Candice Davis experienced an unexpectedly smooth first pregnancy until June 14, 2025, merely 11 days from her due date. The day began routinely, but symptoms like nausea and abdominal pain appeared as it progressed.
Her husband insisted on visiting the hospital despite her reservations. Davis, while working for an OB-GYN recruiter, trusted she would notice if something was seriously amiss. However, upon similar urging from her friend and OB-GYN, Dr. Susan Passarella, she relented.
At Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, Florida, Davis’ noted elevated blood pressure prompted her doctors to admit her overnight. The situation rapidly intensified thereafter.
“Everything kept getting worse,” Davis said.
Upper Abdomen Pain and Elevated Blood Pressure
Davis’ specific diagnosis was HELLP syndrome, a rare condition related to preeclampsia affecting the liver and leading to potential rapid bleeding. HELLP syndrome’s occurrence stands at 0.01% to 0.06%, Passarella explained, contrasting preeclampsia’s 5% to 8%.
During a C-section delivery, unexpected liver complications emerged. Although Davis’ son was delivered safely, the liver injury started bleeding. Hastily administered anesthesia prompted urgent surgical interventions.
Her team’s readiness for potential liver surgeries ensured a surgeon’s availability. Although her condition worsened – inducing further surgical delays – efforts persevered.
The Recovery Path
After initial treatments stalled bleeding, Davis regained consciousness and began breathing autonomously the following day. A poignant moment arose when her son’s placement on her chest initiated both his silence and her blood pressure reduction.
“That’s something I’ll never forget,” Davis recalled.
Yet challenges persisted. Blood clots in her left hand disabled blood thinner usage due to bleeding risks. Subsequent therapies included hyperbaric oxygen chambers, resulting in losing digits on her left hand, delving into amputation surgeries, and intensive physical therapy.
Adjustments and New Beginnings
Despite these postpartum hurdles, Davis and her family embraced newfound norms. Her adaptability impressed herself and her therapeutic team. Prosthetic enhancements and familial support fostered independent care capabilities for her son.
A summer spent on the beach highlighted significant recovery milestones. Contemplating traveling for her son’s first birthday, retreating to less arduous routines built reassurance in everyday equity.
Conveying Awareness
Davis advocates attentiveness toward pregnancy-related developments. Women’s acknowledgment of subtle bodily signals could prioritize necessary evaluations.
Dr. Susan Passarella and Candice Davis are collaborating on Fall relay races, reflecting resounding triumph in overcoming adversities and augmented recovery successes.
“Don’t take things for granted,” Davis urged. “Be vigilant for your wellbeing.”
Her story reinforces the value of vigilance and prompt medical assessments during pregnancy phases.
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