Last week I had my first annual exam with my ob/gyn since having Liam....you remember Dr. Wonderful, yes? Dr. Wonderful is an amazing doctor. I know far too many women to dislike, even hate their ob/gyn and it saddens me. The person who brings your child into this world should be wonderful to you, I wish everyone had a doctor like mine.
I sorta looked forward to my check up. Crazy huh? Compared to my visits with Dr. T (Hematologist extraordinaire) an annual is a walk in the park! Plus I'm nearly 15lbs below my pre-pregnancy weight, I've managed to maintain this weight for around 6 months and I'm darn proud of myself for it. Also I love Dr. Wonderful's staff, they are equally as wonderful! I walked in and the receptionist immediately says to me "You cut your hair!" I was shocked that she even remembered me let alone my hairstyle after a year. Love.
After confirming all my info and signing in I sat with my kindle fire hoping to read a bit of my newest book (Wild by Cheryl Strayed) before being called back. Two clearly pregnant women were called back and shortly after so was I by my favorite nurse. Happiness. Nurse D and I caught up while I was weighed and had my blood pressure taken, she told me to strip down to nothing but the cape she pulled out and Dr. Wonderful would be right in. I picked up my kindle after stripping down hoping Dr. Wonderful would have to do a few ultrasounds and I'd get a few pages in. No such luck one page in and knock-knock.
Perhaps I have a strange bond with Dr. Wonderful but I was glad to see him. He's older than both V and I, at least old enough to be either of our parents, maybe mid-50s? He's easy to chat with but gets right down to business. Boob exam, ugh I hate them but they are a necessary evil. I brought up my ITP diagnoses and Dr. Wonderful delicately said "Hmm do you have future pregnancies planned?" I twisted my mouth a little and said "no..." He seemed ok with that answer. I couldn't help myself "I can't help but notice you didn't argue with me on no more babies, it's for the best isn't it?" Dr. Wonderful "Well. It's a bigger decision for you to possibly expand your family. But it's a tough decision to be taken from you. You could have more children, we could treat you and manage your ITP but it means more steroids. I have some articles for you, I'd like you to be educated before you make a final decision. I like that you are on Mirena, it's a good birth control for you as it prevents periods since you risk heavy bleeding." The rest of our conversation was about my half marathon and how proud of my Dr. Wonderful is. He kept saying "You look great! Your working out, your organized, you're WEIRD!" I just laughed.
After my exam I dressed and met Dr. Wonderful to get the article he mention and a rx for an inhailer for my asthma. He again congratulated me on doing so well, told me I looked great and said "Well, see ya next year!"
After I left I could have returned to work for an hour but decided to take that time for myself, well kinda, I wanted to get some stuff cut up for dinner and change into comfy non-work clothes. I wondered around my silent home picking up things and thinking about my appointment. I had this wonderful sense of calm and peace. I was thinking to myself while cutting up ingredients for dinner "If I could have one thing, anything, what would it be? More time. More time with Liam and V, with my friends and loved ones. If I do get pregnant and my ITP goes haywire I truly could die and I would not get more time with anyone. I would make a choice that would screw up the one thing I want most; more time with those I am already blessed to have. Yeah, no more babies is the right choice for us. Hopefully one day it won't sting as much but it's the right thing." There were no tears which is rare. In my hearts of hearts I want another child...a sibling for Liam, but more important than that is cherishing what I already have. I put all the prepped ingredients in a bowl and headed off to pick up my sweet Liam. I hugged him extra close and thanked God for him with tears in my eyes. I am beyond blessed just to have him and get to be here to be his mom.
In about a week I have my next appointment with Dr. T (Hematologist extraordinaire), I'm anticipating treatment since I believe my platelet numbers have held the same pattern they have since being diagnosed last September. Right now I feel good about it, I feel like I know what to expect and I have a lot of pride about accomplishing my first half marathon.
Much Love,
-Jen
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