Friday, April 18, 2008

Results

My triple test screening came back abnormal. The doctor called with the news yesterday. It is never good to hear a doctor’s voice on the phone - the nurse originally told me “no news is good news” and instructed me to call in a week to get my results. Based on the test our baby has a 1 and 19 chance of having Downs Syndrome. I understand that there are a lot of false positives – my doctor even stressed that fact several times on the phone. I also understand that while a 1 and 19 chance sounds high (the “abnormal” range begins at 1 and 270) the actual math tells me that the chance is only 5%, and that is IF the test is not a false positive to begin with.

All that being said, hearing the news was very scary for me. I am waiting for the specialist’s office to call to schedule the Level II ultrasound and consult. My parents are going to come up from Florida to be with me so at least I won’t be alone. B is having a hard time being so far away and not being able to physically be here with me while we wait. We are not as scared about having a Downs diagnosis, we just want to hear that everything is okay with the baby (in our eyes “okay” includes receiving a Downs diagnosis).

I told B that I decided to look at this as having another peek at our baby – maybe finding the sex out earlier than planned and seeing if the baby has 5 or 6 fingers / toes on each hand / foot (B’s family has at least one child in each generation born with an extra digit!). He agreed that we need to stay positive – now I need to focus on putting this into action!

I know that I will have a Level II ultrasound at the appointment and that they will discuss the results and most likely recommend an amniosintesis. Can anyone give me advice on what to expect at the appointment?

14 comments:

A'Dell said...

Oh Laura, my heart aches to read this. No mother wants to hear any news like this - even if it's only 5% and the test is a bit wishy washy. Any cause for concern can throw your whole world off.

I'm glad that your family is coming up to be with you - that will be so important to have someone to help keep your perspective in line.

Glad you're seeing it as a positive opportunity to get another great peek at the baby though - way to keep it positive.

I have no idea what you can expect at the appt, but I'll be thinking about you.

Nadine said...

I have no advice, but, just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you, hope it all goes well.

Anonymous said...

I have no advice, but sending you lots of hugs. You're so brave with B gone, I can't imagine how difficult it is to hear any kind of unexpected news without your hubby there! It's awesome you're staying positive! I'll keep you, the baby, and B in my prayers.

Kristen said...

I will be praying that everything is ok. I have known so many women whose AFP results came back abnormal and went on to have children free of chromosomal disorders.

You have such a wonderful attitude about everything and it sounds like you have a great support system. I'm wishing you the best of luck with the Level II and that you can get some answers. XOXO

I_Sell_Books said...

I'm so sorry you've received this news. For what it's worth, we didn't consider Downs an 'unokay' diagnosis either.

The level 2 u/s I had was like a regular ultrasound, only it takes a lot longer. They check the chambers of the heart (I'm sure your doctor already told you that there is a specific heart issue with Downs that shows up on the L2), bones, organs, pretty much everything. It is very very cool, although scary at the same time.

When will your u/s be?

Jen said...

Oh no! It is only 5%, but still I'm sure it is very scary. I hope you are able to get the L2 & whatever else is needed ASAP so that hopefully you can banish this worry very quickly.

Rebecca said...

I can't help you with what the next appointment will be like, but I wish you all of the good luck in the world. This has got to be nerve wracking for you and I just hope everything is okay when they go in and have another look.

K @ ourboxofrain said...

I too have no advice but am really glad your folks are going to go to your appointment with you. I can't imagine having to face the uncertainty without family there. I'll be thinking of you and hoping for the best. (HUGS)

George said...

Good luck with your appt and Level II...I'm praying for good news!

Adriane said...

I am just catching up and saw this post. I was so sorry to read this info, but like you said, the real chance per the ratio the doctor gave you is 5%. I hope the amnio goes well - I have no experience here, so no advice to give. I will be thinking about you.

Amy Anderson said...

Wishing you all the best.

RBandRC said...

Oh, sweetie, I'm so sorry you got that news. Know that I will be praying for you and the baby and hoping that your next scan goes perfectly. HUGS.

Katie said...

Thinking of you right now. I have no idea of what to expect, but I just wanted you to know that you, your husband, and Baby are in my prayers.

Katie said...
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