Thursday, October 8, 2009

First OB Visit Today

I had my first visit with the OB's office today. If I had to sum it up in one word, I would have to choose "overwhelming." They gave me a huge folder with all sorts of info, and then a nurse sat down with me and went over everything. That's when I realized how much is involved with this whole having a baby thing. I have to go to the doctor every few weeks??? There are childbirth AND Lamaze classes? And I have to sign-up for them by 24-weeks? That's so soon! And there are infant CPR, baby care, and breastfeeding classes? All I’ve done so far is read the first few chapters of WTEWYE. And we have to buy so much baby stuff and plan a nursery. OMG! I must order Baby Bargains now so I can start the planning!

I will admit, though, that I got all mushy and excited when I opened up my free gift from Similac and there was a pacifier in there. Aw, my first baby item is in the house! I cannot wait to meet this little one!

I also got weighed when I first arrived - I've already gained three pounds :/ I think I need to cut back on the cheesy poofs. (For some reason, m/s has me wanting only food that is really bad for me, like Cheese-its and Smart Food.) Thanks to the extra pounds, (and the few that I gained before I got pregnant due to drowning my IF sorrows in two glasses of wine each night), I am already very uncomfortable in most of my pants. I've been using the Be Band and the rubber band trick, but most of my shirts are not long enough to cover the band or hide my unzipped fly. So, I made my first maternity purchases today – I bought a long black maternity tee and another regular, long, flowy tee at Target. I also had some new bras, (because my boobs are already huge), and bigger pants on my shopping list, but I was tired and hungry, so instead, I came home and ate lunch and half a bag of Smart Food, and then took a nap.

So, back to my OB visit. I also got my flu shot, which is making me feel like crap right now, (as it always does the evening after I get it). I also asked if they would be getting any H1N1 vaccine once the shot version comes in, because, being in two risk categories, I really want it. The nurse said she didn’t know. Hopefully at least CF clinic will get some.

The appointment lasted almost an hour, and then I had to get some blood drawn. I go back in two weeks for an exam with the doctor.

Oh, and one other thing: I haven’t taken Colistin in 4 weeks because it’s been my “off” month. I am scheduled to go back on it this weekend, but I am nervous about taking a Pregnancy Category C medicine in the first trimester. I know it’s important to weigh the risk of Colisitin with the risk of not taking it and then having a lung exacerbation, I just don’t know what those risks are. I’ve heard that, because it’s inhaled, the amount that reaches the fetus is small. But, the baby is only the size of a grape and is currently developing some vital organs, so, couldn’t even a small amount have an impact? I haven’t cultured PA in two years – so, does this mean it shouldn’t be a big deal to go off it for another month, or would I be taking a huge risk of the PA coming back if I don’t continue it? I have no idea. My OB wants me to discuss this with my CF doctor (she called me after the appointment to talk to me about it). I need to call clinic tomorrow.

Lastly, I got the bill for all my OB stuff from today through childbirth, (not including extra visits, lab work, or hospital charges): $584 after insurance, which has to be paid in full in two weeks. (the before-insurance cost for vaginal delivery is $3,200). I didn't see that one coming. As much as I hate my job, I must say it's a good thing I am still working!

12 comments:

niki36 said...

OB visit, maternity clothes, pacifiers..so exciting!! Know you waited a long time for this, and now ITS HERE! Enjoy!

~nicole

Maeghan said...

Yup, the folder is great but overwhelming! Cheez-its are my friend too, I have the BJ's size box haha. Not sure what's better, getting the bill upfront or what I was told "we'll just tally everything up at the end." Grrreat.

Alicea said...

Oh, how exciting! I used both Baby Bargains and Consumer Reports to decide on what items to buy. The only class we took was childbirth prep and ended up using NONE of it during my labor (ended up with a c-section anyway). I'm so excited for you!!

Larisa said...

I also bought pants a size bigger than normal but soon outgrew them. Maternity pants are scary but oh so comfy! About insurance, it's awesome. But do you know if this is just for your ob, or does it include the hospital, the anesthesiologist, etc, etc? That stuff really added up for us and half of it we didn't even think about pre-baby. Not trying to scare you, just wanted to warn that you may be seeing more bills than just this.

Again, so so happy for you!

Katey said...

yay for a good OB visit!!! You will be fine....the overwhelming will get better (i guess)!! I'm just so happy for you!!! Good luck with getting everything together...reading books, buying clothes, etc....FUN!!!! I'll continue to pray for you and the baby!

Shannon said...

Im so excited you had your first OB appt. It is overwhelming but exciting too!

Lindsay said...

YAY! I'm glad it went so well!!

Erin said...

Yay! Kristen this is so exciting. Don't let it overwhelm you! Trust me the first time you step into a maternity store and they try to get you to sign up for your babies college fund, that will overwhelm you enough :) Lots of info..but, if I am any example, you can greatly procrastinate and still find that you have plenty of time to take it all in!! SOOOO exciting!

The Browns said...

Isnt it the most amazing thing to have a baby item in the house :)Dont worry my bad thing has been anything potato. I could live off french fries if nick would let me! Welcome that weight now because with our CF it will be hard to gain it and keep it! I am at 23 weeks on this upcomming tuesday and I have only gained a total of 4 pounds.

Nicole said...

congrats!

Our hospital offers a 'pack' of classes and we took them all they had a labor class, a get used to the hospital/doctors/anesthesiologist sort of Q&A deal, daddy boot camp, infant care/CPR, and breastfeeding I would highly recommend it if for nothing else than to get the two of you talking about things you may not have thought of.

Oh and I had a peak and trough done for my inhaled TOBI and there was none detectable so I continued taking it based on recommendation by both perinatologist and CF and all is fine with Lillian so far *knock on wood*.

Shannon said...

I haven't peeked in at you in a while so how exciting to find out you're pregnant! congrats! It is such an exciting time, I hope you enjoy it thoroughly! I suggest you look into the Bradley Method as an alternatove to Lamaze when you get to that point. I'm not sure what kind of birth experience you are hoping for, but if you want any info on natural birth (even in the hospital) and breastfeeding, hit me up, I am a big proponet(and succeeded, CF and all) at both. Congrats again!!

Cara said...

I'm obviously a little behind! CONGRATULATIONS!! I'm going to start following your blog now. :)

 
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