Natalee's Profile

I was born with pulmonary stenosis that was repaired through OHS when I was 8...most of which I have no memory of! I have lived a very normal life and have had no problems with my heart, even through 4 pregnancies and a very active lifestyle, and never anticipated that I would! It came as quite a shock this summer when I started having some symptoms that scared me. My cardiologist confirmed that it was my valve, and that it is in severe regurgitation. Now, at the age of 42, the valve will need to be replaced. I am scheduled for OHS in November. This news has knocked my feet out from under me a little bit! I still am in the process of wrapping my brain around it, and trying to navigate through this journey I am about to embark on. I have felt every emotion you can imagine. I am blessed to have an amazing family, friends, and community who have been a huge source of support! I have also found it to be very therapeutic for me to talk to others (in this awesome online community) who have been through this. I hope that my story will help someone else in the future as well.