Mark's Profile

My story is still being written. I am a Tetralogy of Fallot baby born in the 60’s in Rochester Mn. I have had four total heart operations and on my 3rd ICD. Had a bout with VT which through three ablations and medications have helped reduce the reoccurrence’s. The lead from one of the ICD’s is now causing tricuspid regurgitation and we are in the preliminaries of setting up my next open heart. One Heart Cath left and a round table discussion and a plan will be set. I often tell folks that I am blessed to have a disease that is understood and repairable. I have seen way too many cancers,Alzheimer’s,Parkinson’s and other diseases take lives away. Just have to keep being positive for the best with our trials of valve issues and show our strength to overcome these obstacles. We can influence the mindset of many battling other health issues. That said my daughter two years ago was diagnosed with HCM and her surgery was just over a year ago and was a success. We are hoping she will not return to that thickened ventricle again. She was able to rely on my experiences to get her through those tests and ICU days. Stay strong all you heart champs!