[OT] Baby Troubles

[der_kluge]

As a first-time expectant father, and I can totally understand the fear, and anxiety revolving around the health of your child. My wife and I are due in May, and since my wife has diabetes, she is considered high-risk, and has had more than normal sonograms as a result.

The last one was an echocardiogram, which was basically a sonogram that spent a lot of time looking at the heart. They told us that our baby (a girl) had an Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), which meant that the opening between a atrial chamber and a ventricular chamber was larger by two standard deviations given her age. In other words, it should have been 4 millimeters, but was 6. They said that, if left untreated, it would eventually cause one side of the heart to work harder. But they also said that 10% of the population had this. He said that I could have, or that even he could have it, and not know it. The other doctor looked at my wife and said "I wouldn't worry about it"

Basically, if it doesn't correct itself on its own, they have to go in and put a stint over it. Amazing stuff.

But, I'm almost of the opinion that too much knowledge can be a bad thing. I'm also of the opinion that, given the human spirit, and the desire for life, that your baby will do just fine.

I wish you the best.

 

[francisca]

I really hope things work out for you and family. As a father of two, I have a slight inkling as to how you feel. We recently had a scare with our 7 month old, and I hope that this turns out to be just that, a scare, for you and your family.

Hang in there. I hope you find the strength to make it thorugh these tough times.

 

[takyris]

Wish I could offer more than just positive energy, Mist-man. Money ain't the end all and be all, but it certainly relieves some large elements of stress.

Don't know of any job opps in Los Angeles, being a Bay Area guy. I've got an uncle-in-law who's a judge in Orange County, though, and I could ask a few questions in that area. I imagine you're better off at a tech company, though.

-Tacky

 

[Quickbeam]

I wish there was something more meaningful I could do beyond sending my heartfelt prayers that everything turns out alright for you, Melody, and the baby.

My wife and I only know one person in L.A. but she has some connections. We'll call her, and maybe something miraculous will shake out.

 

[Timothy]

I Feel very sorry for you! Best Wishes, I have sended athought to whoever is up there. I hope everything wil work out ok.

 

[mythago]

We're all rooting for you two and the baby!

I think there are other tests that can be done earlier than amnio to check on the baby's genetic situation, like chorionic villus sampling.

<http://www.emory.edu/WHSC/GENETICSLAB/fact sheets/cvs-web.pdf>

Make sure Mom gets lots of rest.

 

[Utrecht]

Like so many have said, my wishes and prayers are with you and your family.

 

[Ysgarran]

You have my heartfelt sympathy Mistwell. I really hope things work out for you. It brings back intense memories of my own son and the emergency caesarean section that my wife had. Not the same thing but the worry and concern about loved ones was there.

I have some contacts in Ann Arbor in the high tech sector, most of them are aimed at engineers and software developers but a couple of them might be helpfull for the type of work that you do.

My e-mail is avaible through the e-mail button on this post...

Ysgarran.

 

[jaerdaph]

Please know that my heart, thoughts and prayers are with you and Melody. I'll be praying for you Mark.

 

[ashockney]

Our prayers are with you and your family.

Have hope and strength.