Sagittal Sinus Thrombosis Anyone?

MIZZOU527 · June 2014

I know this I don't post on here much, but I wanted to add my story to see if anyone else experienced some of the craziness I went through. I know it is extremely rare, (5 in 1,000,000 people per year) but thought I'd try. It all started with the birth of Miss Morgan Marie. (Induced...5 hours of labor...born at 12:13 pm...7 lbs14.9 oz...21 in...TONS of hair!) When I got the epidural, the anesthesiologist realized I had a really shallow epidural space. Because of this, he punctured the dura and said to expect a spinal headache. We left the hospital on Wednesday and returned on Thursday to get the first blood patch. When the headache returned, we returned again on Friday to get the second blood patch. The anesthesiologist said blood patches work 90% of the time on the first try and 99% of the time for the second one. After an ultrasound on my back, It was determined that I have spina bifida occulta which is just a shortening of the epidural space. We went back home after the second blood patch and I had some relief for a little while. Then on Sunday, because my headache was still severe, we ended up going into the ER and having an MRI and bloodwork. I was given more pain meds and sent home. Monday night we were watching a movie and my right hand went numb, then the right side of my face, and then I suddenly couldn't form words. My mom told my husband to call 911 and I got a ride to the ER in the ambulance. Once there, I had a CT scan and it was determined that I had a blood clot between the lobes of my brain. This is very rare but can happen after pregnancy among other possible causes. I was taken up to ICU and stayed there for two days (including my birthday). My dad even flew in. I was then moved to neurology and stayed there for four days. During this time, I had another MRI which they had to knock me out because I am apparently claustrophobic. I had 2 EEGs because I was still having episodes of speech problems. Turns out, I was having seizures from the congestion in my brain due to the clot. I am on blood thinners (in pill and injection form) and, will be on them for at least 3 months, as well as anti seizure meds for a short time. Thankfully my mom was there to take care of all three kids...including the 1 week old, so my husband could stay with me in the hospital. I'm wondering if anyone else had anything like this. It's been almost a month and I'm either fine, or doing too much and seem to wear down FAST. I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with this and we could bounce tips things off each other to get through this. TIA and Happy Thursday!

mrsbtobe20122 · June 2014

No advice, sorry this happened-- how scary! Get well soon!

apinkpelican · June 2014

Oh my gosh- so scary. Glad you are on the mend!

Nikkipal82 · June 2014

Goodness, what a story! I'm glad you're doing better. I had a blood clot in the vein outside my liver a few years ago, so I can relate to being on blood thinners, but that's it. I just finished doing lovenox injections after 42 weeks of it during preg and after. They suck, but there are worse things. Hopefully they can regulate your oral meds soon enough so you won't need injections too. Also, I have spent my birthday in the ICU before. This may sound childish, but I made sure the next year I had an AMAZING birthday since I spent the one prior to it on death's door. Ok, this reply is getting long. I'm sorry you have been through so much since the birth of your LO!