Sunday, January 18, 2015

London Blair

As we have been posting on facebook we had a baby! BUT with that baby came some hardships that we weren't expecting.  So here is the short but in depth version.  

On January 15, 2015 we dropped Harper off with her Aunt Audrey and Uncle Toren and headed to the hospital. We got all checked in and hooked up to the IV's.  Most of you know that I have c-section deliveries due to previous medical condition and surgery.  My previous surgery left an 10 in scar on my lower abdomen, which the doctor cuts out, delivers the baby and then sows a new scar in.

This picture is how I feel about even knowing how the surgery happens.  I kinda wish no one ever told me how this surgery goes because I am awake during the whole thing and it is more than a little eerie. 
 Well once I got into the room and had my spinal tap the trouble began. I first started shaking, then I threw up.  It was miserable but fortunatley both symptoms were common of the medication.  I debated posting this picture, but this is how I looked during the procedure.  Yes, I am awake, no I am not wearing any make-up, yes my lips and face lost all their color.  Brent took the pictures and was more than a little worried about how I was doing because it doesn't look good.
Although it looked bad, that is all considered normal. The doctor discovered that my scar from Harper's c-sections had curved and therefore the scar tissue blocking London was significantly greater than anticipated. With Harper it took about 5 minutes from first cut until Harper was delivered.  After 45 minutes I still had yet to hear London's cries. Luckily, she was fine but I was struggling not knowing.  Brent said the scar tissue that was shown to him was about 11 inches long, 6 inches wide and about 3 inches thick.  FINALLY, London was delivered.  The nurse brought her to me (since your arms are strapped down), but honestly I couldn't keep my eyes open long enough to truly appreciate her!
Brent left to clean London up and was told it would be about 20 minutes until I was finished, so he sat in the nursery and waited.  In the OR the doctor had his work cut out for him.  He had to remove so much scar tissue that he was having to use some more intense techniques to pull the skin over the emptied womb and get me sown up.  I could see the whole thing in the OR light and was really struggling to not freak out, remain calm and not pass out from the smell of burning flesh.
It was over two hours later that I was finally wheeled into recovery. I think Brent was relieved because no one really explained to him why it was taking so long. When the doctor did his post op visit he explained that due to him removing so much I basically have no core muscles whatsoever and the skin and tissue is pulled so tight I am at a great risk for complications and having the incision rip.  Due to this I am not only going to feel worse but lifting any weight is not allowed, period. 

This includes lifting my beautiful new little 19.75 inch, 7 lb 5 ounce girl for at least the next three weeks. Luckily, London is willing to go easy on me.  She sleeps wonderfully, eats amazingly, and is overall a beautiful happy little baby. 

2 comments:

Erica said...

Oh Mallory! I'm sorry to hear about your complications! Hopefully the time will pass quickly and your recovery will go well and you will be able to pick up both of your sweet girls in no time!

Anonymous said...

You mentioned in your post that they strapped your arms down during your C section. That didn't happen to me when I had mine. I am in (New York.) I did not think many hospitals did that now.
congrads on your baby anyway.
Mary Beth. New York, USA.