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Babies: 0 - 3 Months
Had my baby...and an emergency hysterectomy
I had my daughter two weeks ago today. It was a crazy birth complete with rushing to the hospital and nearly delivering her on the side of the road. Luckily, I made it to the hospital, but didn't even have my hospital bracelet on before pushing. By the time I was rushed into a l&d room, I was ready to start pushing! 2 or 3 pushes later and she was here! I don't think I've ever felt so much pain, but seeing my beautiful daughter made every bad contraction worth it.
Unfortunately, I had trouble delivering the placenta. After the docs unsuccessfully tried to manually extract it, they suggested I get a D&C so they could remove it. Because I didn't have an epidural during the birth, their attempts were painful for me. I was hesitant to leave my daughter so soon after her birth, but they assured me the surgery would only last 30-60 minutes and I would quickly be reunited with my baby. I was rolled into surgery and given anesthesia.
THe next thing I remember, I was woken up by the doctors/nurses and told they had tried to save my uterus, but had to perform an emergency hysterectomy. I had lost 2.5 liters of blood and would have bled to death had they not removed my uterus. I was in complete shock. I was even more shock when I saw the clock - I was in surgery for almost 6 hours!! I had a rare condition called placenta accreta where the placenta firmly attaches to the uterine wall and doesn't easily detach during birth. It's nearly impossible to separate and almost always results in a hysterectomy. Luckily, I still have my ovaries so I won't go through menopause.
i know I should be thankful for the docs saving my life and I am, but I can't help but mourn my loss. We were leaning towards having a third child, but were still on the fence. I just would have loved to make the choice myself. Also, I can't lift my older daughter for 2 months! I keep thinking it will get easy, but I have an 8-inch vertical incision going up and down my stomach to remind me:(
Sorry for the Debbie Downer post, I just needed to get it out. If you've made it this far, thanks for listening. It feels good just to type this...
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Re: Had my baby...and an emergency hysterectomy
First of all: Congrats on your baby girl!!
I am so sorry for your loss... I can't imagine what you are going through. I'm so happy that they saved your life, but I do understand what a loss the surgery was for you. I can only say that with time, I'm sure it will get easier.
I love you siggy pic., btw:)
wow...just wow. I am so happy that you and baby are OK....but of COURSE you are mourning. I would be too.
concentrate on that baby...good luck : /
Congrats on the birth of your DD and I am so sorry about your loss as well.
A friend recently had an emergency hysterectomy after delivering a still born at 34 weeks. Unfortunately this would have been her first child so now they have to mourn the loss of their option to have a bio child in addition to the actual loss of their baby.
Be happy you have two beautiful DDs ... and if you still want a third, adoption is always a possibility, my DS is adopted and just as loved as DD (our bio baby).
I agree, congrats on your baby girl!
Also, my heart breaks for what you went through. I imagine that was a very scary time for you and your family. Best wishes on a physical and emotional recovery.
Thanks for the positive vibes, everyone!
csnell - I, too, hope your last D&C resolves everything for you! Did you know you had placenta accreta before your labor?
csnell - I, too, hope your last D&C resolves everything for you! Did you know you had placenta accreta before your labor? .......
I had no idea, but it was scary. If you ever need someone to talk to I will listen anyday.
Congrats on your baby!
Also, sorry for your loss. I would feel the same way in your situation.
Wow, I teared up reading your story! I've had placenta issues with both of my pregnancies, but that is so so scary. I don't blame you for mourning the loss of future bio children - I would be doing the same thing.
Congrats on your daughter, though - I'm so happy you're both well and safe!
I am so sorry, that must be incredibly rough. Have you spoken with the psychologist at the hospital? I totally understand your situation in terms of the recovery. I wish you a speedy recovery so that you can enjoy your children to the fullest very soon.
I broke both of my ankles last Saturday in an accident and I won't be able to walk for months. It breaks my heart that I can't hold my two year old also so I totally feel your pain. I am not sure how long you will be in the hospital but we found that sticker books were a good clean activity for dd at the hospital. Also we got her a little doctor kit (i.e. stethascope, clip board for doctor notes, etc.) and she really likes to mimic the doctors and take care of mommy. Your daughter may enjoy this too.
I am so sorry. You have every right to mourn this loss and it doesn't take away from the obvious joy you have from your beautiful daughter. Yes, you are grateful for your children, and yes, you can adopt in the future, but that doesn't mean you need to suck it up and get over it.
My close friend had this happen too after baby #1 and I feel so awful because adoption and surrogacy are so expensive not options for her right now. And I feel extra guilty because this almost happened to me...I had to have a D&C because my placenta wouldn't detach, but they were able to save my uterus. My OB said that it is likely I'll have a hysterectomy after this next baby and I'm scared. But being pregnant again around her has to be hurtful and it just sucks all the way around.
Thanks again for all of your thoughts - it really does help!
Eurochick - that's awful about your ankles! Especially with two young kids! How long will you be in the hospital? Do you have all the support you need to take care of your kids? I'm so so sorry.
Thankfully, I was only in the hospital for 5 days and have been home for just over a week now. I'm going to take your suggestions for ways to play with my older daughter.
I hope you have a speedy recovery! I'm sure we'll be carrying around our girls before we know it!
Raya - I'm so sorry you went through a similar situation, but so happy your doctors were able to save your uterus. Hopefully you'll be just as lucky this time around. And you shouldn't feel guilty! Of course what your friend is going through is awful, but I'm sure she only wishes you and your family the best and is happy you're able to expand your family. good luck throughout your pregnancy and delivery!