This last week has been full of hospital appointments (and a shit load of waiting around) for my 6 month follow up reviews. I got a mixed bag of results, Good news my pacemaker is working wonders, completely pacemaker dependent however at 100% with 8 years battery life left. My bloods are not bad, last INR was 2.3 so only slightly under range I've been given the clear to have an entire month of blood tests which is fantastic for me not having to stab myself every Friday. My new mechanical valve is working brilliant which is fantastic, BUT here's the kicker --- I've developed scar tissue below my aortic valve which is now restricting blood flow out of my heart and to the rest of my body. The only way to fix this is open heart surgery number 4 ! I'm pretty bummed, last year i made some massive life changing decisions and having a mechanical valve came at a cost of not being able to have my own children, warfarin ( blood thinners) daily meds and frequent blood te...
Born with an ASD, VSD & leaky mitral valve ive had 3 open heart surgeries at age 5,18 & 26. I now have a mechanical mitral valve as well as 100% pacemaker dependant due to complete heart block. This is my story of life with Congenital Heart Disease and hope my experiences can educate, create awarness and help others living with a life-long illness