I am a survivor of HELLP - Class I. Read my abbreviated birth story below.

For the TLDR request: 

Support the Preeclampsia Foundation so that more doctors and patients can be informed about this life threatening disorder and be empowered to advocate for maternal health, especially their own. Their Cuff Kit program provides information and BP cuffs so mothers can track their health between appointments, potentially saving a life like mine did. Your donations will make an impact!

My survivor story:

My symptoms presented abnormally, mainly as severe upper back muscle aches between my shoulder blades for about a week. I would later learn that the abdominal nerves are connected to that area. Eventually, severe discomfort and a high BP detected by a home cuff prompted a hospital visit. We parked in the patient garage and I walked in with only a few personal items. My labs revealed severe HELLP and my husband was sent back to the car for our hospital go bag. I started on a magnesium drip and we tried to induce labor, without epidural or spinal tap due to the risks.

After a few hours, it was determined that my platelets were too low and our baby would need to come via c-section under general anesthesia to avoid harm to the baby and so that I could start recovering. My husband waited alone (Covid!) for his child and wife, eventually holding the wrapped baby for an hour without knowing the gender so we could learn together. 

My son and I certainly had a recovery journey from there, but I was able to regain health and be home by the end of the week. 

My utterly mundane 2nd birth was made possible by the medical knowledge of my MFM team. And regular home BP monitoring gave me knowledge of my health during pregnancy. 

Support the Preeclampsia Foundation so that more doctors and patients can be informed about this life threatening disorder and be empowered to advocate for maternal health, especially their own. Their Cuff Kit program provides information and BP cuffs so mothers can track their health between appointments, potentially saving a life like mine did.