There are a lot of emotions flowing at our house currently. Some of them we don't know quite how to express yet, but we are extremely humbled by the events that took place on Friday July 17, 2009.
I had been scheduled for an induction that morning and eagerly awoke not wasting much time in calling the hospital to see what time they wanted to start. They asked that we come as soon as we were ready! A and I got dressed and arrived at the hospital shortly after 7:00 am and were escorted to room 515. Our nurse, Katie Miller greeted us and began to prepare for the expected labor process.
Labor was progressing steadily and there were no concerns when Dr. Rees checked me and broke my water shortly before 2:00pm. I had progressed to 6 cm and knew that Baby I would soon be with us!
A and I were watching a movie to help the time progress when I started to cough and couldn't seem to catch my breath. "What's the matter?" asked A.
"I can't breathe" I whispered.
A immediately pushed the button for the nurse and informed her I was having trouble breathing. Katie came quickly with two others in tow. I remember her entering my room and asking what was wrong. As I responded, I tried to grab the left bed rail for support in pulling myself up a bit.
From that point on, things get a little fuzzy. I am told that I collapsed and was not responding to stimuli. A doesn't recall how Katie called for help, but within seconds, the room was full of hospital staff frantically searching for a pulse, respiratory signs, etc. Any sign of life! Chest compressions were started and more chaos ensued.
The staff knew I was in grave danger and quick action was needed to save both the baby and myself. They rushed me from the laboring room to the OR on the floor and began preparations for an emergency C-section. When checked, however, it was discovered that Baby I had begun to crown and would be easily retrieved with suction.
Baby I was born at 2:10 pm, just before A was allowed into the operating room.
At first, A didn't talk about what he experienced as he entered that room (and there are many fuzzy details that I'm leaving out as well.), but as we've talked together, more "drama" has come to light for both of us.
I proceeded to "flat line" twice more while in the Operating Room while they were also trying to stabilize baby I. After the delivery, I continued to hemorrhage and required a total of 12 blood products and coterization of the uterine lining to stop the bleeding.
Baby I was treated by a Doctor Minton, who we now know is responsible for the start of the NICU program at our local hospital. We believe that the actions of this doctor saved the life of our little one. We will be eternally grateful for what he did!!!
Baby I was transferred to the NICU after about an hour of constant effort on the team assigned to him.
I also was transferred to the ICU after about five hours in surgery. I was very confused at this point as I only remembered not being able to focus (my eyeballs felt like they were floating seperately in their sockets.) and bright lights with lots of pain and panic.
My OB/GYN, Doctor Rees came to visit me shortly after I had been set in my ICU room (217). I am grateful for his efforts in stopping the hemorrhaging and saving my life, along with Doctor Eunice (the anesthesiologist), Doctor Knokes and so many countless others that unfortunately remain nameless.
Baby I and I were both given priesthood blessings and progressed rapidly in our recovery. We were told initially we would have an extensive hospital stay. But as the days progressed, we were quickly moved from the ICU/NICU respectively, on to the Well Baby and Mother floor to room 428.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009 we were both discharged from the hospital with the best well-wishes and no expected set backs in our future.
I was diagnosed with Amniotic-Fluid Embolism and DIC. "AFE" as it is sometimes called on the internet, has a maternal mortality rate higher than 60%! We were also told that if you do survive, only 40% make it through without complications such as organ failure, brain damage, stroke, etc.
Our family and friends prayed and fasted for us and eagerly awaited any news that A or my parents/brother could bring from the hospital. I have heard the expression: "We felt the prayers offered on our behalf" and never understood how that was possible. I know now what the prayers of many feel like. What a humbling experience it is to know that so many people love us and are willing to offer prayers in our behalf.
Miracles do indeed occur today! My family experienced several this last week and I'm sure we will continue to see many more!!!
http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/article_00e86671-ccec-5904-b806-6e3489bddc65.html
