5. The ER

Written February 26, 2020 REPOST

Saturday, June 8, 2019
Adam went back to work Saturday for the first time since Luke was born and my mom came to hang out with us for a little while and snuggle the newest grand baby. She got to our house shortly after he had left and despite attempting a smile, I couldn’t hide what I was feeling-the pain was undeniable, and as she looked at me with the concerned mom look, I assured her that I already spoke to the doctor and he said it was "normal".

Right before lunch, I decided to lay down for a nap. Luke was sleeping too and the kids were hungry so my mom took them all out to get some food. I have no idea how long I had been sleeping but I remember hearing them come back in the door and I felt someone standing over me but I couldn’t wake up-I didn’t have the energy to open my eyes and I drifted back off. 

When I finally did wake up, nearly three hours later, I had slept through the next dose of ibuprofen. I was incredibly flushed, a rash was showing all over my stomach, back and up the sides of my face. The pain was sickening to say the very least. The exhaustion felt so overwhelming I could hardly keep my eyes open and upon taking my temperature, I was just over 103. As I was sleeping, my mom had checked on me and noticed my breathing was incredibly short and shallow and although I couldn't tell at the time, it was continuing that way while I was awake talking to her. She looked at me with even more concern in her eyes and said "hunny, we need to call Adam." 

Within 15 minutes of calling him, briefly explaining what was going on and telling him to come home, he was walking through the door. When he did, we loaded up Luke (I was still nursing him) quickly decided my mom would stay with the other kids and headed out the back door and down the stairs to the car. (see post 1) I hugged my kiddos, reassured them the best I could that everything was going to be ok before heading to the ER. 

Every bump was excruciating. On our way, Adam called the midwife from my doctors office and left a message explaining the situation and telling her we were heading to the hospital. I couldn't find any physical strength anymore all I could do was close my eyes and pray the ride would be over soon. When we pulled into the ER. Adam ran in to get help. Still determined, I tried to get out of the car on my own but instantly, I fell back in my seat and laid there waiting for the wheelchair. Wheeling me to the front desk I answered a few questions and upon finding out I just had a baby three days prior, there was no waiting-they took me back immediately...