Weeks 10 - 11

Duane and I had a nice visit back east with family and friends. I picked up a bunch of maternity clothes, which I needed. I went shopping in Pittsburgh with my sister-in-law Diane. Diane was a big help picking out clothes that are more flattering to my body shape. We went to a couple stores and she ended up giving me some of her maternity clothes.

The main purpose of our trip back east was for a doctor's appointment. My body is creating a very high level of a hormone called gastrin. It only exists in two conditions: Atrophic Gastritis and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. I saw about half a dozen doctors in the west who where unable to determine which condition was causing the hypergastrinemia. This was mostly because it is rare.

I found a doctor at the University of Pennsylvania who is an expert on hypergastrinemia. My appointment went really well. The doctor thinks there is a low risk of the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, which is good news. I will have to go back after the baby is born and have a test done that will conclusively determine the problem. There are some conditions related to the Atrophic Gastritis that can effect pregnancy. So I have to go and have some tests done to make sure those are not present.

Last weekend I started to have some phantom cramping. I guess it is common for some women in the earlier stages of the pregnancy when the placenta is expanding. I also think that I might be having some PH issues as well.

I have noticed a fluttery feeling in my chest sometimes. When I went to the doctor in Philadelphia, he mentioned a pregnancy heart murmur. I just need to check with the obstetrician to see if the murmur could have any impact on the dilated left ventricle in my heart.

We go back to the doctor on the 30th and I am excited about hearing the baby's heart beat.

Week 9

This week the baby gets fingers, more defined eyes and toes. The baby is about the size of my thumb.

Last month they ran a boat load of tests on me. The main concerns pertained to my lupus. Lupus creates something called anti-ana. This anti-ana directly targets the baby (sends a blood clot) and can cause miscarriage. In the past, I have had boarder line numbers for the anti-ana so it was a concern.

We were quite surprised when the test results all came back within normal ranges, which would be a negative for the lupus. This hasn't happened since the Lupus started a long time ago. Sometimes this happens during pregnancy. I still have all of my normal aches and pains. Actually my back, feet, hands and TMJ have been awful since I went off my meds.

However, I have noticed some increased energy and overall happiness. Mostly, I wake up and feel like I had a good night's sleep (even if I didn't sleep well). In contrast it is like going from black and white to color. It is amazing to me what a little change can do.

I am off all my prescriptions. I stopped the worst ones (class C) right away and gradually off the safer ones (class B). I have been on a bunch of medicines for over 10 years. At night I am just taking an OTC decongestant and that is it. Pretty amazing.

So we will keep an eye on the Lupus and pray it stays at bay.

2nd Ultra-Sound

We had our second ultra-sound today. It doesn't look like the second baby made it, but we do have a very healthy one. The little heart was beating away. We could see little legs, arms, and beginnings of fingers, which was exciting. It was also moving it's little leg around. The baby is measuring 22mm vs. 6mm two weeks ago. The doctor said the baby is measuring 8 weeks and 5 days.

We go back in four weeks for another peek. By then the baby will be 12 weeks.

Baby book week by week

We picked up this book at a yard sale some time ago. We have enjoyed looking at these images that show the actual size of the baby. If you click on the images below it will show a larger copy that is much easier to read.

Week 6

Week 7

Week 8