I was born with multiple Congenital Heart Defects (CHD).
(the main one was referred to as an AVSD, I basically had no chambers in my heart)
I had my first Open Heart surgery when I was 19 months old.
(to repair the CHDs)
I have 1,137 stitches in my heart.
I've had about 15 surgeries in all.
I have a pacemaker and I'm 100% paced. (meaning I'm dependent on it)
I was also born with 2 collapsed lungs which initially went unnoticed.
I had double pneumonia with perforated lungs at age 7
(both of these events caused permanent lung scarring)
I've had multiple collapsed lungs/pneumonias in my life)
I have Bronchiectasis.
I have pretty severe A-fib.
I have near constant PVC & PAC (arrhythmias)
I have mild Mitral & Aortic regurgitation.
I have Chronotropic Incompetence.
I have chronic debilitating lower back pain, caused by Endometreosis, Schmorl's Nodes, Scoliosis & pinched nerves.
Mental Health:
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,
Clinical Depression,
BiPolar,
Survivors Guilt,
Major Social Anxiety,
ADHD,
mild OCD.
Somehow, I usually manage to live a mostly normal life.
This is a blog following my life.
My challenges, my struggles, my emotions & my health.
The good times and the bad times.
This is a blog following my life.
Blogger
- Ducky
- I'm Kate, but my friends call me Ducky. I'm 26yrs old. I'm have a huge heart. I cry when I'm happy. And when I'm sad. I'm very sarcastic. I live online. I hate the idea of smoking! I'm a twin. (My sister died at 13months from Muscular Dystrophy) I was employed as a PCT at a hospital. but had to leave for medical reasons. I'm a huge supporter of organ donation. I have been working with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation since I was 16,(2005)(A friend with CF died on my 16th birthday). I'm addicted to charity work. ---For more info, check out my about me.