Page 19 of Playing With Secrets
“It’s already a concern.” He stands and faces me with panic and agony dripping from his eyes. “An early labor is bad?—”
“Jami, sit down. You’re making me nervous, and that’s notgood for anyone.” I gently smile and dip my head to show him his seat.
He hesitates, purposely changes his expression, and sits. “I apologize, Dr. Ring. I just worry about her. Sorry, Dori. I’m not trying to hijack your appointment. I’ll try to stay quiet.”
“It’s fine, but there’s a lot more to get through.” I address Dr. Ring. “Go on. We’ll do our best not to interrupt anymore.”
“His concern is understandable, but you’re correct. There’s a lot more to cover.” She nods. “I’m aware you had a late-term miscarriage approximately five years ago, but that shouldn’t have any effect on your current situation.”
“Okay.” My chest grows tight.
She tilts her head and flashes me a warm expression. “The pains you’re experiencing could also be caused by endometriosis. As I’m doing your pelvic exam, I’ll do my best to feel for any signs. The ultrasound will be able to detect if you do, and that will give us better information.”
Shit.
Something is wrong with me.
It’s my turn to panic. “And if I have endometriosis, how does that affect the pregnancy?”
Dr. Ring softens her posture. “You’re already high risk since you had the late-term miscarriage. Endometriosis can complicate a pregnancy, but it’s not a definite deterrent.
“Many women with this diagnosis go on to have healthy pregnancies with no complications. If you have it, that’ll be something we watch closely as well.”
My gaze travels to my stomach. Jami’s hand slides to my lap. “She said they’ll watch it. She’s the professional, so we can trust her.”
My eyes connect with his. His support overflows and my soul falls in love with him that much more.
I swallow the fear in my throat. He stands and leans over to hug me. We take a minute to sink into the weight of it all.
“I’m so glad you’re here with me.” I wrap my arms around his shoulders.
“Me too,” he whispers into my ear. He kisses my neck and pulls away.
We face Dr. Ring and the nurse. They smile as the nurse turns on the monitor and sets up the ultrasound machine.
“Let’s take a look.” Dr. Ring pulls the table and stirrups out. “Time to lie back and I’ll do a quick pelvic exam. After that, we’ll go right into the ultrasound to make sure you’re progressing well.”
I scoot down and get adjusted as I lie back. Jami stands and moves the pillow under my head.
“Are you comfortable?” He lovingly runs the back of his fingers over my cheek.
I laugh quietly. “Not particularly, but I’m perfectly fine.”
He smirks and shrugs. “I’m a guy. I’m allowed to say dumb things in a situation like this.”
With that, Dr. Ring does her exam. As she presses and feels around, painful breaths slip from my lips. Each time it happens, Jami peers down at me with his brow furrowed.
I try to control my breathing, but he sees right through me. She presses on my left side and pushes up from the inside. Pain shoots like a lightning strike and I gasp.
He pins me with a concerned stare. That heave has him more than worried. He holds my hand, then peeks over and studies Dr. Ring. She completes the exam and prepares for the ultrasound.
“I suspect you have endometriosis. I felt a couple of areas of concern, but let’s double-check with an internal scan. This is a transvaginal ultrasound, just so you’re prepared.” She nods to the nurse, who flips the screen on and pushes some buttons.
Dr. Ring prepares the wand and begins the exam. The screen fills with black-and-white fuzz.
I know what to expect since I’ve done this before. Whenthe doctor keeps adjusting the ultrasound tool to show different views of my womb, I get confused.
She pauses for a minute and glances at their notes. She returns to the machine, types letters in code, and takes pictures of areas in my uterus.
