autoimmune disorders?

[Dani]

Good morning everyone. I am new to the group.
I was curious if anyone here with PPCM also has any other type of autoimmune disorder? I know that there is a potential connection of antibodies and PPCM, but I wasn't sure if anyone else had anything like lupus or RA or Sjorgen's or something similar. My ANA titer has been positive in the past, but not consistent.
My son was born in June '04, and six days later I was back in the ICU with heart failure. . .didn't know it was PPCM until I was out of the hospital, though. I am doing well right now and not planning on more children. My husband and I were married for eleven years before our son was born, so we feel lucky just to have him. . . and lucky just for me to have survived!
I learned about Dr. Fett through Dr. Ansari at Emory University in Atlanta (we will be moving to Atlanta this summer).
Dani

[LauraNP]

Hi and welcome!

I'm sorry, I don't know the answer to your question, but I wanted to welcome you. :)

[SerenaWelsh]

Hi Dani.

I had a possible exclusionary diagnosis of MS in 2000. Basically, nothing else could be diagnosed, so I was told it was most likely MS.
I decided against treatment with so little information, and because I wished to have more children. Occasionally I become symptomatic or have a "flare up," but it's never as bad as the initial one when I was diagnosed.

I have optic neuritis which flares in both eyes - usually about once a year. I have paresthesia usually around the time of the optic neuritis flare ups, but not usually together.

My MRIs in the past have shown no lessions on the brain or spinal cord (which is very good), and my titers have always been normal.

I think Dr. Fett would agree there is a strong connection to PPCM and an autoimmune process - but without further research, it can't be adequately explained.

Welcome!

[heartfulloflove]

I would think that, since some autoimmune disorders can attack the heart, that there is likely a component or correlation between PPCM and autoimmune disease. I'd be interested to see the research on it.

[SarahsMom]

Hi Dani,

Welcome to the site! I live in Atlanta....we'll have to meet up when you move here. Any ideas of where in Atlanta you're going to live? I've lived in Atlanta for (10) years, if you have any questions about the area, please feel free to contact me.

Glad you're doing well.

Kari

[Dani]

Wow, what a welcome. Kari, I used to live off of Coleman Rd. in Roswell about 7 years ago. I saw you are in Roswell right now. We are probably going to the Kennesaw area this time, though.
Serena. . . the whole lupus thing is weird for me. . . I "flare" and wane, yet my ANA doesn't accurately reflect what's going on with me. I also have seizures and a neuropathy in my foot. I am not diabetic. . . didn't even have gestational diabetes. No high blood pressure, not even while I was pregnant. I feel like a medical weirdo. . . I'm sure you all understand!!
I am looking forward to getting to doctors at Emory University. I know that it is an excellent hospital, and it's just so comforting to know that there are doctors there who have done research on this condition.
Thanks again for the warm welcome.
Dani

[melissamph]

Welcome to the board! I had an abnormal ANA but my doc sent me to a Rheumatologist and I passed there with flying colors and all else has checked out fine. There was a question of Lupus but since has been ruled out as has MS.

[KellyDL]

Welcome! I look forward to getting to know you better!

[Laurie]

Welcome to Atlanta! I've been here 14 years and love it. We moved from Florida but I'm originally for the New York City/NJ area. I have an autoimmune disease and have lots of experience with the Emory Doctors. I had full blown organ failure (heart, liver, kidney) with my PPCM (April 2000). I also have vasculitis...inflammed blood vessels. Kari and I have spoken many times, haven't actually met yet. I was at Emory University for 8 weeks in April/May of 2000. I went for follow-up down there for 2.5 years and then switched to St. Josephs area. I love Emory but... the commute, the length of time and the tremendous turn-over in drs. was frustrating. I live in East Cobb...my parents just moved to Kennesaw from CO last year. I know of a great rheumatologist and cardiologist if you need one. IF you have any questions, please feel free to email me.

ljwoodpile@comcast.net

Best of luck with your move! Welcome!

Laurie
PPCM 2000
Mom of b/g twins

[lilyjack]

Welcome! I'm happy to meet you (but sorry for the reason!). When I was tested in the hospital, I had what they call a "lab positive" for the following group of autoimmune disorders: lupus, scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis, none of which I actally have (so far anyway). Coincidence?

