Warning: Snork scan talk within
Last week the ultrasound tech told us that we could bring a VHS tape to today’s scan to record whatever antics the Snork was up to within. This created a mad search not only for a blank VHS tape but also an actual VHS tape player. A quick check of the house revealed that there was no longer a tape player but for some reason I felt like we had a blank tape. Last night Mother and I were gathered around my computer talking about how we would get a tape to convert to a VHS when I had an impulse to check my desk drawer- and lo and behold this drawer (that I honestly haven’t opened in probably 5 years) held not only one blank tape but also 2 tapes that I had made some 17 years ago.
Without even changing out of her work clothes Mother was off to tar-jay to fetch a VCR. And guess what? You can’t just buy a VCR anymore. What is available are the combos, which just seems like a space sucker, but you gotta buy what you gotta buy.
This morning I set off to the U/S on my own as Mother had the day off and she had offered to stay with GM who is still not bounding around at all. The wait was virtually nonexistent at the OB but the tech I was counting on was not there. Instead I had the tech from the original 18 week anatomy scan attempt. And as soon as I crossed the threshold of her room she stated, “Don’t touch me. I’m sick.” Great. Thanks for coming to work today!
I presented her with my blank tape and had visions of gathering the family around the TV and watching the images playback over and over. She put the tape in the machine with a, “I’m not so great at this. One of these days we will get a better machine.” oof.
She washed her hands twice and I laid back and prepared myself for the show. And there he was- in exactly the same position as he always is this time of day: head down, face out, and fast asleep. We could see him moving his lips and there would be an occasional jig in his feet, but the kid was asleep and loving it. The tech was able to get the 4 chambers of the heart and then I feel like she gave up.
She turned off the machine, helped me wipe the goo off my gut and told me that I had two options: I could either come back in another four weeks or she could fudge her report and send me to super fancy ultrasound land.
Of course NOT being able to get the scan is now a bit exhausting. I get that things weren’t greatly visible at 18 weeks, and sure maybe the tech for scan attempt #2 was in a rush and particular about her dates, but this scan felt like the tech was sick and wanted to pawn me off.
But that is just me having a bit of a pout. And really the source of the damn pout is that when the tech pulled the tape out of the recorder the entire thing pretty much broke. The ribbon was stretched and out of the tape case and pretty much useless. And as she is handing me the tape she is telling me how I will need to come back or go somewhere else and it just made me feel so defeated.
However the idea of going to a fancy place is nice and maybe this lady is doing me a favor. There is a rumor that fancy place can do recordable DVD’s. So. um. There is that.
The tech and I came to an agreement but I still I cringed a bit at her writing on my chart, “Chambers of heart not easily visible. Refer to ___________ for level II scan.” I made her swear that this was just us winking at the system (“the system” being my state funded insurance) and not really the truth. This was just what I needed to go along with in order to get fancified. Which I know for reals because the chambers I actually SAW.
By the time I got home I was deeply depressed that the tape we had tried to make was ruined. When I walked into the den I saw Mother stretched out on the sofa laughing at the tv. “You have GOT to see this!” Turns out she had started watching one of the tapes we had found in my desk drawer. These tapes were made when I was in the 9th grade and it was the start of my film-making itch. Somehow I had been trusted with a video camera and had been unleashed. The tape contained not only a tour of Mother’s and my house in Chattanooga, but also a documentary style take of my Grandfather’s 73rd birthday. Following the birthday was a class assignment interview of both GM and Grandfather discussing how they met, their marriage, and what it was like after the war. Utterly priceless.
At first it was almost painful to see my family like this. 17 years ago- long before Alzheimer’s, congestive heart failure, and any number of dramas that had unfolded since. It showed GM as sassy, plump and in control. My Grandfather looked and acted JUST as my memory had preserved him. But seeing Grandmother so changed was hard. I didn’t even recognize the southern lilt of her voice, how free and smart she sounded. It was, quite honestly, an entirely different person and it was incredible sad to see the authentic version of GM and know how she is now. How changed. How quiet and distant.
Halfway through the the interview on marriage I noticed GM stirring in her room so I helped her get on her robe and brought her out to the den. I wasn’t sure if seeing the tapes would be good, bad or sad/hard. Mother and I decided we would play it and if we saw signs of distress we could stop. So we got GM settled into her chair and pointed up at the television to see what her reaction was. At first I don’t think she recognized herself, but she knew Grandfather. We started the tape and the sound was difficult for her so we would pause every other sentence and repeat them loudly for her.
Sometimes she would ask Mother to clarify things, and at one point she asked Mother if any of her Grandparents were still alive. But other than that she seemed fascinated.
