I have often found when I meet Congenital Heart Disease patients that amoung the usual introductions of our names, where we're from, what we do and how we're doing that day there is also the explanation of what we have/had and the procedures we've gone through that have got us to this point. This is, therefore, what you will hear from me today. In the future I hope to outline various events in my life that pertain to Congenital Heart Disease, various different forms, other people's stories (if you choose to share them with me), different definitions as well as events I have heard about through the various CHD communities I am a part of.
So here's my story:
I'm Colleen, I currently live and study in Ottawa at the University of Ottawa. I study Women's Studies and Philosophy and I love both of those subjects, but possibly Women's Studies a bit more than Philosophy. And today I am good but sleepy as I have been living the good life of a student, finishing papers and partying until 2am.
But, let's get to the good stuff!
I was born with Tetralogy of Fallot and was rushed by helicopter from the hospital in my hometown to Toronto Sick Children's. Fourteen days later I had my first surgery, a Blalock-Taussig Shunt. This was followed about a year later with a Glenn Shunt. It was somewhere around here that the doctors found the Mitral Straddling, another complication on top of Tetralogy of Fallot. This meant that the standard Tetralogy of Fallot repair could not be done. Instead they started a two stage Lateral Tunnel Fontan procedure. My fourth (and final so far) surgery was the second stage of the Fontan which I had when I was five years old.
Being twenty now I am officially (and have been for two years) to old for Sick Kids so I am at Toronto General Hospital but I really only need to visit them once a year. I just went back in January and everything is looking good. I love it when they say that!!
From my heart to yours,
Colleen
Oh yeah, don't forget Congential Heart Disease Awareness week this week and CHD day tomorrow!!
About Me
- Colleen
- Hi! I'm a 20 year old student at the University of Ottawa in Ottawa ON Canada. I am currently majoring in Philosophy and minoring in Women's Studies but because Women's Studies has become my biggest passion I am changing my major to Women's Studies and making my minor Philosophy. I am also involved in Ottawa Christian Fellowship and love this group of people. I am constantly trying to find ways to express myself further especially when it comes to my heart. I hope this will be a good way for me to do this.
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