After being discharged post routine c-section, I was experiencing tightness in my chest when I would try and take in air. I called L&D Triage two times before going into the ER anyways. Both calls I was told they felt it was anxiety and I was okay and needed rest. After I arrived to the ER, my blood pressure was 180/112. I had a chest x ray, and labs drawn. I had postpartum preeclampsia with severe features, including pulmonary edema. Unfortunately, my labs also showed my heart was in distress, and my liver enzymes were elevated, indicating I also had developed HELLP Syndrome. I had never heard of HELLP Syndrome, and was not told anything about it prior to being started fast acting diuretics to drain the fluid off of my lungs, so I could start on magnesium sulfate to protext my brain from seizures. I stayed in the hosptial for four days, and my husband had to leave with our newborn son alone. The first half of my maternity leave was follow up tests including MRI`s and other imaging on my heart, and the other half I was trying to keep going while feeling absolutely traumatized. I truly feel without my ability to advocate for myself, I might not be here today. Trust your gut- if you feel something is wrong, go get checked out! It`s alwasy worth it.