On the Mend

Yes folks, they finally let me out of hospital on Monday. My platelet count had returned to normal showing that my HELLP Syndrome had subsided and I was out of danger. Given that I'd never really felt ill in the first place it was strange being told I was "well" enough to go home. I'll spare you the birth story as it was very traumatic and I don't feel that this website is the right place for it. I have written about it elsewhere, so, if you're interested let me know and I'll send you the link.

It wasn't pleasant coming home no longer pregnant but minus the baby. As soon I was through the front door and clapped eyes on all the baby things we'd bought and received as gifts from family, I burst into tears. The whole situation seemed so desperately unfair to me. Why me? What had I done to deserve this? I'd been on a ward with a mother who referred to her 1-day-old as a "divvy" and repeatedly told the baby to shut up - why did she get to take her baby home, yet I had to leave mine behind?

Thankfully, I seem to be over the worst now. I've not cried for a couple of days and the trauma of last week is fast becoming just a painful memory. I'm also on the mend physically. I don't need painkillers any more and can move around pretty much normally, although I am noticably slower than I used to be. I can just about manage to walk at little old lady pace - anything more than that is pushing it! I'm still on antihypertensives for my high blood pressure and have to take iron tablets for anaemia, but I can live with that. Both myself and Francis have come out of this in one piece and not a day goes by that I am not thankful for that.

So what of Francis? Well, I have some good news! He's now tolerating full feeds so has had his drip removed! That's one less tube for Graeme and I to worry about pulling out next time we change his nappy. Also, the nurses think he may well be out of the incubator by the end of the week. Never in my wildest dreams did I think he'd make such remarkable progress - even the doctors are amazed at how well he is doing. If he carries on at this rate we'll have him home where he belongs in no time at all.

Lisa xxx