Sunday, September 13, 2009

Nightmare

*I am sorry this post goes into great detail, but I am one of those people that has to talk about things in order to cope and fell better.

So life has dealt Jake and I something that I never thought "would happen to ME."  About one month ago, we found out that I had a sweet little baby growing inside my tummy.  Best news of our lives.  I had gone off BC in February so the 5 months (not too long if you ask me) of trying warranted the pure joy that ensued. 

Jake and I went to my first prenatal visit this past Friday, the 11th.  I think I was about 9weeks.  Now every expectant mother has doubts, right? But you don't think anything of it.  I had had some spotting for a couple weeks prior, but it was seriously practically nothing and only happened a few times, and was only enough to barely cover the ridge of my pinky fingernail.  Of course, the night before our appointment I actually had a real SPOT when I went to the bathroom.  Quite unnerving if you ask me, not to mention the previous tiny bits here and there. Anyway, I pushed my doubts out of my mind...after all, I didn't have any cramping, so why let my fear get the best of me?

The time came and we were at the Dr.'s office.  I had told her about my spotting and she said just to make us (her, me and Jake) feel better she would send me for an ultrasound (which by the way I was pretty disappointed the ultrasound wasn't routine).  I was kind of nervous and was spilling the 320z of water down my shirt as I drank it on the way to the hospital.  Doubts filled my heart and mind, but I had to think positively.  I prayed and prayed and prayed.  But my prayers for a healthy baby were empty and unanswered.  My prayers quickly changed to me asking for His Will to be done, and for strength to deal with whatever that might be...and sadly enough, these prayers felt more 'right.' 

We arrived and got in immediately.  I laid down with my tummy (which was already showing a tiny bit if you ask me) exposed, and the ultra sound began.  The tech told us she was going to be "looking around and getting some pics and sizes" before she actually focused on the pregnancy.  By then she said she would start telling us what she saw.  Well as she did her thing, I can honestly tell you the room was thick with sadness and disappointment already.  Jake and I both felt it.  I already knew it wasn't going to be good.  BUT I still had my hopes (you have to!).  I looked over and saw our baby.  I frantically searched for a flicker in the chest area...nothing.  "Maybe I just don't know how to read an ultrasound," I thought to myself.

The tech FINALLY started talking to us...and she started with "ummm..." and I just KNEW it wasn't good.  She said "here is the baby, and here is the sack...I am just having a hard time looking for a heartbeat."  She showed us more parts and kept looking.  Jake's heart was tense and I was speechless, still frantically SEARCHING SEARCHING for that little heartbeat.

She said "well I want to do a transvaginal ultrasound, so we can get a closer look at the baby's chest." I asked her if it was weird that she couldn't see the heartbeat on the regular ultrasound.  "well not yet, because if you aren't as far along as they say, then the heartbeat could be hard to see."  So I changed into the gown and she came back in. She again looked around at a few things and I watched our baby just sitting there, chest area just still.  How freaking sad is that. Every time I picture our baby my heart just freaking rips to shreds.

She said she couldn't see a heartbeat, she even listened for one (nothing)....Jake and I were speechless, shocked... And then she just finally said "this baby does not have a heartbeat. But the baby measures 8 wks and 4 days"  Jake says his heart dropped.  I personally didn't really grasp what she had said and I kept wanting to ask "what do you MEAN this baby doesn't have a heartbeat...FIND IT!!!!"  I looked and looked and looked at our baby.  Lifeless and still...not one movement anywhere. The tears started coming, I tried to hold them back for a long time.  But they just didn't stop.  The tech said she was very sorry and handed me tissues.  She left the room and Jake just held me....I think I cried for 7 hours.

My doctor said I had two choices.  I could A) bleed it out or B) have a D & C which is a surgical procedure they do to clean it all out at once.  I chose to have the surgery, and went in the next morning at 6am.  The hospital I went to doesn't schedule surgeries on Saturdays so my doc pulled some strings and got one of her "back-up" OBGYNs to do it for me.  I was the only one in the same day surgery center.  The OB that did it was super nice and explained everything to me.  The procedure itself only lasts 10-15 min.  They gave me general anesthesia so I was completely out.  He used tools to clean/scrape/suction out all the fetal tissue.  I woke up super groggy and went home at about 10am.  

I am physically healing well, just sore still and a few other things I won't get into.  Mentally Jake and I are still shocked, depressed, sad, coping..you name it.  I don't want to be mopey and turn into a hermit, I just need some more time to process it all.  We went to sacrament today and I just can't tell you the love I have for Christ..how thankful I am that he has suffered this pain already and therefore knows how to comfort us.  You would think this experience would be "hellish," but to be quite honest I have felt very close to heaven...I have definitely felt His love, peace, comfort and strength.  I have not once felt abandoned, and am grateful to have His help to get through this. 

