Life with a CHD as an adult

Life as a CHD adult (though I still feel like a child most of the time) certainly hasn't been easy. I look around at other people's lives and I know mine could be worse so I shouldn't complain, but on the other hand I wasn't born like everyone else. My life, my story, is one that from the outside world is unheard of, but since I've gotten involved with CHD world it IS life, OUR life. I always thought I was the only one that has been through so much and that it is so UNFAIR that this is what I have to live with, yet I've pushed through everything I've been thrown and managed to have a close to "normal" childhood (or whatever anyone calls "normal").

Anyways, I'm getting off topic, I talking about my life now not my past. I will talk about my childhood later, for now what is life like now (or the past few years). Well, it has been tough. Over the past 4 years I've been dealing with the hard reality of knowing that I'm facing the great unkown for my health. Doctors don't know what will happen, this is new territory for them. I'm still seeing a pediatric Cardiologist as those are the best of the best for me right now, they know more as of right now. That is why it is so important for more CHD research and for more doctors to specialize in CHD in adults as we are different cases then the children.

I was dignosised with minor SVT's (SuperaVentricular Tachycardia aka fast heart rate) four years ago and I'm on medication for them called Atnenolol which is a beta-blocker. It does a pretty good job of stoppping the pain, but when I'm stressed or just randomly I can get chest pain ranging from minor to pretty painful. On top of dealing with on and off chest pain, I get tired very easly so naps are a must most of the time. I have some water retetion due to some other heart medication that I'm on.

Since I've been dignosised with minor SVT's four years ago things have been tough for me health wise and mentally. It has been hard for me to cope with not knowing what is going to happen to my heart in the future and will I be prepared for it. I have turned to faith alot and I believe God will take care of me. I know that I will be able to get through whatever is thrown at me with the support of my family, friends, boyfriend, and having faith.

Despite of my downs the past four years I've had alot of ups. I'm in my third year of college and my major is Psychology. I've been blessed with getting envolved in CHD organizations and communities. I've also been blessed with a wonderful boyfriend of 6 months.


My boyfriend, Chris, and I:

My life isn't always easy, but no one's ever is. My life is defintely different then most people's and the challenges I have encountered and will aren't easy. I didn't ask to be born this way and to have this fear in me about what tomorrow will bring, but I try my best to live life to the fullest and try to be positive (I'm a big pessimist so it's really really hard), and give thanks to God. Many people think I should be angry at God or the world, but I'm not. I don't think God makes any mistakes, I was suppose to be this way, I was suppose to send a message. I have a mission to complish and I will complete it. The CHD angels and CHD patients give me strength by their smiles.

Eveyday I'm remined by my heart condition, so despite what I've been told to just act like I don't have a CHD or since I look fine or I'm fixed (which is NOT true) I can't and never will. The scars on my chest, the medication, the getting tired easliy, the doctor appointments, the pokes, the water retention; they all remind me each and every day (that and the medical bills). Though I have a CHD and it has impacted my personality and who I am today, I do like to be treated with the same respect as a normal person and not be judged by what I have. I'm just like anyone else, only with a special heart.... A mended heart.

I think I'm going to end here today, but I have more to share. I hope I didn't ramble on too much. Thank You for all who reads this blog, my carepage, send me messages, and/or prays for me. It all truly means the world to me.

God Bless and many Heart Hugs!!!

With LOTS of Hope, Love, and Faith,
♥