Eclampsia

[Jelly01]

Hello all, I have searched high and low for any mums that have suffered eclampsia, the full blown one not 'pre' I had my daughter on Christmas Day 2009. I had what you would call a 'text book' pregnancy. No issues. My daughter was 16 days over due and weighed 9lbs, pretty big for a 5 foot size 6 woman. Anyhow 6 days afterbirth I was rushed into hospital where I suffered 3 seizures and a bleed in my brain which then resulted me going into a coma. I am very lucky to be alive. Long story cut short.... Three, almost 4 years on I don't feel the same. It's almost as though I made it back to life but only half of me. Due to me being sick I hadn't bonded with my daughter, and now it's almost as though I've given up on life. I don't do anything. Once upon a time I used to be a high flying career woman now I'm just a woman. I've been to my GP for regular blood test as you do when you've been through something as traumatic as this to only find out I'm very low in vitamin B12. Recently I had a dose of 5 injections and have been told I will need this every 3 months. I have also recently found out that I am severely depressed unbeknown to me. What I would like to know is, has anyone that has suffered eclampsia been though any of what I am going through because ultimately I feel like it's ruined my life'

Hi Jelly, good name you sound a bit wobbly right now. I'm replying as you haven't had any yet. Probably because your experience is thankfully so rare. I'm a midwife btw.

A really good friend of mine also had a very life threatening incident around pregnancy. She lost the baby and her uterus. She was very severely depressed for a long time. but eventually with meds and therapy she is better. She is enjoying life again and has kind of come to terms with it all.

Please ask you GP for a referral to a psychiatrist and access specialist care around PTSD. Also, ask to be seen with your daughter in a specialist setting to improve your attachment. There are people that can help you. Don't get fobbed off with local counsellor and CBT, you need more specialist help.

You are doing just fine. Really hope you are feeling better soon.xxx

Hi Jelly, I had Pre-Eclampsia and Eclampsia. I was hospitalised for 4 months before DD was induced (early) and the day I had her, the second she was out they gave me a PDA (epidural) to try to bring down my BP, but unfortunately I had one bleed before they could stop it. I think having the PDA probably saved my life.

I was kept in Intensive for 2 days, but was conscious the whole time. I left hospital after a week and DD left hospital after a month.

I haven't suffered any after effects. I remained on magnesium and potassium for 6 weeks or so, having BP checked every other day. I was also anaemic and had to have both Iron and VitC treatment. Once my BP had been normal for a week they withdrew the treatment and I was fine, knackered but fine.

Obviously my own experience makes me think that your depression etc would not be related to the Eclampsia. I'm not a doctor, so wouldn't want to diagnose, but it sounds to me more like PTSD following the traumatic time you had with the pregnancy/birth. With Pre-Eclampsia and Post-Partum Eclampsia, birth generally 'cures' you, but symptoms can remain for up to 6 weeks (which is probably why I was treated for 6 weeks). I don't actually think it will be the Post Partum Eclampsia that is causing your symptoms.

happy to talk if ever you need to.