We recently connected with Miasha Gilliam-El and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Miasha, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

One of the most meaningful projects I have worked on is my film “ Miracles Of Life”which is my true life story of what I experienced in 2012 due to Peripartum Cardiomyopathy, also known as PPCM after giving birth to my 6th child. When I came home. After the delivery of my son, things were chaotic with my health and I still was not feeling like myself with elevated blood pressures and heart rates. In 2012 I had my heart stop for 10 minutes, I was placed on a vent not breathing on my own.? I was unconscious for 3 days. My film sheds light on the disparities African American women face before, during, and after childbirth.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Dr. Miasha Gilliam-El:

My story:

On February 26,2012 my experience with PPCM ( Peripardum Cardiomyopathy) began. I know that many don’t know what PPCM is. I went to Nursing School and never learned about it. I discovered that PPCM is a serious heart condition that affects the heart during pregnancy or up to 12 months postpartum. This disorder weakened my heart and caused it to enlarge. Because of this my heart was unable to pump blood properly to the rest of my body. Everything started with swelling to my both my legs and a persistent “doom or gloom” feeling. Knowing what I know now that Peripartum Cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of maternal deaths and accounts for 23% of deaths in the late postpartum period, I see why I felt this way subconsciously.

In the U.S. alone Peripartum Cardiomyopathy affects somewhere between 1 in 1,000 and 1 in 4,000 women during pregnancy. PPCM affects African Americans more often and more severely. Once my symptoms of swelling, elevated BP, and elevated heartrate persisted my doctors were notified and staff was instructed to send me to the hospital in preparation for delivery. On arrival I was told that at this point my son was fine but my blood pressure was dangerously elevated and magnesium would have to be given due to the possibly of me having a Stroke. To think all of this could have possibly been prevented. with a simple blood test called a BNP. BNP testing is the best defence in helping to alleviate PPCM. It is able to detect heart failure more than 80% of the time. I wish I would have been offered this test, but I am grateful realizing I had a safe delivery without incidence and a healthy baby boy.

Unfortunately, after returning home with my son, two days after his birth I found myself unable to breathe or catch my breath after standing to go the the bathroom. This disorder is one of the most unrecognized and misdiagnosed disorders during pregnancy. Due to the lack of education . In preparation , I literally found myself climbing down the stairs of my home and mustering enough courage and strength to cross the street to my neighbors house who called EMT’s and kept the baby until my husband arrived. The ambulance escorted me to the hospital where my heart stopped for ten 10 minutes . After the third day I awakened and was diagnosed with Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM).

I was told I had a EF of 10-15% and that I was a miracle. My other organs were fine. I even began Cardiac Rehab and my road to recovery. Today I am considered fully recovered aside from being diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation and Syndrome Of Inappropriate Tachycardia.

The estimated mortality rate associated with PPCM in the United States is 6% to 10%. Death usually happens within 30 days but can occur later as well. Even though this can be a deadly disorder , know that Gods miracles are still taking place today.

You can follow Miasha’s story:
@ Miasha Gilliam-El (on Facebook)

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect is seeing lives changed through sharing my short film “ Miracles of Life” and teaching others about advocating for themselves is priceless.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the limiting mindset and believe in the vision God gave me for the film knowing he would provide the people and the tools for the film to be successful.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/drmgilliamel
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/miashagilliam-el
• Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/iamMGE
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/TbFOl5IbRmE?si=KZD8LJkhRR17kDU6

Image Credits

N/A