non ischemic Cardiomyopathy

[roo24]

Hi my name is Amy and I gave birth to a boy on february 23,2007 and a week later I was diagnosed with post-partum cardiomyopathy. My EF was at 30% and i just recently had an echo done and they said it was at 35% now they are taling about re-evaluating me and want to talk about the possibility of putting an ICD in. I don't want to though because they say it should go away.....i'm beginning to wonder if it will? This is also my first child and would like to try for a girl. mind u i'm only 24 and my ob says i'd just have to talk to the high risk but she's had many patients with this have more kids.

[roo24]

Thank you for your response. I should try some of the things you suggested.I think if they tell me they want to put an ICD in me I'm going to ask for a second opinion.I would really like to have more kids seems how i'm only 24 but if I can't I have a family member who is willing to be a saeraget mother for me so I can try and get my little girl I always wanted.I'm pretty bummed about the whole thing.

[viennaustria]

I don't know about post-partum cardiomyopathy a lot, but can tell you about the story on my EF.

I was diagnosed at age 53 with dilated Cardiomyopathy EF 20 %. It went up to 35% very soon, then  to 45 %, now after 3 years is 65_70 %. I am very glad I do not have an ICD. It was a talk about the possibility back then.
I would not have more kids that is for sure.
Think about it twice. You would risk your own health and with that the well being of your first child.

Good look to you to do the right thing.

[Thatch]

Your EF is heading in the right direction.  Take your time and do some research on heart healthy nutrition and ways to get the most out of your pump. Keep in mind that treating symptoms does not mean you are treating the cause. Keep on top of this because you do want to be around for your son, but be very careful not to get caught up in the rat race of treating symptoms because most meds can cause one or two of their own and you can end up treating symptoms caused by drugs taken to treat symptoms and never treat the cause of the first one. A bit convoluted I know, but if you can get better by eating blue berries (as an example) then that is the way to go. No immediate results but the race is a long one. You can increase your circulation by taking ginger, or cayenne pepper. Hawthorn Berries have been used as a heart tonic for centuries and will help control blood pressure. Garlic is good for fighting chloresterol. Maitake mushrooms boost your thymus gland and gives your immune system more to work with.
If you are breast feeding you are providing your son with colostrum to boost his immune system. You are what you eat and so is he. Nutrition is the best tool for health you have. Use it all you can.

Thatch