Heart Stories - Taylor Hughes PPCM Story - Taylor with her children

Heart Stories – Taylor Hughes

by

Like many who face this condition, Taylor Hughes had never heard of peripartum cardiomyopathy – pregnancy-induced heart failure. She thought her only concern going into her second pregnancy was the well being of her son. Unfortunately, shortly after his birth, she was fighting for her life. Here is Taylor’s story.

I found out I was pregnant in November of 2018 and had no idea that this pregnancy would nearly kill me. I had previously had a baby in 2015 that was fairly normal except for a brief miscarriage scare. Thankfully my son was born unharmed. I was nervous to get pregnant again but I knew I wanted another baby.

My pregnancy was pretty normal until the last couple of months. I noticed my hands were falling asleep constantly. When I mentioned this issue to my OBGYN she said it was normal and the baby was probably causing it. I continued on to carry my son full term and had a healthy delivery at 38 weeks and 5 days.

Heart Stories - Taylor Hughes - Taylor with her family

Immediately after having my son, I noticed I was having a very difficult time breathing while laying down and my legs/feet were swelling. In addition, my hands were still falling asleep, I experienced extreme fatigue, and my heart would feel like it was pounding right out of my chest. My breathing became such an issue that for months I was sleeping sitting upright. Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore and went to the doctor.

The doctor diagnosed me with GERD and gave me medication with a return visit planned for two weeks out. I woke up one morning, a couple of days later, and knew in my gut that something was wrong. My hands and feet were as cold as ice, my heart was racing, and I was extremely pale. I went to urgent care where they did an EKG and determined I had an irregular heartbeat. They were concerned about blood clots in my lungs. They told me I needed to get to the ER right away.

The ER staff ran several tests including blood work, an X-ray, CT scan, and EKG. There was so much fluid showing in my X-ray that they said I had severe pneumonia. They immediately started breathing treatments among other things…unfortunately a lot of that first day is a blur.

Heart Stories - Taylor Hughes - Taylor in the hospital

The next day I had an echocardiogram and that’s when they determined that I had congestive heart failure. The cardiologist at the hospital was extremely cold and not comforting at all during that conversation. After my panic attack, all I could think about was how this was a death sentence. I’m 30 and I have heart failure. I kept thinking I would never see my kids again.

I was unable to leave the hospital until I was fitted with a LifeVest and given a list of medications. A LifeVest is a personal defibrillator that is worn by people at risk for sudden cardiac arrest. If I went into a dangerous arrhythmia, the LifeVest would shock my heart back into a normal rhythm. My LifeVest was uncomfortable to wear but comforting knowing that it would save my life.

Heart Stories - Taylor Hughes - Taylor wearing LifeVest
Taylor wearing the LifeVest

Once I got the appointment with my official cardiologist, he ran tests to determine how much of a risk I was. That’s when I was officially diagnosed with PPCM.  My EF (heart function) was 19% at diagnosis.

For 6 months I wore the LifeVest and took several daily medications, including Entresto, Spirolactoline, and Metoprolol. Eventually, I had a cardiac MRI that found my EF to be 54%! I had recovered from PPCM. That was the most incredible feeling…just knowing that I was fortunate enough to be one of the few to recover so quickly.

I will always have PPCM and I will continue to raise awareness. Prior to my diagnosis, I didn’t know this condition even existed! I’m very thankful to be alive and healthy. Unfortunately, it leaves emotional scars and anxiety that all of us with this diagnosis have to work through. Several doctors telling me that if I had gone to sleep that night I probably wouldn’t have woken up will stick with me for the rest of my life. 

Would you like to share your Heart Story? Visit Share Your Heart Story for more details.

2,451 thoughts on “Heart Stories – Taylor Hughes”

  689. Its like you read my mind You appear to know a lot about this like you wrote the book in it or something I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit but instead of that this is fantastic blog An excellent read I will certainly be back

    Reply

  740. Hello Neat post Theres an issue together with your site in internet explorer would check this IE still is the marketplace chief and a large element of other folks will leave out your magnificent writing due to this problem

    Reply

  1092. Wow, amazing weblog format! How lengthy have you been blogging
    for? you make running a blog look easy. The total glance of your web site is excellent, as neatly as the
    content material! You can see similar here e-commerce

    Reply

  1253. Hi! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with SEO?
    I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good results.

