Thursday, May 29, 2008

Pre-E

What a difference a day makes.

I'm typing to you all from a hospital bed. Pre-Eclampsia.

Here's my whole story.

Essentially, I'd had no swelling or heartburn throughout my pregancy until last Friday. Last Friday, my feet got puffy. Not crazy puffy, but puffy. I figured it was just normal pregnancy swelling.

Tuesday I got "heartburn." It was pretty bad heartburn, but you know, again.. I'm pregnant. Suck it up and move on.

Tuesday night I went to bed and slept about an hour, then had to pee (of course).
After getting up and trying to go back to bed my stomach really hurt again. I was up most of the night pretty miserable.

Ate some breakfast, ate some tums, drank some milk, managed to get about 2 hours of sleep before work. At one point I started to dry heave and finally threw up a little bit of stomach acid.

I considered calling in because I REALLY didn't feel good, but decided I was silly to miss work over some heartburn and things are crazy at work, so just go on.

Was pretty uncomfortable most of the day. I sipped some water and managed to eat a fruit cup, but that was about it.

In the afternoon, I felt a little better and thought maybe it had passed.

Just before I got off work I started to feel cruddy again.

I was talking to a friend on a message board who had HELLP and delivered her daughter quite early and she was encouraging me to call the doctor. I told her if it continued to the next day, I'd call. But I was really expecting them to tell me that I was pregnant and heartburn was normal- I'll feel better in 14 weeks.

I compromised and decided to go by a BP cuff and see what it said.
It kept coming back REALLY high- like 170/105. But as you know, I'm a fat girl and the cuff is small. I figured it just wouldn't take right.

During the night, I felt sort of so-so but not HORRIBLE, managed to eat some chicken noodle soup and do okay.

Slept a few hours, woke about 9am this morning and felt pretty darned good. I thought *phew* that's over. Then I rolled over.

WHAM! Pain again. More "heartburn."

I thought of my friend and decided to call. Still thinking they were going to tell me I was crazy, of course.

I called and the nurse answered. I told her that I was 26w pregnant & had what amounted to the worst stomach ache I'd ever had (and I had an ulcer when I was 18, so it was pretty bad.) I told her that I really didn't have any swelling to speak of- my feet are a little puffy, but "I'm not going to die of Pre-E in the next 12 hours or anything." (Yes. That's what I said. Aren't I funny?)

She hemmed & hawed a little bit, and asked if I had happened to take my BP. I told her about the cuff. She said she thought I ought to come in. Be there in an hour.
When I got there, the nurse took me back and took my blood pressure- Twice.

I knew by the look on her face it wasn't good.

"Is it high?" I asked.

"Yes."

"How high?"

"168 over 105."

"Oh. That's HIGH."

"yeah, that's REALLY high."

She left saying that Krystin would be right in. Krystin is a NP.

About 45 seconds later, my doctor popped in and said "Hey girl, what are you doing?" I figured she saw me as she walked passed and came to say hi.

I said "Well, I've got a really bad stomach ache and apparently my BP is really high."

She replied "yes. And you're spilling a TON of protein into your urine."

She didn't have to say more. I knew.

I got quiet and said "Oh. So. Pre-E, then?" I was crestfallen, but still a little unsure where that left me.

She nodded.

I said "Now what?" Then I started to cry.

She told me that I was not to do anything else but was to go directly to a local hospital- NOT my hospital. When I clarified which hospital she meant, she explained I needed to go to the hospital with the best NICU.

Oh.

Then she said words that will probably haunt me forever. "Hold on. I want to go check and see if we should send you by ambulance."

Wow. Ambulance.

Ambulance is serious. Ambulance is scary. Surely I don't need an ambulance.

She left. I cried some more.

I called my husband. He was on his way to a meeting with his boss in the city car. Fortunately his boss is a helluva guy and had him drop him at the meeting promising he'd find a way back to work. David headed to the hospital.

