MY MEDICAL HISTORY
I was born in Panama in 1977, with a heart defect called "Double Outlet Right Ventricle with Pulmonary Stenosis and VSD. At the age of 3 months, I had my first procedure called Blalock Taussig which allowed me more time to grow and gain strength and wait for the corrective surgery.
In 1984, at the age of 7, doctors did the corrective surgery and because my heart needed more impetus to work my first pacemaker was place. It was not until 14 years later that we realized that the heart had an interatrial connection, that’s why at the age of 21 I had a 3rd open heart surgery.
By this time the doctors started talking about transplantation as a long-term option. I did pretty well until 2006, when I developed severe mitral regurgitation and next years I was in the OR again for a mitral valve replacement with a mechanical valve and pacemaker replacement.
I was born in Panama in 1977, with a heart defect called "Double Outlet Right Ventricle with Pulmonary Stenosis and VSD. At the age of 3 months, I had my first procedure called Blalock Taussig which allowed me more time to grow and gain strength and wait for the corrective surgery.
In 1984, at the age of 7, doctors did the corrective surgery and because my heart needed more impetus to work my first pacemaker was place. It was not until 14 years later that we realized that the heart had an interatrial connection, that’s why at the age of 21 I had a 3rd open heart surgery.
By this time the doctors started talking about transplantation as a long-term option. I did pretty well until 2006, when I developed severe mitral regurgitation and next years I was in the OR again for a mitral valve replacement with a mechanical valve and pacemaker replacement.
In December 2009, I had a mild stroke which was served on time without any problem but my heart function began to decline rapidly until today.
Since then, I have been placed on strict medical care while my family and I look for a New Heart. I have an ejection fraction of 10% and I am with permanent oxygen and tolerate very little standing or walking. Panama does not have this type of surgery, so I need to look for other countries as an option.
I will fight for a new heart. At 33 years old, I still have plans and projections yet to finish. As I always say “God will decide the Path”.
I have the support and love of my family and amazing friends and great doctors…. I just need your help and support to walk with me.
