Frustrations and Delights

I've already written a bit about some of the frustrations I've had this week, but I'll do a quick recap. At Monday's doctor appointment, I'd hoped to be discussing an induction date. The doctor said, "Because the specialist didn't recommend it, my hands are tied".... and I was only dilated to a 1/2-1.....

I have not yet, however, written about my other doc appointment on Monday. I went to a dermatologist. I've had this funny blood-blisterish looking thing on my face for about a month. It won't go away, and it's driving me crazy. After my semi-saddening OB appt that morning, I was really hoping to hear some awesome news from the dermatologist.

At first, I thought I was getting my wish. The doctor took a look and immediately said, "I know exactly what that is! Pyogenic Granuloma".... Which obviously means nothing to me... Basically it's a cluster of dilated blood vessels that happens more commonly than not, during pregnancy. I thought, "Great! He knows what it is, he can take care of it!" Not so.... Because it's on my face, he was worried about leaving me with a yucky scar if he removed it. So he referred me to a plastic surgeon.... Frustration....

Onto yesterday's OB appointment (I'll come back to the plastic surgeon in a minute). After venting my frustrations with Justin from Monday, he helped me realize all sorts of questions etc that I should be asking the doctors. Really right now the frustrating thing is not knowing what's going on. Not knowing when "the plan" has changed, or the reasoning behind it. So yesterday when I went back, I shared these concerns. I saw a different doctor who was wonderful enough to actually show me the specialist's report so I could see exactly what he had recommended. I think the other doc just assumed I already knew....

She still couldn't give me any better news like, "Sure, we'll induce you tomorrow!", but she at least helped me understand why. Basically, if I'm before 39 weeks and my doctors induce me, they can be held responsible by the hospital board for any complications that might occur. Especially since the specialist didn't straight-out recommend early induction. What the other doctor didn't tell me was the reason the specialist's recommendation was NOT for early induction. It was because even though Brigette's overall percentile had dropped a little, her abdominal circumference had actually slightly proportioned out to the rest of her body. All things I would have like to have been told last Thursday, or at least Monday, people!!

I did, however, get some fabulous news.... I've been having "real" contractions more often this week (as opposed to the regular braxton hicks), and apparently they've been doing a little work for me!! I was 3cm 70% effaced!! Woohoo!!! That was my highlight for the day. You can't even imagine how happy that made me.... Whenever they DO induce me, I'll be ready!

Onto today... I had my consult with the plastic surgeon. Which by the way, felt very weird and wrong to be a pregnant lady sitting in the waiting room of a plastic surgeon's office.... Anyways, he said it should be a very simple procedure that they can do with local anesthetic right in the exam room of the office. Awesome! Delight!

....After Brigette's born..... Not awesome!... :( I was REALLY hoping to get it done soon! Like, yesterday! My skin is getting very irritated from always having a bandaid on. (Trust me, it's not a pretty thing to look at, it's gotta stay covered at all times. Plus it's super sensitive. Because it's a cluster of blood vessels, the tiniest touch can make it bleed like crazy!) He said that even though as far along as I am in my pregnancy, local anesthesia is generally safe, sometimes, hormones make things go wonky. He basically said, "If some weird reaction were to happen, I'm not equipped to do a C-section, or postpartum maternal life saving things.... I have to think in worst case scenarios, and I'm not comfortable with it."... Frustration....

So among the many busy things I'll be doing with a brand newborn baby soon, I'll be making a plastic surgery appointment! The receptionist even offered to hold the baby during the procedure.... Thanks hun....