<2>Doctors Refused to Operate on Me Because I Was Pregnant — Then a Pregnant Surgeon Stepped In
<3>My Life-Changing Fall in the Japanese Backcountry
As I reflect on the events that unfolded, I am still in awe of the resilience of the human body and the dedication of medical professionals. My harrowing fall while skiing in the backcountry of Japan was a turning point in my pregnancy, one that would test my resolve and push me to the limits of medical care.
<4>The Accident
It was a crisp winter morning in the Japanese Alps when I lost control of my skis, tumbling down a steep slope. The impact was brutal, and I felt a searing pain in my abdomen. I knew something was terribly wrong. My partner, who was skiing with me, rushed to my side, and we quickly realized that I needed medical attention.
<5>First-Degree Peritonitis and a Ruptured Ovary
The initial diagnosis was grim: I had suffered a first-degree peritonitis, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate surgery. However, my obstetrician, Dr. Smith, was hesitant to operate, citing the risks associated with surgery during pregnancy. I was devastated, feeling