About Me (In My Own Words)
At the age of 19, I felt on top of the world, I had just received my Black Belt in karate, I was a reservist soldier in the army and was about to graduate from college. I felt great and appeared to be a healthy teenager who was involved in many physical activities. After having a routine medical, the results were very unexpected after I was sent to get an echo cardiogram. I learned that I had a hole in my heart, two leaky valves and my heart was enlarged to triple the size of what it should be. Shortly after finding out I had a congenital heart defect that I was unaware of, I had to have open heart surgery. This definitely was the biggest challenge in my life but with strength, courage and support I survived it. Now 27, I have found out that the first surgery was not 100% successful, and will need a second heart surgery in the near future. My cardiologist says I will need a mitral valve replacement, as I have severe regurgitation. I am not sure if I want to get a mechanical or tissue valve. Despite the challenges, my husband and I have been so blessed to have had our first child almost 2 years ago.
When I look at my scar and think about my journey, I am very thankful for my second chance at life. It reminds me to maintain perspective on what is important in life and continue to remain optimistic and grateful for each day. Living with Heart Disease, I have learned that life can be taken away so quickly and so much can change as fast as the blink of an eye. I stay positive and have not let heart disease get in the way of achieving my goals.
I am very thankful for brilliant doctors, and new cardiac procedures that save lives day after day. I volunteer for the Heart and Stroke Foundation every year by participating in the Big Bike Campaign they run every summer.
It liberates me to volunteer for a foundation that means so much to me by raising funds towards life-giving research, education and advocacy.
At this point, I take life one day at a time as I am unsure when my next surgery will be. My cardiologist says that I will have my next surgery if I say I cant live with the quality of life I have now, or if they notice a major change with my heart valve at a routine echo cardiogram.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Canada
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My surgery date is:
January 24, 2008
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I was diagnosed with:
Mitral Regurgitation
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My surgery was:
Mitral Valve Repair
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My surgeon is:
Dr. Neil McKenzie
