LetsTalkPPCM�

'I'm a PPCM Mom, Of Course' – a trend that's a movement fueled by the resilience and candid voices of PPCM heart moms.

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a challenging journey, but within this community, strength, support, and shared experiences abound.

Read, real quotes from PPCM heart moms, paint a vivid picture of their triumphs and trials, their moments of vulnerability and victory. Through their voices, we gain insight into the rollercoaster ride of surviving Postpartum Cardiomyopathy – a journey marked by determination, courage, and unwavering love for their families.

Join us as we navigate the complexities of PPCM, dispel myths, and embrace the raw beauty of motherhood amidst adversity. 'I'm a PPCM Mom, Of Course' isn't just a declaration; it's a testament to the fierce spirit of mothers who refuse to let their diagnoses define them.

Together, we uplift, inspire, and stand tall – because, of course, PPCM moms are warriors!💖

To learn more about the pregnancy induced heart condition, visit https://letstalkppcm.org.

Meet Lyndsey Auito:
By looking at the photo above, could you believe she was in full-blown heart failure?

Around 33wks pregnant, Lyndsey began noticing her feet and ankles were severely swollen. While at work one day, her manager at the time suggested that she go to the hospital due to how swollen she looked. She made a call to her OBGYN in concern and was told to go to labor and delivery. After a 9 day hospital stay, she was diagnosed with preeclampsia with a blood pressure of 194/105 and was induced at only 34wks. She delivered a healthy baby girl via c section due to 13hrs in labor of not dilating past 3cm.

That night into the next morning she woke up gasping for air and the emergency response team had to intervene. They did a CT scan and found that her lungs were filled with fluid and an echo of her heart. A normal heart function is between 55%-60% and her heart function was 27%. They transferred her to the ICU where she wore an oxygen mask. Upon returning home she had to wear a 24 hour defibrillator for 3wks. She was diagnosed with Postpartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM), an often unrecognized and misdiagnosed form of heart condition induced by pregnancy or up to 12 months postpartum. The condition weakens the heart muscle so that it becomes enlarged and can't pump blood properly to the rest of the body.

Today, Lyndsey is considered fully recovered, but continues to take medication. She feels the BNP blood test should be mandated for all expecting and postpartum mothers to sooner detect PPCM.

Visit: https://letstalkppcm.org/share-your-story-1 to share your PPCM story while helping increase awareness. Learn more about our Screening questionnaire today!

Meet Tashawna Shepard:
By looking at the photo above, could you believe she was in full-blown heart failure?

Two weeks after giving birth to a healthy baby boy, Tashawna began experiencing sharp pains in her back, so her husband took her to the emergency room. When she arrived, they ran multiple tests and blood work. Doctors came in to inform her that she was being admitted for heart failure. She was diagnosed with Postpartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM), an often unrecognized and misdiagnosed form of heart condition induced by pregnancy or up to 12 months postpartum. The condition weakens the heart muscle so that it becomes enlarged and can't pump blood properly to the rest of the body.

A normal heart function is between 55%-60% and her heart function was 10%-15%. As a CNA, she never heard of this condition before. Once being admitted she received an Impella heart pump which temporarily helps the heart pump blood and oxygen to the body. After multiple right heart catheterizations within a week's time and taking her medications, her heart function continued to decline. As of now, her heart is only functioning between 5-10%.

Today, Tashawna is still on her road to recovery, continuing to take medications daily and adjust to the new normal. She feels the BNP blood test should be mandated for all expecting and postpartum mothers to sooner detect PPCM. She states this is something all women need to know about before, during, and after a pregnancy.

You can support her journey to heart transplant through Help Hope Live campaign fundraiser. Help Hope Live assures accountability that funds raised can be used to help with receiving a Heart Transplant along with medical-related expenses.❤️

Visit: https://letstalkppcm.org/share-your-story-1 to share your PPCM story while helping increase awareness. Learn more about our Screening questionnaire today!

Donation link : https://helphopelive.org/campaign/23077/

Meet Rita:
By looking at the photo above, could you believe she was in full-blown heart failure?

