I was born almost a month early in 1974. At the time, the doctor discovered a heart murmur, but told my parents I would grow out of it and sent me home. I did not become pink and refused to eat and at my 3 week check-up, my personal doctor knew something was wrong. I was sent to University of Virginia. At the time, they could not give a diagnosis. At 7 weeks, I returned to UVA and was finally diagnosed with tricuspid atresia. I had the Potts surgery performed. (I am unsure if it is done anymore, but they rolled my left pulmonary artery and aorta together to allow blood exchange.)

At age 5, I underwent more surgery. This surgery was the central shunt and involved placing a tube from my pulmonary trunk to my aorta. This surgery served me well, but by age 10, my parents were being told that nothing more could be done for me. UVA was suggesting heart/lung transplant. My parents requested that my records be sent around the country to see what other options were available. I was not a candidate for the Fontan because the Potts had stunted the growth of my left pulmonary artery.

At the age of 15, my parents and I made a trip to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Here I underwent reconstruction of the Potts, in hopes of making the left pulmonary artery grow. Unfortunately, it did not give the desired result. Three weeks later, I underwent the Glenn and was discharged a week later. That was the last surgery I had and every year I celebrate another year surgery free.

The University of VA still follows my care. I do take penicillin for dental visits and get my flu shot annually. I am on calcium blockers and a baby aspirin a day. Originally prescribed for my migraine headaches, the heart help was a double bonus.

Now for the info you really want to know. I am only 5 feet tall and at the age of 30 finally reached 90 lbs. I was diagnosed as learning disabled at the age of 10. It manifested itself in reading and spelling difficulties. BUT I am a college graduate with a BS in psychology. I returned to school to learn coding and I am now a Certified Professional Coder. Coding means I take what the procedure done to you and correctly match a diagnosis to it for the insurance to hopefully pay. I am currently teaching a local business college. I have started a Master’s program for a Master’s in Biology. I have not received any LD aid since I was 13.

I am married for almost 10 years to a wonderful man. We have no children. (We made this decision. We had doctors tell us yes, I could have children and no, I couldn’t.) I had my tubes tied in 2001. We have 2 cats that are “Our Boys.” My husband works as a financial advisor.

I enjoy learning, music, travel and being with my wonderful beloved hubby. I credit my outlook on life to my faith and my parent’s wonderful ability in raising me. I was raised on the family farm and helped do farm chores. I was never told you can’t do something it was always go and try it. I have one older brother.