    If you know of any please share. Kudos! You can read similar article
    here: Ecommerce

    Reply

  1342. Hello there! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with SEO?
    I’m trying to get my site to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good gains.
    If you know of any please share. Appreciate it! You can read similar text here: Hitman.agency

    Reply

  1350. Hi! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get
    my website to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good
    results. If you know of any please share. Kudos! I saw similar text here: GSA List

    Reply
  1742. Pingback: grandpashabet
  1772. Pingback: child porn
  1827. Pingback: child porn

  2136. I’m genuinely impressed by the quality of this post. The way you’ve presented the information, with both depth and clarity, is outstanding. It’s clear you have a strong grasp of the subject, and your passion for sharing knowledge is admirable. I learned a lot and felt very inspired. Keep up the great work.

    Reply

  2153. Nice post. I study something tougher on totally different blogs everyday. It is going to always be stimulating to learn content from different writers and observe a little bit something from their store. I’d choose to make use of some with the content on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll provide you with a link in your web blog. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  2161. When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get three e-mails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thanks a lot!

    Reply

  2165. Hi, you used to write excellent articles, but the last several posts have been kinda lackluster… I miss your super writing. Past few posts are just a little out of track!

    Reply

  2170. Along with every thing which appears to be developing inside this particular area, many of your viewpoints are actually very stimulating. Having said that, I beg your pardon, because I can not give credence to your entire idea, all be it exhilarating none the less. It seems to everybody that your remarks are generally not entirely rationalized and in fact you are yourself not fully convinced of your point. In any event I did enjoy reading it.

    Reply

  2171. A powerful share, I simply given this onto a colleague who was doing just a little evaluation on this. And he the truth is purchased me breakfast as a result of I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! However yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I really feel strongly about it and love studying extra on this topic. If doable, as you turn out to be experience, would you thoughts updating your weblog with more details? It is highly helpful for me. Big thumb up for this weblog submit!

    Reply

  2172. I discovered your website web site on google and appearance many of your early posts. Always keep in the top notch operate. I just extra encourage Rss to my MSN News Reader. Looking for toward reading a lot more on your part at a later date!…

    Reply

  2175. Good blog! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes and the data are well written. I’m wondering how I could be notified when a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your RSS feed which must do the trick! Have a great day!

    Reply

  2181. I precisely wished to say thanks again. I do not know the things I would have taken care of without the entire solutions provided by you relating to this situation. It was the distressing circumstance in my view, but viewing your specialised style you dealt with the issue made me to cry with contentment. Now i am happier for the assistance as well as believe you are aware of a powerful job you happen to be getting into training men and women thru a web site. I’m certain you haven’t encountered any of us.

    Reply

  2182. Good – I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your website. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs as well as related information ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, web site theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Nice task.

    Reply

  2184. Oh my goodness! a wonderful post dude. Appreciate it However My business is experiencing issue with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to enroll in it. Perhaps there is any person finding identical rss problem? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thnkx

    Reply

  2187. I’ve been exploring for a little for any high-quality articles or weblog posts on this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this web site. Reading this information So i’m glad to express that I’ve an incredibly good uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed. I most no doubt will make sure to don’t forget this website and give it a glance regularly.

    Reply

  2195. Pretty component to content. I simply stumbled upon your site and in accession capital to say that I get in fact loved account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing for your augment or even I fulfillment you get admission to constantly rapidly.

    Reply

  2196. After examine a couple of of the weblog posts on your web site now, and I really like your manner of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website record and will probably be checking back soon. Pls take a look at my web page as well and let me know what you think.

    Reply

  2198. I will immediately grasp your rss as I can not in finding your email subscription link or newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Please allow me understand in order that I may just subscribe. Thanks!

    Reply
  2202. Pingback: child porn

  2208. There are some intriguing points in time on this page but I don’t determine if I see these people center to heart. There may be some validity but I most certainly will take hold opinion until I check into it further. Good write-up , thanks and we want a lot more! Added onto FeedBurner in addition

    Reply

  2215. Wow I found this place on Yahoo poking around for something else entirely, and now I’m going to need to go back and go all the old material. So much for free time today, but this was a spectacular find.

    Reply

  2221. I blog frequently and I truly appreciate your content. This great article has really peaked my interest. I will take a note of your site and keep checking for new information about once a week. I opted in for your RSS feed as well.

    Reply

  2223. Fantastic blog! Do you have any tips and hints for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you propose starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m completely overwhelmed .. Any suggestions? Many thanks!

    Reply

  2224. This is the correct weblog for anyone who hopes to be made aware of this topic. You know so much its nearly tough to argue on hand (not that I really would want…HaHa). You definitely put a fresh spin using a topic thats been revealed for many years. Wonderful stuff, just excellent!

