Update from the hospital
Hi, everyone! As you may have heard, on Wednesday I was diagnosed with pulmonary embolisms. I was hospitalized and released last night, but am unfortunately back in the hospital now, with no idea when I’ll be released this time.
Joe and I both wanted to apologize that we haven’t replied to many of the kind notes from folks offering to help. Things have been so crazy that it’s hard to stay on top of emails and texts, but the main problem is that we just don’t have many answers. The situation keeps changing from hour to hour, so we’re not sure what we need when. Be assured, though, that we will ask for help if and when we could use it — I’ve learned the hard way that declining assistance when you need it doesn’t do anyone any favors.
While I’m waiting for my next round of tests, I’ll share a few details of the past few days courtesy of my tablet and the hospital’s free WiFi:
- I had started having shortness of breath issues in early December, but it got bad the day after Christmas. I just thought I’d gotten out of shape or something.
- Since I was also well into the second trimester (I’m 24 weeks now) I thought it could be normal pregnancy breathlessness.
- I went in for a routine OB checkup on Wednesday. I told my doctor about the shortness of breath and asked to have my iron levels checked. He noticed that I was struggling to breathe just sitting there having a conversation with him, and said, “That’s not anemia. Go to the ER. Now.”
- A CT scan showed multiple pulmonary embolisms in both lungs.
- I am homozygous for the Factor II clotting disorder, so we knew clots were a risk.
- I was taking Lovenox as a preventative measure, though I had missed a few doses due to holiday craziness. Oddly, I had accidentally missed plenty of doses in other pregnancies too, and it was never an issue. The only thing different this time is that I was taking the new generic brand.
- My Lovenox dose was doubled to treat the clots. They didn’t want to do a follow up CT scan to avoid exposing the baby to more radiation. I was released last night even though the clots are still there, since things seemed to be stabilizing.
- This morning I had severe shortness of breath, back pain, and a heart rate of 131, so, long story short, I ended up back in the ER and now back in the hospital.
- Our priest came to the hospital to give me the Anointing of the Sick, and I was able to make a confession and receive the Eucharist as well. It’s impossible to describe the impact that had on my wellbeing. I am so, so grateful for our priests.
And that’s all I know. Now I’m lying here in a hospital bed with an IV and about a thousand wires connected to me, waiting for the OB and the hematologist to figure out what to do next. With all the decisions, we need to weigh benefits to my health to risks to the baby, so it takes a while to figure everything out.
As I said, everything changes every few minutes, so things are very much in flux. I’ll update here or on Twitter as I’m able. Thank you so much for your prayers and support!
Oh, and on a brighter note: for those of you who missed the announcement in the last Minor Revisions episode, the baby is a BOY!
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It’s GOOD to hear from you!! But please don’t worry about responding to anything — just focus on rest and recovery! God bless and keep you and the little one.
We just offered our nightly rosary for you and the baby, Jen. I’m glad you have some peace of mind; those sacraments are powerful!
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Praying for you and your little one!!
I am just catching up on all this. I am so sorry you are not well! I will be praying for you, for your baby, and for your family during this scary and difficult time. xo
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Get well soon!
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My husband and I are praying for you and your baby boy.
Very good to hear from you. Prayers, best wishes, and get well soon!
So glad to hear from you. I’ve been checking Twitter all day.
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Jennifer, you and your little one are in my prayers. God bless you.
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Oh, Jen. You and your baby–and your whole family–are in my prayers. Praying that God gives wisdow to your doctors, strength to your family, and peace to you.
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Permit me to add yet another message of prayers for a swift and thorough recovery for you, that will enable you to be the best possible ciborium for your newest.
That you would consider continuing to communicate with your readership while enduring your present ordeal is a testimony to your devotion to the New Evangelization–specifically the part where “God works all things unto good for those who love Him” (Rom 8).
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Wow, thanks for the update! Still will be praying for you
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Praying for you and that sweet baby boy!
We are praying for you and baby, of course, but are also praying for your doctors, that they have the wisdom to know what to do.
We are praying for you, your baby boy, and your family.
Continuing to pray for you all. Especially to St. Michael!
We are praying for you and your beautiful family! Thanks for the update!
Thank you for updating us! You and your sweet baby boy (yay!!! I missed the announcement! Congratulations!) are in my prayers.
