ABIGAIL NEWTON SMITH
Wednesday, 15th August 2001 - Day -1
The following are Mummy's notes on the 2 days leading up to my birth, when she had been in hospital for nearly a week. I thought these might be interesting for other Mummy's and Daddy's out there going through similar events.... No pictures I am afraid as I was not visible at this point.
Having been in hospital since last Thursday, having daily bloods taken to monitor the damage to my liver and the blood clotting mechanism of my body, I was discharged.yesterday. The doctors know I have Hemolysis Elevated Liver Enzymes Low Platelets (HELLP) Syndrome and its only a matter of time. Im on day 7 out of 10 the average a woman goes in my condition before they have to deliver.
For once its nice not to have to have bloods taken.
Dawn, from work comes over for a spot of lunch. In the afternoon Mum and Dad come over. Its the first time Ive seen them since Ive been ill. Tim is working in the dining room and I sit in the garden with Mum and Dad. Its a lovely day but Ive got darned backache again and Ive got what feels like a stitch in my side. Tims like a cat on hot bricks; If I make a funny sound hes on to me what is it, whats wrong so I think Ill keep this to myself until Im sure its something to worry about. After all Ill only have to go back to the hospital. As the afternoon progresses the pain gets worse, Tim catches on and in the end phones the hospital phone number for me so Ive no excuse. The midwife wants to consult with the doctor as to what to do and will phone me back within the hour. The pain is getting worse, I now cant stand up. Mum makes me phone the hospital back as its been two hours since my initial phone call. As I guessed they want me to go straight back. Im really unhappy as this means theres something wrong and Im close to having this baby and Im not ready, Im just not ready yet. Back at the hospital I have to go to the assessment unit, as Ive been discharged and its just not as simple as hopping back in your old bed. I have to wait for a doctor to see me who has no history of my condition other than my notes. Feeling sick. Being sick. Finally admitted to Quantock Ward again. Same bed that I was in yesterday before being discharged. Bloods taken but they come back some time later saying they hadnt taken enough so I have to go through the horrible stabbing process again. Given tablets to stop the sickness.
Last Updated : 29/11/01.