    Reply

  2232. Thank you for the sensible critique. Me and my cousin were just preparing to do some research on this. We got a book from our area library but I think I learned better from this post. I am very glad to see such wonderful information being shared freely out there..

    Reply

  2240. I simply wanted to thank you very much all over again. I am not sure the things I might have accomplished without those aspects shown by you on such problem. It had been a real distressing condition in my view, nevertheless taking note of a specialized way you resolved the issue forced me to jump with happiness. I’m just happy for this assistance as well as hope you really know what a powerful job that you are carrying out instructing most people thru a blog. I’m certain you have never come across all of us.

    Reply

  2244. Next time I read a blog, Hopefully it does not disappoint me just as much as this particular one. After all, I know it was my choice to read through, but I genuinely believed you would probably have something interesting to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of complaining about something that you could possibly fix if you were not too busy seeking attention.

    Reply

  2252. Hi there! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with SEO?
    I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good results.
    If you know of any please share. Many thanks! I saw similar
    text here

    Reply

  2254. Howdy, There’s no doubt that your website could be having web browser compatibility issues. When I look at your site in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping issues. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Besides that, great blog.

    Reply

  2255. Just right points?I might be aware that as anyone who in point of fact doesn’t write on blogs so much (if truth be told, this can be my first publish), I don’t assume the time period ‘lurker’ could be very turning into to a non-posting reader. It’s no longer your fault in the least , but possibly the blogosphere may just get a hold of a greater, non-creepy name for the ninety folks that revel in studying the content material .

    Reply

  2256. Great post. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I’ll keep an eye out for more cool tips. – Any given program costs more and takes longer. Attributed to Laws of Computer Programming

    Reply

  2257. Thanks so much pertaining to giving me an update on this subject on your website. Please understand that if a completely new post becomes available or in case any improvements occur on the current submission, I would be interested in reading more and knowing how to make good using of those strategies you talk about. Thanks for your time and consideration of others by making this web site available.

    Reply

  2265. Thank you spending some time to talk about the following, I’m boldy a lot and even true love studying more to do with now this topic. However, if future, when you realize know-how, do you ever thoughts bringing up-to-date all your webpage that have a lot more stuff? This is useful for my family.

    Reply

  2266. A person essentially help to make seriously articles I would state. This is the first time I frequented your web page and thus far? I surprised with the research you made to create this particular publish amazing. Great job!

    Reply

  2267. You are so awesome! I don’t think I have read something like that before. So wonderful to find someone with some unique thoughts on this subject matter. Really.. many thanks for starting this up. This site is one thing that’s needed on the internet, someone with a bit of originality.

    Reply

  2269. obviously like your web-site but you have to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth nevertheless I’ll surely come back again.

    Reply

  2274. Immediately a bit of guests will continue across hotel rooms and obtain tied bus excursions, however, many with all the fancy car applications provide your own tour specialist. That just might help you browse through the neighborhood well you could an individual’s chose chauffeur. ??? ????

    Reply

  2276. Thank you for the good critique. Me and my friend were just preparing to do some research about this. We grabbed a book from our local library but I think I’ve learned better from this post. I’m very glad to see such magnificent info being shared freely out there..

    Reply

  2279. An interesting discussion may be valued at comment. I do believe that you can write much more about this topic, it will not certainly be a taboo subject but usually people are insufficient to speak on such topics. An additional. Cheers

    Reply

  2280. What are you saying, man? I realize everyones got their own view, but really? Listen, your blog is neat. I like the energy you put into it, specially with the vids and the pics. But, come on. Theres gotta be a better way to say this, a way that doesnt make it seem like everyone here is stupid!

    Reply

  2281. This will be the appropriate weblog for really wants to check out this topic. You know much its virtually tricky to argue along with you (not that I personally would want…HaHa). You actually put a new spin using a topic thats been revealed for decades. Wonderful stuff, just wonderful!

    Reply

  2282. Having read this I thought it was rather informative. I appreciate you spending some time and energy to put this content together. I once again find myself spending a lot of time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worthwhile!

    Reply

  2283. For example, develop suppliers have worked with the Meals & Drug Administration (FDA) to make sure that the marketplace specifications developed consequence in the ideal and most effective processes. And to communicate any public announcements, the marketplace has created relationships with associations like the National Grocer’s Association (NGA).

