Yesterday we met with our OB and had an ultrasound.
The appointment with the OB was quick and easy. He listened for Elliott's heartbeat, 155 and pretty consistent to the last few months. This is good, showing that her heart is still going strong despite all of the other issues. Dr. N. joked that we definitely have a mover and kicker, he could pick up lots of sound from her moving around. And she is, we feel a lot of kicks - one gift we are trying to enjoy right now.
Next was an ultrasound with the nurse in the next building over. We had some questions already lined up for this appointment. We wanted the nurse to describe Elliott's physical appearance. We already know so much about about the many complications with her internal organs, brain and spine but we wanted to know how her body was developing. In October we were told that everything accept for her arms and legs were abnormal. We had been told that her little hands were abnormal, her profile was abnormal and even her head shape.
Well, God answered some of our prayers yesterday. Many babies with Elliott's conditions have clubbed feet and her's are fine. The nurse was beginning to describe that her hands were permanently clenched and the fingers formed one on top of the other, a few minutes later she relaxed her hand and we saw all five precious fingers. We had been told that her chin was abnormally small, but yesterday it measured normal and we watched as our baby girl swallowed, yawned and even stuck out her tongue. These things may seem so small, unimportant and trivial but to us they mean so much. We finally have something good, healthy and normal to think about with Elliott.
We know that she's safe and comfortable and in no pain. She can swallow the amniotic fluid which is so important and despite her kidneys being misshaped she can urinate. These things are important because they keep the amniotic fluid at a normal level and this keeps her comfortable. Too much or too little fluid is bad and causes even more complications.
Elliott has hydrocephalus (one of many complications), fluid on the brain, and while there is a very high risk of swelling - yesterday there was none and the measurements were good.
Our doctor is going to call on Friday to discuss more in depth her conditions. Friday will probably be another hard day as we know her conditions are so severe, but until then we are just going to think about her precious little hands and be happy for this moment.
I already have many questions lined up for Friday's call. We're still praying for Elliott and are so thankful for everyone else's prayers. I wanted to post the ultrasound pictures of her precious little hands but the scanner isn't working.
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