Sunday, July 20, 2008

Update... (Warning: May be best for female eyes only due to some graphic descriptions)

Well, since my last post a lot has happened.
I have had to tell the story over and over so to save myself from having to repeat it yet again, I'm going to blog it here for all who are wanting to know the details.

*Warning: some details may be graphic, and men may feel uncomfortable with some of the female details*

I began spotting and having mild cramping Wednesday night which turned to more intense pain Thursday night.
I returned to the Dr Friday morning to hear the results of my blood tests. He informed me that my hormone levels were dropping drastically as he had figured they would be. This confirmed that my pregnancy was ending and informed me I should be expecting to have an actual miscarriage with in the next week. He told me what I should expect to happen (spotting which would change to heavy bleeding, as well as cramping and contraction-like pain) He said the major "gushing" bleeding (tmi, sorry) should only last an hour or two and then I would experience something like a "normal period". He also told me what should not happen (needing more than 2 pads in an hour, fever over 101 and frequent vomiting) and to contact the office if i experienced any of these symptoms.
Well, that evening his prediction held true and I began experiencing the tell-tale signs of miscarriage. I was experiencing bleeding similar to a period and I was hoping the worst would soon be over. I went to bed hoping to be able to get some sleep through the cramping. around 1:30 -2 am I was awakened by intense abdominal pain. I went into the bathroom and realized my bleeding had increased drastically. While sitting on the toilet I felt a "gush". I don't want to be too graphic but lets say it was a lot more than what the Dr had referred to as "normal". I went back to bed thinking it would pass shortly as he said, but needed to go back to the bathroom about 15 minutes later to prevent a" mess".
It continued on like that until around 4:30 when I barely made it back to the bedroom before passing out. I was awakened by Christopher shaking me vigorously. I asked him to help me back to the restroom again feeling the need as I was "leaking" onto my pajamas. After practically carrying me into the restroom, I passed out onto the floor next to the toilet. At this point Christopher decided it was time to go the ER. I told him I didn't want to go but he refused to let me talk him out of it, so we informed TJ where we were going and asked him to listen for Mackenzie and keep an eye on her.
After getting the ER and through triage, an ER Dr preformed an exam and informed me he would be contacting my OB about doing a D&C because of my extreme blood loss. This is what I was afraid of. I had a fear of having this procedure done because of the side affects I have heard it can cause, including the inability have a healthy pregnancy.
Once I was admitted and moved to the OB unit (where every woman who is miscarrying wants to be, seeing all the beautiful, healthy newborns) We waited for my OB to come and talk to me.
He informed me he felt a D&C was necessary due to my bleeding being uncontrolled and still continuing at a rapid rate. I inquired about my concerns about wanting more children and the damage this procedure might cause. He calmed my nerves to an extent saying he had preformed this for many miscarriages and he had not had a patient have those kinds of complications due to the surgery.
Still feeling uneasy about the surgery as well as experiencing feelings of loss, in addition to the new information that I would be receiving a spinal block for the procedure ( I'm terrified of needles, especially in my back) needless to say I was a crying, sobbing mess on my way to the ER. The nurse transporting me did his best to calm me on the way and even began witnessing to me on our way to the elevator. ( God has a way of letting you know He's there)
The procedure went fine and I was able to go home around 7 pm, not in any real pain, besides my lower back where I received the spinal block. I am now beginning the process of emotional healing and acceptance of my loss and pray for God's hand upon me and my family.
Thank you to all who have prayed and are praying for me and my family through this time, it is greatly appreciated.

2 comments:

Christin said...

Liz, I am so sorry. I'm sitting here in tears over the stress and loss you've had to face. And because the images of bleeding and hospital ER's brings back hard memories of my own.

I will be praying for you my cousin. I wish we were closer during this time so I could help bring you dinner or babysit Mackenzie.

Love,
Christin

..... said...

so sorry Liz, I had no idea you were going through this. take care. I'll pray for you - this can't be easy :(