Image: iStock
For a pregnant woman, holding her newborn baby is all the reward she requires. But a woman was denied even this simple pleasure!
The new mother was left without hands and legs after an Orlando hospital where she gave birth performed a radical surgery.
And to add insult to injury, the hospital did not clearly explain why her limbs needed to be surgically removed.
When Claudia Mejia went into labor and rushed to Orlando Regional South Seminole hospital, she had no idea her life would change so radically.
Claudia was kept in the hospital due to ‘complications’ after she gave birth. But nobody discussed these medical issues with her or her husband. They had no idea what lay ahead.
Claudia was transferred to the Orlando Regional Medical Center twelve days after giving birth and woke up from the surgery as a quadruple amputee.
The only explanation the hospital was willing to provide was that Claudia was suffering from Streptococcus and toxic shock syndrome – both very serious medical conditions. But beyond that there was no information forthcoming. The hospital claimed that they could not disclose anything more without violating other patient’s right to privacy. This meant that the only option left for Claudia and her husband, Tim Edwards, was to sue to the hospital.
The new mother’s attorney, Judy Hyman, wrote to the hospital, demanding that her medical records be disclosed in accordance with the Florida statute, “The Patients Right To Know About Adverse Medical Incidents Act,” But the hospital asked the unfortunate family to take legal recourse. The hospital could deny Claudia her right because of a loophole in the Act that was passed by the Florida voters in 2005.
Though nothing can bring her limbs back, Claudia wants some kind of a closure. She wants to know why this happened.
From a healthy pregnant woman to an amputee – the change has been radical, not just for Claudia but for the rest of the family too. Claudia and Tim are slowly beginning to accept their new reality “One day at a time”. It is obviously not easy. But she does have her husband’s support! Ever the loving husband, Tim says that he would stick with his wife, no matter what.
Claudia said that her heart and soul aches to hold her baby. The new baby too craves his mother’s touch. Her older son Jorge cannot understand the change in his mother and keeps asking ‘What happened?” But the parents have no answer.
The road ahead is not easy and the family is well aware of the fact. They have suddenly become a ‘handicapped’ family. They have also become popular on the Internet. But this is not the kind of fame Claudia and Tim ever wanted. The only reason they put their story out in public is to raise awareness.
It is very important for every pregnant woman to be aware of her health issues. If you are pregnant, make sure to ask your doctor questions. Be your own advocate!
What Causes Streptococcus?
Streptococcus is a bacterial infection that is caused by direct contact. It can affect both the mother and child. The Group B Strep (GBS) bacteria are commonly found in healthy adult women. For most it is harmless, but as the story above proves, one can never be too careful!
Signs And Symptoms OfStreptococcus During Pregnancy
In adults, Streptococcus can cause serious complications like:
- Sepsis
- Skin, soft-tissue, and bone infection
- Pneumonia
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Meningitis
Most women with GBS show no symptoms. The GBS bacteria thrive in the rectum and vagina. So the best way to prevent GBS is to get tested for it. Ask your doctor to run a test to check if your body is hosting the deadly bacteria. The test is usually done between 35 weeks and 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Caught on time, GBS can be treated without any complications.
So, while Claudia’s story is heartbreaking, it does teach us to be more proactive about our health!
){kind=link}