I have received quite a few emails asking how I am doing and asking for updates so here it is... after giving birth to Kylee on Sunday I came home on Tuesday. I wasn't feeling well by Thursday and was swelling pretty bad so my mom and dad watched the girls while I went into the hospital per my OB's instructions. It was then I found out I had congestive heart failure (same thing I had with Courtney) and my heart was having a hard time pumping. So I was admitted and the doctors ran some tests. I went from an OB doctor's care to an internal specialist to a cardiologist. Finally the cardiologist told me that my heart was pumping 20% and a normal heart pumped 45% to 60%.
I had a cardio cath (a small camera was placed in a vein in my leg and ran up thru my heart) to see what was causing the problems. It turns out my mitral valve (between the left top and left bottom of my heart) was damaged. When my heart pumps, blood that is suppose to pump out to my body from the bottom left chamber leaks back into the top left chamber. I was put on some lasik pills to get the excess blood/water off my body from being pregnant, and given some heart medications and sent home on Sunday (a week after having Kylee).
A few weeks later, and after some more tests, the doctor concluded that the damage to my valve was a stage 3 (moderate to severe). At stage 4 I would need a valve replacement. I will eventually need a heart valve replacement but will find out in 6 months at my next appointment (after another heart ultrasound) just when it will be done. It could be a year, it could be 5 years. It will be an open heart surgery and I'll get a mechanical valve (and be on blood thinner for the rest of my life) or a pig's valve (tissue valve that has to be replaced in 10 years). Until then I take my blood pressure morning and night. If it is too high I have to call the cardiologist. I also continue taking two different heart medicines to help my heart stay strong.
The cardiologist seems to think that the lining around my heart was damaged when I had radiation to my chest 10 years ago while battling Hodgkin's Disease (lymphmatic cancer) and my heart couldn't expand like a normal pregnant lady's heart does for the extra blood while carrying a baby.
We feel very blessed to have our too little girls, but unfortunately if we would like more kids we will have to adopt or have a serogate mother. We are very blessed that having Kylee didn't end my life and I have been given yet another chance to live. I have a long road ahead of me but I am determined to be here to raise my little girls and take care of my husband. :) He needs me to keep him in line! :)
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5 comments:
Oh, my sweet Cass Cass! I will be praying for you and your awesome family too. You are so strong...and if Cass wants something...I know that nothing stands in her way. Right? :) Lex
Exactly Lex! Thanks!
Thanks for the updates! Your cute daughters are adorable! I just loved Kylee's blessing dress! Is it the same one you used for Courtney? I hope you're doing well Cassie. I miss you! Let me know if you ever need anything!
You are amazing Cassie! You're girls are so lucky to have you as a mother! I hope you can heal quickly : ).
Cassie you need to stay very strong. You life your life to the fullest and make sure you are always going to take care of your girls. I was very lucky to have my boys and I knew in my heat that my body would allow me to have one more child and it did, it was not easy but I have a perfect daughter and two perfect boys... They are very healthy and trying to keep me healthy..Just remember to stay strong..
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