by annegarrett » Mon Dec 29, 2003 11:09 am
Update: I spoke with the family and this is what I learned.
Marianna was 39 and had been trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant for seven years. She was over the moon with this pregnancy. She was 7 1/2 mths pregnant and had been followed as high risk (because of her age and her trouble conceiving). Her husband was at home when she seized and took her to the hospital in Phoenix. I know the doctor who treated her. He is a very fine doctor. Apparently it was an extremely bad case and she died within two weeks. Her baby--a girl--was delivered and is in NICU but they believe she suffered from extensive brain damage and do not hold much hope for her.
Her family commented to me that the website was a great help but wondered if the women who wrote the stories had any idea how lucky they were to "walk away" from this disease. I think it important that we remember that--despite our trauma and huge losses--there are woman who do not walk away. We owe it to them to spread the word and keep this work going. We owe it to our children. We owe it to ourselves.
This is the third woman that I know of that we have lost this month. If you are pregnant--do not take any chances with your care--be sure to go in if there is something that doesn't feel right.
Please remember her by being strong about your care and insisting you get fully checked every time you go. Our hearts go out to this family, especially during this holiday season. If you wish to contribute in memory of Marianna or another woman who has died from preeclampsia or eclampsia--please click on our homepage Donate button and follow the links.
Take good care--
Anne Garrett
Executive Director
Preeclampsia Foundation