Hi, My mom noticed my blue tinge shortly after birth. The doctors did not know exactly what kind of heart problem I had until I had open heart surgery at age 4. They found I was missing my pulmonary artery. At that time no surgery could be done and most children died before 5. I grew up and did pretty much what I wanted (rode horses, skated, raised sheep for 4-H, etc.) I was a dental assistant for 35 years, raised a step-daughter and had a normal life.

My biggest trial in life is that I also developed scoliosis when a teen. That has gotten worse over the years and has affected my lung capacity as my heart has finally begun to tire. I am on SSI now as I had to quit work because of my. I really miss work and being able to do what I used to do.

I am on oxygen to help me breathe easier but can do without if needed. It gives me a little more energy. I got some carbon monoxide poisoning and a bad allergic reaction to a rabbit which started my downward cycle–until then I was still working. This happened early last year. I have been slowly improving but do not know how much better I'll get.

I am happy to be able to do what I do. Life is still GOOD!