The Plan (part 1)

  After receiving confirmation of my diagnosis of placenta accreta and placenta previa at my 24 week appointment, we were told it was time to get a game plan together.  My current OB would be unable to deliver me as the two hospitals he is credentialed at will not accept my case or are equipped to handle it.  Our best option would be a large facility with a multidisciplinary team that could treat me in moments notice. I will need to be somewhere that has access to a 24hr blood bank as the need for a transfusion during or after the surgery is highly likely  I began pouring myself into researching the best hospitals, both locally and out of state.  The main issue with the out of state options, although there are some remarkable facilities, bringing a premature baby on an airplane isn't a smart option, nor is driving a super far distance.

  With the suggestion of our OB, we decided to look into UM-Jackson as the closest option, along Winnie Palmer Woman's and Baby Hospital in Orlando based on a recommendation from my sister's friend who is an OB there.  Both teams are equipped and experienced treating placenta accreta cases. We then spent the last couple of weeks scrambling to get all of my information to the facilities and were finally able to secure appointments.  Marc and I were both amazed and frustrated with how much you have to advocate for yourself as a patient and stay on top of the entire process.  

Winnie Palmer

Jackson UM

On December 1st was our appointment in Miami.  Our current OB has sent several patients to the head of OB-GYN, Maternal Fetal Medicine and everyone has done well.

I knew not to expect sunshine and rainbows, that the doctor and his staff wouldn't be welcoming me with open arms to console me and tell me everything would be okay.  The reality of placenta accreta is a harsh one.  Even when you think you have read everything and know what to expect, hearing it is a tough pill to swallow.  The doctor was very matter of fact, no bullshit, no sugar coating.  Told me things I knew needed to be said, but that no expecting Mom wants to hear.

The protocol for UM is very conservative and they do not tread lightly with patients in my situation.  At 32 weeks (4 weeks from now), I will be admitted to the maternity ward.  For the next two weeks, I will meet with a revolving door of specialists, from Gyno-Oncologists, Vascular Surgery, Anesthesia, Neonatal and Pediatric Specialists, NICU, Trauma and General Surgery, and Interventional Radiology...  I will be put on modified bed rest while I wait to reach 34 weeks.  Everyone will know I am there and the OR will be ready at the snap of a finger should there be an emergency.  To most people, who are not going to be living this, I would imagine having this type of plan in place would be reassuring.  For me it is definitely the scariest thing I have ever had to deal with.

The day of delivery, I will be brought into the OR, put under general anesthesia and endure what is expected to be a speedy delivery of the baby and a hysterectomy.  There will be 35-40 different people present in the operating room ready to take any action necessary. The doctor said the entire surgery should expect to take 5-6hrs.

As I am sitting in the chair listening to this, I am biting my tongue, trying to focus and hold back my tears, trying to be strong.  I will not hear by baby boy's first cry, or be able to see him right away. I will be laying on a table with my life in the hands of the doctor's who will do whatever they can to protect my life.  As I try to digest all of this information, I can feel the tears start to pour down my face.  Marc has been nothing but amazing and does a great job consoling me and keeping his composure.  I know how hard this is for him too.  While we will get the little boy we dreamed of, he will arrive in a very unconventional way.  He will be born into a room of strangers....

With all of that said, I do not want to spend the rest of my pregnancy moping around and feeling sorry for myself, I need to refocus, find strength and remember I am a fighter!  I have spoken with a few Mom's who have been through my situation and while they say it was the hardest time they ever faced, I feel comfort in knowing they made it through and now get to enjoy they families.  I know I will be hugging by girl's a little harder and making sure to appreciate every little moment a little more.  I feel so fortunate for all the love and support from my family and friends who are constantly checking in and offering help.  I know I could not get through this without them.

Tomorrow, we will head up to Orlando to meet the team of doctors up there as another option for delivery.  I will post an update after our appointment on Tuesday.

In the meantime, I am starting to file away quotes of inspiration and strength.  If you have one you want to share, please post it in the comment section below.  xo, Lisa