What a long week

It had been such a long and challenging week for us, as Lani was admitted to hospital for a threatened pre-mature delivery.

Started last Tuesday, 16 April, as a precautionary visit to the hospital because Lani had some spotting and our OB wasn't available. We went to Westmead Private Hospital where we're booked for a 7 June delivery. The midwives checked on Lani and attached a CTG machine to monitor the baby, and we were there for about 45 mins enjoying the sound of Baby Erin's heart while a hysterical lady was undergoing intense labour just outside the room.

It wasn't our first visit, we also did the same thing the Thursday prior because Lani also had some spotting and after all checks proved ok, we were sent home. Unfortunately though, we're not so lucky this time around. The doctor was worried and wanted Lani monitored overnight. As quickly as that, we were helped into our own private room in the Maternity Ward.

Since we weren't covered by the private insurance yet (still within 1-year waiting period), we told the hospital that we were going to shoulder the cost. We were presented with the room rate which shocked us. $945/night! Little did we know, that was actually already a good deal.

Admitted to Westmead Private

Lani quickly called her OB who arranged to transfer us to Westmead Public, knowing that they'd be cheaper and they have better facilities to care for premature birth (baby was only 31weeks then). So at 9pm that day, we transferred to Public.

The following morning, the hospital "Patient Liaison Officer" came to our room and told us that we have to pay $1,707/night, being non-PR nor citizens. I think I froze and turned pale upon hearing that. Bro. Marcel, our minister, and his wife were there so they were shocked as well. The guy gave us time to ponder upon it, so Bro Marcel lead us in praying for divine intervention. With faith on our side, I tried calling our insurance again and without any hassle they agreed to cover 7 days of hospitalisation. Yey!

Visiting hours at Westmead Public

Lani spent the next 6 days on the hospital bed with TV and her phone (Facebook/Twitter) keeping her company. I still had to work during the day and the hospital has an 8pm visiting curfew, so Ethan and I had only about 3hours everyday to see her. I think I lost a few kilos running around, going back and forth between the house, office, and the hospital, and trying to care for Ethan at night.

Lani got a little depressed because of her condition, worried about the baby being 7 weeks premature, and about the financial burden in case she had to stay beyond 7-day limit on the insurance cover. The doctor said she preferred Lani to stay in the hospital until at least her 34th week, which was 21 days away. And in fact, most of the other patients in the ward have been there for weeks or even months.

Her spotting got worse on Wednesday and on Thursday she felt watery discharge. The ultrasound revealed that her water bag already had a tear so the doctor got even more reluctant in sending her home. She was just waiting for Lani to show signs of labour and she'll readily start the delivery.

Luckily the bleeding finally stopped on Saturday and after another 2 days of monitoring, the doctor gave her approval to continue bed rest at home. And so yesterday, Tuesday, Lani was back at home. 

It was definitely a challenging week for us. A test of faith, courage, and strength.