Step Into the Nexus · Stimulation is the Goal

In a previous post I mentioned that I have an umbilical hernia due to my pregnancy. I called my OB and told him that the pain has worsened and the swollen area was bigger. He then decided it would be a good idea to visit a colleague of his who is a surgeon. I went to two appointments yesterday which overall made the day draining, but the appointments went well.

The first appointment was an ultrasound. All the measurements look great and my baby boy is very active in the womb. The technician took many pictures which I hope to scan and upload soon. The estimated weight is 1 pound 1 oz. She measured everything… even his penis. There is no doubt at all that he is a boy. He looks just like William did at this point in the pregnancy, if not a little bigger. The technician even estimated an earlier due date of September 21. My OB says September 25. I keep wondering in the back of my mind if I told the Womens Health Center the wrong date of the first day of my last menstrual cycle. Being off by a few days can throw off the calculation of a due date if you count on the menstrual cycle date.

The second appointment was with the surgeon. Like with the previous appointment, I filled out many papers on past medical history and current condition. I then met with the surgeon. Two things that I loved from the beginning: he gave me immediate eye contact and a long and firm handshake. The doctor took a look at my belly and there was no doubt I had an umbilical hernia. I explained the intermittent pains and how it has worsened over the passed 4 weeks. I laid down on the table and he pointed out what else was wrong with my abdomen. I knew that something was not quite right about my abdomen but I did not know the official term for it. I have diastasis recti which is a disorder that separates the rectus abdominis muscle into right and left halves. Basically, my stomach muscles have a huge tear down the middle. The disorder is common in multiple births. The surgeon measured it as 30cm long and 20cm wide. I am not sure what the average size is, but this is huge to me.

My husband found many links on the internet that have stories from women (and even men) going through similar situations. Many people have had surgeries to correct the disorder. The good news about all of this? The surgeon feels that I can wait out the hernia pain until after the baby is born. Several weeks after the birth, the surgeon can repair the hernia and my abdomen. I am truly looking forward to not having any pain in my abdomen area.

I personally feel like I accomplished a lot yesterday and it feels very good.

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