Thursday, August 28, 2008

SUBCHORIONIC HEMATOMA

Yup, that's what I've got (click on the title to go to a link with an article about subchorionic hematomas). After waking up from a nap Monday afternoon to find that I was bleeding, I started to panic. I kept it together enough to call the doctor's office - which of course, it was 5:10 PM, so he wasn't in and had to be paged - but after getting off the phone and waiting that 30 minutes before I got to talk to the doctor, the tears began to flow. I scared Bryce half to death when I called him crying and talking about CJ (I was explaining through my tears about how I had put CJ and myself down for a nap and so Bryce thought something had happened to CJ), but after I explained to him how I was bleeding, he left school immediately and rushed home. Dr. Maughan, my OB-GYN, called me and asked me a series of questions. After finding out that the bleeding had stopped, and that I wasn't having intense cramps, he reassured me that I was not having a miscarriage. He told me that it was likely that I ruptured a blood vessel or that I had a blood clot and that I needed to be very still the remainder of the evening and come in for an ultrasound in the morning.

Relieved, but still worried, I asked Bryce to give me a blessing, so he asked our neighbor and friend, Levi Adams, to come over and participate. In the blessing, Bryce blessed us that the baby would be okay and that I would continue this pregnancy. Instantly, a wave of peace came over me. It was wonderful. I was able to relax the rest of the evening...until that night. I had the most anxious night of my life. My heart was racing and I could not get to sleep. I just kept reminding myself of the blessing and what the doctor had said in order to calm myself, but it was a stressful night nonetheless.

Finally morning came and our anxiety was intensified when I realized that I was bleeding again. Bryce and I both said prayers that we would have faith in the blessing I had been given and that helped. We made it into the doctor's office and again, my heart raced as he began the ultrasound. We saw the baby on the monitor and I searched for the little flashing that is the heartbeat. It was difficult to see at first, but Dr. Maughan quickly found the heartbeat for us and our fears were put to rest. The baby is fine and still growing normal and healthy.

Dr. Maughan then found the subchorionic hematoma, or blood clot, on the ultrasound and pointed it out to us. There is no way of knowing what caused the blood clot, and no way of really treating it. Right now, it's not a threat to the baby, but if it doesn't pass, and if it is aggravated, it can potentially pull away part of the placenta which can result in a miscarriage. So the doctor told me to be on strict pelvic rest for the next week (he compared it to a cut, which takes 7-10 days for the fibers to reconnect and seal off and heal), only getting up to "eat and go to the bathroom," and to see him again after I've had a significant amount of time without any bleeding. Then he'll do another ultrasound to see where the clot is at.

the highlighted black mass is my blood clot

We're so grateful that our prayers were answered and our little one is alright. And we also are so grateful for the help that we're receiving right now. Friends have babysat and made us dinner, lent me movies, called to check up, and offered to help in any way. And Bryce's mom and sister drove over from Seattle and took CJ back with them until Sunday so that I wouldn't have to worry about him (I cried when they left. I miss him so much).

The worst part is that I feel pretty okay, but I have to lie around and be waited on as if I was really sick. It's a great lesson in humility, though, that's for sure. I look forward to being up and around next week (if all goes well)...I'll keep you posted.

10 comments:

Lindsey Lee said...

oh goodness...paige...i will keep ya in my prayers! SO grateful your little one is ok. Enjoy bedrest..man, i almost wish i could go on bedrest and sleep for a week with NO kids. Nice.
Let me know if you need anything....through the mail. :)

Ashley said...

Paige what a scary thing. I am glad everything is ok. No fun to go through! Good Luck and hope things get better! Love ya!

Nikki Hansen said...

You guys are in out prayers!!!

Kacy said...

That is so scary. I hope everything continues to go well for your pregnancy. Bedrest is no fun at all but it is so worth it in the end. I have had 3 miscarriages and they are super hard to go through. Take it easy and let those around you help. You deserve it.

Melissa said...

That is so scary I am glad you are ok, and that the doctor was able to catch it. We will definitely keep you in our prayers.

Steph said...

I am so glad you are ok ---- i know how scary that is because a similar thing happened to me the night before my first apt -- and I actually had a placental tear that caused it --- it is SO HARD to be down when you feel ok but definitely worth it to get that sweet little spirit here safe and sound.....we will keep you in our prayers and check back for updates...what great family to help with CJ...a true blessing!

Linds said...

I have the same thing!!! And had a similar freak-out before finding out what it was. The Dr. told me it was fairly common, but it makes me feel a little better to know someone who has it too! I hope all goes well for you!

Mel and Nate said...

I wish you lived here so we could help take care of you! That is not fun on top of Bryce starting school! You are a trooper! We will say lots of prayers for you. I am excited we are pregnant together!

Jessica Brown said...

Oh Paige I'm so sorry! That sounds awful! I'm glad the baby is ok, but I'm hope you heal quickly! So nice that you had so much help. We'll keep you in our prayers!

Ben and Natalie said...

Paige.... you both will be in our prayers!! I hope everything works out for your little family. Even though we are far away now, please let me know if there is anything that we can do.