell the doctor when we both felt it was time because of a number of factors and I'm confident in the decision we made.
When I first saw the OB, he told me the high-risk OB would help me with coordinating pain managment. The first high-risk OB had terrible office staff and dropped me. The first time I have ever gotten to see a doctor this entire pregnancy was on Tuesday. With most pregnancies that are high-risk, it would have been many appointments, much sooner. With low risk pregnancies, at least one appointment sooner.. I have been essentially "on my own" as far as doctors are concerned. That is another factor.
On top of that I have many other stresses that I don't just share with everyone. My husband and I chose to tell the doctor when we both felt it was time because of a number of factors and I'm confident in the decision we made.
I'm sure your PM Dr will discuss your pregnancy with you when he sees you. It's good you finally told him. I don't understand the reason you didn't tell him earlier.You knew the last time you saw your PM doc that you were pregnant. Were you really that scared of him cutting you off? Don't you think you should have been honest with him when you saw your pm Dr last?
I do so hope everything works out. Pregnancy can be uncomfortable enough without adding your physical problems and pain into the mix. I will keep you in my prayers.
(((HUGS)))
Sara
(((HUGS)))
Sara
My Dear,
You are ALWAYS in my Thoughts and Prayers!!!!
Sending loving thoughts your way....Sherry
You are ALWAYS in my Thoughts and Prayers!!!!
Sending loving thoughts your way....Sherry
Thank you all! My appointment is the 18th. Any prayers and good thoughts sent my way are very appreciated. I will let you know how it goes.
I'm so glad that you got GREAT NEWS and got to see your beautiful baby!! It will all work out now that you have a High-Risk OB/GYN. I'm so glad that your Husband was there to see the Baby's First Pictures. That is such an exciting moment!!!!
What is the date of your next PM appointment? We all wil be anxiously awaiting an update from you!!
I went straight to your Profile to see the pictures of your "Adorable" Baby and Him/Her IS absolutely precious! Thank you for sharing them with us. :) :)
Be sure and enjoy your day today . ( I'd be sitting and looking at the Ultra Sound Pics ALL DAY!!)...Sherry
What is the date of your next PM appointment? We all wil be anxiously awaiting an update from you!!
I went straight to your Profile to see the pictures of your "Adorable" Baby and Him/Her IS absolutely precious! Thank you for sharing them with us. :) :)
Be sure and enjoy your day today . ( I'd be sitting and looking at the Ultra Sound Pics ALL DAY!!)...Sherry
I am so glad things seem to be working out great!
I am also very happy for you and your husband and the baby is ok and thriving.
Let us know how your appointment goes.
Leave it God's hands and He will make things right:)
I am also very happy for you and your husband and the baby is ok and thriving.
Let us know how your appointment goes.
Leave it God's hands and He will make things right:)
Thank you, everyone! I forgot to mention that the PM office said I should just come in for my appointment as normal, so hopefully all will be fine.
I am so glad you go to see your baby, I always loved to get ultrasounds! I can't believe what the OB's office did to you tho that was wrong but I guess they could be covering their butts doing that. Let us know if you hear from your dr on the meds.
I hope it works out for you,
Jamie
I hope it works out for you,
Jamie
Congratulations on the baby! How exciting. I'm sorry you had to go through that with the ob/gyn office. It's too bad that us CP patients are always being judged for the medications we take trying to make it through the day. I would be quite irritated as well.
Yeah, I'm so glad you heard good news about your baby!!!!! It's an exciting time for you.
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