I was given 6 years last July at my yearly appointment in Belfast. Today I went for my annual appointment expecting at the most 5 years.. But I got a HUGE Shocker!! I went for my usual E.C.G which looked consistent throughout, then I had my Echo-cardiogram, this sounded OK for what I'm used to. I then went in and spoke to my Cardiologist, he told me everything is looking extremely good. He told my that the narrowing at my pulmonary artery is very slight, he told me it should be due to be replaced as I've had the Homograph for 10 years now, but it doesn't need replaced, not yet anyway. He told me that I have years and years until Operation number 3, around 10-20 years hopefully. (Provided that my valves don't burst, which is extremely rare). Now I'm still struggling to get my head around this as I've never ever been given such a huge timeline. Its just such a shock.
He also explained that I have nothing to worry about provided my diet is kept clean and healthy (which it is) and provided that the pains and palpitations stay at the degree that they're at and don't come on all of a sudden whilst at rest. He told me he was extremely surprised but happy with my progress as I should be due another OHS but I keep defying the odds and I have proved doctors wrong time and time again.. A year ago I was told I would need my Op this year but today Ive been given 10-20 years. How does this even happen? How can my heart look like its repairing rather than deteriorating? I don't understand it, I cant understand how at the age of 11 I had 4 weeks to live and today I'm 21 with between 10-20 years??
This is a HUGE deal to me because not only has it given me more time before I possibly become ill and need an op which will be risky, but it has also given me another, say, 20 years to have kids. As many of you know children are a huge part of my life as profession and personally. I obviously want my own in the future but it was never guaranteed that I would have enough time to have my own and today it has almost confirmed to me that I CAN have my own little pitter patter of feet. (In the future!!).
Today has been a whirl wind of emotion but I am extremely happy to say that I am going to live my life now and stop worrying about the future or worry if I'm going to be here to see my 30th birthday because CHD is NOT going to control me. I am beating it and I intend to win :)
This status that my sis posted about me really touched me, I had no idea she ever felt this way and I'm proud to be an inspiration to her:
"Watching
that new heart foundation ad, and hearing them say it lays in
cots,prams really gets to ya, knwing tha at such a young age my
beautiful sister suffered such pain. But she came out of it so much
stronger with such courage to fight on. Looking back at pictures of her
frm the age of 3 she looked so poorly and lost, but look at her know
she's stunning, strong and brave.. so many times she stared death in the face and walked away smiling .. So proud of you chloers
probs kill me 4 putting this status up.. But your such a role model for
everyone with a heart problem and also to me and our family.. So glad
to have you — with Chloe-Ellen Franks."
Thanks for reading
Chloe xxx
