our favorite quotes

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire."— William Butler Yeats
refresh for more

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

The Rollercoaster Called Life

The last 72 hours have been crazy to say the least. Liz started having abdominal pains last Saturday and because the pain was not subsiding, she went to see her doctor Monday afternoon. When I got home Monday night, there was a gift bag sitting on my side of the bed. The bag was full of baby toys and Liz told me that she was pregnant.

We were both very excited, but the doctor said that Liz should go and get an ultrasound to make sure everything was OK and to see if they could find the source of the pain. So she called the hospital on Tuesday and got an appointment to get the ultrasound on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m.

About an hour after I got home from work on Tuesday, Liz said that her abdominal pain was getting worse so she got in the bath. Within an hour, I was driving her to the emergency room.

I have never seen her in that kind of pain before. After four hours in the ER and two different types of ultrasound, the ER doctor informed us that Liz had an ectopic pregnancy (tubal) and that the on-call OB was coming down to perform surgery.

Not more than ten seconds after the doctor left the examination room, Liz started bleeding. The OB showed up and explained the surgery and within ten minutes, Liz was in surgery.

Almost two hours later, the main OB (Dr. W) came to the waiting room to let me know how things went. He told me that the ultrasound showed that the embryo was approximately 8 mm large; however, once they got into Liz's abdomen, he found that it had been encompassed by a blood clot that was approximately the size of a quarter. As a result, Liz's tube burst and she had lost approximately 2/3 to 3/4 of a unit of blood. In addition, she had a cyst on her ovary that also burst. We feel very blessed because Dr. W was able to remove the portion of the tube that burst and save Liz's left tube. He also said that the ovarian cyst was likely caused by the blood clot around the embryo. Despite the cyst, he said that Liz's left ovary looked healthy.

The craziest part is that he characterized this as an experience that made him feel like he was really making a difference. He told me that had we not come into the ER, Liz would have bled to death overnight. To think that she would not have even made it to her ultrasound appointment. I am so lucky to have Liz as my wife and I could not imagine going through life without her.

Liz is doing well and we have already experienced an outpouring of generosity and love. Thank you to everyone who has offered to help.

Thank you to Liz's sister, Auntie, for all of her help including taking care of the boys while Liz and I were at the hospital. I cannot imagine how we could have done this without her.

Greg and Lindsey: Thank you for the beautiful flowers.

It is probably best not to call Liz yet. The doctor said that she needs to rest quite a bit for the next few weeks. I am sure that she would welcome any comments on the blog.

Buddha, Bugga, and I are so happy to have Mommy back home.

41 comments:

Jen said...

Liz! I'm so sorry, that sounds horrible and frightening! I feel for you, glad you're okay - Jennica

daniell miner said...

oh my gosh u guys! u and liz are in our prayers and hearts! we love u soo much and are sooo thankful she is okay! the Lord does work in mysterious ways sometimes and it is such a blessing that liz is going to be ok! please let us know if there is ANYTHING we can do!!! even from a far! sending our love and prayers!
Daniell and Garret

lindsey. said...

Hi Liz,

I am so relieved to hear that you are back at home with your family. I really hope you are doing well and that you will let me know if you need anything at all. When you are feeling stronger, I would love to come see you. I am just really, really relieved that you and Dan went to the ER when you did and that you are going to be well. That's all. Hug your boys (all three of them) and let them take care of you. Love you tons!

L

bethy said...

Good Grief! What a crazy experience! We are so glad that you are all okay and we'll keep you in our prayers.

Sara said...

I love you Elizabeth, and I can't believe how much I love Dan now too- thank you for taking such amazing care of my little sister during this scary time, and thank you for being a righteous priesthood holder who can call on the help of the Lord when we need it. Dan was in the right place at the right time to help save Elizabeth, and I am grateful. And yes, the boys are SO happy to have their mommy back at home, and with color returning to her face. What blessings and miracles have happened here.

The Marshall Family said...

