My Health

Most of you have probably heard about my health issues, but I thought I would post some information on here so that everyone would be on the same page. During my last two months of pregnancy, I had swelling in my legs and hands, was short of breath when going up stairs or with too much activity, and frequently felt tired. Both the doctors and myself assumed it was a normal part of the last couple months of pregnancy. A few days after having the baby, I was having trouble taking a full breath and went back into the hospital. I had fluid on my lungs, and was treated for several days while the doctors tried to figure out what was going on. After testing, the doctors have decided that I developed Peripartum cardiomyopathy. This is an uncommon disorder associated with pregnancy in which the heart dilates and weakens, leading to symptoms of heart failure. It can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms of heart failure can mimic those of pregnancy. Cardiomyopathy is a general term used to describe an abnormality of heart muscle function that can lead to symptoms of heart failure. This heart failure develops in the last month of pregnancy or within 5 months of delivery. The heart pumping function is reduced, with an ejection fraction (EF) less than 45% (mine was 41). Most patients(80%) present within 3 months after delivery, with the minority presenting in the last month of pregnancy(about 10%, which is when I first had symptoms). The underlying cause has not been clearly defined. The major symptoms are those of heart failure and include fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention. Because there is a significant overlap between symptoms related to pregnancy, especially toward the end of the third trimester or after delivery, the diagnosis may be initially missed or delayed. Medications are used to stabilize heart function, to improve blood flow to vital organs, and to reduce fluid overload. Older studies suggested that approximately 50% of patients with PPCM recover normal heart function, 25% have persistently reduced heart function but remain stable on medications, and 25% progress to severe heart failure. More recent research suggests that outcomes of PPCM have improved, with survival rates as high as 90% to 95% with contemporary medical and device therapy. Although early improvement in EF (ie, within the first 3–6 months) predicts a good outcome, some women will have slow, gradual improvement in EF over years. The decision of when to stop medications after the heart fully recovers, usually defined as an EF greater than 50, remains controversial. Most physicians, however, agree that ACE inhibitors and β-blockers should be continued for at least 1 year after normalization of EF. One of the most important questions asked by women with a history of PPCM is whether they can safely get pregnant again. The risk of a subsequent pregnancy depends on the recovery of heart function after the diagnosis of PPCM. For women with persistently reduced EF, there is a substantial risk of recurrent heart failure. For women with recovered EF, the risk is much lower and can be further stratified by a stress echocardiogram. If the EF is normal at rest and increases with stress (eg, normal contractile reserve), the risk of recurrent PPCM or heart failure appears to be minimal. So, right now I am on beta blockers and lasix, and will continue to have appointments with my cardiologist. We will just have to wait and see how my heart recovers and what options we will have. I have been feeling good, if a little tired from taking care of the baby. Thank you all for your help and prayers.

Introducing Lincoln Carter Hoover

Born December 3rd, 2013 at 7:52pm, 8 pounds and 1 ounce, 21 inches.

8 Months

Here is a Picture of me at 8 months. This is when my belly has really started to become big!

Baby Shower

I had my baby shower in September. I just got pictures, so that is why I haven't posted about it before now. It was a great time! Family and friends helped out, and I loved the garden theme. My husband and I made dozens of paper cranes to hang around the room, our favors were cookies and tulip bulbs, we played some fun games and I opened a lot of presents! My mom's friend from work painted a tree for people to put their fingerprints on and sign their names. Other home made gifts were a painted table from my friend and cute rock feet from my mom's friend. Here are some pictures with my family and J's family, one with me and Julia and the diaper cake they made me, Becca and I with the table she painted, and Becky and me. My belly wasn't very big at 7 months, so in most of the pictures I don't look very pregnant. I should have turned sideways in more of them! I am so thankful for all our family and friends supporting us with our first baby. We love you all!

Pregnancy Photo Shoot!!!

My sister in law, Janelle, offered to take pregnancy pictures for us. I hadn't planned on taking any, but I am so glad we did. They turned out really cute! I am about 7 months in these pictures, and didn't start to get really big until 8 months. I will try to get some more recent pictures on here before the baby comes. He is due Dec. 5th. There are a lot of pictures, but it was hard to choose my favorites. Out of over 250 pictures, I think I narrowed it down pretty good. Enjoy!

6 Months

I have reached 6 months pregnant! Everything is going well, and I am slowly gaining weight. I feel tried, and I am still putting up with the strange pain in my side that has been there since April. I am really excited for my baby shower in September!

Dixie Stampede

The last night we went to the Dixie Stampede. We had drinks in a boot, a large dinner that we had to eat with our fingers and a great show. There were competitions and ostrich and pig races, songs and magic, and lots of horse back riding. It was a very entertaining show and they did a good job of involving the audience. We weren't allowed to take pictures during the show, so I don't have very many.

Clingman's Dome

We went on a hike to Clingman's Dome, which has an elevation of 6,643 feet! We drove about an hour through the mountain to get there, and then we had to hike 15 minutes straight up. I dont know how Becky carried Grace most of the way. I could barely make it with my side pain.The view was amazing though.

Gatlinburg

We went to Gatlinburg to look at all the little shops and to taste some moonshine. We met up with Becky, Kris, Julia, and Grace to walk through the mirror maze. It was tricky, you had to be careful not to run into walls.