I know things happen for a reason, and most times miscarriages happen because the baby just simply has problems and cannot sustain life.  So I know this is a blessing.  And I can't wait to start trying again!  I am still in love with babies and do not feel any anger/resentment towards anyone who has one of their own, or who may be receiving their good news anytime soon.  I want everyone single chica to experience pregnancy and the happiness it brings.  I love babies! I loved being pregnant, and I love the thought of being a mommy!!

I also have to say that Jake and I honestly feel so loved and are so grateful to our friends and family for their support...we love all of you! :-)

On a side note, I am going to switch doctors.  I currently see a Nurse Midwife, who, is amazing.  But when she had to ask another doctor to perform my surgery, it kind of all put it into perspective...Jake and I feel more comfortable with an OB, someone who has much experience in all things MEDICAL, specifically delivery.  CNM's are great, but there are some things they just can't do, and if something were to arise during delivery, I would want an OB there to be able to act quickly and effectively....So any suggestions are welcome.  I love the University Hospital but am open to all suggestions.  I don't care if it's a man/woman...just someone experienced.

Also since I am one who likes to talk about things, I would love to hear from you, especially if you have gone through something similar (and I know worse).  To keep things private for you: kymber-215@hotmail.com





8 comments:

Angie and Dallas said...

Oh Kim.... I am so sorry!!! I so wish you did not have to go through that. I cant even imagine. We will be praying for you and Jake. If you need anything, I am only a call away!

Ali Holt said...

SO, SO sorry. I am so sad after reading that! I actually had a really really awesome OB/Gyn doctor when I lived in Utah. I would recommend her to anyone, and she is very experienced. Call me if you want more info...I love you friend and let me know if you need anything other than prayers that will defintely be said for you!

Chris and Brittani Knudsen said...

Kim I am bawling right now, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I know that no one can truly understand what you two are going through but we have you both in our prayers. You guys are going to be the most amazing parents ever, and the perspective you have is absolutely mind blowing. Please know that we seriously love both you and Jake and anything we can do to hlep in any way let us know.

Alex, Brad, Carly & Devin said...

Hey Sweetie. Thanks so much for posting this. I wanted to know what happened but felt like it was too soon to ask, and knew that you would tell us when you felt like talking about it. You know we are here for you. We love you guys so much. Every time I think about it I start to get teary eyed. You are an unbelievable strong person and I do not think that you would have been given this test if you couldn't pull though and bring something positive out of this. You are such a wonderful person and you will be a incredible mommy when your time comes again! LOVE ALWAYS!!!!

Ashley King said...

You are so incredible for posting about your experiece. Even reading about it now makes me tear up all over again. I won't go into what I've already said to you again, but know you guys are in our thoughts & prayers. Obviously we are here if you need us...you guys are like family and we love you both. I am so impressed by your strength and faith during all of this. You are amazing.

Kristen said...

Oh Kim...I am so sorry. You have me all weepy over here. Your experience is so familiar to me. The EXACT same thing happened to Mark and I a year and a half ago. I mean the EXACT story. I feel for you and I know exactly what emotions you must be experiencing (depression, loss, anger, disappointment, etc.). There is nothing worse than getting excited for something and knowing you can't have it (at the moment anyway ;)). You are right when you say that everything does happen for a reason, the Lord works in very mysterious (sometimes bizarre)ways. I am glad you have a good attitude about it...just know that it will be your time soon in the future. I will keep you in my prayers. Please let me know if I can do anything! If you ever ever need to talk or ask me questions, I am here!

P.S. I LOVE my OBGYN!! He actually practices at the UofU hospital. He is amazing!!! His name is Michael Draper. I highly recommend him. He is a high risk doctor and may not be accepting any new patients, but it is worth a try to get into him? His number is 581-8425.

email me or call me anytime.

kanderson0914@yahoo.com
801-699-6847

Vernos said...

It's been a sad, tough thing to go through, but you are so strong and faithful, and I admire you sooooo much! Love you!

The Alvords said...

Kim, I am so so so sorry. My heart is heavy thinking about what you and Jake must be feeling and going through. When your time comes, you two will be the best parents a baby could hope for. You are amazing.

I LOVE my OB. I have recommended her to many people. Seriously, she is one of my favorite people on this planet. I actually look forward to my yearlies because of her. She is simply the best. Her name is Melissa Brown. She is out of the IHC hospital on 5300 So. I have also seen a fertility specialist at the U whom I also highly recommend. If it comes to you needing a reproductive endocrinologist he is awesome. I am seeing him again in November. He is great about spending time with you, testing, and getting to the bottom of unknown issues. His name is Ahmad Hammoud. I highly recommend them both.

Please keep us updated as to how you are doing, and please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.