Waiting in Memphis

On June 1st Rachael was admitted to the hospital for complications with her pregnancy. She had been having spells of weakness and dizziness off and on for two weeks. The Obstitrician decided to observe her and run a few tests. One of the tests, a CT, showed abnoral results: an air bubble in the cranial cavity. That prompted a transfer to Memphis Regional Medical center ( two hours away) where neurosurgeons and specialized O.B.s were standing by. They sent her by ambulance and Sam followed with the girls in the minivan. This was a very stressful time as all of our family was in California and Sam's dad had just left the country to Canada. But though we felt alone and missed our family, we were covered in prayer coast to coast by family and friends.
This helped to give us peace in the uncertainty. Rachael was able to handle the long ambulance ride alone knowing that GOD was with her and Sam even if they were apart.
The next three days were filled with 21 blood tests, 3IVs and EKGs, an Echocardiogram, and a repeat CTscan.
The concern was:
1) how did the air bubble get there- Rachael had never had a lumbar puncture or epidural which are the common ways an air bubble can be introduced.
2) this air could indicate a possible brain infection or impending stroke. Especially with the symptoms she had.
We spent the time waiting in the Labor & Delivery ward of the hospital. This was strange as the only times we had previously been in a L&D room were to deliver a baby. The staff and medical students kept forgetting that Rachael was not actually in labor. They would try to comfort her by saying that this would be over in a few hours and she would soon hold her new baby.
When Rachael would say, " I sure hope not!" they would be caught off guard until they remembered that she was only six months pregnant.
The repeat CT was done with a higher powered machine which showed that the abnormality had gone away. This is unheard of and the MDs had no explaination for the dissaperance. They diagnosed Rachael with Hemolytic Anemia ( she takes supplements, but this anemia is thought to be due to a hereditary blood disorder her mom has and they think Rachael has too. Its called Ovalocytosis. That means that some of her red blood cells are oblong and not round like they should be. Her white blood cells then mistake them for germs and destroy them. ) That may be the cause of her symptoms. Rachael was discharged from the hospital on Sunday June 4th.
For now she is to increase her rest, increase her water intake, and they tripled her iron intake. The O.B. will wacth her closely for the rest of the pregnancy to check that her Anemia does not get worse, or that the symptoms do not interfere with the baby's health or growth. Through all of the testing the baby seemed fine. As another ultrasound was done, we now know we are having another girl. We thank GOD that he was with us through this all. And we are especially thankful that Rachael and the baby are doing well now and at home.