Argh... a missed opportunity to inform :-(

[angelical]

I was just reading the website for KDKA-TV (pittsburgh) and noticed a story about pregnancy and older women. While they did mention some of the symptoms of pree, they didn't take the opportunity to inform women of even its name.

Here's the note I'm writing to the medical reporter:

I just read the article on kdka.com about pregnancy and older women. (http://kdka.com/doctors_paul_and_maria/local_story_076161849.html)

I was disappointed to see that you didn't include the name of disease that causes "dangerously high blood pressure with swelling, which could lead to an early C-section": preeclampsia. This disease affects up to 12% of all pregnancies and is the leading cause of maternal and neonatal death worldwide; however, NO ONE knows about it. Those of us who have experienced preeclampsia and HELLP are saddened when opportunities are missed to inform women about the dangers of this disease. In many cases, mine included, it is missed by "specialists"; women need to know as MUCH about it as possible so they can help themselves.

My son was born at 28 weeks gestation via emergency c-section, because I developed severe preeclampsia and HELLP Syndrome. The Preeclampsia Foundation (www.preeclampsia.org) is an excellent source for information about this disease and its affects on women (young and old) and babies.

I hope that you will use your unique situation, as part of a news team, to inform women about this disease. You could reach so many women!



Golly it frustrates me to see missed opportunities. Oh well, at least they mentioned the symptoms to a small degree.

Sharel

------------------------
Sharel O'Connell
Local coordinator for Pittsburgh area
'Parents of Preemies' co-moderator
Survivor of Preeclampsia, HELLP Syndome, & preemie parenting
Future adoptive mom

Aaron (28 weeker, 5/2/02)
Kevin - DH

[julie f]

Go Sharel!

Julie (27)
Zachary James, 7/22/03-7/27/03, born at 26wks - severe pe

Southern California Coordinator