My name is Kate and I was diagnosed with an Atrial Septal Defect this past November. It was a whirlwind! I had a primary doctor appointment in October and had mentioned that I was having heart palpitations (which I have had for years and just thought it was normal!) and times where I felt like I couldn't catch my breath (which I was told were anxiety attacks). So, they sent me for another echo, the fifth I have had in 6 years. I expected them to declare perfect health and send me on my way. So when I got a call telling me I needed to see a cardiothoracc surgeon I was completely shocked.

In the beginning of November I met with my fantastic surgeon, Dr Ashraf. He explained what I had, and told me that they needed a TEE first because I may not need surgery yet or at all. I took this as great news and for the the first time in what had already seemed like forever felt like I could relax a bit. I had my TEE performed the Monday before Thanksgiving and met with Dr. Ashraf again Dec. 2 to talk about the results. Not what I had hoped.

I had a very large ostium primum ASD and, with the placement the ASO patch wasn't an option. Also, if it had been I would have had to travel as the doctors here don't perform the patch closures. The shunting was far too significant as well and the patch wouldn't have held. I only had about 30% of my oxygenated blood leaving the heart, the rest was shunting through the defect so he only gave me at the most two months to have open-heart surgery. But the emphasis was the sooner the better! I felt like the floor was falling out from under me.

I finished my classes and scheduled surgery for two weeks later, the day after finals ended. I went in so scared inside, yet trying to be so tough and all "it's fine, I'm not worried" on the outside. But I came through beautifully. They were a bit surprised when they had to repair a bigger hole than they had measured on the TEE scan, but they did a great job.

It has only been a few months and I have had my ups and downs. Post-op I had all the classic side-effects, water retention, depression, my HAIR even changed color! I have been in and out of the hospital for tachycardia and pericarditis a few times, But I have come a long way. They tell me in a year I will be completely healed, I can't wait. I am still working on my energy level and lifting things, and accepting my scar. But I know that if I was lucky enough to survive that, then all will somehow come together.