My name is Zora Fernandez and I was diagnosed with Post-Partum Cardiomyopathy in May of 1997 after the birth of my second daughter. I was 32 years of age at the time of diagnosis. I gave birth in March of 1997 but was mis-diagnosed for 2.5 months, until the end of May. At the time of diagnosis my EF was 17. I was put on very high doses of lasix, Atenolol, Zestril and Lanoxin. My symptoms were shortness of breath, a horrible cough, no energy and severe swelling. The only way I could get any rest at all was to sit at my kitchen table and put with my head on a pillow on the table. (as if a newborn isn't enough in the sleep deprivation department! lol!!)

The night of my diagnosis, was the first night in months I was actually able to sleep. I have always had a problem with being overweight and that, in combination with the high blood pressure are the only determining factors that could be attributed to the diagnosis. I was told they were not the cause, but probably were part of it. I was immediately told to NEVER get pregnant again. My husband had a vasectomy soon after my diagnosis. We had always planned on having 2 children , so it wasn't as devastating for us to be told not to have any more as it for those who really desire to have more children. I was saddened of course, but it was a livable situation. After 3 months on the medication, my EF had improved to 43%. YAHOO!! It stayed at that level for about 2 years. At that time, my Cardiologist relocated to another state and I was referred to a new one. I can honestly say that if it weren't for my "new" Dr, I don't think I would have come as far as I have. He kept things pretty much the same for about 6 months. After that, he was very blunt with me. I was told to start exercising daily, lose weight using a formal weight-loss program and he wanted me to consider switching to Coreg instead of Atenolol. I was deeply offended, hurt and really missing my original Dr at this point. It was basically a major kick in the rear that I needed to get myself motivated.

In January of 1999, I joined Weight Watchers, started exercising daily and switched to Coreg. At the end of 1999, I had lost 72 pounds, and my EF was 55%. I have never felt more invigorated, healthy and so thankful and blessed. Currently, I am 36 years of age ( MY!! OH MY!! lol!!) and I am a stay at home mom with a very part-time job (4-8 hours a week , for sanity purposes!! lol!!) and have an almost 7 year old and a 4 year old. My EF is still 55 and I have kept up with the exercising , but honestly have gotten a little complacent with the food intake. I was really hoping to get off all of my medicines. My Dr. won't do it. At least not at this point.

I take 25 mg of Coreg 2X daily, and 10mg of Zestril 2X daily. (I was able to produce a good enough argument to be taken off of the lasix and lanoxin) I'm really trying to use that as a motivating factor to get myself eating properly again. I will do it. I have to, I have two beautiful daughters who deserve to have a healthy mommy and daddy bring them up.

I have been so blessed with a very supportive husband and family. I will be very happy to celebrate my daughter's 5th birthday in March, though as 5 years was the scary number of years I was told at diagnosis, most women live with this diagnosis...I have also found much help and support through the women I have met from other websites sharing about PPCM. I have even gotten to meet a few of them. I cannot tell you how incredible it is to finally meet someone who has been through exactly what you have been through. There is so much strength and hope to found in finding others who truly know what you are going through or have been through. I so hope this website helps the women who so much need support to cope and get through this disease that is not often spoken of. God Bless. Zora