Also, before I forget... A HUGE "Thank You" for ALL the Congratualations on my new niece and kind words!!! It meant alot to me and made me smile!!! =D
OK, here are some of those Questions and Answers:
Q: What was the one thing that bothered you the most as a child growing up with a CHD?
A: The thing that bothered me the most was the fact that it was hard to keep up with other kids my age in gym class, on the playground, or just playing in general. Kids would always ask why I had to stop so much or sit out and friends asked the same, I would try my best to explain with the little knowledge I had about my heart condition at the time, but they usually didn’t understand. They would look at me different afterwards and sometimes didn’t want to play with me anymore and that was hard, but it taught me so much about other people and who my true friends are.
Q: Do you remember anything from the surgeries when you were younger?
A: I have one memory from my second open heart surgery when I was a little over two years old. I was sitting in a big red chair and had tube coming out of me. I was crying and asking for my daddy to pick me up, but he couldn’t because the doctors had to replace a tube. I remember the pain I was in, I remember not understanding what was happening only that I wanted to be held. Not the best memory, but I know it happened as I told my parents and they couldn’t believe I remembered. I have no other memories of any other heart surgeries or procedures. I do remember everything about my second eye muscle surgery I had when I was 8 and the one I had last year.
Q: What is different about the Fontan I got compared to the Fontan they do now?
A: I had what is called the Fontan Pilliation which was the originally designed Fontan procedure by Francis Fontan and his partner to fix patients with Tricuspid Atresia. Over the years the Fontan Piliation was modified for all one ventricle fixes. What they did simply was us everything that I had and make it work. I had three chambers intact so they used them. My one right chamber doesn’t do much, but it works to some extent. I only have one working ventricle though, so I’m considered a half a heart. The modern version of the Fontan bypasses the whole right side or left depending on the condition and makes the remaining side do all the work. From my understanding by doing this they reduce leakage from the side that didn't develop all the way, reduces the chances of blood clots as well (not sure how) , and reduces chances of high blood pressure.
Q: Do you plan/know if it is possible to have children?/What have the doctors told you about having children?
A: I do plan on having kids one day. How I will have them is still up in the air. I have always wanted to adopt and gestational surrogacy doesn’t sound like a bad idea either, though both are expensive. My cardiologist has told me that if I stay in the good health I’m in now then I shouldn’t have any problems having a child. I would be high risk, I’d need a c-section, medication would be adjusted, I would be monitored around the clock, and something unexpected could always happen just like anyone else. When I feel like I’m ready for a child, my cardiologist said to go to an adult congenital cardiologist with my spouse (when I have one) and talk it over before I get pregnant. If my boyfriend and I get married then we will talk about what we want to do. Though, in the back of my mind and in my heart I would LOVE to have my own child, but I’m not for sure if I want to go through with it. I have plenty of time to think about it though!
Part 2 Coming SOON! =D
I continue to pray for so many, special prayers for CHDers to stay healthy!! Sending warm **Heart Hugs** to ALL!!
With LOTS of Hope, Love, and Faith,
♥
