Holy Appointments!

My Hope JarPregnant Again After Loss

Today, I met with the main nurse at Dr. S’ office (my regular OB) to get myself officially in the Kaiser Permanente system as pregnant and schedule my first OB appointment. They’re real sticklers for protocol at Kaiser. Even though, I’m 8 1/2 weeks pregnant and I’ve had 2 betas and 2 ultrasounds and Dr. K is also a doctor within the Kaiser system, she’s an RE not a regular OB so I had to go through the Kaiser prenatal intake process in order to schedule my first appointment with Dr. S.

The intake process consisted of filling out a long prenatal history questionnaire, which led to a long conversation with the nurse, where I had to explain my history of HELLP Syndrome and the death of my son with my first pregnancy, then my subsequent 3 miscarriages, then IVF and PGD with FET that failed, followed by a chemical pregnancy the very next cycle, and after all of that, pregnant again 2 cycles later naturally with #6. To give the nurse credit, she tried to be delicate about it, but said, “let me get this clear, this is your 6th pregnancy and you have no living children?” All I could do was nod. It just sucks having these conversations with complete strangers. I hate it. Dr. S knows most of this history, but the nursing staff has changed since the last time I saw her, so I had to rehash it all to the nurse. I was not fun.

Again, to give the nurse credit, she was very sweet and sensitive, but then she lectured me on getting too stressed and how I needed to stay calm and hopeful. Of course I know she’s right, but I still hate hearing that. It’s so much easier said than done! So finally after what seemed like an hour, but was probably only 20 – 30 minutes, we got to the scheduling part of the appointment and she told me Dr. S was only available for 3 days in June, so I would likely have to see a different OB. I practically had to beg her to at least talk to Dr. S to see if she could fit me in. I really dreaded seeing a new doctor who didn’t know my history, and having to explain my entire history all over again. She said she would see what she could do, then left me alone with a large folder full of pregnancy info from weekly information brochures, and prenatal screening to breastfeeding. I have a few of these folders already, but it was exciting to get a new one. It reminded me that this is a new pregnancy and maybe I would actually need everything in the package this time. Thankfully, the nurse returned with good news that Dr. S would be able to fit me in. The only catch was that it has to be next week as she will be away the rest of June. I already have an appointment with Dr. K next week, but whatever, I’ll take it 🙂

The last step in the intake process was a trip to the lab (thankfully in the same building), for the routine prenatal blood work which consisted of taking 9 vials of blood and a urinalysis.

So I’m now officially considered pregnant within the Kaiser system and I  have two ultrasounds/Dr’s appointments booked for next week: my last follow-up appointment and scan with Dr. K on Wednesday, June 4th and another one with Dr. S on Thursday, June 5th to transition me into her care. Then, on Friday, June 6th, we have an appointment with a genetic counselor to go over our prenatal screening options. It was a little tricky getting my husband to take time off work to be at all 3 appointments next week, but he said he would make it work which makes me happy. I simply can’t go to any ultrasound appointments on my own and he really should be present for the genetic screening discussion on Friday. It’s a lot of appointments, but at least we get to see our little one twice next week 🙂 Praying so hard everything is still good and baby is growing healthy and strong!

Happily, I’m feeling all kinds of pregnant. Nausea has kicked in big time, and I am always tired. I also have to pee all the time and my breasts are still very sore and have even grown a bit already. I’m also breaking out like a teenager and have a little fullness in my lower tummy area that wasn’t there before. I’ve actually lost a pound, which is a little weird but not surprising since I feel so awful right now.

Hoping this is a good sign!

 

38 thoughts on “Holy Appointments!”

  2. Wow – 9 vials of blood! I’m glad you were able to get in with Dr. S. and that your husband will be able to join you for your appointments. I hope they all go wonderfully!

    1. Thanks! 🙂 I know. I just kept staring as the the tech kept adding vial after vial. Hopefully I’m good on the blood work for a while, though I know this isn’t very likely.

  5. I’m so glad to hear things are going well so far!! I have a feeling I’ll be having a similar amount of blood drawn in two weeks at my OB appt. I hope to see good updates from you next week!

    1. Thanks! You probably will, but it’s all for a good cause 🙂 I will definitely keep you updated! Can’t wait to hear how your first OB appointment goes too!

