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
How nice to "meet" you! My son has several congenital heart defects, and while they're different (he has a single ventricle), I LOVE meeting adult CHDers! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad things are going well for you. Thanks for sharing your story!!
My baby girl was born with Transposition of the Great Arteries. She had the surgery to reattach the vessels at ten days old. Thankfully it was diagnosed the day of her birth and she is a VERY active two year old!
ReplyDeleteI am a 27 year old with a CHD as well! I have pulmonary atresia, asd, vsd. I've had 5 open-heart surgeries but am doing great now! My husband and I plan to adopt. :) It is great to meet other CHD adults. Feel free to check my blog. I am so glad you are doing well!
ReplyDeleteI have a son who is now almost 16 years old who was born with Transposition of the Great Arteries and he still has pulmonary stenosis. He is doing great today thank God everyday for that but I went my whole pregnancy never knowing there was a thing wrong with him. He was operated on at 26 hours old and has had several surgeries since. I am happy to see you are doing so well gives me hope for my son's future.
ReplyDeleteMy son is 2 1/2 and was born with TGA, AV Canal, TAPVR, Heterotaxy syndrome, asplenia and malrotation of the bowel. After one major open-heart surgery when he was a day old and a couple of cath procedures, he is doing wonderful. Love reading stories of adult CHD survivors!! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteVisiting via Kelly's Korner. My son is 5 and also has corrected transposition! He has additional defects (ebsteinoid tricuspid valve, ASD, VSD, pulmonary stenosis, sub pulm. stenosis, hypoplastic right sided ventricle) but is doing well.
My oldest son was born with regular transposition and other heart defects but only lived a few weeks. He would be 18. Good to meet you~
Lisa @All That and a Box of Rocks
I love this! We just adopted a little girl last August with CHD, and a missing ear, and she is such a joy. I can't believe all we would have missed if we hadn't taken that step of faith and brought her home!
ReplyDeleteI originally stopped by to see about your lovely wreaths you make....then ended up looking through your blog. THANK YOU for the encouragement offered to other moms of Transposition babies with your wonderful story of Gods healing and goodness in your life. My daughter is three and it is hard to think of what the future might hold for her. Encouraged byy your story and strength!
ReplyDelete