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Thank you for the update. Though we’ve never met, your writing has touched my life. We’re praying for you.
St. Michael the Archangel, protect Jen and precious baby in battle. Sts. Gerard, Gianna, and Mother Mary hold them close and send your prayers. Guardian angels, surround them with safety and protection. Holy Spirit, fill the doctors with wisdom and understanding, guide their decisions and hands to bring your healing quickly. Lord or hosts, hold them all in your loving arms!
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Praying for you, Jen!
I don’t have words, but I’ll be praying for you!
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Our family is holding you in our prayers. So excited for your news of another boy (our son is jealous). Please do rest and know that you have so many praying for you all hours of the day and night.
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So good to hear from you–I’ve been checking all day. Prayers continue.
Anne
All I’ve got are prayers!
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Praying for you and baby boy. Praying for all your doctors- for wisdom. And for your family at home.
Blessings- rita
Prayers for peace and courage for you and Joe and prayers for wisdom for your doctors and staff.
You have been in my thoughts and prayers these past few days. Sorry to hear you are back in the hospital
BUT, congrats on another boy! I bet your oldest is thrilled!
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Take care and keep us updated! I will be praying for you.
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Dear Jennifer;
I’m so sorry to hear of these problems. I will ask our blessed Mother to care for you and your wee baby. Please know that we love you and want you to get better soon. Lorraine (in Canada)
Praying for you!
Praying for strength and healing for you and your family Jennifer! God bless!
Prayer warriors here for you and your baby…..
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Our family is praying for you, your family and your little one. I have the same condition as you, although I never ended up with a pulmonary embolism. I know all too well those Lovenox shots. Truly lifting you up in prayer!
Many prayers for you. It sounds scary but I know God is at work here. Peace for you and your family. <3
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We will be praying. Thank you for reminding me how great it is to be Catholic
Many prayers for you! I’m in my first trimester and struggling with hyperemesis gravidarum (basically severe morning sickness) but being able to know I can offer some of this suffering for you and your little one has kept me going! I will keep praying for you both!
Praying for you, Jennifer – and for that precious baby boy, too!
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Jen I am so very sorry to hear this! We will all be praying for you and the baby, as well as your family and your doctors! Please take it easy, don’t fear. I will pray for the intercession of St Gianna Mottolla for you!
Kerry Wolf
Jen, you have been in my thoughts and prayers and continue to be. It was great to see an update. Although we have never met , your writing has had a great impact on my faith. I was so excited when I was watching Minor Revisions and learned you are having a boy. Congratulations! Praying you get lots of rest and are feeling much better soon. Also praying for the doctors as they care for you and your sweet baby boy.
I’m am just catching up here and saw you are in the hospital. Count on our prayers!
St. Gerard – pray for Jennifer and her little son. St. Gerard is a great intercessor and I am sure the reason why my 9 yo son and I are still here. Love to you sister in Christ – be at peace.
Prayers from Nashville, Jen. I know the hospital can be a lonely place, especially at night; I hope that the idea of all of us holding you and baby in prayer will be a comfort.
Thank goodness the hospital has wi-fi!!!!
This reminds me of St Teresa of Avila, If this is how you treat your frends, no wonder you have so few of them.
Oh, goodness, I am praying as I read this!! Hoping for a miraculous healing!!
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Jen,
Randy and I will be praying for you. Please know you are in our thoughts. If there is anything we can help with, please let us know. Possibly dinner when you return home. Anything.
We’ve been praying for you too! Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle;
be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray:
and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits
who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.
Praying for you!
Much prayer for your complete healing, Jen, and for the comfort of your family. Glad to hear from you!
We’ll keep praying for you all!
There is no need to apologize for not responding. Everyone is just wishing you well and concerned for you and the baby. I will keep your whole family in my prayers for vespers.
Tend your sick ones, O Lord Christ.
Rest your weary ones.
Soothe your suffering ones.
Pity your afflicted ones.
Shield your joyous ones.
And for all your love’s sake. Amen.
-St. Augustine
Oh My God. Jen, as someone who has a congenital heart defect, and has three children, and who almost died from a spontaneous dissection after the third delivery, I will be keeping you and your baby and your whole family in my prayers. (And just FYI, that link is NOT reassuring, although it is informative – don’t take it down, but HOLY COW!)
