OUR STORY
I'm Jen, a two-time survivor of severe preeclampsia. My wonderful husband, Charlie, has been my rock. He and I created our blessed children, Grace & Meghan, plus Kesa, Charlie's daughter, completes our little family. She is a fabulous big sister.
In 2002, I developed severe preeclampsia with Grace and delivered her six weeks premature. She was 3 pounds, 14.5 ounces, and was born very ill. She struggled with failure to thrive, cholestasis of the liver, enlarged/liver spleen, jaundice, and a host of other poor liver functions. By 3 weeks old, we had a diagnosis of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency for her. :( Around 6-7 months old, her liver got better. :) Now, she has very mild AST and ALT liver functions, but otherwise is a very healthy child. She loves school and to spend time in her imaginary world of child's play.
In 2004, my pregnancy started to show signs of issues around 17 weeks with some weird swelling. That faded away but returned with a vengence around 25 weeks along. I was placed in the hospital on complete bedrest, and 9 days later, Meghan was born at 1 pound, 9.5 ounces. Her medical issues were mostly related to her micropreemie state, but her liver also showed some mild issues. At 2 1/2 months old, she also was diagnosed with Alpha-1 as a ZZ genotype. Her liver issues faded around 6-7 months old as well. Like Gracie, she also has mildly elevated AST and ALT liver function values. Otherwise, Meghan is still a tiny peanut weighing in at 28 pounds, but her spirit is that of a heavy-weight. She loves preschool, and to sing, sing, sing her way through life.
Enjoy having a peek into our life from time to time.
Hi everyone,
This is my first entry on this blog. Wow! I feel like such a techno geek.
I'll be writing more in the future. In the meantime, I've just set this site up.
Jen
