Surviving PPCM: Daniela’s Story

Postpartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare and often misunderstood condition that can dramatically change the lives of new mothers. Daniela Toro’s journey is a powerful testament to the resilience and hope that can emerge even in the face of life-threatening illness. After overcoming breast cancer, Daniela’s dream of motherhood was realized… only to be threatened by a sudden diagnosis of PPCM shortly after giving birth. Her story highlights the importance of awareness, early intervention, and the strength found in adversity. Read on to discover how Daniela navigated the challenges of PPCM and found gratitude in every moment with her daughter.

Daniela’s story

At 32, I found out I was pregnant with our miracle baby. My journey to that moment had been anything but easy. At 29, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I went through treatment, fought hard, and beat it. Afterwards, my husband and I endured several rounds of IVF and three heartbreaking miscarriages. So when I conceived naturally, it felt like a dream come true.

My pregnancy was beautiful and uncomplicated. On Christmas morning of 2023, I gave birth to our daughter – healthy, perfect, and more than we could have ever hoped for. We finally felt complete.

When “Normal” Isn’t Normal

In the weeks after giving birth, I began experiencing what I thought were typical postpartum symptoms: fatigue, dizziness when standing, and hot flashes. I brushed them off – after all, I was a new mom. But one night, I woke up gasping for air. I couldn’t breathe properly, especially when lying down. I thought it was a panic attack and tried to wait it out.

When it happened again a few nights later, I knew something was seriously wrong. I went to the ER, convinced I had a blood clot in my lungs. At the hospital, they performed an echocardiogram and admitted me immediately. That’s when I heard the words, “your heart is failing.”

Facing the Unthinkable

I was diagnosed with Postpartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM), a rare form of heart failure that can occur after pregnancy. My local hospital couldn’t manage my case, so I was transferred to the Montreal Heart Institute, where specialists handle complex and severe heart conditions.

In the ICU, I was surrounded by machines, monitors, and uncertainty. My ejection fraction (EF) – a measure of how well the heart pumps blood – was only 12%. For reference, a healthy heart is usually around 55–70%. My situation was critical.

My husband and I met with the transplant team. We had conversations no young parents should ever have… about my wishes, our baby’s future, and what would happen if I didn’t make it. Those weeks were the hardest of my life.

The Long Road Home

After more than a month in the ICU, I was finally discharged – not because I was cured, but to see if my heart could recover on its own. At home, I was mostly bedridden and needed help with the simplest tasks. I couldn’t lift my baby, walk far, or even shower alone. Each day was filled with uncertainty and fear. I spent many nights back in the ER, terrified of what might happen.

But slowly, my heart began to heal. After countless medication adjustments and setbacks, things started improving. By the time my daughter turned one, my EF had risen to 35%, and not long after, it reached 50%.

Living With a New Reality

Today, I live with chronic heart failure – something I’ll manage for the rest of my life. I follow a low-sodium diet, monitor my fluid intake, and take multiple medications every day. Some days are easier than others. I still struggle with anxiety and with accepting my new reality, but I’m here. I get to watch my daughter grow. I get to live the life I almost lost.

Why I’m Sharing My Story

Postpartum Cardiomyopathy is rare, but it happens – and it can happen to anyone, even after a healthy pregnancy. My hope in sharing my story is to raise awareness so other women know the signs, trust their instincts, and seek help early.

Every breath I take, every laugh I share with my daughter, feels like a gift. I’m not the same person I was before – I’m stronger, more grateful, and determined to live fully.

Story contributed by Daniela Toro - a brave heart-mom. Thank you for sharing your story Daniela. At The PPCM Pulse, we aim to amplify each voice to bring awareness to this little known condition.

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