Labor & Delivery Woes with Preeclampsia




In excruciating pain with elevated vitals

I decided that I would share my story, because most don't know what Mothers endure during pregnancy and giving birth.

I developed endometriosis in my early 30's and was told that more than likely I wouldn't get pregnant again. This had me down and depressed for yearssssssss, but I hid my internal pain from the people closest to me.

Last January, I finally asked my Gynecologist Oncologist for a hysterectomy because the pain was so unbearable. I told God that I was going to humbly bow out. with tears in my eyes......I GAVE UP!!

During a series of tests I found out that I was pregnant while on Birth Control. I don't know how, when ,where, etc but I popped up prego. Bittersweet moment!!

In a nut shell my pregnancy was filled with continuously feeling sick, stress, labs & genetic testing coming back abnormal, etc. I believe I cried every day of my 2nd & 3rd trimester.

After a while, stress sent me into early labor at 32 weeks & I was diagnosed with preeclampsia (I have a history). I was admitted into the hospital for a few days & begged them not to take my baby. I knew that she wouldn't survive if they took her. They kept sending in the doctor & NICU team to speak with me. However, I was adamant that they could not take my baby and I endured the pain.

        

A friend referred me to a girlfriend with a horrifying experience with preeclampsia and I was introduced to a drink that helped me feel amazing. It was called Juice Defined http://thejuicedefined.com/

My doctor required me to be induced at 37 weeks exactly, but it was the day of my baby shower. I begged to give me a couple of days to get ready.

Finally, I went into the hospital to be induced & received Cervidil
12 hours later no dilation but I was in pain
They then gave me pitocin the next morning no dilation but I was in a lot of pain 
They were giving me pain medication but nothing was helping
I got an epidural injection but it only took on my left side
Several doses but no help with pain
They had to redo my epidural and it numbed me from my chest down but only worked 1-2 hours
I was ready and she started crowning
As soon as I was getting ready to push I FELT EVERY FRIGGIN THING
I WAS IN SO MUCH PAIN & I FELT LIKE I WAS HAVING AN OUT OF BODY EXPERIENCE 
I heard voices but wasn't really present or coherent
I heard my older daughters voices behind me & would come to long enough to push
2 epidurals and nothing BUT PAIN
Per my doctor, I was going into toxic shock (1 more day & it could've been deadly she said)
After 29 hours of labor my baby was here (smile)

Post-delivery:

I was given a shot to stop Post-partum hemorrhaging
Within 30-45 mins I got deathly ill & everyone was rushed out of my room 
I was regurgitating bile and all and in EXCRUCIATING pain
I was sick ALL NIGHT and didn't see my baby again until morning 
Throughout all of this my blood pressure was running 140-210/90-120
My preeclampsia was horrid
I remained in the hospital 6 days & begged to be sent home because I wanted to go vote LOL
It took me twice as long to recover than with my previous deliveries.

Allergic reaction from surgical tape from epidural injection

Many don't know the physical and mental demons that women endure to bring forth life.
If you have a child you should do your very best to show appreciation to your wife or mother of that child. Don't bring undo harm, stress, pain, and inconsideration to her because.....
Having a baby is 1 foot in this world & 1 foot in the grave!!!

 

 

Battling Endometriosis & Overbearing Pain

I decided that I would open up and help someone that may be going through complications such as I am. Within the past year I have tried to adjust my life to “accommodate” pain. I was diagnosed with Endometriosis almost 1.5 years ago. I obtained the information after numerous trips to the ER that were extremely painful. I would be home or at work and all of a sudden I would have intense pain and a bout of extreme nausea. I racked up emergency room bills and no one could tell me what was going on with me.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Endometriosis (en-doe-me-tree-O-sis) is an often painful disorder in which tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus — the endometrium — grows outside your uterus (endometrial implant). Endometriosis most commonly involves your ovaries, bowel or the tissue lining your pelvis.

