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, May 6, 2013

Farewell Phoenix!

I had my last two doctors appointments today! My first was Gyn-Onc with Dr. Borst. He is such a sweet man. He just kept telling me he was glad that I was ok. It made me wonder how tough the surgery was. Especially for him. He was my main lifeline. He did the main part of the surgery. I wonder how many times they almost lost me on that table. For right now, I'd like to keep it in the "I wonder stage". As much as I would like to know everything that happened that day... I really don't think I'm ready to know. It is such a weird feeling to think about that day. Such a serious and crucial day in my life and I was asleep through it all.

Dr. Borst said that I am healing up really well both inside and out. I am so glad. Dr. Hall, also said that everything seems to be healing nicely. I'm not showing any signs of infection or other issues. They were both so sweet telling me goodbye. They shook my hand and just gave me that look. You know the one that you give someone when you have been through so much together and you just can't find the words? Yeah that look.

I remember when I was in Africa, our leader, Cindy was hugging one of our (and especially her) dear friends goodbye. They just gave each other that look, and Cindy said "I know, no words, no words."

I am going to miss these guys believe it or not. It's not a normal Dr./patient relationship. Where you could care less to ever see each other again. These guys took care of me, watched over me and ultimatly saved my life. When Dr Hall came in the room and sat down, he said "Dr. Detlifts says hi". See what I mean? How many of your doctors do you know that well. Yeah, I'm pretty special. Hehehe.

I gave Dr. Hall and his staff some goodies to say thank you. He said that he would pass it around. He would have his staff work for it like he would, a puppy dog. I mentioned having them do tricks to get a treat. He want up to one of them as I was walking out and said, "ok, say woof". Ah, he cracks me up.

In between appointments I took some treats to mine and Caleb's nurses. I gave them little bite sized milky ways and told them they were out of this world. And then some Hershey hugs and kisses for them. It was nice to be able to show them Caleb and tell them thanks for everything.

On the way home, I saw an officer pulled over and he was cha going someone else's tire. I just thought how neat that was. I am thankful for police officers who really are in it for the good of the people's nd not in it for a power trip.

Well, my last day in Phoenix for a very long while. It feels so good to be on this side of things now. I know I wasn't the best sport through this trial, but I am so thankful for all that I went through. I have learned and grown much.

I would like to start featuring some Accreta survivor stories. If any of you would like to share your story please email me at jennieplastow@gmail.com. Ill still be sharing my journey, but I'd like other stories to be heard too.  The doctors were in surgery today with another Accreta. I pray that everything went well.
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4 comments:

  1. UnknownMay 7, 2013 at 12:11 PM

    Such exciting news!!! I commented a few weeks ago but I'm not sure it went through. I love seeing all the updates. You were so sweet to bring those treats :) I am anxious to see a pic of the WHOLE crew now!! Take care. You all are in my prayers.

    Beth RN

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  2. UnknownMay 9, 2013 at 8:17 AM

    Hi Jennie:)
    You don't know me, but after this week of the loss of Katrina in UT with the same condition you had, someone posted Jenifer's blog. I was reading it this morning and saw your link, clicked over and saw your post about Dr. Borst:) My husband, is a 4th year resident who works with Dr. Borst and over this last year has done many Acreta surgeries with him. I had never heard of it but can finally say the names without asking him "what's that word again???" He always tell me to be praying all day for him and the doctors when he goes in for those surgeries because he knows how risky they are:) I"m so glad you and Jenifer are making this public and giving information to all who finds you:) I do know that you were in the best hands you could've asked for with Dr. Borst and all the other doctors there and am so glad you are doing well and you have your baby home with you:) Prayers of continued healing to you and your family:)

    Rebecca Lutter:)

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  3. Trever PlastowMay 9, 2013 at 9:18 AM

    Rebecca,
    Thanks so much for your comment! When I started reading that your husband worked with Dr Borst and helped do the surgeries I was hoping that you would say that you were Dr Lutter's wife. I am so glad to meet you! I absolutely love your husband. He saw me almost every day while I was in the hospital. He also assisted with my surgery. It's funny, my first few days in the hospital, I felt restricted with some of the things he would order for my care. I would complain about him and even did on my blog. Not one of my prouder moments. :)

    As the days and weeks went on, I grew to really respect and love the things that he chose to do. I became so thankful for his approach with my care. I became to trust him so much that I would take his opinion over most. I told my husband that I wanted him in there for my surgery. I knew that he would take care of me and I truly completely trusted him with my life. He took such good care of me and I am so thankful for him. Thank you for praying for him each day. I know that it helped him. There were many times where I felt like he was inspired to do things that were the best for me. I have wanted to meet you and the other wives of these amazing men. You are such a source of strength to them. Thank you for supporting him in his career. He is saving lives each day. Please thank him for me for everything that he did for me.

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  4. rebeccaMay 10, 2013 at 6:50 AM

    Jennie:) I popped onto your blog again this morning because I didn't have much time to read about your story yesterday:) Yes, my husband is pretty amazing:) He is a very inspired man and listens, which I think is one of the most important qualities to have as a doctor :) I'm so glad to hear he took such great care of you. I've never been in contact with any of his patients before so it's nice to hear from you and hear first hand what a great doctor he was for you:)

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