At the age of 40, around the time of Covid, Rita began to feel short of breath in the second trimester of a fair healthy pregnancy. She would normally walk the flight of stairs to get to her work floor, but was no longer able to. During the Covid lock down, she was left without work but stayed home the rest of the pregnancy and started to feel more fatigued than usual. It was so bad to the point she could not stand in the kitchen to prepare meals without a chair or could barely even stand for a shower. She had a doula who suggested she should have a cesarean birth, but the doctor at the hospital humiliated her for not wanting to give birth naturally.

Overall, she felt it was a good choice, and that it may have saved her life. The day after the birth of her healthy baby boy, she could no longer breathe properly when lying flat. She expressed her concerns with the nurses about being short of breath and that it felt like her heart could no longer pump properly. Her feet were also swollen. The following day after running tests she was transported to a special heart clinic for heart transplant evaluation. She was kept there for 12 days.

She was then diagnosed with Postpartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM), an often unrecognized and misdiagnosed form of heart condition induced by pregnancy or up to 12 months postpartum. The condition weakens the heart muscle so that it becomes enlarged and can't pump blood properly to the rest of the body. A normal heart function is between 55% to 60% and her heart function was at 32%.

Today, Rita is still on her road to recovery, continuing to take medications daily and adjust to the new normal. She feels the BNP blood test should be mandated for all expecting and postpartum mothers to sooner detect PPCM.❤️

Visit: https://letstalkppcm.org/share-your-story-1 to share your PPCM story while helping increase awareness. Learn more about our Screening questionnaire today!

'I'm a PPCM Mom, Of Course' – a trend that's a movement fueled by the resilience and candid voices of PPCM heart moms.

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a challenging journey, but within this community, strength, support, and shared experiences abound.

Read, real quotes from PPCM heart moms, paint a vivid picture of their triumphs and trials, their moments of vulnerability and victory. Through their voices, we gain insight into the rollercoaster ride of surviving Postpartum Cardiomyopathy – a journey marked by determination, courage, and unwavering love for their families.

Join us as we navigate the complexities of PPCM, dispel myths, and embrace the raw beauty of motherhood amidst adversity. 'I'm a PPCM Mom, Of Course' isn't just a declaration; it's a testament to the fierce spirit of mothers who refuse to let their diagnoses define them.

Together, we uplift, inspire, and stand tall – because, of course, PPCM moms are warriors!💖

To learn more about the pregnancy induced heart condition, visit https://letstalkppcm.org.

Meet Sierra Hill:
By looking at the photo above, could you believe she was in full-blown heart failure?

After a 9yr age gap, Sierra became pregnant with her 2nd child. It was a healthy pregnancy, despite caring for her husband after a motorcycle accident. About four months after the birth of her baby boy, she began having chest pains, shortness of breath, headaches and a rapid heart rate. She thought nothing of it and assumed it was from the extra weight. Later that night she started to feel nauseous and the chest pains were worse. Sierra then went to the hospital and spent the next 7 days there running tests. They stated it was high blood pressure and prescribed her medications before discharge. A month later, the symptoms returned and she went for a 2nd opinion at another hospital.

More tests were done, with a gallbladder removal surgery and additional hospital stay for 9 days. She was diagnosed with Postpartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM), an often unrecognized and misdiagnosed form of heart condition induced by pregnancy or up to 12 months postpartum. The condition weakens the heart muscle so that it becomes enlarged and can't pump blood properly to the rest of the body. A normal heart function is between 55% to 60% and her heart function was 10-15%. Six months postpartum, her heart showed no signs of recovery and she was given an ICD implantable defibrillator. For a month, she met with the heart transplant team and was approved!

Today, Sierra is still on her road to recovery and has been blessed with a new heart. After a few setbacks with heart rejection, a pacemaker was placed. She currently has biopsies every two weeks and is considered a high risk transplant patient. But she is grateful to be here! She feels the BNP blood test should be mandated for all expecting and postpartum mothers to sooner detect PPCM.❤️

Visit: https://letstalkppcm.org/share-your-story-1 to share your PPCM story while helping increase awareness. Learn more about our Screening questionnaire today!