Liz I am so glad that you are ok. I am so sorry for what you have gone through, but so grateful for your family knowing what is best. Life is so fragile and we take that for granted until we hear of a story like yours. Please know that you are in our prayers. That little baby will make it to your family! I love you!

napnotes said...

We are so glad that the Lord and your doctor have kept you here and safe. Get lots of rest and know that Soren, Anders, and Dan are not the only ones happy that you are safely home and on the mend. Whether you know it or not, you play a very important part in this world and have touched many of our lives and will certainly continue to do so. You all are in our prayers--both the thanks and the blessing parts.

Marilee said...

Liz, I am so glad that you are okay!! Thank goodness you went to the ER. We will keep you in our prayers and hope you recover quickly during the next few weeks!

Megan said...

Dan- I know Liz won't call- so you call if you guys need anything... I'm home all day.
Liz- hang in there. I'm so grateful you have such a great husband, and that your sister is there... you are in our prayers. We love you.

suzi said...

Liz! Please know that you and your family are in our prayers. I am so glad that you were so in tune with your body. How scary. I hope you are able to get a lot of rest and are able to recover quickly. Take care of yourself.

Tiffany J said...

How scarey! I am so glad to hear that everything is over. I hope recovery goes well and you will be up again soon! My prayers are with you and all your boys.

Brooklet said...

Wow. That is quite a rollercoaster. I am glad to hear that you are safe and recovering well. Its moments like these were you can see the blessings all around you. YOu will be in my prayers as you recover, both physically and emotionally.

Travis and Ashley said...

Liz and Dan! I am so sorry for everything that you have been through these last few days. My sister just went through the exact same thing and I know that it is because of inspiration from Heavenly Father that Liz knew that something was wrong. I am so grateful that she is doing well and just know that you both are in our prayers. Don't hesitate to ask us for anything. We love you guys!

Kari said...

Oh Liz! We are thinking of you and are so so glad that you are okay inspite of everything. I can only imagine how hard it all must be for you and hope that you get back on your feet soon that your doing okay. we love you!

Ember's Stuff said...

Liz, I cant believe it!! Crazy (and terrifying) how these unexpected things pop up at you. I'm glad that Sara was there to help with the kids and that you got it taken care before it got even uglier, but i am so sorry that you had to go through that. Get lots of rest and take care. We're thinking of you and hope you recover well! If you need anything, let us know.

Ember's Stuff said...

And Dan, if you need anything, let us know too! We're praying for you and the boys too!

Freckles said...

Liz, I am so glad you are Ok and that the Dr was able to help you in time! We will keep you in our prayers! I hope you can get the rest you need and that your recovery will be speedy. What an ordeal, wow. We love you.

Laurie said...

Scary, I am so glad you are all right, get well soon and you and your adorable little family will be in our prayers.

provobaileys said...

Liz and Dan we are glad to hear everything is okay. We will keep you in our prayers.
lrt us know how she is doing dan.

Katy Truman said...

Liz i'm so glad you are gonna be okay! I hope you are doing well and make sure to relax. You will be in my prayers.

Lots of Love,
Kathleen

Aaron said...

Liz and Dan we are praying for you and hope for a speedy recovery. I for one am also grateful for the technology we have both to save lives as well as communicate so quickly with others. I have thoroughly enjoyed your blog and hope to see more beautiful pictures in the future.

Marcia said...

Elizabeth,
I'm so sorry that I'M NOT there when you need me. You and Sara need me. This has to be really hard on her, too, being pregnant.

We're so grateful you are okay. Heavenly Father is looking out for you while we are gone. You are so blessed to have such a good husband.

I have been sick the whole trip. My allergies have gone wild here. I'm on antibiotics, antihistamines, increased hydrocortizone, and decongestants. I'm drugged. I'm making it but can hardly wait to get out of Israel. Egypt should be much dryer. OH my. The trip has been very good. Dad is a wonderful guide. I'll probably never travel again. too hard on me.

You'll be constantly in our prayers. All of you. Stay down and rest. Love Mom

Lisa/Scott said...

