We are severe, complicated Preeclampsia survivors (also deemed as HELLP). In honor of our triumph, this video is dedicated to my keikis (children) ages 0-4. My daughters were emergency c-sectioned when my blood pressure climbed past 176/125 in a very severe, complicated and rapid on-set of pre-eclampsia--which led to protein in my urine and rapid weight gain within hours v=before delivery. Everyone's situation is different; in my case, I went in for a regular check-up and my blood pressure would not stop climbing. I was sent to the ER and put on Magnesium and Morphine. A scale was brought in as my body was virtually expanding (swelling to a disfigured belief--gaining 5 lbs in water retention within 2 hours). Barely responsive, to feeling like I could no longer breath, completely restless and very hot--the signs indicating that I was on the verge of a brain hemorrhage. The doctors decided to perform an emergency C-section and deliver my daughters 5.2 weeks early. They were sent to the NICU and I was sent to special care--as doctors could not keep my blood pressure stable and were uncertain how things would go for me. Three weeks after I had my children, I dropped almost 60 lbs in water retention and baby--as unbelievable as it sounds, it is true. Though I spent 2 years on high blood pressure medication due to the complications of the pregnancy, I eventually got off meds--much of this had to do with a low-sodium diet and lots of exercise. The purpose of the explanation is <b>...</b>
