Heart To Heart With Anna

Send us a textLorrie Hill is a 23-year-old Heart Warrior. Living with a single ventricle heart, she has learned a great deal about the heart, her heart's idiosyncracies, and the importance of exercise in staying healthy. In this episode of "Heart to Heart with Anna," Lorrie talks to Anna about what it has been like for her to live with a heart riddled with complex defects, how her heart defect has influenced her career choices, and what the future holds for her... while waiting for a heart transplant.If you would like to connect with Lorrie Hill, here is her Instagram handle:  @theheartofthejourneyPlease take a moment to follow us on your preferred social media platforms:Apple PodcastsFacebook YouTube Instagram If you enjoy this program and would like to be a Patron, please check out our Patreon page Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/HearttoHeart)Thank you to everyone who has helped HUG in creating our podcasts and other resources. Visit https;//www.heartsunitetheglobe.com to donate or

Send us a textThis panel discussion includes four adults who were born with congenital heart defects and one parent of a twin daughter who was born with a heart defect. Host, Anna Jaworski, is the mother of an adult son who was born with a congenital heart defect. Together, these six women talk about some of the different terms and labels that are commonly used in the congenital heart defect community.How do terms and labels affect those born with congenital heart defects? Do terms define a person? Do labels hurt? Can labels cause bullying? What are the pros and cons of using abbreviations and labels when referring to people who were born with congenital heart defects?Panelists include return Guests Laura Ryan, Kathy Ware, Aubyn Baker-Riley and new "Heart to Heart with Anna" Guests Jen Hart Mulder and Felisha Jarschke. Tune in to hear how these panelists refer to themselves, refer to others in the heart community, and what terms are considered acceptable and which terms or labels are disliked by pan

Send us a textOwen Brenna Isaacson was born with a complex congenital heart defect who has had multiple open-heart surgeries, pacemakers implanted, cardioversions and ablations. Despite the medical challenges she has faced, she has been able to lead a fairly normal life. After marrying the love of her life, she and her husband George have decided to start preparing for the growth of their family.In this episode, Brenna shares with Anna how she and George came to decide on adoption as the method for them to grow their family. Brenna openly shares with Anna what it was like growing up with a heart defect and her conversations with her doctors and her loved ones regarding pregnancy, surrogacy, and adoption. Tune in to hear how Brenna feels about all of these options and what advice she has for others contemplating the same journey she and George are currently on.Other Heart to Heart with Anna episode you might enjoy:The Miracles of Adopting a Child with a Congenital Heart Defect:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/6276

Send us a textThis episode of "Heart to Heart with Anna" is a continuation of the episode on nurse burnout. Part 1 of this two-part series dealt with identifying what kind of people tend to be attracted to working in the field of congenital heart defects, what qualities tend to be at-risk for burnout, and what keeps people in the field despite the difficulties. In Part 2 we'll look at what nurses can do to help themselves if they start to feel stressed, depressed or burned out. We'll learn what hospitals can do to help nurses and what members of the congenital heart defect community can do to reduce the stress their healthcare providers might feel in working with them. We'll also come to a better understanding of the role advocacy can play in nurse and patient wellness.Other Heart to Heart with Anna episodes you might enjoy:Nurse Burnout in the Congenital Heart Defect Community Part 1:  https://tinyurl.com/rwtuazsDoctor Burnout in the Congenital Heart Defect Community:  https://tinyur

Send us a textAnna Jaworski is joined by a panel of nurses to discuss a very important topic in this episode of "Heart to Heart with Anna." Deena Barber, Christy Sillman and, Roslyn Rivera share their experiences with Anna about nurse burnout, why nurses who serve the congenital heart defect (CHD) community are at risk, why people might be attracted to become a nurse in the CHD community, and exactly what nurse burnout looks like.This program is the first of a two-part series investigating this important topic. Next week's program specifically deals with solutions to nurse burnout -- solutions that the CHD community can quickly and easily implement, as well as suggestions for hospitals, clinics, and organizations that employ nurses serving this special population.Other Heart to Heart with Anna episodes mentioned in this episode include:Deena Barber's programs -- The Natural Course of Congenital Heart Defects https://tinyurl.com/w36ywtfA Nurse’s Perspective: Changes in Care over the last 30

Send us a textNauman Shahid is currently a 33-year-old male who knows that the right things came together for his survival. Nauman’s parents were told that tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) had no cure in Pakistan in 1987 and that any chance of survival would be in either the USA, India or Australia. He came to the USA for treatment and repair of his TOF. Growing up he has had to face his share of challenges, multiple surgeries. But all this created a burning desire for him to pursue a degree in medicine. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, and a Masters in Public Health (Health Policy) and is currently a first-year medical student. In 2017 he had his second open-heart surgery to replace his pulmonary valve which was followed by multiple complications while in medical school. He uses his story as a means to uplift others and give hope as he feels it is his duty to inspire and lead by example. He believes he has found a new home in the congenital heart defect community thanks to his experience.In this e