      1. Thanks! I’m a little nervous as I haven’t been to this OB office yet – it was a recommendation from my RE. Is June 12 here yet? 🙂

  7. Hun, I am so happy for you. 🙂 I am also hoping your little one is okay in there!!!

    I’m sorry you had to rehash everything with the nurse. Having to explain everything from the beginning is a bitch. 🙁 But this is all fantastic news and I’m so happy for you. 😀 <3

    1. Thanks hon! Yeah, going over my history was like a douse of cold water, and a reminder of all that can still go wrong, but all I can do is hope and live in the moment as best as I can these days. It is reassuring that I feel so bad. I’m so happy for it 🙂

      Thinking about you lots too and praying for this current cycle of yours to end soon so you can move forward. Big hug!

  8. Wow. That appointment with Dr. S’ nurse sounds exhausting. I hate having to recount my recurrent loss history too. I’m sorry you had to go through that and may again during thus pregnancy but I’m so glad you get to see your little one twice next week and that your husband can go with you. Sending warm hugs and wishes.

    1. Thanks hon. Talking about it really does suck and it’s a constant reminder of what can still go wrong. It’s taking all my strength to just live day by day and step by step right now. Especially today. My heart is just heavy with all the pain I’m feeling for your loss hon. And for the other lost babies and lost chances in our community this week. I have no words to express the hurt that I feel. I wish there was something I could do or say to take away all of your pain. Please know I’m here. Always. I’m not sure if you’re back down here, but if you are, I can come be with you to bring you hugs, coffee, wine… Whatever you need. Of course, I’ll understand if you’d rather be alone too. For now, here are all the virtual hugs I have.

      1. That’s so kind of you, thank you, Johanne. I’m so touched. Right now I’m just shell-shocked and in “I cannot possibly do this anymore” survival mode. I have no idea what will happen next except I’m taking a break and I’ve already emailed the doc for testing once tomorrow’s beta confirms what I already know is happening.

        Let’s focus back on your healthy pregnancy. I am praying for you that next week and the ones that follow bring good news and uneventful pregnancy developments that, inch by inch, get you and Arun to the finish line. You guys so deserve this baby to come home in your arms. Sending heaps of love and gratitude.

        1. I completely don’t blame you for needing a break hon. I’m shell-shocked too. Thank you so much hon. Your prayers mean the world to me.

    1. Thank you so much hon. And likewise! I have been thinking about you lots. I’m sending you (and your eggies 🙂 ) so many positive thoughts and prayers!

  10. This is such wonderful news! Fingers crossed that everything continues to go well and I hope there are moments when you can relax and enjoy this for a little bit… I know that is next to impossible. Hang in there!

    1. Thanks hon. I’m trying, but it’s hard. I know you know what I mean. I keep telling myself I’ll rest easy after the next scan. If all goes well at the next one, it will be the furthest we’ve gotten in pregnancy since I was pregnant with my son in 2009, but then again, it all came crashing down just shy of 28 weeks with my son so who knows… sigh… wouldn’t it be nice to be oblivious again? Everything is crossed that all continues to go well for you and baby too! Hugs!

  11. It sounds like everything is still going so well for you and your little bubs and I am soooooooo soooooooo happy for you! I love that you get to see your bean two times next week (and I am secretly jealous, but in a good way *wink*) and I just know that everything is going to go perfectly. Your doctors are taking excellent care of you and your baby, and I feel so positive for you! I can’t wait to hear all about next week’s appointments!

    1. 🙂 Thanks so much hon! I know, I kind of thought it was a little overkill, but super thrilled about it! I can’t wait for your next update too! Praying so hard we’re in this for the long haul together!

  12. I’m hoping so hard hun! So glad you’re being well looked after. Will be watching for updates next week. Sending huge hugs xxx

  15. I am really excited and happy for you! Looking forward to more updates. My fingers are crossed everything goes perfectly and sending hugs your way! xo

  16. so glad to hear that you’re feeling pregnant and things are looking good. hoping your baby is in your arms soon.

  18. June 4th! I’ll be thinking of you tomorrow (just came back to check for an update). I go in tomorrow morning, too. Fingers crossed for both of us.

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