novelxo Chapter 674
Anastasia felt like she was in a dream, the anesthesia numbing the pain. She was unaware of how many times she had brushed against death. During the delivery, she went into shock twice. After the babies were born, the bleeding just wouldn't stop, and she nearly needed a complete blood transfusion. Anastasia faced amniotic fluid embolism, a condition with an alarmingly high mortality rate; half of the women who encounter it might not survive. Outside the operating room, the anxiety among the waiting family was palpable, like oil sizzling in a hot pan. Herman was as pale as a ghost, his legs trembling if you got close enough. Consumed by fear, he couldn't bear the thought of bad news, his entire body tense with worry. As soon as the twins were taken out of the OR for neonatal checks, the adults barely caught a glimpse. Herman couldn't even focus on the babies; his mind was solely on Anastasia's safety.
Throughout her pregnancy, Herman had dreaded this day. While Anastasia stayed calm, Herman was a bundle of nerves. Now, his worst fears were coming true.
Salma, with tears in her eyes, prayed desperately, "Please, God, Ana has to be okay. After all she's been through, why must she suffer like this? Please watch over my daughter." Katelyn also sent a silent prayer into the air, hoping for a miracle.
Recalling Anastasia's previous delivery with Pattie, which wasn't as severe, Salma was filled with dread. Monica, feeling helpless, wished she could do something but could only wait anxiously.
When James came out, everyone crowded around him. Herman asked, "How is Anastasia?" James explained the situation gravely, saying, "We're at a point where the only option might be a hysterectomy. Anastasia's not only dealing with amniotic fluid embolism but also a ruptured uterus. If we can't stop the bleeding, no doctor can save her. And even with surgery, there's no guarantee."
"Do it," Herman said without a second thought. "James, do whatever it takes to save her. I need her to make it through." There was no room for doubt; a decision had to be made quickly to seize any chance of hope.
"Understood," James replied, heading back into the operating room.
A pediatrician approached, "Mr. Salstrom, the twins have passed their health checks with flying colors. The older is a boy and the younger, a girl. Both weigh five pounds three ounces, which is great. Would you like to see them?"
Herman, though, couldn't bring himself to visit them, just nodding in response. "I'll go see the kids," Katelyn offered. "Doctor, where can I find them?" With Herman and Salma too distraught to leave, Katelyn took it upon herself to visit the newborns.
The surgery stretched from ten at night to eight in the morning. Herman's pallor and silence revealed his inner turmoil, warning others to keep their distance. By eight a.m., the exhausted medical team finally completed the surgery. The intense focus required for such critical care left them drained once the tension broke.
After a night filled with danger, Herman looked to James, anxiety and fear evident in his eyes, yet he dared not ask about Anastasia's condition. James understood, saying, "We had to perform the hysterectomy, but we managed to stop the bleeding. She's stable for now, but we must monitor her closely. As long as there's no further bleeding, she should be fine."
Postpartum hemorrhage is a nightmare for any doctor, a complication that can quickly turn fatal. This time, James's expertise was crucial in saving Anastasia's life.
Relief washed over Herman, his tension easing slightly with the news. The strain of the long, anxious wait nearly made him stumble, but he steadied himself against the wall. "I need to see Anastasia," Herman insisted.
"You'll need to wait a bit longer. Change into appropriate attire, and another doctor will take you to the ICU. But you can't stay long," James advised.