My name is Khristi. I am a mother and this is my heart story. In the summer of 2015 I had a beautiful 15 year old daughter at home and learned I was pregnant with my 2nd child, a precious boy. I was overjoyed but had a looming fear throughtout the pregnancy due to a strange dream I had. I was monitored closely throughout my entire pregnancy due to age and other minor health conditions and tried to push my fears aside. My pregnancy progressed without any major concerns aside from anemia that was treated with infusions. A week before my scheduled csection I developed a severe cough which was treated with antibiotics. I also had swelling in my legs and feet, fatigue and frequent urination which was attributed to pregnancy. I was fearful and very emotional the morning of my scheduled csection. I pulled myself together as to not worry my daughter and fiance but couldn't shake the uneasiness I felt. Upon arriving at the hospital I was prepped for surgery. My precious boy was born February 22nd but was taken to the nicu due to fluid in his lungs. My surgery was completed and I was off to recovery. I was given xray, oxygen and neb treatments due to my own low levels which was attributed to the respiratory infection I was thought to have. I was treated throughout my stay. My son recovered quickly and we were released a few days later. After returning home my symptoms worsened but I thought the swelling and shortness of breath were part of recovery from a csection.On March 10th I decided to check with my doctor after taking my son to his own doctor"s appointment which was next door to mine. By the time I got to my own appointment I could barely breathe and my blood pressure was very high. My doctor said "I need to drive you to the hospital.You could die before an ambulance gets here. I think you have a pulmonary embolism or peripartum cardiomyopathy." He loaded my son and I into my car and took me to the ER which was very close to his office. He watched my son until my fiance could get there. After many tests the doctor came in and said "You are in congestive heart failure. We think you have peripartum cardiomyopathy." Hearing those words shook my whole being. I had just turned 36 years old, mother of two with a newborn to care for. I was admitted to the cardiac unit with an enlarged heart and leaky valves that caused my lungs, chest and body to fill with fluid. The next few hours were a blur. I was pumped full of meds and a thoracentesis was done which resulted in a 30 lb weight loss, 6 of which came from one lung. After nearly a week in cardiac care I was released to go home to my new reality. I don't have the answers as to why this happened to me or to what my future may hold. As strong as I want to be there are days when I just can't hide my tears. All I can do is take one moment at a time and try to remember how blessed I truly am.
"One day at a time--this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering." I do want to thank my family and friends for all their help during this difficult time. It broke my heart to not be able to care for my children but knowing they were in such loving care meant the world to me. I love you all so very much????
My Details
- Date Diagnosed: 10/03/2016
- Child: 2
- Initial EF: Not sure
- Current EF: NULL
Story By Khristi Seitzinger