The 15%

One week ago today I rushed to the hospital in a panic where they did loads of blood/urine work because I knew something was wrong with the baby. After sitting in that tiny patient waiting room in the ER for what seemed like hours the doctor finally returned to tell me that
1. The tests were definitely coming back that I was pregnant and
2. Did I know I was RH-? and
3. What blood type is my husband?

I was very confused by all this. Why did he care what my blood type was and how did that relate to my pregnancy?  I got on the phone and texted my husband at work and he texted me back saying he was a positive blood type. As soon as those words were out of my mouth the doctor says, "The nurse will be right in to give you a shot workup. Because you are negative and your husband is positive and positive types are dominant this most likely means the baby is positive. The good news is with your blood type you are basically acceptable to anyone, you can give blood to whomever you like. The bad news is if babies blood mixes with yours not only could it be fatal to you but can effect subsequent pregnancies as your body builds up a type of sensitivity to that blood type and attacks it. The more important factor is you have to receive these shots within 72 hours of any bleeding or that will change the outcome drastically. You say you only saw a problem Monday evening so I think we have caught it in time."

Apparently 85% of the population is of positive blood type. Why is it that I am always in that odd percentage?? When I went in to get laser eye surgery I was told I had 35% less cornea then the normal person and thus they had to bring in a specialist and perform a different type of surgery then would normally be done. Needless to say I am use to hearing these revelations.

I was filled with relief. After all ...the triage nurse in the ER just told me that early pregnancy bleeding is common and the doctor just said my tests results came back with really high HCG numbers. That was good right...everything was going to be alright...right? But I should have known from the lack of answers from the medical professionals currently surrounding me that no...it certainly was not going to be alright. I desperately wanted answers. I was tired of all the BS. Give it to me straight...I could handle it...I wasn’t 5 years old...I just needed to know....