Before I gave birth, I knew little about pre-eclampsia and I had never heard of HELLP syndrome.
As I was unfamiliar with the symptoms, I missed the warning signs that I had this life-threatening condition. Looking back on it now, all the signs of HELLP syndrome were there: headaches, nausea, abdominal and chest tenderness (upper right-side pain), shoulder pain, pain when breathing, vision disturbance, swelling, high blood pressure and protein in the urine.
The last month of my pregnancy was difficult. When I discussed my symptoms with my midwife she seemed unconcerned, reassuring me that multiple pregnancies tended to be difficult.
Not knowing otherwise, I believed her. I had no reason not to.
At 36 weeks pregnant, my midwife was away and her colleague conducted my check-up. I started to explain my symptoms, his demeanour changed and he sent me straight to the hospital.
When I arrived there, they ran tests and I was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia. I was admitted to a ward as I waited to be induced. My twin boys arrived in dramatic fashion a few days later.
Giving birth is usually considered the cure for pre-eclampsia. However, in the 24 hours following birth, I deteriorated to the point where I struggled to stay conscious.
The hospital staff called a specialist in to review my case. He noticed my blood platelets were dropping and diagnosed me with Class I HELLP syndrome.
I was moved to intensive care.
It was a frightening time for my family; they worried I may not make it.
Once we were told about the condition from which I was suffering, we were shaken to learn that it had a high mortality rate, due to the high risk of liver rupture, stroke or kidney failure.
Recovery was frustratingly slow; I was kept in high dependency for just under a week. I was exhausted, my heart would race and I would be out of breath doing simple every day tasks, like brushing my hair. I struggled to walk and initially needed a wheelchair.
Thankfully, I had family who helped with the boys and supported us. My recovery didn’t end when I was discharged from hospital. It was a few years before I returned back to my pre-pregnancy health.
I was very lucky to walk away from this alive, with no long-lasting health effects. I have read heartbreaking stories of families who have not been so fortunate. I have spoken to ladies who now have long-term health problems due to HELLP syndrome.
I didn’t come away from the experience completely unscathed; it has had an affect on my mental health. A few years, later I was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I decided to seek help after struggling with flashbacks and an overwhelming feeling of guilt due to not being there for the boys in the first 24 hours. I have since found out that this a common issue among HELLP syndrome survivors.
After suffering from HELLP syndrome, I have come to realise how little awareness there is of the condition. This prompted me to start my blog, Double the Monkey Business, telling my story to raise awareness.
I thank my lucky stars every day that I can enjoy my boys growing up; in part, I have the medical staff at the hospital to thank. They took good care of me. Had they not reacted quickly the outcome could have been very different.
- Read more about this story here: www.doublemonkeybusiness.co.uk
- A version of this article appeared on www.meetothermums.com