Join our founder, Brianna Harris-Henderson as she navigates the unexpected twists of life in 'A Life on Pause'—a compelling narrative that gave rise to Let'sTalkPPCM, a nonprofit organization that increases awareness confronting pregnancy induced complications, loss, grief, faith and resilience.

Discover the power of turning life's challenges into catalysts for change in 'A Life on Pause' by Brianna Harris- Henderson—a testament to the strength found in adversity.

Visit our website now at https://letstalkppcm.org/ and join us in making a real impact.

Your kindness matters, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts!❤️

Grab book: https://a.co/d/5rrAth0

Share your PPCM story:
https://letstalkppcm.org/share-your-story-1

Patient Advocate Support: https://letstalkppcm.org/patient-support

To donate to our cause: https://pay.letstalkppcm.org/LTPdonors

A Life on Pause A Life On Pause educates, motivates, and inspires as it relates a true story of a woman named Brianna Harris-Henderson, who developed Peripartum Cardiomyopathy. It is a pregnancy-related heart failure that took the life of her older sister's, three years before her own diagnosis. Brianna believes...

Meet Sarah Hawthorne:
By looking at the photo above, could you believe she was in full-blown heart failure?

At age 34, with a third pregnancy, Sarah delivered a healthy baby at only 6 cm dilated after the doctor expected something to be unusual with the delivery. After the birth, a medical team rushed in so she assumed it was for the baby, but little did she know, they were there for her. The next day, she awoke in the cardiac ICU and could barely remember what had all occurred after labor.

She was placed on dialysis for kidney failure and was diagnosed with Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM), an often unrecognized and misdiagnosed form of heart condition induced by pregnancy or up to 12 months postpartum. The condition weakens the heart muscle so that it becomes enlarged and can't pump blood properly to the rest of the body. A normal heart function is between 55% to 60% and her heart function was 10%. She was given 6 months to 1 year to live, and needed evaluation for a heart transplant.

Today, Sarah is still on her road to recovery and now has an implantable defibrillator and a CardioMEMS to monitor any strange heart rhythms. She feels the BNP blood test should be mandated for all expecting and postpartum mothers to sooner detect PPCM.❤️

Visit: https://letstalkppcm.org/share-your-story-1 to share your PPCM story while helping increase awareness. Learn more about our Screening Questionnaire today!

Meet Cheyanne Shockley:
By looking at the photo above, could you believe she was in full-blown heart failure?

In June of 2023, Cheyenne found out she was expecting twins! She had a fairly healthy pregnancy but had severe morning sickness for a while. Other than gestational diabetes things went well. She became short of breath during the last trimester but assumed it was from carrying two babies. A week before giving birth, she developed a cough and went to urgent care where they treated her for an upper respiratory tract infection.

At 37wks, she delivered two healthy baby girls via c-section. Two days later while getting rest, she woke up feeling short of breath. After talking with the nurse, they thought she was overwhelmed and having anxiety. They gave her medication, but the next day, she was still short of breath. Her mom suggested she seek answers, and had a nurse check her oxygen which showed levels in the 80s. She was placed on oxygen while her OB-GYN ordered a CT scan. The scan and an Echo revealed two blood clots in her right lung, a clot in her IVC, and fluid around her heart and lungs.

A cardiologist then came to diagnose her with Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM), an often unrecognized and misdiagnosed form of heart condition induced by pregnancy or up to 12 months postpartum. The condition weakens the heart muscle so that it becomes enlarged and can't pump blood properly to the rest of the body. She was transferred two different times to a more equipped hospital, received a wearable life vest and proper care.

Today, Cheyanne is still on her road to recovery. She has adjusted her lifestyle with exercising, eating low sodium and taking her meds daily. She feels the BNP blood test should be mandated for all expecting and postpartum mothers to sooner detect PPCM.❤️

Visit: https://letstalkppcm.org/share-your-story-1 to share your PPCM story while helping increase awareness.

