Courtney's story

My name is Courtney Stude and I delivered a healthy 7 lb. 2 ounce baby girl in September 2000. Thank God I am still here to enjoy her and watch her grow.

I had a very RARE eclampsia story that thankfully has had a happy ending. I was having symptoms of pre-eclampsia before Taylor was born and as with the other women's stories, I was not taken seriously by my OB.

Four days after I delivered Taylor (my second child) I was having problems breathing and a racing heart. I went to the hospital and was admitted. My doctor asked for a high-risk OB to do a consultation and she determined I had Pre-eclampsia. Although the high-risk ob stated I had Pre-eclampsia my doctor stated that I just had postpartum swelling which was causing the high blood pressure. He gave me a diuretic and sent me home.

Five days after that (9 days after I delivered) and after many phone calls to my ob - complaining of swelling, headaches, heart racing and stomach pains, my husband found me seizing at 6 am. I had 3 grand mal seizures and almost died. I was in the hospital for 8 days and thankfully don't have much of a memory of it.

I wanted to write and let women know to always trust themselves and get second if not a third opinion.

I thank God every day that I am still here to be with my family and watch my children grow.

Best regards,

Courtney