Oh my gosh! What a story...just reading it was a total roller coaster of emotions. I'm so glad you're okay Liz. It truly is a miracle that you caught it in time. What's even more amazing is that her ovary is okay too. The Lord is definitely looking after you. I'm so so so so so so glad this story didn't have a sad ending.I'll keep you in my prayers. Rest as much as you can Liz.

Jolene said...

Liz, I am so glad you are ok. You are the second friend in the last 6 months to have a ectopic pregnancy. Your experience is a lot scarier though. Glad you went to the ER when you did. I hope you can recover quickly.

Lauren said...

Wow, that brought tears to my eyes. Thanks, Dan, for taking the time to post about the experience. I'm glad you were all watched over and that things went the way they did! Speedy recovery Liz.

Lisa said...

Liz I was so sad when I heard your news. Katleen called and told me what happened. I am so glad that you are okay. I am glad that your sister is there to take care of you. It was a blessing in disguise that she came to stay with you. My sister in law had a ectopic pregnancy a couple of months ago. Her fallopian tube ruptured and they had to remove it. I am so glad that you will still be able to have more children. I am sorry that you have to go through this. I wish that I could just come on over right now! I will keep you in my prayers.

tara poll said...

Liz,
So sorry to hear what happened. You are in our prayers.
Tara

Tiffany said...

Liz,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. I live so close don't hesitate to drop the boys off here anytime. I know with family in town it is hard to ask friends for help. Know that I will do anything for you. Jeff and I send you our love and hope for a speedy recovery.
Tiffany

Melissa said...

Oh my goodness!! I was so excited to get on your blog and read about what other exciting adventures you guys have been up to! I didn't expect this but I guess it was an adventure in its own way! I hope you recover quickly! I'm so sorry that this all happened but we are so glad that you made it on time and everything has gone well. We will be praying for you!

Rick said...

I'm so sorry that you had to go through this! I hope you start feeling better soon. kendra

Bren said...

Liz and Dan, I have tried doing this before and it hasn't worked. I will try once more. Dan thank you so much for letting us know about Liz. How very grateful we are to you for your loving care of her. We love you both so much. Liz, please rest lots and let others care for you. Sara how grateful we are that you are with them. You are all in our every prayer. Take really good care!! Aunt Brenda

Don and Amy Bennion said...

What a blessing that came in disguise, huh? Liz, I hope you are doing ok and feeling better. We will keep you in our prayers. I'm so glad you are ok.
Amy

Karin said...

You're in our prayers! I'm so sorry!

Jacqui said...

Liz, I'm so sorry to hear about your ordeal.I hope you're resting and recovering quickly. I wish I lived closer so I could help. Please know you're in our thoughts and prayers! We love you all!!!

Barbara said...

Oh my, sweetie, I am reading this post with tears in my eyes...
You have come to mean a lot to me as a “blogging buddy:)”
I am so glad that you guys listened to the prompting to get you to the hospital.
Dan's words about you were so tender and sweet...
I am thinking of you and those wonderful boys of yours.
Be easy on yourself…
Fondly, B.

Erin said...

Dan & Liz, I am so sorry for your loss. I am so glad Liz is alright, how scary. Please let me know how I can help.

Kristen said...

What a true rollercoaster of emotions. I'm sure that was so scary. I'm grateful that you went to the hospital when you did. I hope you recover quickly.

Karin said...

PS-we went to the temple on Friday and put your names on the prayer roll.

Alicia said...

Hey glad to hear Liz is better. This is Alicia McCammon from your old ward. I foundyour blog through the Terry's blog. Check ours out www.aliciamc22.blogspot.com Dustin will love looking at your blog

Daniel said...

Take some oregano oil and rub some thieves on your left big toe. You'll be fine. :) j/k

I'm learning from Mom.

Glad you're ok Lizzie!

So where are all those family pictures you took? I want to see them.

Barbara said...

Still thinking of you..
Hope thing are looking up for you..Gosh that sounded like a "Hallmark Card"!!!
Anyway miss your sweet bloggin spirit:)
Fondly, B.