New here...introducing of myself

[Shannonkk]

Hi all,
I am 32 and just had an ICD implanted to control my postpartum cardiomyopathy. I had all the classic signs which I knew nothing about PPCM until I went into cardiac arrest (Vtac) in the cardiac care unit at the hospital. That is when they diagnosed me. I coded 3 times total before going into surgery. I have 1 beautiful baby girl named Vivien who is 4 months old. The Drs. told me I would not surrvive another pregnancy because of the condition of my heart, so she is it for me. But I feel blessed just to have her.
I am happy to be alive and have such great support from my husband and other family. But I am also scared that I could die at any minute from this. I had a relapse last weekend and had to be hospitalized again. Now it seems as if they have my meds better figured out, but things are still terrifying for me.
Just looking for some support from those who know what I am going thru.
Thanks!
Shannon

[Lisa V]

Welcome Shannon,
You have come to the right place for support, help and advice. I remember when I was first diagnosed and feeling the same way you are right now, scared to death and thinking that I was definitely going to die very soon. Well, it has been 5 years since diagnosis and I am still here and plan on being for a very long time to come. I also was readmitted into the hospital after coming home and my meds were adjusted and have been fine ever since. You need to really rest and take very good care of yourself. Your heart has been through a tremendous ordeal and it needs to time heal and with that comes rest. At the time of your diagnosis due you remember them telling you what your EF was? Do you have any idea what it is currently? What type of meds are you on? Please know that there is definitely hope and that you will be just fine, you will see......Please read some of our BIOS and you will see that we had the same feelings and concerns as you and we have all proven the doctors wrong with their prognosis for us. We also have a Dr. on our boards who is totally amazing and will answer any question you may have. His name is Dr, Fett. By the way my name is Lisa and I am from NJ, I was diagnosed when I was 33 with my second daughter. Please feel free to read my BIO to learn more about me and who I am. Hope to see you on the boards and please know that we are here to help in any way possible. These woman are amazing and the strenght is overwhelming

[JAMESFETT]

Here are prayers for complete healing. You are over the most critical time. Trust that healing will come. Do not make hasty decisions, including about future pregnancies. PPCM has a remarkable ability to heal--one of the unusual features of this form of cardiomyopathy. There are many ladies here who have a vast experience and wisdom from that experience. They will be a good support for you. If I can help in any way, please let me know. Prayers and best wishes.

James

[momofthree]

Dear Shannon,

You hang on girl!!! Don't make any decisions know except that you are recovering!!! The rest will come. I agree with Dr. Fett. I just hate that anyone has to go through this part of it all. The initial shock and the ups and downs with meds and hospital stuff. It is tough and God is faithful and way tougher :) I am praying for you and am so glad you found this site. It really has helped me to be a part of it. To give and to receive support. Plz keep us posted and don't think twice about sharing your heart or asking for help when you need it. Enjoy your little one. Blessings to you and healing is definitely yours! Alison (momofthree)

[margaretinva]

Wlcome Shannon - I'm sorry you had to find us but I'm glad you did. I was diagnosed 1.5 years ago and these women and Dr. Fett are life savers! We are here for you!

[mikeyandBellesmommy]

Welcome, I too am glad you found us, I know how it is to be scared and worried, I cried for 2 months post diagnosis. I am now a pround mama to my second child and my ef is holding at 55-60. We are survivors listen to your docs and take your meds, it takes some time to get used to all the adjsutments, but you will Survive and be around for Vivian, I LOVE THAT anem ever since I read yayas, I love the nickname VIVI..

Cari

[Shannonkk]

:D Thank you all so much! I am so happy I found this board!

[Yvonne]

Welcome Shannon, it's good you found us!!

[amyls]

Shannon,
I am so glad you were able to find this board. All of us have been where you are and been afraid of what lies ahead. For me, denial played a huge role! HAHA But all of us are doing well. Some heal more quickly, then others like me take more time, but the FACT is HEALING. I am almost 5 yrs post diagnosis, and they told me then that the survival rate was 5 yrs.(we know now, that that statitic is outdated!!)..many of us can tell you that we made it that far and then some. I am still not fully recovered and will be on meds for life, but it's a very small price to pay to see our children grow up! Please know you are not alone, and can ask anything here.
God Bless
amy

[dawn]

I'm a bit late, but welcome Shannon and Vivien!

This is a great place, I hope you'll hang around.

dawn

[momoftwoboys]

Welcome to the boards too! I'm almost 27 and was diagnosed 3 1/2 years ago after my second pregnancy. You are in the best place you can be for positive support. If anyone knows what you are going through, it's us. Not our mothers, sisters, brothers or even husbands can totally understand what we are going through. I'm sure you will find comfort and peace here. I'm sure I will be talking to you more.