Damsel in Distress

Posted On Tuesday, November 16, 2010  by Ty

At 26 weeks pregnant, I nervously walk into my doctor’s office around 4 pm for an emergency appointment I scheduled the night before. See, for the past few weeks walking had become difficult due to the amount of swelling in my feet. I typically wear a size 8 in shoes however the week previously I purchased a size 10 wide, no lace shoe, just so my feet could fit comfortably. Of course I discussed my concerns with coworkers, friends, and family but the response I received was that “swelling was normal” along with pregnancy stories of wobbly swollen feet. But I was only 26 weeks. Is this much swelling really normal this early? Well as I did some research I determined that something was not right, so there I was waiting in the lobby.  When my name was called I took a urine test, stepped on the scale, and had my blood pressure checked. That was all routine. The nurse, however, repeatedly took my blood pressure and hurried to my mid-wife. My mid-wife told me that the swelling, the disturbing amount of protein in my urine, and the off the charts blood pressure were symptoms of preeclampsia.  I needed to head to the emergency room immediately; there was potential that I could have seizures. She also applauded me for being knowledgeable enough to come into the office because waiting for my monthly appointment would have been detrimental to me and/or my baby. 

So as I let all this information process I slowly began to panic. I called my boyfriend, parents, and brother for emotional support. My boyfriend met me at the hospital where I was immediately hooked up to an IV and then placed on magnesium sulfate which is supposed to prevent seizures. My doctor, who was already at the hospital delivering a baby, explained the severity of my condition and mentioned that he would be monitoring me over night. The next day I was told that I was not getting any better, and that both my baby and I were beginning to go into distress; therefore I would need to deliver my baby thru C-section. I was booked for surgery the following morning and had my baby girl, Tanasia. The first sight of my baby was amazing, she was so tiny and oh so precious.

Delivery definitely was not the end of my hospital ordeal; my blood pressure remained high and the swelling was still severe, so I was not released for at least three days. I was discharged without my baby; she had to stay in NICU since she was premature. I drove to see her twice a day for 24 days. Tanasia passed away on the 24th day but her memory will forever be with me.