Canadians, where are you?

[myfreckleface]

I've been so busy lately that I don't have much time online anymore. I was kind of hoping someone else would start a Canadian thread. Canucks, where are you?

Pre-E
HELLP
30 weeker
mother of a rambunctious two year old

[marlita]

I'm here :D I don't log on here much but every now and then I stop by to see if any of *us* are here ;)

Marla
Janessa Belén 09/02/01 (31 weeker - pre-e/IUGR)
marlita@sympatico.ca

[tracey]

I'm here too!

Tracey
mother to angel Ila Elizabeth (February 6, 2004), 25w2d

[matts_mom]

another canadian from bc... :)

andrea(35)
dh reg(52)
matthew-born Feb 6, 2004, at 34 weeks due to hellp syndrome (4lbs 10 ounces)

[carolh]

Hi Canadian ladies -

I've recently taken on the role of helping to coordinate groups who are interested in starting a 'chapter' in their state or region. Sounds like all of you are excited to get something started in Canada. If so, we don't currently have a regional coordinator in your area.

Who would like to become the 'official' coordinator of record? It's possible to have 2 co-coordinators if that fits your needs better. Here's the scoop: the coordinator will be the key contact person and will basically organize/lead the group's activities, communicate with the members in your area, and be the liaison to myself and the national office. In determing who is best to take on the role, consider what time you have available to commit and whether you feel comfortable being in a leading role. We currently have 15 states/regions in the U.S. represented and are thrilled to add more passionate ladies to our circle!

Once you determine who will be the coordinator(s), I'll set up a phone call with that person(s) to get some information and to answer any questions. If we're comfortable with everything and we all agree to move forward, I will send you some coordinator documents and the list of registered members in your area for you to make contact with.

Looking forward to hearing from you all!
Carol


Carol Hamilton, Pharm.D.
Michigan Coordinator
Director of Chapter Development
Ann Arbor

[dohertyab]

Hi. I just found this site and would like to say hello. I'm now 5 weeks pregnant with #3. My first pregnancy was twins and I developed class 2 hellp at 28 weeks and the girls were born at 29 weeks. They're 3 now and absolutely fine! I don't have any health issues due to hellp (slightly higher BP, but still within normal and not on meds). I've just moved to Burlington, Ontario and have a GP who was not involved with my first pregnancy. I did see Dr. Windrim at Mt. Sinai and have no underlying condition to complicate this pregnancy.

What I was wondering was if for subsequent pregnancies people saw their GP or did they strictly use a specialist? I have my first apt in 10 days and I'm not sure what to suggest to my GP. Is there a good specialist in Hamilton? Driving for regular visits to TO while juggling work, 3 year old twins, and a husband working in Kitchener isn't really what I'd call a calm pregnancy.

Suggestions of people or how to handle a subsequent pregnancy would be appreciated.

[carolh]

Hi dohertyab -

You may want to post under the 'Ask the Experienced' section of the Forum. There is more traffic in that section and many will see your message. There are many women in the PF who have had similar experiences and can give you their input.

Personally, I switched from the regular OB that I had with my first pregnancy to a high risk perinatologist who specializes in PE for my other 2 pregnancies. However, the severe PE that I suddenly developed at 24 weeks with my first pregnancy resulted in us losing our daughter. As such, we felt we definitely needed to be seen by a specialist so he could advise us properly on future pregnancies and give us the expert care we needed when we did get pregnant again. Thankfully, we now have 2 beautiful children and our confidence in getting through each experience (which did result in PE each time) was a direct result of having a wonderful doctor.

Welcome to the Foundation and good luck with #3!!!!!!!!!!!!

Carol

Carol Hamilton, Pharm.D.
Michigan Coordinator
Director of Chapter Development
Ann Arbor

[godsgrace]

HA this is awesome that there are some canucks on this web site. Im constantly crawling thru the web pages of PF but i never came across this thread... it came up in a google search for a PF in canada like number 3 on the list! ha! coolies

Anyways im Amber, im 21 :o) im from Abbotsford BC, im married to Paul whos 23 and we have a baby girl Grace i think i have all her info im my signature line.

Just wanted to say hi.

HI


Mommy to Grace Lillian - January 20th 2004, 31 weeks 1 day @ 2lbs 13oz - severe complications due to PE

[canada1]

Hi Everyone!

I don't stop in too often! My name is Stephanie and I'm in Eastern Ontario. My son Graeme was born at 31 weeks and is almost 2 now! And we're starting to think about #2, but I'm terrified of the possibility of another premature baby. We've just moved and I'm trying to get a new doctor, but I'm sure you know what that's like!!

It's great to see other Canadians here! Is anyone interested in leading a Canadian chapter? I'd be interested perhaps. I can't believe the number of women I meet who haven't heard of PE! It's scary. Definitely think some attention to it is needed here in Canada as well.

Stephanie

Stephanie
&
Graeme 12-16-02 (born at 31 weeks due to preeclampsia - 3 lbs. 2 oz.)

[carolh]

Hi Stephanie -

Last week I spoke with a woman in Hamilton, Ontario who is also interested in starting a group. If you're interested as well, email me directly and we can talk. I need input from the national office regarding the issues/implications of groups outside the U.S. Just want to make sure I've considered everything before we go forward.

It's exciting to see more chatter from our northern neighbor!

Carol

Carol Hamilton, Pharm.D.
Michigan Coordinator
Director of Chapter Development
Ann Arbor