[miachic]

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and also have had some other potential autoimmune responses in my body. I am always curious about the correlating between all of them. :confused:

[Mindyt]

Welcome! You have found a great board for friendship and support! I have not had any other autoimmune problems in my history or now. But, I have a questionable diagnosis of PPCM...it could also be viral DCM so my experience has been a bit different than the classic PPCM case. Anyway, glad you are here! I have one little boy myself an he is quickly approaching 2 1/2 years old! Again, Welcome!

[miracle baby]

Just wanted to welcome you here.:) :) :)

[doloresmc]

I have/had PPCM and was diagnosed with Graves disease (hyperthyroid) last year. I've never had ANA's done though, but I know Graves is autoimmune for the most part.. I also had Chronic fatigue when I was in college: they tested me for everything under the sun, everything being negative,( Lupus, AR,AIDS, etc.) so they said it *could* be chronic fatigue. I totally relate when you say you feel like a medical freak, or something! that's unfortunately the story of my life.
Welcome and hope you stick around..

[sfekke]

Hi Dani,

I've a question about the seizures in your foot. Is that like a cramp or is it more like an uncontrolled movement? I've always had a tendency for foot cramps and had this and terrible leg cramps during my PPCM pregnancy. The doctor put me on calcium and magnesium for this.

Probably not the same. Welcome to the board!

Sarah

[Dani]

<I've a question about the seizures in your foot. Is that like a cramp or is it more like an uncontrolled movement? I've always had a tendency for foot cramps and had this and terrible leg cramps during my PPCM pregnancy. The doctor put me on calcium and magnesium for this.
>

I apologize, Sarah, I wasn't clear. No, the seizures are not in my foot. I have a neuropathy in my foot. It makes it difficult to "plant" my foot sometimes and I will stumble b/c I can't tell if my foot is firmly on the ground. Sometimes it is a very painful burning crawling sensation. The only thing I can liken it to is that pins and needles sensation that you get if your foot falls asleep, but it is much, much worse.
I have both petit mal and grand mal seizures for which I take Topomax and Neurontin (generic is called gabapentin). Neurontin also helps with the neuropathy in the foot.
Are you still taking calcium and magnesium? In what forms?
Dani

[sfekke]

Thanks for the answer. I wouldn't now because I'm concerned about the impact of magnesium on my heart. I took during the 2nd tri of my PPCM pregnancy. I was waking up with leg cramps, no big deal, but casually mentioned to my OB and he suggested calcium with magnesium. It's one vitamin, I think the magnesium helps the absorption of calcium.

I've often wondered, did this contribute?, but I doubt it. I always think about my weird little tweeks, like I'm alergic to metal, I can't wear my rings because my fingers will swell up. Doubt that one to.

I think autoimmune disorders sound like a very valid link and I'm so glad you asked the question.

Sarah

[mom2gageandkeely]

When I was diagnosed in 1997, I had a ton of symptoms of MS that followed. I had leg cramps, involuntary muscle spasms, "twitches" numbess, weakness, eyesight problems. My doctors did not connect any of it to PPCM. I was reffered to optamologist and neurologist and they basically told me that I was a hypochondriac and that there was nothing wrong and it was not at all related to PPCM, I was too young for ms ( but not heart failure right) These symptoms were not around before ppcm but I was afraid it was something else terrible. That's just around the time that Dr Fett and I were in contact and he told me that it all very well could be related to my PPCM, and antibodies. Eventually my sypmtoms dissapeared when my Ef was higher and I was off medicines. I believe it was the ppcm that gave me the symptoms and not the medications but we will never know for sure. I still wonde rif it means I will be prone to autoimmune dieases. Sorry I do not have any answers just telling you my expierence.

[tabs]

Welcome Dani,

I have Crohn's Disease as well as PPCM. Crohn's disease is an autoimmune disease. I was actually on Prednisone for my entire confirmed PPCM pregnancy. I know that in the past there has been many women on the boards who have had other immune diseases as well.

Twilah