In endometriosis, displaced endometrial tissue continues to act as it normally would — it thickens, breaks down and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. Because this displaced tissue has no way to exit your body, it becomes trapped. When endometriosis involves the ovaries, cysts called endometriosis may form. Surrounding tissue can become irritated, eventually developing scar tissue and adhesions — abnormal tissue that binds organs together.

Endometriosis can cause pain — sometimes severe — especially during your period. Fertility problems also may develop.

POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS

Pelvic pain (especially during your cycle-dysmenorrhea)

Bloating

Nausea

Infertility

Excessive Bleeding

Back Pain

Headaches

Fatigue

Insomnia

Diarrhea

Constipation

Painful intercourse

Pain when urinating or bowel movements

Many women are misdiagnosed with other things when it really is Endometriosis. Often times, a woman is diagnosed with Endometriosis after extreme pain when they are admitted into the hospital.

Women are misdiagnosed with the following:

appendicitis

ovarian cysts

bowel obstruction

colon cancer

diverticulitis

ectopic pregnancy

fibroids

inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

ovarian cancer

PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) or sexually transmitted disease(s)

A Primary Care Physician can imply that you have endo, but cannot confirm unless they go in to see what’s happening. Your doctor can conduct a Pelvic Exam, Ultrasound, or perform a Laparoscopic surgery to determine if you have endometriosis.

One day, I was diagnosed at Urgent Care with appendicitis and had to rush to the ER to have surgery. After several tests, the ER Physician informed me that my appendix was perfectly healthy. The ER Physician referred me to my PCP (Primary Care Physician) immediately to undergo extensive testing, because they could not find what was making me ill. I went to my PCP and nothing was wrong, and I felt despondent. I started feeling like I was tripping and my mind was playing tricks on me. I finally went for my routine Pap smear and my Gynecologist caught the issue. He explained and educated me on endometriosis. He expounded on how it could have gone undetected, and the reasoning behind my pain. He informed me that my scar tissue from Post Gallbladder Surgery has meshed with my endometriosis. This is the reason why I have extreme pain. He prescribed me pain medication, which was Hydrocodone (Lortab). He also put me on a Birth Control called Lutera (Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol). He had me change my diet to incorporate more natural and healthier food options. Life got so much better for me!

I started to conduct more research to decrease as much pain as I could. A Special friend of mine suggested that I start taking Evening Primrose Oil Vitamins. I started taking it and I feel so much better than I previously did.

Evening Primrose Oil Vitamins: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/evening-primrose-oil-uses-and-risks

I also started drinking Ginger Root Tea on a daily basis. I grew up drinking it due to my culture, but did not realize how much it would help me aside from post pregnancy.

Ginger or ginger root is the rhizome of the plant Zingiber officinale, consumed as a delicacy, medicine, or spice. It lends its name to its genus and family (Zingiberaceae). Other notable members of this plant family are turmeric, cardamom, and galangal. The distantly related dicots in the Asarum genus have the common name wild ginger because of their similar taste.

I must say that I do have times where I experience extreme pain, but it is much better than what it used to be. It is more manageable for me. My pain level on a scale from  1 to 10 is a 5, but it used to be a 13. My irritability, restlessness, and agitation has reduced a great deal. I must admit I still suffer from headaches and nausea during my bad months. It is not an easy task to maintain a level of being pain-free.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, please go to a doctor for a thorough examination. We have to endure certain things as women, but we should do everything in our power to make it our lives easier. We CANNOT fly if we are being weighed down with afflictions. 

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." ~Romans 8:18

PSA: Endometriosis is NOT an STD or an infection of any kind.  It is not contagious.  Though it cannot be prevented, treatments do exist.

Facial Skin Care: How to care for skin...prevent breakouts...even out skin tone?

