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Tine73
Member since 3/06 22093 total posts
Name:
*********
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SPR - I Finally got a Diagnosis - can I have some hugs please (sorry really long!)
So...come of you may have remember me posting about not feeling well after delivery. I had major shortness of breath. It was so bad that it would wake me up when I was sleeping bc I was gasping for air.
I wound up going to the ER a couple of weeks ago, they did a few tests and then I followed with with my primary care physician. They immediately sent to a cardiologist and a pulmonogist. I was put on some meds to get rid of the fluid and I lost about 25 lbs in a matter of days. Now I am down about 37lbs since delivery almost 4 weeks ago (I gained 10 lbs this pregnancy).
I went to the Pulmonologist for a follow up this morning and they did another breathing test which came back normal. I have to go for a follow up cat scan to see if the abnormality is still there. I finally got a diagnosis though - postpartum cardiomyopathy. I just started researching it and I wish I hadn't...
"Cardiomyopathy occurs when there is damage to the heart. As a result, the heart muscle becomes weak and cannot pump blood efficiently. Decreased heart function affects the lungs, liver, and other body systems. Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a form of dilated cardiomyopathy in which no other cause of heart dysfunction (weakened heart) can be identified.
In the United States, peripartum cardiomyopathy complicates 1 in every 1,300 - 4,000 deliveries. It may occur in childbearing women of any age, but it is most common after age 30.
There are several possible outcomes in peripartum cardiomyopathy. Some women remain stable for long periods, while others get worse slowly.
Others get worse very quickly and may be candidates for a heart transplant. The death rate may be as high as 25 - 50%.
The outlook is good for women whose hearts returns to normal size after the baby is born. If the heart remains enlarged, future pregnancies may result in heart failure. It is not known how to predict who will recover and who will develop severe heart failure.
Treatment
Because the heart dysfunction is usually reversible, and the women are usually young, everything possible will be done to ensure survival.
This may include taking extreme measures such as:
* Use of a balloon heart pump (aortic counterpulsation balloon)
* Immunosuppressive therapy (such as medicines used to treat cancer or prevent rejection of a transplanted organ)
* Heart transplant
For most women, however, treatment focuses simply on relieving the symptoms. Some symptoms resolve on their own without treatment.
Medications include:
* Digitalis to strengthen the heart's pumping ability
* Diuretics (water pills) to remove excess fluid
* Low-dose beta-blockers
A low-salt diet may be recommended. Fluid may be restricted in some cases. Activities, including nursing the baby, may be limited when symptoms develop.
Daily weighing may be recommended. A weight gain of 3 or 4 pounds or more over 1 or 2 days may be a sign of fluid buildup.
Women who smoke and drink alcohol will be advised to stop, since these habits may make the symptoms worse.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Women who develop peripartum cardiomyopathy are at high risk of developing the same problem with future pregnancies and should discuss contraception with their physician.
Hopefully this just goes away! Moral of the story - if you don't feel well, go to the doctor!!!! I almost didn't and god knows what would have happened!!
Message edited 5/18/2010 3:46:19 PM.
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Posted 5/18/10 3:45 PM  |
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usuk2004
I'm ONE!
Member since 5/05 5150 total posts
Name:
Farah
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Re: SPR - I Finally got a Diagnosis - can I have some hugs please (sorry really long!)
Here's hoping it goes away. 
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| Posted 5/18/10 3:47 PM |
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maybeamommy
Blessed beyond belief
Member since 10/07 17048 total posts
Name:
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Re: SPR - I Finally got a Diagnosis - can I have some hugs please (sorry really long!)
Wow! That's so scary! But I'm glad you have a diagnosis and that you're going to get this under control.
You are so right about trusting your instincts!
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| Posted 5/18/10 3:47 PM |
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KateDevine
*
Member since 6/06 24950 total posts
Name:
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Re: SPR - I Finally got a Diagnosis - can I have some hugs please (sorry really long!)
Do NOT go near Google!!!
 everything will be fine
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| Posted 5/18/10 3:51 PM |
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Bops
My 3 wishes
Member since 12/07 13625 total posts
Name:
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Re: SPR - I Finally got a Diagnosis - can I have some hugs please (sorry really long!)
Thank goodness you followed your instincts !!
Many & that this goes away !
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| Posted 5/18/10 3:51 PM |
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julz33
i run for bacon
Member since 5/05 20584 total posts
Name:
julz
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Re: SPR - I Finally got a Diagnosis - can I have some hugs please (sorry really long!)
OMG, hope it goes back to normal quicly!
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| Posted 5/18/10 3:52 PM |
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Ian&EmmesMommy23
My family is complete!
Member since 11/08 12970 total posts
Name:
Diana
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Re: SPR - I Finally got a Diagnosis - can I have some hugs please (sorry really long!)
i hope everything turns out ok!!
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| Posted 5/18/10 3:53 PM |
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kerrycec03
Mom of 2 beautiful boys!!
