PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL: Heart condition complicates pregnancy

Editor's note: Press offices close at noon today for the holiday weekend. If you're bringing a check by, please do so between 8 a.m. and noon.

As part of the annual Press Christmas for All Campaign, we share with readers the stories of those applying for help. This is one of them.

“Emily” was born with pulmonary valve stenosis, a narrowing of the valve between the lower right heart chamber and the lung arteries.

In a narrowed heart valve the valve flaps can become thick or stiff, reducing the blood flow. This means the heart must work harder to pump blood into the lung arteries and over time damages the overworked heart muscle.

“I’ve had it my entire life without any issues,” said Emily, 25. “I just needed regular check-ups.”

At eight months old, Emily had heart surgery and everything was fine until 2018. Pregnant with twins, Emily suffered a miscarriage. The following year she met the love of her life, her husband “Todd,” and the two welcomed a baby girl soon after.

Now the pair is expecting their second child, which they are completely thrilled about. However, they discovered recently that several pregnancies in quick succession have done some extreme damage to her heart.

“My new doctor is very concerned about a cardiac issue during delivery,” Emily told Press Christmas for All.

Emily’s body is pumping more blood through her system as her child grows, which is putting high stress on an already delicate heart, she said.

This causes shortness of breath, chest pain and fatigue. Her doctors are doing regular echocardiograms and Emily has been informed that if the damage to her heart worsens, she may have to deliver her baby early, at 34 weeks.

Eight weeks postpartum, medical staff will assess whether she needs to have surgery again or if she'll be able to wait. Either way, an operation is inevitable.

“It’s a lot to contemplate. It’s really stressful,” Emily said. “I know this is just a season but I’m ready for it to be over.”

The possibility of an emergency during delivery, possible separation from her 15-month-old for an extended period, a possible emergency Cesarean section or a major surgery with a newborn are weighing heavy on her and her husband’s minds.

“He’s just really stressed,” Emily said. “A lot of scary things could happen.”

Prior to discovery of the severity of her condition, Emily had been babysitting local kids to bring in extra money while her husband worked full-time. Now she's not well enough to do even that.

Medical bills are piling up and an already extremely tight budget has become more strained with frequent trips to Spokane for medical care.

Emily reached out to Press Christmas for All for help with items she needs for their new baby and vehicle maintenance for herself and her husband.

“Now that I know the seriousness of what’s going on, I can handle it,” Emily said.

The right kind of hand-up can help families like Emily’s regain stability as they work through difficult situations.

•••

Each year, Press readers donate generously to the program. Every penny raised is distributed to Kootenai County residents. All overhead costs are covered by The Hagadone Corp.

The gift recipients are our neighbors who are struggling, including the elderly, disabled, veterans, homeless and mentally ill. Many who seek assistance from Christmas for All are working, but living in poverty.

Beneficiaries of Press Christmas for All keep their dignity while the community provides a hand up to help get them back on their feet.

Press Christmas for All is managed by The Hagadone Corp., with assistance from CharityReimagined.Org. It is a legally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers.

Here are four ways to donate:

• Mail a check to Press Christmas for All, 215 N. Second St., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.
• Call The Press and make a secure credit card donation over the phone: 208-664-8176
• Go to cdapress.com. Click on the MENU button, then click on Christmas for All 2021.
• Drop off your check at The Press weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.: 215 N. Second St. in downtown Coeur d'Alene.

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