lawrocket 3 #1 April 7, 2004 It seems so insignificant. A 1/240 chance just doesn't seem bad at all. Yet, it's been a source of concern. Those are the odds that my unborn son has Down's Syndrome. Sure, it doesn't matter if he does, we're having him. But, 1/240 chance doesn't seem like much, even though the usual risk for my lady's age group is around 1/800 (though she's still within normal limits) They start getting really suspicious at 1/190 risk. I guess that's the problem with my medical knowledge. I know too much. But right now an amniocentesis is way more risky that the risk of Down's. Today, we had another ultrasound. Baby looks fine (a little short-legged with a long chest - runs on both sides of the family). But I'm so stressed and worried. My lady spent most of the ultrasound looking at me because she wanted to read my facial expressions at what I saw. I saw no echogenic chordae tendonae, no clubbed or rocker bottom feet, normal nuchal fold, etc. But I felt like I was going to faint when I stood up. Part of it concentration for 30 minutes straight, part of it fear, and part of it uncertainty since I really don't know what I'm looking at anymore (been 5 years since I worked in ultrasound). I so want this baby to be healthy and beautiful, even though I know I'd fall in love with him if he's gone some genetic damage. I'm already so attached to him it's incredible. I touch the belly and feel him kick and I talk to him nightly. He'll get really moving, and I'll put my hand to feel, and he slows down. I'm just venting. I'm really tired right now. Thinking abou this makes work pretty hard. A 1/240 chance is pretty slim, and I wonder why I'm even thinking about odds that low. But still, there's that thought - that fear - in the back of my mind that all is not well. And there's nothing I can do about it to make it easier on him or my lady. I guess this is the bad side of kids. The utter lack of control with some things. My wife is hotter than your wife. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Casie 0 #2 April 7, 2004 It'll all be fine....think positive!~Porn Kitty WARNING: Goldschlager causes extreme emotional outbursts! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
beowulf 1 #3 April 7, 2004 Yeah think positive. Soon he will be out and about spending your money like there is no limit and chasing the local girls before you know it you'll be looking at grand kids Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deuce 1 #4 April 7, 2004 We went through that with our twins pregnancy. That's the royal "we" cause I sure didn't have to haul all that around, with toximia. By testing the amniotic fluid there's also a chance of spontaneous miscarriage. They are really big choices, and that's why I really think folks should get married and plan pregnancies whenever possible. The whole question of whether or not to circumcise, baptize, edumacate, etc, should be talked about before even having sex. Doesn't sound like much fun, does it? But raising your kids the way you planned is. Chill, Jerry, they are just preparing you for the worst cause that's what they have to do. Wait until the tour of the preemie intensive care unit. That's a heartbreaker. Have a nice box of wine. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lindsey 0 #5 April 7, 2004 you're right....1/240 chance doesn't seem like much unless it's your kid they're talking about. Hang in there, and know that whatever happens you'll be able to handle, and your kid will be lucky he/she is yours. Sure hope it turns out okay. When is the baby due? Congrats.... Peace~ Lindsey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RoadRash 0 #6 April 7, 2004 Quoteyou're right....1/240 chance doesn't seem like much unless it's your kid they're talking about. Hang in there, and know that whatever happens you'll be able to handle, and your kid will be lucky he/she is yours. Sure hope it turns out okay. When is the baby due? Congrats.... Peace~ Lindsey Exactly! I have never had a child before, but I can only imagine how it must feel to hear about Down's....and the chances, but you know what? You have the right attitude, love him to bits already, and seem like you two will make awesome parents...Congratulations on the future bundle of joy...!! Maybe one day I will be just as lucky... ~R+R...Hell, at this point, I'm gonna be lucky to find a guy who wants to marry me...let alone have children...~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Fly the friendly skies...^_^...})ii({...^_~... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chuteless 1 #7 April 7, 2004 PM sent Bill Cole Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lawrocket 3 #8 April 8, 2004 QuoteChill, Jerry, they are just preparing you for the worst cause that's what they have to do. Wait until the tour of the preemie intensive care unit. That's a heartbreaker. That's my problem. I worked in high-risk OB, and I know EVERYTHING that can go wrong because I've seen it in person. Neonatal ICU, etc. That's why I know everything to look for with Down's. But I also know ultrasound cannot rule it out and can only find factors correlated with it (none of them were found). I've got an open bottle of Meridian Sangiovese at home. It's probably vinegar now, since I don't like to drink in presence of my pregnant lady. On top of that, the last thing I want to do is numb myself to it. Deuce, you are a gentleman.. And thanks to the rest of you! My wife is hotter than your wife. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #9 April 8, 2004 My brother and sister in law are going through the same thing, although there are two other children already. And their chances are much greater than 1/240. He's 40, she's 37. But know what? It's in God's hands. So leave it there, love your baby like you do, love your lady like you do, and know that soon there shall be a precious child to hold and cuddle and coo to. You're in my thoughts, and my prayers. Hang tight. And tell me what color your nursery will be done in... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
happythoughts 0 #10 April 8, 2004 "To have a child is to give a hostage to fate." - Author unknown Non-parents will ask you what sex you want your child to be. All parents want is a healthy child. I'd like to say that the worry goes away, it doesn't. For some perspective, my dad still worries that I jump. He also worries about my health, stress, emotional balance. He wants me to be healthy and happy. I want the same for my son. I can't make all his choices or live his life. I didn't do that great with my life, so I try to give my son the skills to be better than I was. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Paige 0 #11 April 8, 2004 Thoughts and prayers comin your way. I'm sure this is a large mountain of stress for you but know that insider info. can get you into trouble (bad Martha). I know that when I am an expert in an area, I tend to flip out a little more because I do know so much and all the risk factors (not saying you r). All you can do is leave this to nature and God (if you believe). Know that no matter what happens, loving your baby unconditionally is so important. Sounds like you already got that going for the baby and the mom (support is the best thing you can give during a time like this). You should be proud of the miracles that are being brought to you. Unfortunately, I'll more than likely never have kids because of some fucked up shit that an ex did to me. I'm holding out for some drug to help, doctor says its in r&d stagesTunnel Pink Mafia Delegate www.TunnelPinkMafia.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