Fresh Face #NOFilter

I decided to write a quick blog on facial skin care, because many people ask me how I keep my face as clear as I do. I am very picky when it comes to my face, and I freak out if someone randomly touches me in my face (dirty hands). Any who, I decided to inform you guys on a few simple things that assists me with keeping my skin as clear as possible if I can help it. Its usually quite hard to maintain my skin because sometimes I have:

*oily skin

*dry skin

*combination of oil & dry patches throughout my skin

OR

*Sometimes my skin peels like a snake (of course when the seasons change)

This is extremely aggravating due to the weather predicting the outcome of my facial skin.

I have to ensure that I do not use products that will create more issues than needed. Okay, I use some simple home remedies to assist me with optimal facial skin care. I also use a few store brought products to complete my goal.  These items are as followed:

Mustard- I place a dab of mustard on my acne for at least 15-20 minutes to dry the pimple out. Mustard contains natural salicylic acid that shortens and eliminates the life cycle of a pimple.

Next step……….

Baking Soda- I make a paste with a small amount of baking soda and I let it stay on my face for at least 15-20 minutes. I normally put it on there and get caught up with chores or miscellaneous things that it stays on for about an hour. I rinse it off and apply my lotion to replenish the skin.

(My cousin who models would give me facials with these household items when we would hang together. She was my saving grace. It works wonders and she keeps a clear face!! See her pictures below)

 

Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Wash - I wash my face 2 xs daily (morning & night) with this product.  It is quite expensive and the cheapest I find it is $7.99 on a sale at Walgreens or CVS Pharmacy.

****This gentle foaming cleanser helps treat and prevent blemishes and breakouts without overdrying. The ACTIVE NATURALS® moisture-rich soy formula helps visibly improve skin tone and texture, for healthier-looking skin. Oil free, hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic and gentle enough to use every day.

Aveeno Clear Complexion Cleansing Bar- I often use this bar if I do not want to spend that much on the wash. It works great but I prefer a pump to use (just my preference).

****This cleansing bar contains moisture-rich soy and effectively cleanses without overdrying. Our exclusive soy formula helps to naturally even out skin tone and smooth texture. This soap-free, oil-free and hypoallergenic formula works best for breakout-prone skin.

Ambi Complexion Cleansing Bar- I use this product about every other day to even out my skin tone due to blemishes that may have been caused by an unruly pimple (that time of the month ladies). This soap evens me out and makes my skin complexion smooth and glow. I use this in addition to the Aveeno just because the aveeno prevents breakouts as well.

****It is enriched with proven cleansing agents to effectively wash away surface impurities and makeup for soft, clean skin. It’s rich, clean-rinsing lather also has light fresh scent.

Cetaphil- I use this due to it being a light lotion and/or moisturizer for sensitive skin. It does not clog my pores and it does not have me all shiny looking (I be having frequent specs of that Haitian skin shine LOL).

                                                                                                            (Before I go to bed--Clean Face)

I would encourage you to try these remedies and products to see if it makes a difference. Remember that the first representation of you is your skin. Wouldn’t you want to look clean and flawless?? Embrace YOU Love YOU….BE FLY in all that you do!! ~Flying Effortlessly

Natural Skin Care

A year ago my health was being challenged and I started my journey to be a healthier me. My doctor’s were puzzled due to the glands in my left being swollen and very painful. The swelling and the pain would come and go, which made this very hard to detect the origin of the issue. My skin started to get real sensitive all over and being outside would cause me to itch uncontrollably. In addition, I noticed that I would also start to itch whenever my stress levels spiked. I started to have a lot more dry scalp, my hair was breaking, and I had to wash my hair at least once a week with special shampoo.

I started to research all the appropriate things to put “in” my body and to put “on” my body. I was determined to become healthier by ingesting things internally that are natural in nature. I went to the Dermatologist and my Primary Care Physician and they were unaware as to what was going on with my body.  I decided at that very moment to stop ingesting chemicals and I would eliminate the use of relaxers with my hair. I have been transitioning my hair for a year now and I still have relaxer at the ends. I did not want to do a Big Chop so I decided to Transition from Relaxed to Natural slowly.

