AW...NEW UPDATE Scary Quad Screen Results, Level II Ultrasound Needed

ChristineG25 · December 2014

UPDATE: Hey ladies, I just got my Harmony results and they were NEGATIVE! I feel like I can finally breathe again. We will love our child no matter what, but we are relieved with these results. Honestly, I am angry at my doctor's office for not better explaining the quad screen. I was told nothing about it, just that it was a screen that all women had during their pregnancy. Luckily, I had seen online that a positive is not a diagnosis, but I was not told any of that by my doctor.

Anyways, this is the best Christmas present I could EVER receive, and I will sleep so well tonight. Thanks for all of your support, and for any women who might be going through a similar situation, HAVE HOPE. I had scary odds (1:20), and everything is fine for now.

Hey ladies.

I know I haven't posted in awhile, and it's because this whole pregnancy I have been so nervous and stressed and hesitant to let myself get too excited. It's ridiculous, I know, but the news I got last week didn't help for sure.

Last Wednesday, I had my a/s appointment. The ultrasound went great, although the ultrasound tech couldn't see the heart and told me I'd have to come back. She said that she got everything else that she needed and that everything looked great. "Great" was her word. Then we were sent to check in with the doctor, and that's when my world just came crashing down. The doctor said that my quad screen had some bad news and the screen had tested positive for down syndrome. I asked what the odds were, and she said 1:20. No explanation, nothing. Luckily, I knew what "positive" meant and knew that this wasn't diagnostic, but it still immediately made my heart drop and sent me and my husband into a panic.

We had our reveal party this weekend and found out that we have having a boy. We are excited, but I'll be honest...I have spent so much of the last few days crying and worrying and panicking about the Level II ultrasound that we have TOMORROW. I am so sad that we aren't able to just be excited like we were before. We will love our little boy no matter what, but obviously having a baby with down syndrome is different than what we had been expecting.

Any support/positive thoughts/positive words/etc. that you can provide would be great. I am at work and have just randomly been bursting into tears. I think the "not knowing" is the hardest part. We are in a weird emotional limbo, and we will be for a couple weeks. I plan on asking if we can take the Harmony test tomorrow, and I know that takes a couple weeks for the results to come back. Thanks ladies. Sorry for not always participating as much as I should. Just know that I am always lurking and reading posts and thinking about all of you and appreciating your presence. UPDATE we had the level II ultrasound and they didn't find any markers or any signs of Down syndrome or other health issues and baby looked so cute!! Geneticist lowered our risk to 1 in 40 which is still scary but not so scary. Had blood test drawn for the Harmony test so just waiting on that now. So much waiting. If any ladies are in the same boat or a similar boat, my thoughts are with you. This has been really hard and I can't wait to know....but we have more hope now.

fro88 · December 2014

The waiting is absolutely the hardest part. No one ever wants to hear things like 'further testing is needed', so i can understand how emotional and trying this all must be.

Try to stay calm, your next appointment will give you some much needed answers, one way or the other. You can do this, no matter what the outcome!

Sending you good thoughts

DixieNormous330 · December 2014

I've said this to others who have had the possibility of special needs coming to them.

From experience - it's not easy. It can be heart breaking, stressful, agonizing, and seem like the world is ended.

At the same time it's rewarding, awe-inspiring, and you see past the diagnosis and realize just how truly awesome your kid is. Because at the end of the day, this is your child.

Do I still cry or get upset at things that PF can't do? Absolutely. Do I wonder about the kid she might have been had she not had her stroke? Frequently. Do I see how far she's come and how far she's going? All the time. Do I take pride in her and her accomplishments? Without a doubt. Would I change anything about her? The only thing I would change is that I would make things a little easier for her, otherwise I wouldn't change a thing for her. She's such an amazing little person.

A friend of mine had a DS diagnosis during pregnancy and went through all of the stages of grief and becoming a SN parent. She blogged about it (her blog encompasses more than just her son with DS). If you're interested, PM me and I'll send you the link. Even if the Level II comes back with everything fine, it's a good read during this waiting period.

ewilson74 · December 2014

Sending positive thoughts your way. As PP mentioned, 19/20 are pretty good odds. Try to focus on the positive, not knowing and waiting are the worst.

littlewest1 · December 2014

I am so sorry you are going through this. Positive thoughts for a good scan tomorrow.

keifekm · December 2014

Sending positive thoughts your way. FX for a very positive Ultrasound.

ScarletOflaherty · December 2014

Yeah, 95% chance of a healthy baby wouldn't be enough to freak me out. Try to relax, everything will be fine.

lovemaddux · December 2014

Waiting is the worst. Try to keep busy and stay positive. FX for your scan tomorrow

starshollow · December 2014

I was in a similar situation after the NT scan put us at a higher risk. I know the stress you are feeling and the conflicting feelings between wanting to celebrate and being reluctant.