I called a friend who is 10 weeks more pregnant than me and was talking to her when Dr. G popped her head in and asked if I was talking to my husband and if he could come get me.
My friend volunteered to come and I accepted.

They laid me back on the table and I waited.

While I waited for my ride, Dr. G brought me a copy of my records and told me everything was set up. The hospital was expecting me.

When I got the hospital, my husband met me in the waiting room. he'd already set things up at the desk.

They got me signed in and into a room. High risk L&D.

Nurses came. IVs were placed. Blood was taken. Doctors came.

In the end, I got a shot of steroids, a drip of magnesium to keep me from seizing, a saline drip & a baby & contraction monitor.


The daytime resident was not one to sugar coat. Her best case scenario was that I make it 48 hours- long enough for the steroids to work. She informed me that my "heartburn" was actually my liver hurting.

I went to perinatology for an u/s. The baby looks great. Weighing in at 1 lb 12 oz with good blood flow. Would be great for a 26 weeker if only the placenta supplying it with life was slowly poisoning its mom.

My blood pressures have been mostly in the 160s & 170s over the 90s. My latest one was 172/100. They went to call the resident. I guess that 100 mark scares them.

They tell me that my liver levels are elevated but not severely. My protein is a +3. Something hemo-something is very concentrated. I am considered severe pre-eclampsic.

The perionatologist visited this evening. He said I could get very sick and deliver tonight. Or I could linger like this for 6 weeks. He said average, he'd guess 1-3 weeks. Even another week would mean a lot.

My husband is with me. They left a bed for him.

I feel pretty okay, to be honest. I have a headache from crying off and on all day. But my stomach feels pretty good. I'm on clear liquids only so that may be why.

I'm in as good of spirits as possible, I think. I don't see much option but optimism at this point.

I've made a lot of jokes about jinxing myself by ordering maternity clothes or planning a drug free birth.

I'll be getting a classic, full anesthesia C-section instead. And I suppose I'll return the maternity clothes to Old Navy. Not much need for them when the hospital supplies beautiful, comfortable gowns.

At this point- we wait and see. I've got an extremely classy bedside cammode. They collect my pee for 24 hours and I guess we re-evaluate then.

If you're the praying type- even if you're not, please pray. Pray for lower blood pressure and no more protein. Pray we can stay pregnant another week. Another two. Anything.

Baby C is severely undercooked and as excited as I am to meet him or her, I promise I can wait a little longer.


--Trish

34 comments:

Osh said...

I have been praying nonstop as has everybody that I know...A lot of people that read my blog also read yours and I put a blurb out to send prayers...you are covered in cheese land to and beyond, from coast to coast and all over the world. I bet Mr Johnny Depp has some good thoughts as well...lol...
Beer and I had our bags and antlers packed to come and take our show on the road for you...we are only 6-7 hours away and you know we will be there. You are closer than a sister ever could be to me, and I love you and baby C(olleen) so much.
Love to David too.

Anonymous said...

I don't usually comment but always read your blog. I'm roughly at the same stage as you (27 weeks today) and have been feeling all the same fears as you have each week. I've also had several losses and i really understand how terrified you've been. I also understand all the jinx stuff! In the early days I couldn't mention the pregnancy without saying 'jinx jinx jinx' in my head imediately after! Sometimes even out loud!!Anyway...i just wanted to say that my thoughts are with you (and Baby C) and i'm hoping so much that your protein levels/BP goes down (or don't get higher) and that the little one doesn't make a surprise arrival too soon. Rest up, keep your sense of humour and breath. Thats all you can do. Try to stay as positive as you can and take comfort in the fact we're all rooting for you... thinking of you Mel x

MrsABC said...

There are so many people praying for you and your little precious baby. My God hold you both in the palm of his hand.

Mrs. Shoes said...

Oh I am so very sorry you are having to experience this. I am definitely praying for you and baby and DH.

Maria (MKC101103) said...