Member since 6/06 13519 total posts
Name:
Kerry
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Re: SPR - I Finally got a Diagnosis - can I have some hugs please (sorry really long!)
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| Posted 5/18/10 3:53 PM |
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Re: SPR - I Finally got a Diagnosis - can I have some hugs please (sorry really long!)
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| Posted 5/18/10 3:53 PM |
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JennZ
MY LIFE!!
Member since 8/05 25463 total posts
Name:
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Re: SPR - I Finally got a Diagnosis - can I have some hugs please (sorry really long!)
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| Posted 5/18/10 3:55 PM |
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karacg
Babygirl is 4!
Member since 5/05 17076 total posts
Name:
Kara®
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Re: SPR - I Finally got a Diagnosis - can I have some hugs please (sorry really long!)
Oh Christine, I am sorry this isn't what you wanted to hear....
It is good they found out what it is and can treat it effectively and quickly, I hope...
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| Posted 5/18/10 3:55 PM |
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LoriH
There's no place like home
Member since 8/07 4110 total posts
Name:
Lori
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Re: SPR - I Finally got a Diagnosis - can I have some hugs please (sorry really long!)
Try to stay away from google and think positive thoughts.
Lots of hugs and prays that everything turns out ok.
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| Posted 5/18/10 3:57 PM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: SPR - I Finally got a Diagnosis - can I have some hugs please (sorry really long!)
OMG...
for a quick recovery!!!!
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| Posted 5/18/10 3:57 PM |
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eroxgirl
My Loves
Member since 5/05 15697 total posts
Name:
Rebecca
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Re: SPR - I Finally got a Diagnosis - can I have some hugs please (sorry really long!)
OMG - stay away from Google!!! I view medical information from the internet the same as I view witch doctors. No good comes from it.
for you. I hope and pray that this is reversible and with a little time and medical attention you'll be back in good health soon!
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| Posted 5/18/10 3:59 PM |
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neener1211
:-)
Member since 4/07 22952 total posts
Name:
J
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Re: SPR - I Finally got a Diagnosis - can I have some hugs please (sorry really long!)
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| Posted 5/18/10 4:01 PM |
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Smileyd17
kids
Member since 5/05 20997 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: SPR - I Finally got a Diagnosis - can I have some hugs please (sorry really long!)
Im sorry for your diagnosis but happy that you listened to your body and seeked medical attn!
that it does go away and you continue a happy healthy life
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| Posted 5/18/10 4:05 PM |
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Elbee
Zanzibar
Member since 5/05 10767 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: SPR - I Finally got a Diagnosis - can I have some hugs please (sorry really long!)
Oh no! I hope you can treat this and it goes away for you!!!!
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| Posted 5/18/10 4:06 PM |
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TLC1018
I AM A BIG SISTER!!
Member since 8/07 3880 total posts
Name:
Tracy
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Re: SPR - I Finally got a Diagnosis - can I have some hugs please (sorry really long!)
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| Posted 5/18/10 4:07 PM |
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Tine73
Member since 3/06 22093 total posts
Name:
*********
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Re: SPR - I Finally got a Diagnosis - can I have some hugs please (sorry really long!)
Thanks everyone!! I only looked at one website and I am not looking at anything else unless I get worse!
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| Posted 5/18/10 4:10 PM |
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babyfever08
Love my babies!
Member since 11/08 3938 total posts
Name:
Antonella
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Re: SPR - I Finally got a Diagnosis - can I have some hugs please (sorry really long!)
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| Posted 5/18/10 4:11 PM |
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SweetTooth
I'm a tired mommy!
Member since 12/05 20105 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: SPR - I Finally got a Diagnosis - can I have some hugs please (sorry really long!)
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| Posted 5/18/10 4:12 PM |
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nrthshgrl
It goes fast. Pay attention.
Member since 7/05 57538 total posts
Name:
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Re: SPR - I Finally got a Diagnosis - can I have some hugs please (sorry really long!)
I'm so glad you took the initiative to find out what was wrong.
I hope it reverses itself.
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| Posted 5/18/10 4:14 PM |
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Sweets13
Bella Bambini
Member since 5/05 9300 total posts
Name:
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Re: SPR - I Finally got a Diagnosis - can I have some hugs please (sorry really long!)
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| Posted 5/18/10 4:17 PM |
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Rycois
Blessed with 2blue/2pink
Member since 12/05 13341 total posts
Name:
J
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Re: SPR - I Finally got a Diagnosis - can I have some hugs please (sorry really long!)
Christine
My colleague had this and I'm having lunch with her tomorrow. I know you're doing your own research, but I'll ask her about it as well.
I hope you feel better and I'm so glad you've been listening to your body and investigating this
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| Posted 5/18/10 4:18 PM |
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CkGm
They get so big, so fast :(
Member since 5/05 13848 total posts
Name:
Christine
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Re: SPR - I Finally got a Diagnosis - can I have some hugs please (sorry really long!)
May it reverse itself!!!! Good thing you saw a doctor quickly!
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| Posted 5/18/10 4:19 PM |
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