Now
that everything is over and results are good, I feel I am ready to share my
story.
On
October 7th Nick and I found out we were pregnant with our second child. I had
my first doctor's appointment on October 22nd. It was just an intake
appointment consisting of some blood work and a Pap smear, very routine. As far
as I knew it was all good and normal. Nick left a few days later to participate
in Top Gun training in Nevada for 6 weeks.
I
had my second appointment on November 5th for a dating ultrasound. The nurses
set me up in the ultrasound room and I waited, much to my surprise two doctors
came in. I was instructed to lay back to begin the ultrasound. The monitor
intended for my viewing was tilted at an odd angle towards the wall, but I
was able to crane my neck to see the screen. The moment the image came into view I knew
something was wrong. The doctor was quiet for a few moments then explained I
appeared to have a blighted ovum, because at 9 weeks a baby should be visible
and it clearly was not. She quickly finished the ultrasound examination,
getting the measurements she needed for my medical file.
I was allowed to sit up, both the doctors gave me hugs and cried with me. The doctor who performed the ultrasound explained what a blighted ovum is: a fertilized egg that attaches itself to the uterine wall, but an embryo does not develop. She also explained that I had a very thick and irregular uterine wall, and the presence of endometriosis. She allowed me to compose myself then sent me across the hall to have a blood draw to check my HCG hormone levels.
I received a call a few days later explaining that my levels were appropriate for being 9 weeks later. I was instructed to come in on November 12th for another ultrasound to ensure that I hadn't miscalculated my period and was fewer weeks along than I thought. I arrived for that appointment and was quickly taken back for another ultrasound. The doctor confirmed that my body had started to absorb the pregnancy and it could cause blood toxicity issues. She also informed me that my PAP smear had shown precancerous cells. I was allowed the option of taking a pill that would help me pass the remains of the pregnancy but I would need to have blood drawn every other day to ensure my HCG levels were decreasing, or have surgery. She also recommended that I also have a LEEP procedure to remove the precancerous cells. She said it was my choice to wait on the LEEP or get it all done in one clean sweep. I opted for the surgery, and I think the doctor was relieved as it was scheduled for that very next morning, on the surgeon's day off.
I arrived for surgery the next morning, and everything went smoothly. The recovery wasn't horrible. I returned to the doctor for a post-surgery check up and was assured that all had went well and she was confident she had gotten all the precancerous cells, but that she wanted me to come back in 6 months for another PAP smear and physical and to hold off on trying to conceive. I was put on a estrogen suppressing birth control for the endometriosis and told to come back if I was having any other issues in the meantime.
I was allowed to sit up, both the doctors gave me hugs and cried with me. The doctor who performed the ultrasound explained what a blighted ovum is: a fertilized egg that attaches itself to the uterine wall, but an embryo does not develop. She also explained that I had a very thick and irregular uterine wall, and the presence of endometriosis. She allowed me to compose myself then sent me across the hall to have a blood draw to check my HCG hormone levels.
I received a call a few days later explaining that my levels were appropriate for being 9 weeks later. I was instructed to come in on November 12th for another ultrasound to ensure that I hadn't miscalculated my period and was fewer weeks along than I thought. I arrived for that appointment and was quickly taken back for another ultrasound. The doctor confirmed that my body had started to absorb the pregnancy and it could cause blood toxicity issues. She also informed me that my PAP smear had shown precancerous cells. I was allowed the option of taking a pill that would help me pass the remains of the pregnancy but I would need to have blood drawn every other day to ensure my HCG levels were decreasing, or have surgery. She also recommended that I also have a LEEP procedure to remove the precancerous cells. She said it was my choice to wait on the LEEP or get it all done in one clean sweep. I opted for the surgery, and I think the doctor was relieved as it was scheduled for that very next morning, on the surgeon's day off.
I arrived for surgery the next morning, and everything went smoothly. The recovery wasn't horrible. I returned to the doctor for a post-surgery check up and was assured that all had went well and she was confident she had gotten all the precancerous cells, but that she wanted me to come back in 6 months for another PAP smear and physical and to hold off on trying to conceive. I was put on a estrogen suppressing birth control for the endometriosis and told to come back if I was having any other issues in the meantime.
As the months passed by my periods were irregular to say the least, but never painful and never showed worrisome signs of infections so I just kept thinking that the next month will be better. I had my 6 month post surgical check up and passed the physical and ultrasound with no worries. The PAP came back a couple of days ago and it was normal as well! I am clear to get pregnant again if that is what Nick and I decide. I am required to have PAP smears every 6 months for the next 2 years to monitor things, but other than that all is well that ends well.
I am very thankful to have one healthy, beautiful baby boy and I believe we will have another child at some point; this past pregnancy just wasn't in the cards for us. My due date was this Friday June 13th, so that is odd to think about, but whenever I get melancholy I just look at Tucker and realize Nick and I have already hit the baby jackpot and are very blessed. My Mama had cervical cancer and her issues started much like mine have. I am hopeful that this was an isolated incident, but in the case that it was not I am thankful it was diagnosed quickly and is being treated aggressively.
Thank you for all the support and help I had from the few friends and family that knew of my struggles. I appreciate you all more than I can say. Now how about a picture of my beautiful baby boy, Tucker?
I am very thankful to have one healthy, beautiful baby boy and I believe we will have another child at some point; this past pregnancy just wasn't in the cards for us. My due date was this Friday June 13th, so that is odd to think about, but whenever I get melancholy I just look at Tucker and realize Nick and I have already hit the baby jackpot and are very blessed. My Mama had cervical cancer and her issues started much like mine have. I am hopeful that this was an isolated incident, but in the case that it was not I am thankful it was diagnosed quickly and is being treated aggressively.
Thank you for all the support and help I had from the few friends and family that knew of my struggles. I appreciate you all more than I can say. Now how about a picture of my beautiful baby boy, Tucker?
