from something called an amniotic fluid embolism. The story is, she went into labor and was scheduled to have her baby 3 hours later by c-section. After the baby was delivered, she played with the baby and shortly afterwards, went into cardiac arrest and died. The baby is now 2 weeks old and doing fine but we are extremely devastated. I have done some reading up on this condition and wonder if anyone knows anyone who survived this condition? I feel like there was some malpractice because when she went into cardiac arrest there was no crash cart available to defibrilate her. My heart is broken for her children and I feel like justice should be done but how do I know where to start? I'm sick!!!
2007-05-17 11:51:46 · 13 answers · asked by SmartyPants 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
The malpractice suit is certainly not about money. I want to make sure that this doctor never practices again. Less than a year ago he killed another young girl during a c-section, he has left surgical tools in patients after stitching them back up. When surgery is being performed, a crash cart should always be nearby. It's sad we had to learn so much about this doctor after the fact.
2007-05-17 12:06:46 · update #1
Thanks eveyrone for your kind words, prayers, advice and education. I have consulted with a few lawyers and am waiting to hear back. Thanks!!
2007-05-17 12:11:45 · update #2
I am so sorry for you and your family.
It is so rare for a woman to die in childbirth related incidences now that our first thought is that it must be someone's fault and we have to sue someone (the hospital, the doctor....someone!). Please accept that this is a rare thing that has happened and focus on your sister's children and their need for love and support right now. That would be justice for the children.
2007-05-17 12:11:21 · answer #1 · answered by Psalm91 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry for your loss.
I doubt there was malpractice. This is very rare.
Now with that said the crash cart would of been nice. But who is to say it would of worked. Or if they have to have one in there. These are things that if you sue will be brought up. Malpractice is hard to prove sometimes. Be carefull and it may hurt you more by taking this to court and drawing it out. You need time to morn. God bless you all.
Here is a little info on amniotic embolism
What is AFE?
AFE is a rare obstetric emergency in which amniotic fluid, foetal cells, hair or other debris enters the mother's blood stream via the placenta and triggers an allergic reaction. This allergic reaction then results in cardiorespiratory (heart and lung) collapse.
The condition is so rare that most doctors will never encounter it in their professional careers and as a result the exact process is poorly understood. However, it is believed that once the fluid and foetal cells enter the maternal pulmonary circulation a two-phase process occurs:
First phase: The patient experiences acute shortness of breath and hypertension (extremely high blood pressure). This rapidly progresses to cardiopulmonary arrest as the chambers of the heart fail to dilate and there is a reduction of oxygen to the heart and lungs. Not long after this stage the patient will lapse into a coma.
Second phase: Although many women do not survive beyond the first stage, about 40 per cent of the initial survivors will pass onto the second phase. This is known as the hemorrhagic phase and may be accompanied by severe shivering, coughing, vomiting and the sensation of a bad taste in the mouth. This is also accompanied by excessive bleeding as the blood loses its ability to clot. There is also foetal distress present. As hypoxia (the reduction of the oxygen supply) progresses the foetal heart rate may drop to less than 110 beats per minute (bpm).
2007-05-17 12:01:14 · answer #2 · answered by charontheloose 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Oh my God....I am so sorry for your family...especially her children....poor things!
Sorry but I have never heard of this condition so can't offer you any advice but I would speak to a lawyer that specialises in medical malpractice as they would have a good idea on whats right and what isn't regarding this tragedy. Or surf the net with 'amniotic fluid embolism' as the search words and see what comes up...there might be help online.
Best of luck with it. My thoughts are with you.
2007-05-17 12:04:45 · answer #3 · answered by West Aussie Chick 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm so sorry for your loss. I also lost my sister May 27, 2016 due to AFE. She never got to see her baby girl. My baby niece also have Hypoplasty Left Heart Syndrome were the left side of her heart was undevelop. She went thru her 1st surgery in 1 1/2 weeks old, she's thriving but also has her 2nd surgery around November. My brother-in-law is the greatest father he's very attentive and caring to his family but being a single dad with 2 kids and a baby require help from people around him and I am one of those people attending to whatever he needs for support.
Shower them with love and care. I've been doing her chores for him. He's so appreciative with that while he's hands-on with the baby since he has to record all her feedings until the next surgery.
Good luck...
2016-07-23 16:06:05 · answer #4 · answered by Fe 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do some searches online. Go to your local library and read up on this condition. Maybe you can make an appt. to talk to a doctor about this situation, to get a professional opinion. Also, talk to a lawyer who specializes in medical cases.
What a tragic thing to have happened to your family! I am so sorry for you loss, and my thoughts and prayers are with you!
2007-05-17 12:00:30 · answer #5 · answered by *Logan's Mommy* 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm so sorry for your loss. And also for your family's loss. This is something that is soooo tough to deal with. You should talk to a lawyer about it and see what your chances look like. This may not be something you would like to hear, but malpractice is something that is very hard to prove and win. Again, Very Sorry.
2007-05-17 12:14:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. The first thing we look for is someone to blame but, it may not be the hospital. Unfortunately, people die at unexpected times from unexpected things.
2007-05-17 11:56:10 · answer #7 · answered by huckypeep2 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A good start for something this huge would be to get an attorney. they usually have free consultations to see if they can/will take your case.
I'm sorry for your loss and deeply saddened just reading it. I will pray for you and your family. god bless you.
2007-05-17 11:56:16 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Gosh, I'm so sorry for your loss. I wonder if she had any complications during the pregnancy. This is what I found on the internet...
2007-05-17 11:58:09 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
How bittersweet this is.... I am so sorry for your loss.
AFE is extremely rare and extremely fatal....
Let it go and help raise your sister's children to remember their mom in a positive atmosphere.
Best Wishes.
2007-05-17 11:58:59 · answer #10 · answered by ♥♥The Queen Has Spoken♥♥ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