Tip: Grow an inch of hair and cut off an inch of hair to transition slowly!

I started to use shampoo & conditioner that is Sulfate-free whenever I did not go to the Salon. Luckily, for me my hairdresser also specializes in natural hair so that was a blessing. Hair was one thing that I was concerned with, but I was much more concerned with my skin. I thoroughly love my skin and complexion. It took awhile to gain that love of myself irrevocably and I was determined to fix whatever was going wrong. The issue is that I did not have any rashes or irritation on my skin to visibly show the itching that I was experiencing. I started to research everything that it pertains to skin and I purchased them and started an eliminating process. I was already aware from my early twenties that I had an allergic reaction to “Gain Detergent” that triggered my skin and caused to me to develop Pityriasis Rosea for about 2 months. This skin problem drove me crazy and I learned to NEVER EVER use Gain Detergent again. I ONLY use All Free & Clear Detergent to wash my clothes.  

Almost single-handedly Prevents Pityriasis Rosea!

What is Pityriasis Rosea?

Pityriasis rosea (say "pih-tih-RY-uh-sus ROH-zee-uh") is a common skin problem that causes a rash. Although it can occur at any age, it is seen most often in those between the ages of 10 and 35.

 This is a list of things that I purchased to assist me with overcoming skin irritation:

I can show you where to get these products for yourself (see the end of this blog)

Futurebiotics Hair, Skin, & Nail Vitamins

The Nutrients Your Body Needs for Healthy, Lustrous Hair, Glowing Skin & Strong Nails*

America's #1-selling beauty multi-vitamin

Lustrous hair, glowing skin and strong nails*

24 vitamins, minerals and herbs

No one can go wrong with good old fashion Dove Soap! This is my absolute favorite if I am going to use a Bar Soap.

Dove Sensitive Skin Unscented

Dove Soap

Dove^® Sensitive Skin Unscented Beauty Bar pampers sensitive skin with Dove^® ¼ moisturizing cream, and a truly mild formula that's fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and unscented. Dove^® is the #1 cleansing bar recommended by dermatologists and pediatricians.

I take a shower/bath with this at least 3 times per week. Tea Tree is pretty strong so make sure that you DO NOT use this on your private parts!!! I use the Almond Wash the nights that I do not use the Tea Tree wash. The almond wash soothes you and relaxes you more before bed.

Dr. Bronner's Tea Tree Liquid Soap

Dr. Bronner’s Tea Tree Liquid Soap

Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that helps heal cuts and bruises as well as skin conditions like acne dermatitis and psoriasis. All oils and essential oils are certified organic to the National Organic Standards Program. Packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles.

INGREDIENTS:
Water, Organic Coconut Oil*, Potassium Hydroxide**, Organic Olive Oil*, Tea Tree Extract, Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Citric Acid, Tocopherol 
* CERTIFIED FAIR TRADE INGREDIENTS 
** None remains after saponifying oils into soap and glycerin

Dr. Bronner's Almond Organic Liquid Soap

Dr. Bronner’s Almond Organic Liquid Soap

Nothing brings the warmth and coziness of home and hearth into your shower like our heavenly almond scent. All oils and essential oils are certified organic to the National Organic Standards Program. Packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles.

INGREDIENTS:
Water, Organic Coconut Oil*, Potassium Hydroxide**, Organic Olive Oil*, Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Natural Almond Fragrance, Citric Acid, Tocopherol 
* CERTIFIED FAIR TRADE INGREDIENTS 
** None remains after saponifying oils into soap and glycerin

As soon as I get out of the shower I oil my body down with this Coconut Oil. THIS IS THE BOMB! It softens the skin, moisturizes the skin, and it lightens the skin. It lightened my mother’s skin that the chemotherapy and radiation darkened. This is by far the best product and you can cook with this Coconut Oil. I have noticed that many people use it to cook more than for topic purposes.  

