October 3, 2008
Big Words
At our 24 week ultrasound, we had too much amniotic fluid. They called this “Polyhydramnios”.
That big word scared the shit out of us.
Back at home picking up supplies for a hospital visit, Pink M got onto Google. She just about scared the life out of herself with other big words like, “anencephaly” and “chromosomal abnormalities”
Then we went to hospital and had tests. Lots of tests. With big names.
Maternal causes of polyhydramnios are most often diabetes or infections. Boulanger was all clear.
A scan of Baby was “inconclusive”, but they threw in a couple more big words anyway – “Gestrointestinal abnormalities”.
Oh, and they added “acute” to the front of “polyhydramnios”.
Then another big word – “amniocentesis” – was spoken.
This was followed by a bloody big needle.
Which was followed by a contraction.
Which was followed by another contraction.
Then the very big words, “pre term premature rupture of membranes”.
At this point Blue M decided to introduce Baby to a few smaller words.
“Hey you. Stay. Put.”
Baby was much happier with this style of vocabulary.
To cut all these long words short, here is what we are dealing with:
Baby has atypical Esophageal Atresia. This means that his esophagus hasn’t formed properly. It is fixable by an operation after he is born.
Baby also has a cyst in his esophagus. It is probably unrelated to the atresia. It is not life threatening.
Both of the above conditions are stopping Baby from swallowing amniotic fluid properly, causing it to build up in his water bed.
On top of this Baby’s urine output is quite high. The cause of this remains uncertain. Repeat scans will possible shed some light on this as he grows.
From here Boulanger will have scans twice weekly to manage the polyhydramnios. The specialist is confident of a good outcome.
All 3 parents (and Baby) are now resting at home.
They do not want to hear any more big words for a while.
debby said,
October 4, 2008 at 9:25 am
Oh, Al!
How about these words: “Fear Not!” They’ve come in handy for me of late.
jeanie said,
October 4, 2008 at 6:21 pm
We need to hear nice words for baby – I do hope that all big words are said by people with the same outlook as the confident specialist – it pays to put that big word in front of specialisation!
Lani said,
October 6, 2008 at 1:03 am
Big hugs to all of you. I can imagine the worry and anxiety that the ‘big words’ instilled in you.
My cousin was born with a complete eosophageal atresia, an imperforate anus, a short bowel and a host of other abdominal cavity abnormalities. She is now in her early 20s. She is now studying medicine with the aspiration to be a paediatric anaesthetist.
I used that anecdote to help alleviate some anxieties because she had numerous complications, over 20 years ago, and has grown into the most delightful, well balanced young woman. And despite having numerous operations, and tubes, and bags (all bowel related) in early childhood. She has been extremely well and healthy since then.
Hugs again to all of you.