Here are some of the more dramatic pics from my hospital stay. For those of you who have not heard....Our "big day" was far more dramatic than any of us had planned (or wished) for.
My neighbor rushed me to the hospital Sunday afternoon because I was experiencing extreme pain---which turned out to be because my placenta was seperating from the uterus. Bryce arrived just in time to join me in the operating room for an emergency C-section. It seemed to be a pretty sucessful proceedure. A few hours after the operation, I started to feel "off" (I won't bore you with all of the details). Long story short---it turns out that I was experiencing an "Amniotic fluid embolism"---which basicly means that amniotic fluid had leaked into my system. Most women are not allerigc to this, but for those of us who are it is very serious. This lead me to go into what is called D.I. C. (disseminated intravascular caogulation). I went into cardiac arrest, they went back into my c-section inscision in order to stop bleeding and many other fun things.
When it was all said and done, they had replaced my blood volume two times over. I was also filled with so many fluids that I weighed over 220 pounds. Very attractive. 
Sorry if this is too graphic for some of you---
Here's my belly. Ironically--I was able to go the entire pregnancy without gaining a single stretch mark. Now, instead of stretch marks---I have the T
Regardless of all of the marks (some permanent, some not)---I am so lucky to be alive. I know that my survival had a lot to do with the exceptional care that I recieved. I also know that a big part of it was due to all of the love, thoughts, prayers and fasting that went on for me. There is no way to convey my gratitude for everyone---but I am truly touched by all of the love that carried us through this time.
7 comments:
Oops.
Deleted that last post on on accident.
I'm so happy to know you and baby Oliver are doing better and I can't tell you how relieved I am to see that you are posting on your blog.
Fascinating photos. Good God!
I know that I have only known you for a short while, but I feel like I have known you for many many years. You are an amazing person and such a tale to tell sweet Oliver. xoxo.
Susan, Bryce, and Oliver,
I want you all to know I'm thinking of you and I think Oliver is so damn darling. I cannot wait to meet him and hug you and Bryce. I am truly amazed by your story and I honor all of your courage and I hope you continue with such strength and beauty. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Enjoy being this sweet boy's momma!
Oliver is beautiful! I can't imagine what you guys have been through. It's wonderful that you can finally spend some time at home with your beautiful baby and be well and healthy. I have been thinking about you guys so much. i'm glad to hear things are going well now. love to you. bethany
I am an AFE Survivor, too! Have you found our on-line support group yet? I didn't go to check the membership to see if you had joined, but the URL is http://afesupport.proboards88.com/ and our old group (to read the archives) is http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/amnioticfluidembolism/
Your first name sort of rings a bell - I think you might already have found us.
I had my husband come and look at the picture of you in ICU and asked him if I had looked like that. It choked him up as he said I looked exactly like that. I was only in ICU for about 24 hours. No one took a picture. I'd no idea how traumatic it looked!
Glad you're recovering and your little guy is beautiful
I am so happy for ya'll. A baby briings you more joy than you can imagine; until you experience it first hand. I wish ya'll the best in the years to come. It only gets better from here! xoxo
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