PLEASE take care of yourself. Your babies and your husband need you. I’m six and a half years out from the “heart attack” and I’m still seeing why my babies and husband need me – even more than I saw back then. I’m not Catholic, but I am Eastern Orthodox, and as we approach Theophany, we know that the Christ who descended into the waters of baptism also goes with us into the depths of our despair and lostness. You’ve heard the saying, “no matter where you go, there you are,” but really it’s, “no matter where we go, there He is.” Jesus Christ, Son of God, who is everywhere and fills all thing, have mercy.
I will keep you in my prayers! Your writing has always helped me so much; you are a light to so many people. I will say a rosary for you.
Heading to adoration now, will be praying for you and your family.
My husband & I will be praying for you, your little son, and the rest of your family. May God grant you a speedy and safe recovery!
My family and I have been praying for you and your little one, and will continue to do so! I am so glad to hear that you have been given the Anointing of the Sick. I’ve had it a couple times myself, during scary pregnancy complications, and it is such an incredible blessing! We will continue to pray!! God bless!
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I can’t believe you’re updating from your hospital bed. Wait…yes I can
You and your baby boy are in our prayers, Jen! God bless you!!!
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You are definitely in my prayers, and your family and baby. I’m so sorry to hear about this turn of events but will make your recovery and the health of your child my Mass intention for First Saturday and for the Epiphany. Take care of yourself.
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Hi Jen,
Lying here in my hospital bed and praying for you guys. Offering up some of my pain for you and hoping you are given some of the same consolation that I have received to carry you through this trial.
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Dear Jen, I’ll be praying like mad for you and your family. Thankfully, I’ve a most awesome patron in St. Jude Thaddeus, whose intercession I called upon in the case of my brother’s PE last year. My brother and his goofy sense of humor have both graced the New Year in grand style! Love, Judy
My prayers are with you. God speed to you and your sons recovery. God Bless you.
I’ve been praying for you since I heard about this turn of events- Holy Michael and St Gianna, intercede for Jen
Thanks so much for updating us. I pray along with everyone here who posted for you and the baby. I pray for your doctors, too.
Jen, we are praying our hearts out for you! I’m sure God has incredible plans for you, your family, and this baby.
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We are praying…my husband has been taking this very hard as I have Factor V (heterozygous)and although not pregnant now, we were kind of blase when I was. Not anymore! Please know that we are storming heaven and as I did in your last pregnancy I am asking not only St Michael but St Elizabeth Ann Seton for their diving intercessory prayer. Much love from NC!
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Jennifer, we are praying for you down here in S. Texas. We love you. We need you. You are an inspiration to us all. Now will you PLEEEEEAAAAAAASE rest. I hate to say it because I miss you when you are quiet, but you have got to take a break. We will be here when you get back:)
Ave Verum Corpus
Faith
Oh Jen! I’ve been praying so hard for you and your little baby boy and will continue to do so.
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I’m keeping you and your family in my prayers! I’ve been reading your blog for years. You are an inspiration!
I’m praying for you and your little boy, Jen.
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Prayers coming from Buffalo for you and baby, Jen. May you be completely healed by the Divine Physician!!
Hello Jennifer,
I posted a couple of years ago about health issues and delaying pregnancy/preventing due to serious health problems by getting your progesterone tested. I have been on blood thinners for years. My advice is ALWAYS use name brand on any important meds you are taking. All of my heart and blood thinner meds are name brand. I had heard it for years but have discovered it myself by having problems with generics. The main problem is generic formulations are all slightly different and made by many different manufacturers. My blood levels were all over the place with warfarin and very steady on coumadin. Also if you have a choice after delivery and need to be on blood thinners (and have the option to change) I recommend going with one that you can have your blood levels checked with. They had me on pradaxa because it was “fail proof” and I started having weakness on my left side. In my opinion, I’d rather know my blood levels. I don’t mind getting them checked monthly. It’s worth the piece of mind.
I will keep you in my prayers! I know what it’s like weighing those big decisions while being pregnant (I was cardioverted with my last baby and she’s 6 years old and doing great!!!) It’s hard to find the stats sometimes!!:) Pray, research and find a doctor you can trust.
Praying for you and your little one!!
Know you are loved.
Adding my prayers to those going up on your behalf.
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All the best – hope matters resolve quickly and effectively. You are surrounded by prayers – God’s will will be done.
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Our family is praying for you!
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