My name is Jennie. I'm a wife and a mother. I have been married to the man of my dreams, Trever, for 9 wonderful years. We have 5 beautiful daughters who fill our lives with joy and excitement. We just had our 6th child. Our son Caleb.

I was diagnosed with a rare condition called Placenta Accreta along with Placenta Previa. Accreta is a condition where the placenta attaches to the scar tissue in the uterus. It will often continue to grow to deeper tissue (increta) and even through the uterus attaching to other organs(percreta). I ended up having an 11 hour surgery, including a hystorectomy, and bladder repair. I received 7 units of blood and blood parts. (This is a lot of blood loss for my surgeons, but minimal blood loss to those who are not as experienced in these deliveries. I spent 36 hours in the ICU after surgery. I have also had many other complications afterwards including another minor surgery 2 weeks later. These complications are somewhat normal for the type of surgery I had.

I had a team of specialists doing my surgery. Obgyns, Gyno-oncologists, trauma surgeons, urologists and anesthesiologists. This team has specialized in techniques helping with minimal blood loss. Those with accreta , loose large amounts of blood because the placenta cannot detach naturally at delivery.

My goal is to help save women's lives by giving this terrible condition a voice. So many are ignorant to its fatal attack. Doctors and women alike, need to be educated about Accreta. Many have never even heard of it. The numbers are on the rise because of so many women choosing to have c-sections when it isn't necessary. Not all women can avoid it, but many can. Please help me give Accreta a voice, by sharing the information in this blog. (There are numerous posts with information on Accreta as well as the Accreta team who took such great care of me.)

Monday, April 29, 2013

Human Again

I have debated for weeks, what I would name this post. I have had that song from Beauty and the Beast "Human Again" in my head for a long time. Every time I thought about the day I would get my final tube out, I would think of that song. I also thought about naming the post "Freeeeeeeeedddddooooommmm" (insert Mel Gibson voice here). There were a few others, but you get the idea.

Yep the catheter finally came out!! I had my cystogram this morning. I was so relieved when I saw zero vaginal leaking. There was an almost microscopic hole still in the bladder, but nothing major. With the bladder completely full, it only let out a few drops into my abdominal cavity. I wasn't sure what he would say about that, I'm glad that he decided to take it out. Im even more excited that i dont have a fistula. that means I don't have to deal with another surgery.

My biggest form of anxiety was getting the stent out. I wasn't sure what to expect. When he pulled the catheter out, It actually pulled the stent down with it. So he was able to just grab it and pull it out. Easy peasy. I'm so glad it wasn't traumatic. She did say... For those facing a stent removal in the future... That it just feels like you have to pee really bad. Ah, I feel like a woman again!

I also went to my ob appointment with PPA. Phoenix Perinatal Associates. It talked with the nurse practitioner. I learned a lot about my new body and its new functions. She said I am cleared to resume normal activities! Sweetness. Lots of good things happening. Not to complain, because I am so grateful for all that I have gone through. I really am. But can I just say... finally!!

Caleb is set to go home tomorrow. He will have to come home on an apnea monitor, but he will be coming home. That's all that matters. He is 7 lbs 10 oz now. He is doing awesome. They did another car seat test last night and he had a couple of bradys. I don't know why they did another test. Probably miscommunication. Oh well. I am just so excited he gets to come home. Today was a fabulous day. Hoping for an even better one tomorrow.

Oh, and... I heard from the hospital media gal. My story should be on this week!! News channel 3. Ill let you know the details, when I get them.
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1 comment:

  1. SuzannahApril 29, 2013 at 5:44 PM

    Oh I am so happy to read to this post! I am so excited to finally get to meet and hold that sweet little boy of yours! We will keep praying for you guys! Glad all went well for you today. :D

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