Meet Rachelle:
By looking at the photo above, could you believe she was in full-blown heart failure?

During the last 10wks of pregnancy, Rachelle began experiencing shortness of breath and elevated blood pressure. She mentioned to her Obstetrician that she could feel her heart racing constantly, even while at rest. She was told this was normal in pregnancy but that she would refer her to a cardiologist. The cardiologist had her wear a heart monitor for a few days and when the results came back abnormal, she was immediately admitted to the hospital.

She was given proper treatment and diagnosed with Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM), an often unrecognized and misdiagnosed form of heart condition induced by pregnancy or up to 12 months postpartum. The condition weakens the heart muscle so that it becomes enlarged and can't pump blood properly to the rest of the body.

Once released, she was placed under care with a heart failure specialist for the remainder of her pregnancy. After the birth of her baby boy, she devolved postpartum Preeclampsia which exacerbated symptoms of PPCM. She went to cardiac rehab after 12 months postpartum.

Today, Rachelle is considered fully recovered but still has symptoms. She has adjusted her lifestyle with exercising, eating low sodium and taking her meds daily. She feels the BNP blood test should be mandated for all expecting and postpartum mothers to sooner detect PPCM.❤️

Visit: https://letstalkppcm.org/share-your-story-1 to share your PPCM story while helping increase awareness.

We spread awareness to save lives!

It's been stated that PPCM reveals itself towards the end of pregnancy up to 5-months. But it goes pass the 5-month mark, it's up to 12- months as we have moms who are diagnosed a year later with a damaged heart from previous pregnancy.

February is heart month, so LetsTalkPPCM�!❤

A doctor told a 35-year-old who felt like she was suffocating that she was young and healthy. She was having heart failure. Marian Dancy was diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy, a rare form of heart failure, at age 35. Her first symptom was tired, weak muscles.

We are thrilled to extend a heartfelt invitation to the Let'sTalkPPCM Awareness Virtual Event on May 11, 2024, from 11 am to 2 pm.

Join us for an enlightening session featuring esteemed cardiologist Dr. Sarah Thordsen, MD, FACC, and Associate Professor Dr. Amy Raines-Milenkov, DrPH, as our distinguished guest speakers.

Date: May 11, 2024
Time: 11am-2pm CST
Platform: ZOOM Session

Tickets are donation-based, reflecting the spirit of heart-giving for a cause close to our hearts.❤️

We hope this event serves as an educational platform, fostering awareness and understanding of PPCM. Your participation will contribute to our collective mission of spreading awareness about this critical health issue.

Looking forward to your virtual presence on May 11th!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ppcm-awareness-event-tickets-804434865337?aff=oddtdtcreator

Warm regards,
LetsTalkPPCM

(All Are Welcome)

PPCM Awareness Event!!! Join us for the PPCM Awareness Event and help us spread awareness about Peripartum Cardiomyopathy, a pregnancy induced heart condition.

Congratulations to our founder, Brianna Henderson, on her Nomination for The Transformer Award!!!🎉

This prestigious recognition is a testament to your courage, humility, and compassionate spirit in leading LetsTalkPPCM. Your dedication to making a positive impact on others has not gone unnoticed.

The award ceremony will take place at The Big Easy Retreat: The Power of Transformation, hosted by Dr. Toscha Dickerson. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your achievements and contributions to our nonprofit organization.

We are incredibly proud of your nomination, and we believe it reflects the exceptional qualities that define your leadership. Your commitment to creating a positive change in our community is truly commendable.

Once again, congratulations on this well-deserved nomination. We look forward to cheering you on at the award ceremony and celebrating your continued success!

Best regards,
LetsTalkPPCM

Meet Kellie Liss:
By looking at the photo above, could you believe she was in full-blown heart failure?

Two days after the birth of her baby boy, Kellie stayed in the hospital an extra night because her son was being observed for jaundice. Right before being discharged her blood pressure was elevated so the nurse included a blood pressure monitor in her take home bag with instructions. On New Year’s Eve while at home, everything seemed normal except she couldn’t lay on her back without gasping for air. Throughout the night, she walked to the bathroom and quickly sat down to catch her breath.