I had the verifi test and a fetal echo to rule out chromosome abnormalities and a congenital heart defect. I would definitely talk to your doc about further testing to get a definitive answer.

Remember, 1:20 odds mean that 95% chance of it being nothing. Not seeing any soft markers at your anatomy scan definitely swings the odds further in your favor!

mooreamanda6213 · December 2014

T&P's to you. Waiting is the hard part. Try and stay strong.

JJBoden · December 2014

Waiting is so hard. My middle son screened positive for DS and I had to wait 3 weeks until the level 2 ultrasound. It was a very rough time. Thankfully he's a prefectly healthy 2 year old. We were more than ready to embrace him if he did have DS. I really do believe people with DS are God's angels in earth. Prayers for you and remember your odds of a healthy baby are still really good.

jamiesc58 · December 2014

Thoughts and prayers for strength to you and your family. The waiting game is no fun at all.

Cliffhaven · December 2014

Sorry to hear about all the stress and waiting! not what you needed to make you feel less anxious for sure! I hope very much the next bit of news is much more reassuring. Fingers Crossed!

redneckmomma25 · December 2014

I'm sorry you are going through this. Hope all comes back well tomorrow.

sagehens47 · December 2014

I'm so sorry you have to play the waiting game, that is so incredibly hard. Try some positive self-talk though. The numbers are still on your side, and even if you find out your son has DS he will be phenomenal. Yes, it's a different life as a parent I'm sure. But we all have one thing in common - our little kiddos will make our hearts smile to no end, no matter what they look like or what disabilities they have. @Dixinormous330 said something that i absolutely loved...the only thing she'd change is the world, and i think that's beautiful!

leslieheister · December 2014

I'll be sending good vibes your way tomorrow. We got our Harmony results after six business days, so it might not necessarily take weeks. We had a positive marker for DS at our 18 week ultrasound, but the Harmony results meant it could be ignored. I hope you get answers quickly so that you aren't left worrying.

missab · December 2014

Thoughts and prayers are with you. As others have said, try to keep busy and keep your mind off of it as best you can, and keep the 95% chance that everything is ok at the front of your mind! ((Big creepy internet stranger hugs))

ashjenn · December 2014

I pray everything works out and will be thinking of you as you wait, I know it has to be so hard.

catlover790 · December 2014

Sending good thoughts your way. I hope your ultrasound tomorrow goes well. I'm sure the waiting is very tough.

knjzacher · December 2014

Sending you lots of virtual hugs. I wish I had advice or something to contribute, but the advice and kind words these other ladies have provided sum it up. Will be thinking of you tomorrow.

mrsfleming12 · December 2014

I'll be praying for you and look forward to an update, like everyone has said focus on that 95% it's nothing...but I can imagine that's easier to say than to do! Sending good vibes your way...

picklesx · December 2014

That "emotional limbo" really is the worst. I hope your ultrasound brings positive news. I will be thinking of you!

c+est+la+vie · December 2014

So sorry you are going through this... waiting is the worst. T&P for you and your family (hugs).

Mel&John2013 · December 2014

I'm sorry, not knowing is incredibly scary. Sending positive thoughts your way.

marybeth05 · December 2014

Sending good thoughts your way!

alexis95 · December 2014

I'm so sorry you're having to go through this. I know not having answers and having to wait is one of the hardest things in the world to do, but try to stay as positive as you can. My thoughts and prayers are with you that everything goes well with the ultrasound!

GingerDS02 · December 2014

I have to say, I'm always surprised when doctors use the quad screen. I feel like it's such an outdated test and it seems like everyone gets a flag. I have several close friends who've had similar results. Their kids are all typical.

I did not have any prenatal testing with my first. He has Down syndrome. I've responded on several of these threads. I'd put almost no stock in the quad screen if I were in your shoes. Since they've planted that seed of fear in your brain, I do think the level II u/s and Harmony/Verify/MaterniT21 would be good to ease your fears. I had the MaterniT21 with this pregnancy and got results back in 8 days. Good luck! I'm sure all will be cleared up soon!

JAP09-02 · December 2014

Thinking of you. May your wait go quickly, and you get some answers.

MrsRem217 · December 2014

Sending T&Ps your way.

lirpaloof77 · December 2014

Hang in there! I'm so sorry you are going through this. Either way, it will be ok. I have a SN daughter who is almost 12. Life is different but still amazing and special.

jc_twomamas · December 2014

Thinking of you and sending strength your way during this wait. I second everything that PP's said too...hang in there and keep us posted.

[Deleted User] · December 2014

I have a DD with Ds. I was given way lower odds (1:10000) and she was diagnosed at birth...so to me the quad screen is meaningless. She is the most wonderful and awesome little girl. Yes I have had my share of crying but she is so amazing. Hopefully everything turns out well. You can PM me if you want to talk.