I need to research a way to get these VHS tapes transferred to a DVD. I know there are machines but I bet they are very expensive and I can’t imagine it would be worth it for just a handful of tapes. (we have since found a few others) Ages ago we took old home movies that were on film to a place and they put them on tape for us so I wonder if such a company exists now that can put tapes on DVD. research, research…
New Snork image on his page, but it is pretty much the same face shot we got last week. Although I do think his lips are particularly adorable.
I know there are companies that will do the transfer for you — there’s one near us. I don’t know how much they charge, compared to one of those machines, though. *HUGS*
Why do tech’s go into US if they’re not happy with their job? I had a similar issue with the tech at my OB’s office, and I’ve never been so ashamed to be in my own skin in my life.
Hang in there. I’m sure the Level II US will be better. Are you thinking of doing a 3D one? I’m thinking I will around 32 weeks.
I am so excited for you. I wanted to let you know, I also have tapes from when I was younger. Home movies, and sadly many of the people in these are now passed away. I went to Wal mart last year at tax time. I think it was about 100 bucks for a VCR/ DVD recorder. It is easy to use. I have transfered many of the VHS to DVD now. Just look at it this way… spending 100 dollars now to preserve those memories not only for you, but for future generations is priceless..
Just so you know, I have to go back in 2 months for another scan myself because the heart chambers weren’t visible from the baby’s position.
I surely hope that tech was just passing you through the system, though, otherwise that’s just plain wrong.
boo on the nurse but yay on fancy smany scan:D
most do the dvd last i heard…
sending happy thoughts your way
yes there are companies online. I sent in a bunch of home videos that i had transfered to DVD. it was easy and about 5 bucks a tape I think.
Boo. I’m as annoyed with your u/s tech(s) as you are. Hoping you get some answers and quick! And I hope you’re not stuck to foot the bill for these multiple scans because of lazy techs… we had to pay for each one whether it was warranted or not.
Have a great weekend! *hugs*
FINALLY… something I KNOW about!! (As opposed to getting pregnant and all the trials that go along with it…)
You can connect the VCR directly to your computer and transfer them that way. I’ve done it. It’s possible. And, best of all, FREE!!
There is a ritz camera near us that does the transfer. They charge $31 per 4 hours of tape.
I have a DVD/VHS combo machine that lets me record the VHS to DVD. I had lots and lots of home movies to convert so the $500 I spent a few years ago was well worth it. I just saw one at BestBuy on sale for $160 http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8731401&type=product&id=1201307507100
You might also be able to connect your vhs player to your PC and then burn the DVD.
Places like Walmart and Ritz will also send your tape out and put them on DVD. My Dad just paid 50ish bucks to convert an old reel to reel home movie so a VHS should be cheaper than that. I would be nervous trusting something so precious to outsiders.
PS. If you’re into Meg’s idea, FYI: Circuit City filed chapter 11, so they might have some MASSIVE sales.
Hooray for a fancy scan! I hope you get 3-D, so much more fun. And I hope the Snork cooperates!
Hello dear! I got some old family VHS tapes transferred to DVD at a place here in Chattanooga. Depending on how many tapes you are talking, it might be worth just taking them somewhere and letting someone do it. I googled it, and found this place in Jacksonville:
http://www.videoforfun.info/index.htm
You could start with them and see how much they charge. I bet there are other places, too. Carey sometimes comes home and “catches” me watching this family DVD. One section is my 13th b-day party with my family… my Mammaw, aunts, Jen Susman, etc. Oh, and my GIANT trailer park-ish Southern accent, don’t forget that!! Then, in that same year (1989), later that same summer, there is this one part where my aunt is filming my brother and my Mammaw on in the yard swing together at her house in St. Elmo. To anyone else, it would be boring because it’s literally just the two of them swinging back and forth and chatting with each other, with an occasional comment from my aunt from behind the camera, but to me, to hear my Mammaw’s voice again and to hear her laugh is priceless. I bawl like a baby every time, and Carey always asks why I do it to myself.
We went through that with my daughter, having to get multiple ultrasounds done to check out her heart. Actually I had to get multiple scans with both of my kids. My OB said that ultrasounds are really not a very good science, they really are only as good as the tech. So try not to worry too much… I love the pictures of Snork’s face. My little boy is 8 and his lips still remind me of the lips I first saw when he was still in utero.
I can’t believe how many lame ass attempts they’ve made to get the ultrasound done. But hopefully fancy place will do the trick.
The tape of GF’s birthday seems very bitter sweet but a treasure nonetheless.
