4/15--TTC #1
12/15--IF testing
3/16--Dx Unexplained IF
Clomid + Ovidrel + IUI + Progesterone cycle
Cancelled due to cysts. Started 3 weeks of BCP.
4/16--Cute Ute! Clomid+Ovidrel+IUI+Progesterone TI.
Cancelled-no response
5/16--Hemmorhagic cyst and other cyst discovered.
No medicated cycle. MRI scheduled to rule out
septate uterus.
6/16--Septum discovered. Consultation for surgery.
Surprise BFP 6/8/16--EDD 2/13/17
Kole David--1.7.17--Tiny but Mighty, born at 34+5 after HELLP syndrome
Chart Stalk Me
February 2017 Moms
paigeed
member
Options
HELPP Syndrome--Delivering 5 weeks early
paigeed
member
I know I haven't been active on this board, I've been mostly a lurker honestly. However, I feel compelled to share a little of my story today in an attempt to help anyone who may be unsure of their symptoms and encourage you to get help.
Today I am 34+4. About 2 weeks ago (right before Christmas) I noticed a rash on my belly. It stayed for a day so I called my OB and they checked me out. We ruled out cholestasis and decided that it could be PUPPS but there was nothing more I could do. We also noticed my BP was slightly higher on the bottom than usual. 120/90 roughly. They asked that I take my BP at home twice daily and if it stayed over 90 to come in. 2 days later, the 23rd, it was. So, I came to L&D and was monitored with an NST. My BP went down, but I now had hypertension (not pre-e yet) and needed to come in if the bottom number spiked above 100. It was recommended at this point to do weekly BPPs. The 29th I did my first BPP and passed with 8/8.
Over the next week I noticed that I had this pain around the top of my bump. I really thought baby had flipped. It was uncomfortable, I couldn't sleep through it, but it went away after awhile each day. I thought either baby had flipped and was breech or my ribs were just stretching.
Tuesday I had a growth US and BPP. Everything looked perfect, even my 128/85 blood pressure!
Wednesday night that my BP was 130/100. I decided to wait till the morning to call, chalking it up to a long day. Well, my BP in the morning was 130/115. I called...got told to come in at 11:45 and that I would be monitored. Both my OB and I expected I would need BP meds but that was all. To date, I had no real symptoms. No headaches, no vision changes, no outrageous swelling or weight gain. I came in on my least swollen day, feeling slightly dizzy but ok although I did have that pain in the rib area AND my BP was 130/92. Well within their range.However, the doctor trusted me and wanted closer observation.
They monitored me and took some blood. Turns out, that rib pain I had been feeling on and off for awhile was really my liver failing. My blood platelets were extremely low and it was becoming a serious life or death situation. We live in a rural area and Flight For Life was sent to transport me to a hospital in Denver for better care. Within 6 hours I went from a normal day, to wrapped up, bedridden, flying in a helicopter to save my life as well as baby's.
Right now--I'm in the best hands and awaiting the arrival of my little one.
What I hope anyone who reads this gets from this story is to trust your instinct. YOU know your body. YOU know your normal. If something feels off, advocate for yourself. Even if you feel dumb. Your small gut feeling could mean the difference between some major life choices. HELPP and pre-eclampsia can develop so incredibly quickly that you didn't see it coming. Ultimately, looking back at the last few weeks I knew something was really changing in my body but I just wanted to believe it was due to the "terrible last month." Now I'm glad I trusted myself and called. I am also eternally grateful that my doctor trusted me and listened.If I empower just one of you, then this post was so worth it!
Today I am 34+4. About 2 weeks ago (right before Christmas) I noticed a rash on my belly. It stayed for a day so I called my OB and they checked me out. We ruled out cholestasis and decided that it could be PUPPS but there was nothing more I could do. We also noticed my BP was slightly higher on the bottom than usual. 120/90 roughly. They asked that I take my BP at home twice daily and if it stayed over 90 to come in. 2 days later, the 23rd, it was. So, I came to L&D and was monitored with an NST. My BP went down, but I now had hypertension (not pre-e yet) and needed to come in if the bottom number spiked above 100. It was recommended at this point to do weekly BPPs. The 29th I did my first BPP and passed with 8/8.
Over the next week I noticed that I had this pain around the top of my bump. I really thought baby had flipped. It was uncomfortable, I couldn't sleep through it, but it went away after awhile each day. I thought either baby had flipped and was breech or my ribs were just stretching.
Tuesday I had a growth US and BPP. Everything looked perfect, even my 128/85 blood pressure!
Wednesday night that my BP was 130/100. I decided to wait till the morning to call, chalking it up to a long day. Well, my BP in the morning was 130/115. I called...got told to come in at 11:45 and that I would be monitored. Both my OB and I expected I would need BP meds but that was all. To date, I had no real symptoms. No headaches, no vision changes, no outrageous swelling or weight gain. I came in on my least swollen day, feeling slightly dizzy but ok although I did have that pain in the rib area AND my BP was 130/92. Well within their range.However, the doctor trusted me and wanted closer observation.
They monitored me and took some blood. Turns out, that rib pain I had been feeling on and off for awhile was really my liver failing. My blood platelets were extremely low and it was becoming a serious life or death situation. We live in a rural area and Flight For Life was sent to transport me to a hospital in Denver for better care. Within 6 hours I went from a normal day, to wrapped up, bedridden, flying in a helicopter to save my life as well as baby's.
Right now--I'm in the best hands and awaiting the arrival of my little one.
