Special Meeting

Friday, September 19, 2008

I had the chance to meet an amazing young lady today. Not only is she a terrific nanny and possible babysitter for Jack during the days and weekends, but she was born with transposition of the great arteries. It was so wonderful to be able to talk with her. To be able to ask her questions about all of my concerns for Jack. She is an active, healthy 26 year old who has her whole life ahead of her. She had open heart surgery at 4 months of age and a pacemaker implanted 5 years ago. The surgical procedure she had is no longer preformed but the outcome of her procedure left her heart working with just one ventricle, just like what Jack is probably going to have done. It was so reassuring to see the 2o year longevity that our doctors have told Brian and I being thrown out the window. She goes to her cardiologist every 6 months to check her heart, and the doctors at UAB have told her that her heart only shows very minimal deterioration, so small that there is no concern about it. And this is even with her right ventricle, which is the smaller wall ventricle, doing all the work. How encouraging!!! She is going in October to have the battery in her pacemaker replaced, which she will continue to have to do about every 5 years or so. She told me how her life as a young child into adolescents was very active. She did say that at times she had to take breaks, but enjoyed participating in every activity she wanted to with her friends. She was even a dancer. She said she just learned how to self regulate herself. I asked her if she gets scared about the uncertain future. About the to possibly of having to have a heart transplant. She said she only really thinks about it every 6 months when she is at her cardiologist check-ups. We talked about the advancement of medical technology and how there will probably be more options for her and Jack instead of only a heart transplant down the road.

I felt like I got to look into the future by talking with this young lady. I finally got the answers to questions that only someone in the same position could answer. She gave me so much hope for Jack. But more importantly she gave me so much peace!!! I am so thankful to have her in our lives.