Knowing what to expect during your recovery process may take a great load off of you. Understanding and learning about your condition is your first step in healing.

So you've been diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy?  (what is PPCM) and you've been given a dose of medications and sent on your way to worry and stress over your future, and the future of your children... but it isn't necessarily a watch and wait thing. There are things to remember during your healing process...

Your Ejection Fraction: (EF)
With each heartbeat, the heart squeezes and relaxes. When your heart squeezes (systole), it ejects blood. When your heart relaxes (diastole), it refills with blood. No matter how forceful the contraction, your heart doesn't empty the pumping chambers (ventricles). Ejection fraction calculates the percentage of blood pumped out of the filled ventricle. Because your left ventricle is the hearts main pumping chamber, EFs are usually measured in this champer - a normal EF ranges from 55 percent to 75 percent. (Source 1, source 2)

I'm tired:
Your a new mom, you're bound to be tired, but your weak heart may increase your fatigue. Rest for the first weeks and follow your doctors advice 100%.

Other symptoms such as palpitations, swelling, cough, chest pain, may occur. Check with your doctor when you experience a new symptom.

Taking your medications:
It is important to take your medications exactly as prescribed and in most cases with a full glass of water. There are many studies that show that beta blockers can increase the hearts contractability, and that long term use of medications (except digitals) is recommended, as removing betablockers all together could be fatal. Check with your doc to see what the best method is for you. Some people have been taken off their medications and been fine, but most are still popping pills every day. It is also important to get your medications filled at the same pharmacy, under the same account. A pharmacist is exceptionally smart about what meds mix, and what don't, and doing this could save your life. Also be sure your cardiologist knows what meds your primary doctor gives you, and vice-versa.

Low Sodium Diet:
You may have been put on a low sodium diet. Salt causes your cells to retain fluid - extra fluid in the body causes swelling (edema) and also makes your heart work harder. We have many low sodium recipes.

Fluid Restriction:
For the same reasons as being put on a low sodium diet, you may be put on a fluid restriction. The more fluid that is in your body, the harder your heart has to pump it off. Of course, it takes a great balance - if you are being put on a low sodium diet, a fluid restriction and a diuretic, you could dehydrate - watch for signs of both water retention and dehydration, and keep close contact and updates with your doctor.

Weigh Yourself!:
Because of the above listed (dehydration/fluid retention) it is best to weigh yourself everyday, first thing in the morning after emptyin your bladder, and preferrably in the same amount of clothes. If you gain 3 pounds overnight, it could predict fluid retention, call your doctor.

Walk!:
As long as your doctor gives you the OK - walk! Or join cardiac rehab... don't worry about being "the youngest" (as we have often heard) do what is best for your heart. Though exercise won't increase your EF, it will make you feel better, and increase your energy. START SLOW and always consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program.

Stay Positive:
You'll heal - the majority of us do! Read the positive thinking page, and stay motivated, this is just another chapter in your life, and it won't just go away immediately, but it IS a condition you CAN LIVE with, and you CAN get better. Just believe.

What about my period?:
Though I am not aware of any studies, I can tell you that from a recent poll on our website, many of us get worse symptoms around our periods. Write your symptoms down and how they correlate with your period. Keep a chart.