What I hope anyone who reads this gets from this story is to trust your instinct. YOU know your body. YOU know your normal. If something feels off, advocate for yourself. Even if you feel dumb. Your small gut feeling could mean the difference between some major life choices. HELPP and pre-eclampsia can develop so incredibly quickly that you didn't see it coming. Ultimately, looking back at the last few weeks I knew something was really changing in my body but I just wanted to believe it was due to the "terrible last month." Now I'm glad I trusted myself and called. I am also eternally grateful that my doctor trusted me and listened.If I empower just one of you, then this post was so worth it!
Re: HELPP Syndrome--Delivering 5 weeks early
Me: 37 - H: 39
TTC#1: 01/2016
BFP: 06/18/2016 - EDD: 02/20/2017 - Born: 01/27/2017
First BFP: 12/16/13
EDD: 08/23/14
Baby BOY born: 08/29/14
Ben and Maggie - 4/10/09
Mia - 6/16/11
Surprise! due 2/23/17
Married: 10/10
EDD: 8/27/16 MMC 1/16
Rainbow Boy: 2/04/17
TTC: 4/18 BFP: 1/2/19
EDD: 9/6/19
I had HELLP with my first -- scariest trauma story I've got. Like you, my symptoms presented atypically and it was severe and urgent. Here if you need to talk platelet transfusions or mag or anything. For what it's worth, the recovery was fast right after baby was born.
Keep us updated!
I am so glad that you are under a doctor's care, at a hospital that can handle your situation. Sending good thoughts for a smooth delivery and quick recovery for you!
So often people can be intimidated by health care professionals and not advocate for their health. We truly do know our bodies best. I'm glad that you went with your gut, and had a supportive doctor that trusted you!! With my first I knew something was wrong near the end and insisted on bloowork when the doctor told me I was fine. It turned out, I had Cholestasis and I had to be induced within days. This pregnancy I got a new doctor after the same one misdiagnosed me.
Always trust your gut, even if you're wrong, it's better to be safe than sorry!
Keep us updated on you and your little one.
TTC #1: 3/2016
Me 39 - DH 44
BFP 5/27/16 EDD 1/30/17
DD born 2/3/17
So glad you were able to get the treatment you need in time & hoping for the best possible outcome for you & your little one! Xxx
Husband: 35
Married: June 2007
Son Max born 1/10/17
BFP #2: 10/5/17; EDD: 6/11/18
Like everyone else, so glad that you are in good hands and wishing you and baby all the very best. ❤
I hope I didn't scare anyone with this story. I just hope to have empowered someone to listen to their body if something is off. You all will be miraculous mamas.
Married 6.22.13
Hoping for a Herd Linky
12/15--IF testing
3/16--Dx Unexplained IF
Clomid + Ovidrel + IUI + Progesterone cycle
Cancelled due to cysts. Started 3 weeks of BCP.
4/16--Cute Ute! Clomid+Ovidrel+IUI+Progesterone TI.
Cancelled-no response
5/16--Hemmorhagic cyst and other cyst discovered.
No medicated cycle. MRI scheduled to rule out
septate uterus.
6/16--Septum discovered. Consultation for surgery.
Surprise BFP 6/8/16--EDD 2/13/17
Kole David--1.7.17--Tiny but Mighty, born at 34+5 after HELLP syndrome
Chart Stalk Me
praying for a smooth and quick recovery on your part. It's good to know you're in good hands. Keep us updated!
First BFP: 12/16/13
EDD: 08/23/14
Baby BOY born: 08/29/14
Me: 37 - H: 39
TTC#1: 01/2016
BFP: 06/18/2016 - EDD: 02/20/2017 - Born: 01/27/2017
Ben and Maggie - 4/10/09
Mia - 6/16/11
Surprise! due 2/23/17
At 2 pm they stopped my Magnesium drip, at 3:30, they let me stand for the fist time in 4 days. Then I had to sit again. I am so weak. At 4:45 they let me stand and helped me to a wheelchair so I could help with Kole's NICU care time at 5. I was wheeled down and got to give him a bottle and watch the rest of his care time routine. I love him so much! Seeing him was just what I needed to spur me to getting better quickly! Last night I continued to work on going to the bathroom with assistance and by the end of the night, without assistance. I'm hoping that today I can at least take a shower, change clothes, and help care for my baby 50% of the time!
My labs should be back any minute and tell me whether or not my liver enzymes are going in the right direction or not as well as my blood platelets. Fx for good news so I can go to a recovery room instead of be in the ICU and start being more of a mom instead of a bump on a log to my baby.
Thanks for following my story everyone, I really do NOT wish this syndrome on anyone! Know if you do feel funky or are going through this though that you can reach out to me for support. You will make it through this!
And now, for my little man
Married 6.22.13
Hoping for a Herd Linky
12/15--IF testing
3/16--Dx Unexplained IF
Clomid + Ovidrel + IUI + Progesterone cycle
Cancelled due to cysts. Started 3 weeks of BCP.
4/16--Cute Ute! Clomid+Ovidrel+IUI+Progesterone TI.
Cancelled-no response
5/16--Hemmorhagic cyst and other cyst discovered.
No medicated cycle. MRI scheduled to rule out
septate uterus.
6/16--Septum discovered. Consultation for surgery.
Surprise BFP 6/8/16--EDD 2/13/17
Kole David--1.7.17--Tiny but Mighty, born at 34+5 after HELLP syndrome
Chart Stalk Me