27 March 2011

The Countdown Begins!

So yes it would be remarkable if Emily did decide to arrive on her due date, but, the weeks and days left til that date are 4 weeks and 6 days. 

We've finally now seen our consultant obstetrician at Peterborough hospital and we were lucky enough to meet the neonatal paediatrician too.  They've assured and then reassured us that when Emily decides to come, people are and will be aware of the situation and that people will be there who know what to do.  If at any point we are unsure or worried we were told to ask for Dr Jones and he is more than happy to be there or advise in any way he can what needs to be done.  So it's decided, Emily will be born in Peterborough and the transferred to GOSH when a cot is available.  We were a little worried about the 'when a cot is available' bit, but also have been told that once she has her prostoglandin (sp!) drip in place she will be stable and that she will be transferred by specialist team as soon as possible.  So all set for a natural spontaneous birth! 
I have a few questions still, mainly about feeding when she is in Peterborough and I am hoping to speak to someone on the neonatal ward next week about it, fingers crossed I can just do this over the phone or something.

So now we're busy preparing the house, really need to have all things sorted in the next couple of weeks, just in case she decides she can't wait..... However, we'd prefer she stays cooking a bit longer as both the obstetrician and paediatrician are on holiday the next couple of weeks!

That's all the news really!

17 March 2011

Great Ormond Street Scan

Hi all

The fetal echo at Great Ormond Street went well, nothing unexpected found and good right side heart function.

Now we just have the ongoing battle with the local hospital to deal with.  They have been updated by GOSH regarding the scan and ongoing management of my pregnancy.  I have contacted them to arrange a meeting with my obstetrician and the paediatric/neonatal team to coordinate a birth plan and care for Emily once she is born.  The cardiologist wants me to have a spontaneous natural birth as feels this is best for Emily and then for her to be transferred to GOSH.  I feel as though I am hitting my head against a brick wall.  There's 6 weeks until my EDD and I'm struggling to get an appointment with my obstetrician, let alone the Paeds team.  I don't think this is acceptable.  My cardiac liason nurse said to me that my baby is high risk and I shouldn't have to be fighting to get a care plan in place.  I dont need this stress.  What if Emily makes a break for freedom early and there is no plan in place?  All I want is to know and to have peace of mind that if I turn up at the hospital in labour that I am going to get the right care, that people will be aware of the situation.
Currently I have zero faith in the hospital. I dont really know where to turn to yet again and feel that I am not getting the priority I should.  I am not a selfish person or a drama queen, but I have been dealing with this all quite calmly, but now I am feeling so anxious and I dont think it is fair.

Hopefully tomorrow I may have better news, but for now everything feels pretty crap.

x

3 March 2011

Here We Go!

Had our midwife appointment this morning and it seems the next few weeks are going to be busy!

My midwife is going to give us our antenatal classes and info at home as all the parentcraft lessons in our area are booked up and I was also a bit nervous about attending.  So next Tuesday she is coming to teach us about labour and birth and start looking at what to expect and such.

Then next Friday we have our appointment at Great Ormond Street.  We booked our train tickets today so we're all prepared.  We are having a Fetal Echo and seeing Dr Sullivan (I think). After the scan we will be meeting our Cardiac Liaison Nurse, Helen.  So Friday will be a pretty busy day!

The following week we will be going to see our local consultant to look at whats going on and also will have some more antenatal things with the midwife. 

Oh and some where in there, there will also be a physio appointment to get some exercises for my silly hips.

Feels like things may go a bit crazy in the next few weeks with appointments and more decisions. 

I am quite nervous about the echo next week. I think its been easy lately to forget the seriousness of the condition and how fragile our baby will be, concentrating on preparing to have a baby and to bring her home has been positive for all of us, but the reality is that we may not bring our baby home. 
I don't think I have forgotten this, but I have not thought about it for a while, certainly I have not thought about it with any depth.  I have been busying myself with getting the nursery ready and thinking about a future with Emily and Ian and everything we hope to do.  I hope so much that everything turns out how we want it to.

I have been checking a certain blog everyday:

http://ourhlhsjourney.blogspot.com/

Kathy has just given birth to her beautiful son and I am thinking of them lots and hoping everything is going well.  I think Kathy's posts are helping to prepare me for what may be to come.

So, although I am still feeling okay, the reality and gravity of what's to come in the next few months has hit me today.  Lets hope next Fridays scan is a positive one!