    Reply

  2319. A lot of people were enthusiastic players or enjoyed music and dancing. You could possibly recollect that you were happiest on the performing track. Yet, with increasing obligations possibly you have found no time to indulge in any of an interests. Do you suffer from depression and would like to get free from its abysmal depths without lifelong antidepresants? You could attempt and help yourself to overcome depression naturally.

    Reply

  2321. Needed to send you that bit of remark to give thanks yet again for all the striking principles you have contributed on this site. This is simply surprisingly generous of you to give easily precisely what a few people could possibly have marketed as an electronic book to generate some cash on their own, chiefly given that you might have done it in case you wanted. These points as well worked to become good way to fully grasp other people online have the same dreams similar to my personal own to figure out way more with regard to this problem. I’m sure there are lots of more pleasant sessions in the future for people who browse through your site.

    Reply

  2323. After study a few of the blog articles with your website now, we truly such as your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark site list and you will be checking back soon. Pls take a look at my site likewise and tell me if you agree.

    Reply

  2327. There are certainly a great deal of details like this to take into consideration. That is a fantastic point out talk about. I supply the thoughts above as general inspiration but clearly you can find questions such as the one you start up in which the most critical thing are going to be working in honest very good faith. I don?t know if recommendations have emerged about such things as that, but I am certain your job is clearly recognized as an affordable game. Both boys and girls have the impact of a little moment’s pleasure, through out their lives.

    Reply

  2328. Can I say that of a relief to locate somebody that in fact knows what theyre talking about over the internet. You definitely know how to bring a challenge to light and produce it important. The diet ought to check out this and understand why side in the story. I cant believe youre not more well-liked when you absolutely provide the gift.

    Reply

  2329. Considerably, this post is really the sweetest on this notable topic. I harmonise with your conclusions and will thirstily look forward to your incoming updates. Saying thanks will not just be sufficient, for the phenomenal clarity in your writing. I will directly grab your rss feed to stay informed of any updates. Admirable work and much success in your business dealings!? Please excuse my poor English as it is not my first tongue.

    Reply

  2331. Unfortunately though like I said it’s nothing we haven’t really seen before, it’s not a breath of fresh air, it’s doesn’t really stand out as the comedy of the year, but in opposition it’s really not something we haven’t seen before, but apparently audiences seem to want to see more of it.

    Reply

  2334. There are very a great deal of details this way to think about. It really is a great point to retrieve. I provide the thoughts above as general inspiration but clearly there are questions including the one you retrieve the spot that the most crucial thing are going to be getting work done in honest good faith. I don?t determine if best practices have emerged around things such as that, but Almost certainly that the job is clearly defined as a fair game. Both boys and girls have the impact of only a moment’s pleasure, through-out their lives.

    Reply

  2335. The next time I learn a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as a lot as this one. I mean, I know it was my option to read, however I truly thought youd have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could possibly repair when you werent too busy in search of attention.

    Reply

  2338. Thank you for taking the time to discuss the idea, I find myself intently with it and additionally real love looking at more about this kind of theme. In the event capability, mainly because you arrive at mastery, on earth do you insights upgrading your primary webpage utilizing indepth important info? This is useful for all of us.

    Reply

  2339. Many thanks taking a few minutes to discuss this unique, I find myself passionately with this and also adoration looking over on that problem. Just in case likely, since complete specialist knowledge, on earth would you feelings modernizing your main internet page along with other facts? This is very helpful for me.

    Reply

  2340. Aw, that was a really good quality post. In theory I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real effort to make a good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and also never seem to get something done.

    Reply

  2342. Remarkable page! I seriously had our checking. I’m hoping to read simple things a lot more on your side. In my opinion that you have exceptional awareness and even prospect. Now i am quite pleased within this guidance.

    Reply

  2343. Freezing noticed your blog post the other day and so i appear to have been studying it also on a consistent basis. You’ve got a loads of tips listed here i relish your thing inside the online store in addition. Keep up to date especially if they employment!

    Reply

  2344. My spouse and i happen to be actually satisfied which Raymond could handle their inspections via the tips he or she received while using the site. It is now as well as again perplexing to simply offer information that many some other folks have already been marketing. We understand we’ve mcdougal to thank for this. The kind of drawings you get, the simple internet site routing, the romances a person aid to engender ?ê? it really is everything amazing, and it is making our son and also us all feel that this issue is pleasurable, which is incredibly obligatory. Appreciate all!

    Reply

  2345. This posting is incredibly nicely written, and it in addition consists of numerous beneficial information. I appreciated you are specialist manner of creating this blog post. Thanks, you have created it simple and easy for me to comprehend.

