Arrival in Miami
May 21, 2015
Leaving Belize hand in hand with my mother in law, leaving
all that we know about, all we have lived for and been accustomed to behind; was
one of the hardest thing to do. It was so much different than traveling on
vacation and returning months or a couple years after.
It was very much
complicated, The air pressure in the plane could have me in labor before Landing,
immigration might not understand the importance of me needing to be in the US,
there could be complications in the delivery room and I will never see my
family again. The things running through my mind at the time had two parts; the
emotional wreck that I am experiencing as a daughter, a sister, a niece, a
granddaughter and a girlfriend stood in front of the decision that I had to
make as a MOTHER and the unconditional love I had for my Prince. Trying not to
stress myself and to focus on my mission to nurture a gift sent from above,
come what may, I will make it through with God holding my hand.
Unfortunately, my mother had no visa and was unable to go
with me being that it was all a rush there was no time to even think of
applying, I had to leave as soon as possible. I give God thanks every day for
placing me in a loving and caring family that supported me to the fullest and
took me as their daughter, standing with me every day of the process and even
today as we are still healing. I gained a sister, a friend and another mother
in my mother in law, who knows me so much better than even a friend would know
me. I have always been a person that stays in her own circle, very few acquaintances
and I never talked much about my personal stuff to anyone, her support was much
more than a blessing as I had who to lean on and hold me whenever I had to receive
heart breaking news.
The entire Jackson Memorial Hospital – Holtz Children Hospital
knew Ms. Irma Garbutt as “CK Glamma”.
Arriving at the airport God took my hand and walked me right
through immigration, unto the next stop customs, being a petite little lady
with a HUGE tummy now at 121 pounds I was super tired and decided to take a
seat on my carry-on bag. Oh boy was that a bad decision, the bag slipped and I fell in the airport. So I was out of the plane and safe but mein did my butt hurt
with that fall and I had one sharp hit, the young man waiting for us Mr. Nelson
Gallardo brother known as “Luis” insisted that I get a checkup at the hospital
for safety. I had no pain whatsoever other than that one sticking pain. But as
a first time mother precautions had to be taken especially carrying a sick
child. Our first visit to Jackson Memorial Hospital was confusing being in a
big country with so many turn around before one can figure out how to fit into
the system. I was taken into emergency and there were a lot of questions, they
connected me to the monitor, IV for dehydration (being pricked three times
before they found a proper vein), blood tests (cant it be over already). The
monitor was showing I’m having contractions but I was not feeling one bit of
pain, thinking in a joke way I was like “is this what women say is painful
during contractions, pssh I can handle this”. Since the monitor was reading
contractions and I’m not feeling any other than back pain which was normal I thought,
so they decided to do an ultrasound.
Here comes the revealing part; They found I have excessive amniotic
fluid which was one of the reasons my tummy was so huge and the fluid was feeding
the monitor fake contractions and they found the Congenital Diaphragmatic
Hernia, and also explained that it was severe. They then called in different
doctors to see me and explain what exactly it is, the process and also advised
that I do not leave the country as my child needs expert treatment and they
very much understood Belize does not have that.
Did God throw me off the carry on so that I step right into
the scene to visit the hospital? lol. I hope not.
Did I mention I travelled two hours, long hours in the airport,
into the hospital and got to the apartment at 4 am? Sigh* heck of a lot for a
pregnant woman and all I wanted to do was just rest my eyes and have them do
what they have to do.
The doctors referred me to the front desks that were more
than welcoming and very professional at what they do. They scheduled appointments
for my OB doctors that would be following up my case every week, and to meet
Dr. Anthony Hogan and his team whom were pediatric surgeon that would assist CK
when he is delivered. The appointments were all to speak more in detail about
my health, CK’s health, the process and the steps we need to take to head in
the right direction.
It's good that you're sharing your story. So people can understand.
ReplyDeleteYes auntie. And people that find themselves in my situation know where to find help.
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