Viral Cardiomyopathy - Recovered.

[Nikvan]

I had a baby 5 months ago.  Six days after my c-section, I ended up in the hospital with fluid overload.  I was diagnosed with Cardiomyopathy (of an uncertain type at the time). After a chest x-rays, echo and several blood tests, I as finally diagnosed with viral cardiomyopathy and acute systolic heart failure. My ejection fraction was 35-40%. I was given Lasix and in 24 hours I lost 21 lbs. and approximately 4 liters of fluid. I had a cardiac MRI that day and my ejection fraction was already back up to 55% and of normal size. It also showed a scar on my heart that was stastically consistent with viral cardiomyopathy.  How accurate is that stastic?

My question is............after that quick of a recovery, should I still worry about my heart?

Also, the MRI showed a basal septum hypokenesis, is that serious?

[Trackermom]

Nikvan- Not sure about the viral CM, but I went through Peripartum Cardiomyopathy and recovered.  The most important thing is to not have anymore babies, because chances of recovery are smaller and you want to be here for the baby you have now.  I've know two women who went through horrible PPCM and became convinced that they were healthy enough to get pregnant again and well they weren't.  Congestive heart failure for both of them, one had to have a heart transplant the other may need on at some point, but she is stable but gets tired.

It is scary.  Finding out exactly what it is, getting the best treatment you can, watching sodium and liquid intake so that your heart doesn't have to work so hard and exercise to keep the heart strong.
Don't let the depression stop you from taking care of yourself.  I remember that feeling of depression and the unknown and the fact that doctors thought it was amazing I was even alive made me a panicked mess for a few months, but I research the best heart supplements and took my heart meds and kept doing what I had to do.

Good Luck!

[Nikvan]

I'm still very scared over the whole thing!  I'm not sure where they said it attacked.  However, I have thus went to a different cardiologist and he thinks that it was a stress cardiomyopathy. I have another echocardiogram scheduled in March!  This whole ordeal really through me for a loop (major depression). Thank you so much for your comment.  

By the way, how did they figure out yours was a viral cardiomyopathy?

[Jo846]

WOW!  You should be down on your knees - playing with that new little baby and grateful for such an incredible recovery!!  It must somehow be related to being pregnant?
I had a viral attack to the left side of my heart, inside, it has left me with an EJ Fraction below 15% and I have been told it will not improve!  Was your viral attack on the lining of your heart - I understand that can more readily be taken care of.....enjoy your baby and your "new" life!!!