Kelly's Profile

*I turn 63 in 2026 read my updates at the end 7/9/26. I had Bacterial Endocarditis as a teenager in 1981/ 82. I was not expected to survive. My untreated advanced diseases were considered grave & fatal in the early 1980s. I had multiple strokes , code blue, and was comatose for a short while. After a couple months of inpatient treatment I was sent home. I have lived with several permanent disabilities & health issues as a result. I was told I would require open heart surgery in the near or distant future.I have received two opinions yearly for over thirty years. September 2014 is my surgery month. August is my pre op month. Repair is our hope.I have a form of hemophilia therefore replacement and associated need for blood thinners are of great concern. I have had several surgeries for other issues since being a teen. Such as I run just one kidney( that has damage), colon cancer with surgery with healing difficulties, and other serious procedures. I have lived with a left visual impairment as well as sensory & spacial neglect and balance disorders due to the endocarditis- brain infection & strokes Left-Right brain damage . I tend to have serious surgical and recovery complications. I also have struggles with severe mental health issues C-PSTD. August,2014 my mitral valve was diagnosed with Barlow's disease during pre op 3 D TEE. Not a big surprise, but confirmed. I fought super hard for insurance to pay the thoracic valve specialist versus the one who is not a valve specialist. I was blessed generously with a mitral valve ( ring) repair. Expected to last up to around 10 years. This gave me the hope of time for more medical advances. Life feels overwhelming,but I am functioning quite well with my new heart issues. No one ever said life was easy. ....the gifts hidden in the busy world,well,I try to appreciative the joys available. I can feel out of my body struggle for control as my mind and body remember years of all different traumas that still sneak up. Cardiac Rehab went well. The clinicians were very respectful of my physical fears after so many body and cardiac traumas along with emotional issues. All our fears and feelings are legitimate, sometimes unrealistic or miss understood.This makes growth & education all the more precious.Cardiac wise,i have had or have,strokes,Barlow's, stroke symptoms from damaged brain signals,endocarditis, heart attacks, visual loss ,coma,tachycardia and more . After I stopped fearing my "delicate heart " I exceeded all the goals,with the exception of weight gain and some heart rhythms. I enjoy my morning workouts at home which were pre set before ending rehab II.All my assortment of specialists agree I have a very complicated collection of health issues .But,they all agree I do the best I can and stay proactive and advocate for myself. I am proud of this despite dissapointment in my health.I WISH ALL OF YOU wellness as you live your personal stories. (((Hugs ))))💖💖 *I went by the name Lillian when I joined. I am safer now & proud of it. My name is Kelly Marklein. ~amazing & frightening updates soon when I get time.