Wednesday, December 26, 2012

A Birth Story (The Short Version)

A couple weeks ago I woke up with a kink in my neck.  Throughout the day it got progressively worse so I called my OB.  She suggested that I take some tylenol and keep a heating pad on it which I did for two days only to have the pain continue to get progressively worse.  I called the OB again and it was suggested that I go to a local ER and get some percocet which I did.  I used it sparingly because I didn't want to drug the babies but the pain persisted.  Then after about a week of suffering I woke up in the middle of the night with stomach cramps.  I began vomiting and didn't stop for about 12 hours.  I actually hesitated calling the OB again but I just knew something was not right. Jason and I drove into the hospital on a rainy Monday night thinking that I'd be given some IV fluids and something for the nausea and sent on my way.  Instead, I was told that I had a very severe form of preeclampsia called HELLP Syndrome and that the babies needed to be delivered immediately.  I was just 34 weeks.  We had nothing packed and had only what we wore into the city.  About an hour later Arlo John Sullivan Coleman was delivered weighing in at 4 pounds 11 ounces and just moments later Ellis Cameron Sullivan Coleman was born weighing in at 3 pounds 4 ounces.  Surprisingly Ellis was doing just fine despite his size and hypo plastic left heart and joined my in my room shortly after I was sewn back up.  Arlo needed to be monitored a bit more closely in the NICU because he was having a tough time breathing on his own. Thirty-six hours later I was feeling a lot better and was sent to the maternity ward with Ellis.  Jason had been able to see Arlo several times and assured me that he was doing just fine in the NICU.  He just needed to work on breathing a bit.   After lots of visitors that second day Jason and I send everyone home to settle in for the night with Ellis.  My spinal was starting to wear off completely and I was beginning to feel some pain.  That pain that I had had for two week before the c-section had returned and it got progressively worse just as it had before except this time it was very rapid and much more severe than it had been.  After hours of trying to tell nurses that I thought something was wrong I was finally seen by someone who decided to do a quick ultrasound of my abdomen.  Suddenly things began to move very quickly and frantically.  They took Ellis away to the NICU, sent me upstairs to get a proper ultrasound and had several liver specialists to come talk to me.  It was, by far, the most painful thing I've ever experienced.  I was rushed off to the ICU for close monitoring and further tests.  As it turns out I have a very rare and life threatening complication of HELLP Syndrome.  I have a large hematoma on my liver.  So here we are eight days after the babies were born, eight days into my what is to be a very long recovery.  Arlo is still in the NICU and will be for a while.  He's breathing well and is now learning how to eat.  Ellis is still with us.  He's a little angel.  If we hadn't come back for him I don't know what would have happened.  Here we are eight days after the babies were born savoring every moment with them, loving them, taking it one step at a time.
Arlo John and Ellis Cameron

   

21 comments:

  1. So lovely to see your little angels. You're a tough cookie, Kate. No doubts that you'll fight through this for you, Jason and your beautiful boys. Sending you all my love, positivity and light.

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  2. They are just beautiful! Congratulations!

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  3. Congratulations they are beautiful!

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  4. What beautiful boys Kate. Benjamin and I are sending you lots of love and kisses. You are amazingly strong! Our love to Jason, Arlo and Ellis.

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  5. What beautiful babies!!! Congratulations!! Sorry you are having a rough time though...Hang in there!!!

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  6. Kate! Oh my goodness where to start. First off, congratulations on the birth of your two beautiful baby boys! I love love love both of their names! But, I am so sorry to hear about the hematoma on your liver and the long road ahead. I hope the love you have for your babies sustains you through and that you are able to move forward with treatment and healing as soon as possible. Please keep us posted when you can! In the meantime, sending lots of love!

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  7. Congratulations! Your boys are beautiful. Hope you start to feel better soon.

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  8. Congratulations on the birth of your absolutely beautiful little boys! Sending healing thoughts your way!

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  9. My dear Katie Mae.....Congratulations. Blaise and I love you SO much. We are always here for you both. You continue to amaze us with your strength and grace. I long to hear your voice and hug you. Please please continue to keep us posted. You are always on my mind. xoxoxoxo

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  10. Congratulations. All the best to you and wishing you a speedy recovery. Enjoy your angels and savor your moments. Your boys are gorgeous.

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  11. Congratulations they are beautiful little boys. So sorry to hear you have had such a tough time. Take it easy and I hope you have lots of support so you can recover fully and enjoy your little ones.

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  12. They are gorgeous, congratulations!

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  13. Your boys are absolutely beautiful! I am sorry to hear you have so much on your plate. Sending you kind thoughts for a speedy recovery!

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  14. So glad you returned to the US so you've all been able to receive the specialist care you needed. You have definitely earnt your mommy badge! Sending you speedy recovery thoughts too. Twin boys are super special. Welcome Arlo and Ellis.

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  15. Thinking of you and your absolutely precious little ones! I hope your road to recovery is as quick and hazard-free as possible!

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  16. As you know: your babies are miracles and beautiful. Strangers and friends around the world are holding you all in thoughts with good wishes. You and your husband are amazing and very very strong; the currents of life are not easy but with the faith and courage you have both shown in your lives you will move through whatever is to come. May miracles bless you always.

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  17. They are just beautiful!!!
    Congratulations and i wish you a speedy recovery x

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  18. ahh your little angels are so beautiful, congratulations and hugs to you and Jason, thinking of you and wishing you quick recovery x

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  19. Two beautiful boys, CONGRATULATIONS! Wishing you a very speedy recovery.

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  20. Jason and Kate,
    We are taking all our love and sending it to your beautiful family. Gene and I love the names you choose as well as their perfect little faces. Miss you guys.

    Kendra

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  21. wishing you a speedy recovery and hope all goes well with your delightful twin boys

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