No Shame in Scars: Open Heart Surgery for a Double Chambered Right Ventricle

#26 Host Boots Knighton invites guest Jacque Avalon, a nurse, to share her inspiring story of thriving post open heart surgery. Jacque's journey began when she went to the emergency room with chest pain, which turned out to be a rare condition called double chambered right ventricle. It took some advocacy and prompting from Jacque's primary care physician for a full work to be completed. This led to the discovery of her Double Chambered Right Ventricle, and other structural challenges with her heart. Jacque underwent open heart surgery and was surprised by a few things along the way. She took these struggles in stride. You'll be thrilled to learn the impressive feat she accomplished a year after open heart surgery. It was something she dared not attempt pre-surgery, and was able to do once her heart was repaired. Its a testament to the fact that it's possible to aim even higher when congenital heart constraints have been resolved..

Jacque's story emphasizes the importance of perseverance and resilience after undergoing major heart surgery. There were intense moments on her path, when things were incredibly challenging, but there was also another side.

If you are looking for something specific - here's where you'll find it:

[06:20] Stressors were taking a toll. And the chest pain wasn't going away.

[11:25] Results from the TEE (transesophageal echocardiogram): Rare adult condition: DCRV, VSD, PFO.

[15:44] Preparing for Open Heart Surgery- who will make your health decisions if you can't?

[22:43] Anesthesia slows blood circulation. Your options to prevent blood clots.

[26:44] Unbearable pain, unforgettable feeling.

[35:35] Value of attending Women Heart and the reflections it brought to the surface.

[36:17] Coming to terms with the changes - a physical scar in a day and at an age with such an emphasis on appearances.

[41:29] Advice to others facing open heart surgery.

Links mentioned in this episode

Women Heart - www.womenheart.org

Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai in LA - www.cedars-sinai.org/programs/heart.html

A Little More About Today's Guest

Jacque Avalon is a 31-year-old registered nurse based in Los Angeles CA. She was born with a congenital heart disease that was left untreated until September 2020. She had open heart surgery at the age of 28 after finding out that she had a rare congenital heart defect among adults called DCRV (double-chambered right ventricle).

How to connect with Jacque

Instagram: @apple.jacqs

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**I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. Be sure to check in with your care team about all the next right steps for you and your heart.**

How to connect with Boots

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knighton

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knighton

Boots Knighton

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