Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Lag Time

So, maybe it wasn't the best idea to schedule my ultrasound - on the other side of LA - while I'm still eight hours ahead of local time. It might have been okay in the morning (we've all been up since about 4:00), but by this afternoon my eyelids were drooping and I couldn't finish my sentences. I probably should have rescheduled, but my sanity had been pinned to this ultrasound for so long that it didn't occur to me that I might not go.

I had to stop for a 7Up in hopes that the sugar rush would perk me up, and I cranked the oldies station and tried to channel some of that boppy energy. And it worked, to the extent that I did make it to the clinic without actually falling asleep at the wheel. But I had the bizarre wish that there was such a thing as eyelid-propper-uppers, which can't be a good sign.

The nervousness was crazy. There were all sorts of billing issues and it took forever to get into the little room. Then I sat there with the giant napkin over my lap, waiting and waiting for the doctor to finally come in and read the verdict. When he did get the probe in I couldn't even look at the screen. After so many scans I can say that when there is a lot of wand movement and the doctor/tech doesn't say anything for a while it's not a good sign. That was all I could concentrate on - how long would it take him to say something. I think I actually closed my eyes until I heard him start talking.

The first thing he said was that the baby was really moving around a lot. Suddenly, everything else seemed less crucial - the exact beats per minute, the specific crown-rump length - it all just became "everything looks normal". Such a relief! At 11w1d the baby measured 11w3d, but was moving around so much that it can't be particularly accurate. I guess the 7Up did perk things up, after all...

So, alive and well. So far, so good. I even drove home without even thinking about my eyelids. I have another scan on Friday (nuchal translucency) so at least I know I can make it through this week without worrying myself into a frenzy. I'm so relieved that I don't even know what would have happened if it had been bad news. And I know that this isn't the end of worrying, I know that there are no guarantees, but for now, I'll take it. It finally feels good to be home.

11 comments:

Teresa said...

I'm new to your blog, but this is great news!

Midlife Mommy said...

I'll take normal every day. I am happy that everything was uneventful. Woo hoo!!

Best When Used By said...

Hooray! I'm so glad you had a wonderful u/s! Did you see the baby moving? Wasn't it amazing? I'm so happy you got the comfort you needed at this u/s. So, now we know 7Up wakes up babies and makes them dance! Good luck on Friday.

Gwynn said...

YAY! That's fantastic news!!

just me, dawn said...

That is great news, I am so very happy for you!!

Wombded said...

Hallelujah! Very active is a very good sign! I'm so damned happy for you.

Shelby said...

I am so excited to hear about your wiggly one. This is lovely news. Wishing you a happy and uneventful pregnancy!

Kami said...

Yeah!!! I remember that wait - thinking there must be something wrong and then . . . phew!

It is amazing, isn't it? After such a long wait to see a live baby growing.

Lost in Space said...

Great news! I hope all goes great on Friday and that you are able to get acclimated back to LA time...back just in time for fire season, huh?

Paula Keller said...

That's fantastic Lorraine!

the Babychaser: said...

Alive and well. That's all I think about anymore. Thinking about investing in a fetal doppler (but they're damn expensive and apparently you have to get the good kind with twins).

It's been 11 days since my last sono and my next is still a week away. (I'm assuming my first visit with my OB will include a sono, right?) Not sure I can make it that long.

I'm so so so happy your baby is alive and well. Who cares about anything else?