Ebony's’s Story

Site created on March 26, 2019

In 2016 I was diagnosed with PPCM. It is a form of heart failure that is brought on by childbirth.  That year was blessing though because I met my littlest heartbeat,  Clay.  I am many things to many people, but I think everyone would agree that I am first and foremost A MOTHER! A  mother to Khamari, Clay and my nieces Mareah and Mykinzi.  My heart may be weakened because of this condition, but my faith is strong and so is the love for my family and many supporters.  By looking at me  you wouldn't  believe I am in complete Heart Failure!? 9 weeks after the birth of my baby boy I started feeling bad. When trying to lay flat at night, I  would cough constantly, causing me to throw up and I having trouble breathing. I  remember telling my cousin "this must just be a summer cold or a bug that will eventually go away", but this was not the case! I called the Obstetrician and asked what could I take for the horrible summer cold I thought I had, since I was breastfeeding. A few days after, there was still no relief. I  had mentioned the symptoms to my mother, who felt like it was pneumonia and she sent me to the ER. Once getting there, they did a CT scan since I could barely breath. I had been told that my heart was enlarged and had fluid in my lungs and  around my heart. They did an Echocardiogram (measures heart Ejection Fraction) and saw it was functioning at only 27%. I was then diagnosed with Peri Partum Cardiomyopathy aka PPCM, a rare type of heart failure which occurs during pregnancy or up to 5 months post partum. The condition weakens the heart muscle and causes the heart to become enlarged. As a result, the heart can't pump blood properly to the rest of the body.
Today I am still fighting for my life, trying to be the best mom I can be, and raising awareness for PPCM. I refuse to give up! 
 

Newest Update

March 29, 2019

Journal entry by Chantel Neal —

Have you been praying for me? I know many of you have because I'm going home TODAY with a small MIRACLE! Today I entered the hospital fully ready to hear that I'd be admitted. BUT GOD said something different. I'm not out of the woods YET! My heart team ran tests that showed my numbers have increased from 2.0 to 2.5...At 1.8 you are determined to be a candidate for heart transplant. I will still be getting the LVAD that I mentioned in my earlier entry. But team and Dr. Vader have decided to hold off for now. I will be starting a cardio rehabilitation therapy program and they will continue to monitor my heart function. I appreciate those of you that signed up for the meal train. This help is STILL NEEDED. Thank you to all those that have prayed for me. DON'T STOP NOW! Them prayers hot different when you actually need them. When it's a life on the line...my life is on the line and I truly appreciate EVERYTHING that you all have done. Remember to check the site for updates. I'll be posting also on Social media. I may not always be up to talk or answering lots of questions...so please look here FIRST...

LOVE ALWAYS

EBONY
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