Oh Trish, you've been in my thoughts and prayers. Whenever you have the time, keep us updated. We're all very anxious for your "still pregnant!" post :)

Anonymous said...

*hugs* keep hanging in there!!!

Heidi said...

I'm sending all the stay put baby and get better Trish vibes I can your way.

((hugs))

Anonymous said...

Good Luck sweetie... you are in my thoughts and prayers!!!

AwkwardMoments said...

definately praying for you

Danielle said...

Big Hugs for you and BabyC!

Jenn said...

You are too kind to think of updating all of your friends at a time like this. I have been praying and thinking about you constantly. Take care of you and baby C. Let David take care of himself right now. ;)

Fat Girl said...

Oh Trish! I am the praying type and I will be praying for you! I'm sorry this is happening. I know you are probably scared, but it sounds like you are in good hands. I hope you have to stay in the hospital long enough that you know all the staff by name and are bored out of your mind (i.e. the baby has a chance to cook til he/she's good and ready!).

Malloryn said...

I'm praying for you, Trish. I hope you can hang in there for a few more weeks. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Amber said...

I am most definitely keeping you in my thoughts and prayers (*keeping* you there because since your BFP you've never *not been there). I'm glad you're feeling better and keeping optimistic. Keep us posted!

xo,
Amber
(aka Sticky "SomethingChangd")

Robyn said...

I'll be praying for you, the baby, and your hubby! Cook a little longer baby!

Busted said...

Keeping all of you in my thoughts, and hoping your little one can stay in there as long as possible. So sorry you have to go through this.

Anonymous said...

Trish, hang in there, you and Baby C are doing so well under the circumstances. Thinking of and praying for you. Take care and stay well :)

tryingin2007 said...

OH!!!! TRISH! I cannot believe it! I nearly fell off my desk chair reading your post. you poor thing. (((big hug)))

so you sit tight, stay strong and keep growing baby c inside of you. and please try to stay optimistic. I'm thinking of you and sending tons and TONS of positive and healthy vibes.

p

Anonymous said...

Trish,

I have been reading your blog for quite a while now, but rarely ever comment. You and Baby C are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that your blood pressure and protein levels will lower and Baby C will "cook" safely inside for another couple weeks.

Ashley

Anonymous said...

Soooo many prayers are headed your way. ((hugs))

Kristen said...

Oh my goodness, I just checked in and saw this. Please know you and baby are in my prayers. I pray he or she can cook as long as possible and that you are feeling better soon.

All my love to you! XOXO

Anonymous said...

oooooooh trish! you are in my thoughts, friend. please be well. i'll twist myself into a pretzel if baby c will promise to come out healthy.

silvashan said...

Trish, I keep up with your blog regularly and am sending all my prayers your way. I will pray for you like I have never prayed before. Stay in there baby C. And a wish for calm, healthy days for you Trish.

god bless.

Ariella said...

I will pray non-stop to. My reaction upon starting the blog was "fuck, fuck oh FUCK!" Seriously this SUCKS. Love to baby C and your family

lltanderson said...

i found your story on lost and found...i'm praying hard for you and your wee one, girl.

wishing you health and happiness...

Janna said...

Keeping you all in my prayers!! Please stay in there little one!!!

S said...

Prayers said for that little baby to cook a little longer. I just found your blog but you and your baby will be in my thoughts!

All About Amelia said...

trish -
we are praying for you over here! stay put little baby! lots of hugs to you!

Stephanie said...

I'm sending tons and tons of prayers your way!

andrea said...

I am saying lots of prayers for you and your family. You are in my thoughts.

andrea (bride-to-be2005) from the sticky board

andrea said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mrs. Spit said...

Praying. Thinking of you. It's a hard ride, this pre-e. Hang in there. You'll get adjusted to the mag and the labatelol and peeing in a jar.

Jenn said...

Trish, nothing but prayers and good thoughts for you guys!

AngelsAmid said...

I've been saying lots of prayers for you & your little one!