I need your HELP SCAD and HEART sisters!!!!!!!!

I have some bittersweet news. I just found out I am pregnant. As some of you know, I had SCAD one week after the birth of my son. After 2 angiograms and 4 stents, I had to have bypass surgery using my mammory artery. It was found that I have a "Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder"...the cause of my weak arteries. My son is the product of 8 fertility treatments. This pregnancy is a big surprise and really a miracle. However, I was told that I should not get pregnant again after my SCAD and here I am. My cardiologist is contacting other doctors to see if they have had any cases like mine. SCAD is rare as you know and there is not much research. I looked here and so far, I have not found anyone who had children "after" SCAD. I need your help and time is of the essence. If you had SCAD after birth, did your doctors advise you not to have children again? To All SCAD sisters who have a good relationship with their doctors...could you ask them their opinion for me...have they or know of women who had pregnancies post SCAD?? Please remember to add that I have a Connective Tissue Disorder and borderline Thrombophilia. I can not thank you enough. I am numb and scared. I always wanted to have another child, but not if it will take my life. My little boy needs his mom.

Christine

By KAKLeon
Posted October 16, 2009 at 4:37 pm
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Hi Christine. I have mixed feelings writing to advise you because it's such a difficult situation. I hope I don't upset you in any way.

I did have a postpartum SCAD (and double bypass) and was advised to not get pregnant again. After alot of "female troubles" (!) and anxiety, I had a hysterectomy. Our hope is to adopt a little girl someday.

I just got back from the Symposium (there were two of us SCADs there) and am thinking now why don't you contact Dr. Sharon Hayes? She's the director of the Women's Heart Clinic at Mayo. I'm not finding any direct contact info in my literature, but the main number is 507-284-2511 or www.MayoClinic.org.

Best wishes and I'll be thinking of you.
Katherine

By titi4
Posted October 16, 2009 at 4:51 pm
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Thank you Katherine! I just called and talked to someone who works with Dr. Hayes. She told me I could email my case and hopefully Dr. Hayes will get back to me. Thank you for the information. I will let you know what happens.

xo
Christine

By laurahc
Posted October 16, 2009 at 8:07 pm
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Hi Christine,

Mine wasn't a pregnancy-related or post-partum SCAD, but I just wanted you to know that I'll be keeping you in my thoughts; and I'm glad that Katherine got you the contact info for Dr. Hayes at Mayo.

best wishes,
Laura

By nanamo
Posted October 17, 2009 at 6:16 am
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please know you are in my prayers take it easy and rest.

god bless
surviving heart disease one day at a time
with trigger 04/08
for 10 years
nanamo

By NZGirl
Posted October 17, 2009 at 6:28 am
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Hi Christine,
My SCAD wasn't pregnancy related either, and so I am sorry I have no answers for you, but I just wanted you to know that you are very much in my thoughts.

Our children are such a remarkable gift, and it is a cruel twist of fate that this amazing miracle brings with it the possibility of such risk. I hope you get some helpful and hopeful information from Dr. Hayes, but whatever happens in the days and months to come you have alot of people on this site who will be walking along with you every step of the way. Take care, sending a huge hug. Sharon XX

By KAKLeon
Posted October 17, 2009 at 9:50 am
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I'm so glad you were able to connect!! Her team is just as dynamic as she -- I was in awe the whole time.

Will stay tuned for the latest ...
K

By Gilly
Posted October 17, 2009 at 12:47 pm
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Hello,

I had a heart attack ten days after giving birth and ended up with a double bypass! Although my heart has recovered I have been advised that getting pregnant would not be a good idea. The extra hormones and increased stress on my body could prove fatal for me and an unborn baby.

I Had Ivf before I had my children and have often wondered if this contributed to my condition!!
Interesting that you had it too!!

Hope you work things out.

Gilly x

By newinn
Posted October 17, 2009 at 3:00 pm
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Hi Christine

Wow !

I had a SCAD when 9 months pregnant, baby born by C.Section 11 hours later under a GA( 1999 here in the UK). I too was advised not to become pregnant again which has taken many years to come to terms with . I had 3 previous miscarriges - no cause found.
I will be thinking of you. All the very best.

Catherine

By grace5
Posted October 17, 2009 at 4:10 pm
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Hi, I thought you might like to meet our very own dear Martha and read her blog so I've pasted the links for you, wishing you well.
Hugs,
Lidia xx
http://www.inspire.com/Patybluetx/journal/this-is-too-cool/
http://tripdownmommylane.blogspot.com/

By daisy29
Posted October 18, 2009 at 1:17 am
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Hi Christine,

I just experienced SCAD 9 weeks ago and had triple bypass two weeks after having my daughter. Just know I am praying for you and above all take really good care of yourself right now. I wish I had good advice to give but I hope through others you can find some answers.

Hannah

By Sparks
Posted October 18, 2009 at 3:27 pm
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Christine,
I had a SCAD exactly one month after the birth of my 2nd child, which resulted in eight stents. I am very lucky that I had a boy and girl and was done. I asked my Cardiologist what would happen if I did get pregnant again. He told me it wouldn't be impossible, but would have to be under very close supervision. I am thinking in your case, it's a question of what medications you can continue while pregnant. God bless you as you seek more information and continue to be persistant in asking questions.

Sandra

By KAKLeon
Posted October 20, 2009 at 1:39 pm
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It's for spontaneous coronary artery dissection ... a tear in the artery that creates a blockage leading to heart attack. No real understanding why; treated with stents, bypass, or medication.
K

By titi4
Posted October 20, 2009 at 8:54 pm
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Hello everyone,

The biggest decision of my life has been made for me....I am miscarrying. I am so relieved. My chest pains, which began weeks ago before I knew of the pregnancy are subsiding. I just returned from the doctor and need to rest. I am so very thankful for all your responses, prayers and support. I will respond soon. I really am okay.

xoxo
Christine

By NZGirl
Posted October 21, 2009 at 4:55 am
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Hi there Christine,

What to say?? There aren't any words really. Thinking of you, and sending you an enormous hug across the oceans. Sharon XXX

Welcome to Inspire!

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