Linking up with Kelly today over at Kelly's Corner! (By the way this is a great way for support, knowing that you are not alone in your journey.)
In March 1984, little did my parents know that their seemingly healthy baby girl was about to turn their lives upside down. I was born between 7-8 a.m. via c-section, I can't remember the time off hand. I was pink and screaming my head off (at least that's what my mom says). 2 days after my birth my parents were informed that I had a heart murmur. I was in Meridian, MS where at the time we didn't have a cardiologist. All of my sats were fine. I was immediately whisked away to UAB in Birmingham, AL to Pediatric Cardiology. Dr. Bargeron (my original doctor who has since passed) was the most well respected doctor in his field. After all, he did perform the very first open heart surgery on an infant. After a couple weeks in ICU it was determined that I have Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries.
To learn more
CLICK HERE.I had a heart catherization and it was determined that the defect corrected itself! This was a blessing seeing as though my parents were prepared for the worst. The Catherization also determined that I had several holes in my heart, but Dr. Bargeron was confident that these holes would close on their own. It was also determined during my extended hospital stay that I was born without a spleen. I was then put on penicillin for the next 6 months of my life. At which time it was determined that I had in fact formed/grew a spleen. (Crazy, I know) Currently, I still go to my pediatric cardiologist (Dr. Edward Colvin, Dr. Bargeron's student) and he said that I could go to him or someone in the practice for the rest of my life.
Fast forward.....I grew up playing sports. I was an avid softball and soccer player. I played on tournament teams for both sports. In high school I played slow pitch softball, fast-pitch softball, and soccer. I was all-state for all three sports. While maintaining a 4.0 GPA. I graduated and went to Ole Miss and graduated with a 3.5 GPA (I was on the 5 year plan). Now I am married and we are looking to expand our family.
I know everyone is wondering about the side effects or what can I expect for years to come. Well, I was told to be on the lookout for shortness of breath, spells where I pass out, rhythm changes. Long-term, I might have to have a pacemaker. On the Baby front, I can have children. Of course me and the baby will have to be monitored by my cardiologist. There is a 20-30% chance that my child will be born with a heart defect. Of course all of the necessary precautions will be taken so that me and my baby will be healthy and happy. If anything were to happen, I know that God would not give me and my husband more than we could handle.
The picture above is a bachelorette party on the Ocoee!
Thanks for stopping in!
April
