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I came down with Rheumatic Fever at the age of 13. Following Rheumatic Fever, I found out later in my life that two valves were bad. My son was born in the CCU after I was admitted for heart failure.
Six weeks later I had a band-aid surgery done followed by my first heart surgery. They where able to clean my valves. Later a tumor was removed from my arm. It was the size of a baseball. Later I was told I had to have a hysterectomy. When I was 39 years old I had my second heart surgery. My heart valves were replaced for the first time. I was also told after my hysterectomy that I would have seizures. I take medication so I am able to keep the seizures under control.
I fell the year I had my third open heart surgery and had to have my skull drilled to release pressure on the brain. Blood had built up between the brain and skull. I survived this surgery but developed ARDS after my third open heart surgery. I made it through the surgery fine but in 24 hours I developed ARDS. I had my aorta and mitral valves replaced 2 times.
I'm on oxygen 24 hours a day. I find each day a special gift from God and a happy one. I enjoy life and have always enjoyed trying to help people. That is my greatest joy. I used to work one-on-one with children at the school. That was a great joy for me.
I became part of the ASC communications group in March of 1999. I enjoy writing verses and I also write prayers. I feel God guided me to the website so that I may help people. And when I say I know what you're talking about - I do, from the things I've been through and if not I'll say so. I've enjoyed the great love of this group. We all enjoy trying our best to help others. There is no greater joy than that in life.
When I got ARDS, I had sepsis infection and with that 3 different blood infections and pneumonia.
I have found out from the ARDS, to never give up HOPE or Faith. Most of all I don't let things in life change my life and the way of my thinking. Once things that seemed simple to do, I now find hard at times. If you give up you'll never reach your goal. I have now reached it and enjoy it to the fullest. I may be on oxygen but my love for life and everything around me has made me a very happy soul and spirit.
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