Without thinking the worst, she assumed it was the breast milk developing that made her feel short of breath. After pumping milk, she didn't feel any better and checked her blood pressure. After hallucinations and BP of 190/110, she told her husband to take her to the hospital immediately. She was diagnosed with acid reflux and pulmonary edema with oxygen in the low 80s.

She was given lasix to remove excess fluid around the lungs and was evaluated by a cardiologist. After a BNP blood test and echo, she was diagnosed with Postpartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM), an often unrecognized and misdiagnosed form of heart condition induced by pregnancy or up to 12 months postpartum. The condition weakens the heart muscle so that it becomes enlarged and can't pump blood properly to the rest of the body. She was given proper treatment and released to go home with medication a week later.

Today, Kellie is still on her road to recovery, and feels the BNP blood test should be mandated for all expecting and postpartum mothers to sooner detect PPCM. She states she now spends her Friday nights sorting all her medications for the week and feels like an elder. She doesn't take anything for granted after experiencing PPCM.

Visit: https://letstalkppcm.org/share-your-story-1 to share your PPCM story while helping increase awareness.

LetsTalkPPCM� Eradicating Peripartum Cardiomyopathy|PPCM as a life-threatening pregnancy induced heart condition.

Meet Maggie Filer:
By looking at the photo above, could you believe she was in full-blown heart failure?

Two days after leaving the hospital, Maggie began to have chest pressure that she thought was a panic attack. In the following days she started having consistent chest pain and lightheadedness during low-stress activities. She contacted her Obgyn who ordered a pro-BNP and EKG out of an abundance of caution. Her levels came back very elevated and her EKG was marked abnormal/tachycardic, with a heart rate averaging 130 bpm during the test.

Her provider ordered an Echocardiogram and after a week the results came in as “normal.” Her husband, who is an OB resident, looked at the images and measures and noticed her ejection fraction (EF) was

PPCM, or Peripartum Cardiomyopathy, is a form of heart failure that can occur during the last month of pregnancy or up to several months after childbirth.

It can have serious consequences for both the mother and the unborn baby if left untreated.

Here's how it can affect an unborn baby:

1. Decreased Oxygen Supply: PPCM can reduce the mother's ability to pump blood effectively, leading to decreased oxygen supply to her tissues and organs, including the placenta. This reduced oxygen supply can affect the developing fetus and lead to growth problems.

2. Preterm Birth: To protect both the mother and the baby, doctors may recommend premature delivery if PPCM becomes severe. This can result in a preterm birth, which carries its own set of risks for the baby, including respiratory and developmental issues.

3. Medication Risks: Some medications used to manage PPCM can have potential risks for the unborn baby. Doctors carefully consider the benefits and risks when prescribing medications during pregnancy.

4. Stress on the Fetus: A mother's health directly impacts the developing fetus. If PPCM causes severe stress on the mother's heart and overall health, it can indirectly affect the unborn baby's well-being.

It's essential for pregnant women to receive regular prenatal care and to report any unusual symptoms, such as shortness of breath, swelling, or fatigue, to their healthcare provider.

Early diagnosis and treatment of PPCM can improve outcomes for both the mother and the baby.❤️

The message we just received this morning from a hospital staff member!

We can't post the exact situation but just know, LetsTalkPPCM has helped get a young mom diagnosed with PPCM (BEFORE) it progressed into stage 4 heart failure!!!

We were THANKED for the work we have been dedicated to doing and this news couldn't have come at a greater time. This mom had an elevated BNP blood test, but before they ran the test, they wanted to rule out other illnesses first, UNTIL a member who took our PPCM Awareness workshop stood up and said "GET THAT MOMS BNP BLOOD LEVELS CHECKED!"

A Life was SAVED today and they wanted to make sure to let us know LETSTALKPPCM has helped save a life.

Thank you to ALL who have been supporting our mission and continuing to do so. We're saving lives!!!💖