Hi Everyone

• by hymntime
• 2008-04-18 05:04:49
• General Posting
• 1109 views
• 3 comments

Hi everyone, this is my first post. I've been a member for a little while now and have really enjoyed the postings and words of encouragement I've read.
I wnat to Thank Jessie for writing and welcoming me to the club.
She found my story interesting and thought you mihgt too.
Last year I was diagnosed with 3 congential heart defects: Ebstein's anamoly, an associated ASD, and Right bundle branch blockage. All of this was strange for me since I was 52 when they found my "birthdefects".But it did explain alot of things when I was growing up.
Ebstein's anomaly is a downward displacement of the Tricuspid valve, resulting in part of the left ventricle becoming part of the atrium. It is extermely rare (about 5000 patients in the US) and if you're not symtematic hard to diagnose. I have read that only 5% of patients live to be 50 and the oldest survior live to be 85. (I'm shooting for 86).
50% of patients also have the ASD, as well as other problems.
I've had the ADS repaired and take meds to control A-fib and for blood pressure. My PM was implanted because my natural PM is deteriorating.
My PM seems to be working fine and I'm looking foward to being around for quite a while.
You can find out more about Ebstien's on the internet and there is even an Ebstein's anomaly support group at Yahoo.com.
I thank God for every day and both groups.
Sorry for being so long winded (I am a disc jockey too), and Thanks again to Jessie and everyone.
God Bless
Jim