Back in 2002 at my Mum’s 20 week scan they picked up an abnormality with my heart. After further tests they discovered I had congenital heart disease, a heart condition called Tetralogy of Fallot.  At the age of 6 weeks old I had open heart surgery to correct the holes in my heart and widen my pulmonary valve as it was very narrow.   As I grew the valve then became too large and did not work properly, causing a back flow of oxygenated blood which caused my heart to increase in size.    So when I was 6 I had yet again another open-heart surgery operation and had a new bovine valve fitted.  After time my pulmonary valve began to dilate causing breathlessness.   At the age of 11 I underwent a procedure to balloon it to increase the blood flow.  This was fine for a year but it then got worse and I needed another new valve.  I had  another procedure where they implanted in the existing bovine valve a new platinum melody valve to enable maximum blood flow. I have had this valve now for 5 years which has started to dilate slightly.  I have regular check-ups, MRIs, Echos and ECGs so that they can let me know when I will need my next operation. This will be another open-heart surgery to remove the platinum one and replace it with a new valve. Thanks to new technology by the BHF, this melody valve had just been created when I had it put in, so we are not quite sure yet of the lifespan of it, which will also be different to each person.   Hopefully it will be a long time yet before my next operation.

Without the outstanding research and developments funded by the British Heart Foundation many of my surgeries and others may have not been possible. So, this February to help fundraise and raise awareness of Congenital heart disease and many more heart related problems I will be taking part in their “DECHOX”. I would be extremely greatful if you could give what you can to help pioneer future developments in the cardiac care world. Thank you very much for taking your time to read my story.

Millie x