I’d get the scan somehwere else because I think that tech is crap, to be all judgemental. Or can’t be stuffed. 18 weeks shouldn’t be too early for an anatomy scan and it shouldn’t take this many goes.
Oh, that was mean of me, I’m sorry. The tech might be doing you a solid, as you point out. But you will have a much more positive experience at the other scan place.
xx
J
You just have the worst u/s experiences. I’m so sorry!
Sorry about the u/s snafu. I appears everyone else has already solved your vhs problem though!
That sounds truly lame. Couldn’t they try having you drink a soda, or cough, or poke at your belly? I’m serious. Geez! Go somewhere else. You deserve better.
I for one think it’s pretty sweet that you get to have a Level II! I never got one in three pregnancies, and I had fancy-pants private insurance…but then I also never tried for so long or with such depressing odds, so methinks you had a few bucks in the old karmic bank account
I can think of far worse things the state of Florida could be doing with the money, and can’t wait to see the Snork in 3-D…I’ve had friends get those done and they really do look JUST LIKE the baby’s face when the baby emerges and recovers from the smushing (most C-sections babies I know truly needed a C-section to get out and had wonky heads even though they didn’t have to do the pelvic limbo). It would be a total geekfest if you could get a good front or side view and then remember to take a picture of Snork in the same position when he is a few days old and sleeping and we would all keel over and die at Teh Cute. So let it be written, so let it be done! Remind your Mother now so that she can remind you when you’re tired and nipple-sore, or just take the “after” pic for you while you are sleeping…
Whoa…you used to live in Chattanooga? I definitely live in Chattanooga, and have for most of my life.
I’m glad you’re getting a better scan tech. That one…would make me insane.
Sorry about the ultrasound tech, the lack of a tape and all the drama in getting your ultrasound completed. I hope the next effort goes better.
Those tapes sound like so much fun. Now that you mention it I think I have some old ones around with my dad on them. Might have to dig them out.
Sorry you are still dealing with u/s drama.
The old tapes — what a find!
Those lips are to die for – I bet you can’t wait to kiss them!
xxx
There is a really cheapo device that you can buy, complete with software, that connects your VCR to your PC. I don’t know what it’s called, but I helped my mom transfer an old family video to DVD with a borrowed one, and it was easy. A lot easier than watching the old family video, which made me physically ache in my heart. Sigh.
I have, now stored in Malka’s closet, some old 8mil film reels that I’m ITCHING to get onto dvd.
What a precious gift to share with GM. I hope it stirred some synaptical links for her…
Sounds like a sad scene, but I’m so glad you have those pieces of memory preserved.
How precious! Yes those companies exist! I’ve found them in the yellow pages. Make sure they’re good though! I need to get it done for out wedding tape.
WTF is it with that tech?! god, i am sorry you had to put up with that woman. grr. indeed though, you have a very cute boy!!!! xxxx
Wow I had a really similar experience! Our tech was rake thin and had been for a jog before work so was sweating profusely, she kept interrupting the scan to turn the heating down until I had goose bumps breaking out all over my exposed stomach. Her own stomach was growling loudly because she hadn’t eaten yet and I suspected from looking at her that she might not for the day.
Our baby was asleep too and she jiggled the probe around so much I felt like vomiting. After calling our baby lazy she left the room to fiddle with the air conditioner again and my mother, a normally reserved quiet woman exclaimed that if she jiggled my stomach one more time she was going reach across, grab the tech by the hair and slap her.
Of course this wasn’t necessary and tensions were relieved when the temperature was finally just right and the scan progressed. I felt really disappointed to be reminded that such a big day in my life was just another routine job for someone else and wished the tech was a better actor…I mean we all pretend to some extent in our jobs, why couldn’t she!
I am a regular reader of your blog and have been following your story from some time. My grandmother also had Alzheimer’s, and I have been struggling with infertility for the past several years, so I have gotten a lot from reading your blog. I’m sorry you did not get the ultrasound experience you needed. I hope the next one will do the trick!
I have a super schmancy DVD/VCR/DVR combo that I bought last year, partly with the intention of transferring my own VHS tapes to DVD. So far that hasn’t happened yet, but I’d be happy to copy your tapes to DVD for you for free! If you’re interested, we would just need to figure out the shipping logistics so your precious tapes would be properly tracked. If you’re interested, you can email me at dyna underscore girl at cox dot net.
Costco does a great, inexpensive and quick turn-around transfer to dvd.
BTW, it was funny toread the description of GM then, because, it seems that is how she is animated in my mind when you describe her in her more lucid moments. You always get to the essence of her so beautifuly. Happy Thanksgiving to you all!!