We had our first child in 2014, with no complications during pregnancy or delivery. That's why when I started swelling, having horrendous headaches, shoulder pain, and vomiting at 25 weeks, with our second child, I thought it was just the heat or some other sickness. I never imagined what was ahead of us.
Flash forward to 25 weeks and 4 days and I wake up in the back of an ambulance being told I had a seizure. Knowing that Chris witnessed it, and had to keep our 5 year old daughter from seeing it still breaks my heart. Even when we arrived at the hospital, I still was oblivious to what was going on. I remember asking the nurse if I would make my flight home that night. She was very sweet and told me it was probably best that Chris call the airlines and cancel. When the doctor came in and told me they were going to have to "take the baby", but I would have to be flown to Orlando, I had no idea what she was talking about. Thankfully, we were in Melbourne, FL, where the preeclampsia foundation is located. I can't imagine what would've happened if we were in an area where the doctors were not aware of preeclampsia and the associated conditions (yes, this still exists today)!
After arriving in Orlando, it was a day of monitoring and the doctors trying to figure out what to do. That night, the doctor had decided that I was stable. They would continue to monitor me and make a decision is the morning. Not more than 30 minutes after that discussion, the doctor was in my room telling me my labs came back and they needed to take action. I had HELLP Syndrome and my kidneys and liver were shutting down. The only chance of saving my life was to agree to an emergency c-section, which meant our son would be born extremely prematurely, with about an 85% chance of survival. There is nothing worse than having to tell the doctor you are okay with putting your baby's life at risk so you can save your own, and continue being a mother to the little girl you already have.
Jacob was born at 25 weeks and 5 days weighing 1 pound 7 ounces. He spent 95 days in the NICU. Thankfully, we were in one of the best hospitals in the country and surrounded by angels who helped him survive and thrive. He's now a crazy 3 year old, who is otherwise healthy!
My doctor never told me about preeclampsia or the signs to watch for. I still go back to my last OB appointment which was less than a week from when Jacob was born. I know I was swollen then, and I remember the Medical Assistant making a strange face when she took my blood pressure. I wish I had asked what my blood pressure was. Would it have changed anything? I don't know. What I do know, is that I hope one day, preeclampsia, eclampsia, and hellp syndrome are a thing of the past.
Our family is happy and healthy today, but we are forever changed by this experience. That is why we walk!