    Reply

  2348. Excellent beat ! I would like to apprentice whilst you amend your site, how could i subscribe for a blog website? The account helped me a acceptable deal. I have been a little bit familiar of this your broadcast provided shiny transparent idea.

    Reply

  2351. Howdy! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and say I truly enjoy reading through your articles. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same topics? Thank you!

    Reply

  2352. This is indeed my blue ribbon things sound here, indeed appropriate looking weblog. I discovered a karma of fascinating obstruct within your blog noticeably it’s discussion. From all the comments on your articles, it appears like this is in all honesty a completely well-liked network site. Store up the telling function. .Thank you respecting another mammoth article. Where else could anyone win that stripe of tidings in such a execute custom of writing? I be undergoing a presenting next week, and I am on the look an eye to such information. Hasta Bakicisi Bebek Bakicisi Yasli Bakicisi Cocuk Bakicisi

    Reply

  2353. I would like to express thanks to you just for bailing me out of this type of matter. As a result of researching through the world wide web and coming across ideas which are not helpful, I assumed my entire life was done. Being alive minus the approaches to the difficulties you have fixed as a result of your good blog post is a critical case, as well as the kind which could have in a negative way affected my entire career if I had not come across your web blog. Your actual ability and kindness in playing with the whole thing was very helpful. I am not sure what I would have done if I had not discovered such a thing like this. It’s possible to at this moment look forward to my future. Thank you very much for this high quality and result oriented help. I will not hesitate to propose your blog to anyone who will need assistance on this matter.

    Reply

  2355. The the very next time I just read a weblog, Lets hope it doesnt disappoint me about this. Get real, Yes, it was my choice to read, but I really thought youd have some thing interesting to say. All I hear is a few whining about something you could fix if you ever werent too busy in search of attention.

    Reply

  2381. Good post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon every day. It will always be helpful to read articles from other writers and practice a little something from other web sites.

    Reply

  2400. Your style is really unique in comparison to other people I’ve read stuff from. Many thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I will just book mark this web site.

    Reply

  2406. Oh my goodness! an incredible article dude. Thank you Nonetheless I am experiencing problem with ur rss . Don know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting an identical rss drawback? Anybody who is aware of kindly respond. Thnkx

    Reply

  2408. I do not even know the way I stopped up here, however I assumed this post used to be great. I do not know who you are however certainly you are going to a well-known blogger when you aren’t already Cheers!

    Reply

  2409. This is really intriguing, You’re an especially efficient writer. I have signed up with your feed additionally look ahead to finding your personal interesting write-ups. Furthermore, I’ve got shared the blog inside our social networks.

    Reply

  2412. Hey very cool site!! Man .. Excellent .. Amazing .. Ill bookmark your web site and take the feeds alsoI am happy to find so many useful info here in the post, we need work out more strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

    Reply

  2415. Oh my goodness! an incredible write-up dude. Appreciate it Nonetheless I’m experiencing problem with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to register for it. Perhaps there is everyone obtaining identical rss dilemma? Anybody who knows kindly respond. Thnkx

    Reply

  2416. I’m amazed, I must say. Rarely do I come across a blog that’s equally educative and amusing, and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The issue is something that not enough folks are speaking intelligently about. Now i’m very happy I stumbled across this during my search for something concerning this.

    Reply

  2427. I need to to thank you for this excellent read!! I absolutely enjoyed every bit of it. I’ve got you saved as a favorite to check out new stuff you post…

    Reply

  2431. Hi there, I think your blog might be having internet browser compatibility problems. When I take a look at your site in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in I.E., it has some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to give you a quick heads up! Besides that, fantastic blog!

    Reply

  2436. When I originally left a comment I appear to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now whenever a comment is added I receive four emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is an easy method you can remove me from that service? Kudos.

    Reply

  2438. May I simply say what a comfort to find somebody who genuinely knows what they are discussing over the internet. You definitely understand how to bring a problem to light and make it important. A lot more people really need to read this and understand this side of your story. It’s surprising you aren’t more popular given that you certainly possess the gift.

    Reply

  2448. Can I simply say what a comfort to discover somebody that really understands what they’re discussing on the web. You actually understand how to bring an issue to light and make it important. A lot more people ought to check this out and understand this side of your story. It’s surprising you are not more popular since you certainly possess the gift.

    Reply

  2449. Spot on with this write-up, I honestly believe that this website needs far more attention. I’ll probably be back again to see more, thanks for the info.

    Reply

Leave a Comment