Garden of Life Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Garden of Life Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is among the healthiest, most versatile dietary oils in the world. An excellent culinary oil with its natural coconut flavor and aroma, we think it is simply the best tasting, most aromatic coconut oil on the planet.

·         Contains meat from only the freshest, organically grown coconuts

·         Produced using the same methods Philippine farmers have used for centuries

·         Helps maintain already healthy levels of cholesterol and thermogenesis

·         Great for low carbohydrate diets

·         Can be used in place of butter. Enjoy in cooking, frying, baking or in smoothies

·         RAW, vegan, non-GMO, not hydrogenated, refined, bleached or deodorized

·         Available in 16 oz. and 32 oz. jars

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is a stable, healthy, naturally saturated fat that is free from trans-fatty acids. It contains medium-chain fatty acids, including lauric acid, caprylic acid and capric acid which are readily converted to energy by the body. Consumption of coconut oil at recommended levels, along with a healthy diet and lifestyle, helps maintain already healthy levels of cholesterol. 

These are other miscellaneous products that I use to make my skin feel good and it provides a great fragrance:

Coconut Shower Cream

Coconut Shower Cream

This soap-free shower cream contains organic virgin coconut oil and has a deliciously tropical scent. Soap-free Lather-rich Tropical coconut scent

Bath Gloves

Bath Gloves

Get even more of a lather with these textured bath mitts that exfoliate gently.

Sleep-Lavender Vanilla

Sleep-LavenderVanilla

Relax before sleep. Lavender Essential Oil and Vanilla Absolute help calm feelings of stress so you can sleep better. This fast-foaming body wash is infused with soothing skin conditioners. For a calming bubble bath, add a couple of ounces to warm, running water. Our special formula contains precious botanicals - White Birch and Bamboo extracts are known to purify and soothe skin while Pearl Powder helps condition skin.

Now formulated to be faster-foaming with soothing skin conditioners

Breathe deeply for best results

Fragranced with essential oils and other natural fragrances

Not tested on animals

Stress Relief-Eucalyptus Spearmint

Relax and think clearly. Eucalyptus Essential Oil clears the mind while Spearmint Essential Oil uplifts to help improve concentration. This fast-foaming body wash is infused with soothing skin conditioners. For a relaxing bubble bath, add a couple of ounces to warm, running water. Our special formula contains precious botanicals - White Birch and Bamboo extracts are known to purify and soothe skin while Pearl Powder helps condition skin.

Now formulated to be faster-foaming with soothing skin conditioners

Breathe deeply for best results

Fragranced with essential oils and other natural fragrances

Not tested on animal

Sleep-Lavender Vanilla Lotion

Sleep-Lavender Vanilla Lotion

Relax before sleep. Lavender Essential Oil and Vanilla Absolute help calm feelings of stress so you can sleep better. This ultra-creamy, nourishing body lotion is formulated to give skin long-lasting moisture. Our formula contains precious botanicals and minerals - White Water Lily and Malachite are known to help soothe skin so it looks and feels its best.

Now formulated to provide all day moisture

Breathe deeply for best results

Fragranced with essential oils and other natural fragrances

Not tested on animals

All of these products help with eliminating Eczema, Pityriasis Rosea, Psoriasis, and other skin irritations. One year later, I have NO issues with my skin. Whenever I start to get irritated I notice that I am using more of my Dove Soap and less of the Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Soap(s) that helps with it subsiding. I only take my Hair, Skin, & Nail Vitamin every other day. It also helps with hair growth, nail growth, and nail strengthening. I recommend all of these products for anyone to use. Please consult with your Physicians if they have you taking other medication(s). I feel so much better now that I am taking better care of my skin with products that are more natural in nature. I hope that this helps others that read this blog.

Last tip: Utilize Vitamin E Capsules to lighten blemishes and scars on your skin. Purchase Vitamin E capsules and punch a hole in them to get a more potent oil to rub on your blemish after taking a bath. It will lighten your scars in little time.  

Vitamin E Capsules