I’ve know Beth for a few years now, and I’ve never seen a heart patient, bounce back from what she’s had done, as quickly and perfectly, as she has. I’m so proud of her progress, and even more proud to call her, FRIEND.
Great story! I can’t imagine getting diagnosed as an adult. Growing up with CHD is just part of life for me. In my case I had years to prepare for my final repair OHS. I had my final corrective surgery at age 13 yrs. I can’t imagine having little to no time to prepare for it.
I still say the real heart warriors are the CHD specialists.❤️ Where would we be today without them?
Beth's story resonated with me. I was diagnosed with a Coarctation of the Aorta when I was 33 years old after experiencing HBP, shortness of breath and fatigue for four years. That was 21 years ago, but I will never forget the day the technician told me during a chest MRI that by end of this test we will know what's wrong with you. It was a very emotional moment because during those four years I was misdiagnosed with asthma, my blood pressure was not improving, I was exhausted walking up stairs, and I continued to feel worse as time went on. Other than feeling scared and grateful, I felt a sense of relief to finally find out what was wrong with me.
I was immediately admitted into the hospital and several days later my coarctation was repaired. After a few months all my symptoms improved until 10 years later when my heart's electrical system started failing. I found out I needed a Pacemaker which was implanted one month after diagnosis. The anticipation of that procedure caused me more stress, sadness and fear than my major heart surgery 10 years prior. It was very difficult to accept having a Pacemaker at age 43, but I adjusted to the restrictions and discomfort, and learned to live with this device. The most difficult part about having a Pacemaker is the ongoing issues I have encountered with my leads. In the past 11 years I have had 2 lead extractions due to tears in the lead insulation. However, despite my past cardiac issues and any potential issues I will need to face in the future, I have learned to accept my new normal and I'm very thankful to be alive.
I was diagnosed with complete atrioventricular cancal at age 31, so I could relate to this story. Was shocked with the diagnosis, which was in September 2003. I had surgery a little more than 2 months later. I'm coming up on 20 years post-OHS. Haven't had too many issues since then; I'm just glad that I somehow managed to still be here.
I’ve know Beth for a few years now, and I’ve never seen a heart patient, bounce back from what she’s had done, as quickly and perfectly, as she has. I’m so proud of her progress, and even more proud to call her, FRIEND.
Great story! I can’t imagine getting diagnosed as an adult. Growing up with CHD is just part of life for me. In my case I had years to prepare for my final repair OHS. I had my final corrective surgery at age 13 yrs. I can’t imagine having little to no time to prepare for it.
I still say the real heart warriors are the CHD specialists.❤️ Where would we be today without them?
Beth's story resonated with me. I was diagnosed with a Coarctation of the Aorta when I was 33 years old after experiencing HBP, shortness of breath and fatigue for four years. That was 21 years ago, but I will never forget the day the technician told me during a chest MRI that by end of this test we will know what's wrong with you. It was a very emotional moment because during those four years I was misdiagnosed with asthma, my blood pressure was not improving, I was exhausted walking up stairs, and I continued to feel worse as time went on. Other than feeling scared and grateful, I felt a sense of relief to finally find out what was wrong with me.
I was immediately admitted into the hospital and several days later my coarctation was repaired. After a few months all my symptoms improved until 10 years later when my heart's electrical system started failing. I found out I needed a Pacemaker which was implanted one month after diagnosis. The anticipation of that procedure caused me more stress, sadness and fear than my major heart surgery 10 years prior. It was very difficult to accept having a Pacemaker at age 43, but I adjusted to the restrictions and discomfort, and learned to live with this device. The most difficult part about having a Pacemaker is the ongoing issues I have encountered with my leads. In the past 11 years I have had 2 lead extractions due to tears in the lead insulation. However, despite my past cardiac issues and any potential issues I will need to face in the future, I have learned to accept my new normal and I'm very thankful to be alive.
Hope, thank you for sharing. That sounds like a really tough situation. Accepting a new normal is pretty impressive progress! ❤️
I was diagnosed with complete atrioventricular cancal at age 31, so I could relate to this story. Was shocked with the diagnosis, which was in September 2003. I had surgery a little more than 2 months later. I'm coming up on 20 years post-OHS. Haven't had too many issues since then; I'm just glad that I somehow managed to still be here.
Thank you for sharing your story, Cindy! I'm glad to hear you're doing well.
Wow! And here I thought getting diagnosed at 10 years old was late!