We are thrilled and honored to feature a guest blog by Steve Catoe, author of Adventures of a Funky Heart, one of the most informative and enlightening blogs out there, highlighting congenital heart disease. Thank you so much, Steve, not only for a great post, but for all that you do for the congenital heart community.
My name is Steve Catoe. I am hopeful that some of you remember me; last February I spoke at the Broken Hearts of the Big Bend Regional Forum on Congenital Heart Disease.
A few years ago my cardiologist told me that as far as he knew, I was the oldest living tricuspid atresia patient living. A few weeks later I met a fellow tricuspid, a woman who is a couple of years older than I am. Personally, I’d rather be No. 2; people expect the leader to dress nice, act dignified, and be the spokesman for the entire group. I’m just a simple country boy, and I don’t do any of that very well!
My “secret” to living so long with a congenital heart defect could very well surprise you. To live with a heart defect, you have to first make peace with the fact that your defective heart will one day give out.
That may seem like a harsh statement, especially to a young CHDer or a heart parent. But odds are, that is what will happen. Accidents do occur, but most people succumb to natural causes. We will, too -- but our weak hearts usually mean that we are granted fewer days.
And once you understand and can live with that fact, then you can ask the real question: What can I do to push that Final Day further into the future?
The short answer is “Take care of yourself!” Taking care of yourself encompasses everything from watching your diet, starting an exercise program, and even includes simple things like fastening your seat belt.
A proper exercise program can strengthen your heart and give it the energy it needs to fight off infection and illness. The stronger you can make your heart, the better - especially if you are starting with a weak heart. Be sure to ask your doctor what exercises work best for you, but for me, the answer is walking. With a walking program, you can move at your best pace and go as far as you are able -- and the next day, attempt to go just a little further! As you pick up the pace, your heart rate goes up and you really start to exercise your lungs. Over time, what began as a gentle stroll can turn into an intense exercise routine. And all you need is a good pair of shoes.
Watch your diet, especially if your doctor has given you a diet to follow. Try to reduce the amount of salt you consume. Your heart has to pump blood to all parts of your body, and the more you weigh, the harder it has to work. Losing as few as 5 pounds helps, but if you could lose more, it is usually a good idea. A heart that is used to pushing blood through a 175-pound body will have an easier job if you could lose 10 pounds!
Don’t let dumb luck ruin your life. Fasten that seat belt and don’t drive like a maniac. Don’t smoke, don’t drink to excess, and don’t do illegal drugs. Too many people fought to keep you alive and you have survived too much. Don’t waste your life by giving it away.
Something else you can do -- and it would be a major factor in surviving a heart defect -- is that even though you understand that your heart will eventually let you down, don’t run and hide. Don’t be scared, and never say “I can’t do that, I have a bad heart.”
There is more than one way to skin a cat, and probably more than one way to accomplish any task you face. Don’t just live your life...embrace it, enjoy it, and make the most of it. Inspire others.
And remember that every heart -- especially yours -- deserves to live a lifetime!
And remember that every heart -- especially yours -- deserves to live a lifetime!