Send us a textDr. Fred Wu returns to "Heart to Heart with Anna" for an update on the Fontan-Liver connection that we have come to understand in the last ten years. What are the factors that contribute to Fontan-Associated-Liver Disease? Who is at risk? What symptoms are present in patients who might have liver disease? What can we do to prevent Fontan-Associated-Liver Disease?Tune in to discover answers to these questions and much, much more!Articles that Dr. Wu mentioned in our episode:Diagnosis and Management of Noncardiac Complications in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease: A Scientific Statement from the AHA Fontan-Associated Liver Disease: Proceedings from the ACC Stakeholders MeetingEvaluation and Management of the Child and Adult with Fontan Circulation: A Scientific Statement from the AHAYou can listen to Dr. Wu's earlier podcasts here:Advancements in Understanding the Liver in Fontan Patients: Part 1 Advancements in Understanding the Liver in Fontan Patients Part 2  This episode is n

Send us a textLaura Redfern, CFP® earned her Certified Financial Planner™ designation in 2011, after working for over 10 years in the financial services industry.  Having a background in investment management and retirement planning, Laura was attracted to comprehensive financial planning and the opportunity to serve clients in a more significant way.  Laura has a passion for educating individuals on financial topics and speaking in “real world” terms to inspire individuals to become confident in making financial decisions.  An experienced speaker and trainer, Laura has presented financial seminars at the American Business Women’s Association, Temple College and McLennan Community College.    Laura has almost 2 decades of experience working with teachers, baby boomers and women to align financial goals with life values.  Laura’s mission is to reduce clients’ stress, make money meaningful, and take the fear out of finance. In today's episode, Laura and Anna talk about end-of-life financial planning. Laura

Send us a textHeart Mom veterans and dear friends, Helen Simpson and Anna Jaworski discuss a concern they have regarding the mental health needs of women whose babies have been identified with congenital heart defects and need surgery. As mothers of young adults with congenital heart defects, they talk about their own stories of diagnosis and treatment of their children's conditions and how it made them feel, how they dealt with their children's hospital stays and what they believe could help both mothers and children alike when they are in the hospital together. They also explore the kind of support that was available to them over twenty years ago versus the support that is available to heart families today and share their hard-earned advice with newly identified heart families.Links mentioned on this episode:Baby Hearts Press:  https://www.hug-podcastnetwork.com/shop-baby-hearts-press.html/Little Hearts Matter: https://www.lhm.org.uk/Please take a moment to follow us on your preferred social media

Send us a textDoctor Burnout is not a new phenomenon but this episode of Heart to Heart with Anna tackles the topic from a unique perspective. How can members of the congenital heart defect (CHD) community come together to acknowledge that doctor burnout does exist and work together to offer some solutions to reduce some of the stress?  Dr. Ami Bhatt and Dr. William Novick join Anna to discuss this important topic. What shift in framework is being taught to residents and fellows in some parts of the United States? What changes in the field of medicine in the last 20 years have contributed to doctor burnout? Are certain types of doctors more at risk than others?  Tune in to hear the answers to these questions and much, much more! Articles mentioned in this broadcast:Many US Cardiologists ‘On the Brink of Burnout’Burnout – preventing, recognising and treatingBeyond the Economics of BurnoutAnnals of Internal Medicine. 2019; 170(11): 807-808. Additional links for Dr. Ami Bhatt:Ami Bhatt: Closer at a Distance (Bus

Send us a textAfter 250 episodes and 6 years of broadcasting, Guest Host David Simpson turns the tables on Host Anna Jaworski and becomes the interviewer. David Simpson is a former Guest on "Heart to Heart with Anna" and he and his wife Helen had a chance to meet up with Anna in person when Frank and Anna were visiting Scotland and England. Tune in to hear these old friends reminisce about the early days of being heart parents, going through open-heart surgeries with their children, and then becoming advocates in the congenital heart defect community.In this episode, you'll discover why Anna does what she does and what she has planned for the future. You'll also hear from her husband Frank as he shares with David what it's like to be a medical professional with a son with a complex congenital heart defect.Thank you to everyone who has helped HUG in creating our podcasts and other resources. Visit https;//www.heartsunitetheglobe.com to donate or join us!HeartWorks: We Build HeartsHeart

Send us a textAccording to Corience: An Independent European Platform on Congenital Heart Defects, "As many as 40–60% of children with congenital heart defects are undernourished." https://www.facebook.com/HearttoHeartwithAnna/Healthy babies double their weight in 6 months; however, children with congenital heart defects put on weight more slowly. Their growth is also affected by the heart defect.Why do children with congenital heart disease not grow as other children do? The answer is because the heart defect makes them need more energy. Their diagnosis might also complicate feeding for several different reasons. Heart failure makes them too tired to feed. Some of them might have trouble keeping down their feeds. Others seem to have difficulty in coordinating breathing and nursing.This episode will investigate what kinds of equipment might be needed to help a babe with a congenital heart defect if that baby cannot nurse or feed normally. Listen as one mother shares her experience with her baby -- w

Send us a textKeith Flynn was born in 1975 and shortly after birth, he was diagnosed with Ventricular Septal Defect, Double Inlet Left Ventricle, Pulmonary Atresia, and Hypoplastic Right Ventricle. He had two Blalock-Taussig shunts at age 6 months and 5 years, and a modified Fontan procedure when he was 15. Despite experiencing atrial arrhythmias in early adulthood, Keith received limited cardiac care in his 20s and early 30s. In his 30s, Keith started experiencing syncopal (or fainting) episodes, and on one occasion was rescued by his wife after fainting while swimming. As a result of these episodes, Keith received a pacemaker and recording device and was treated with Sotalol, a beta-blocker. However, Keith had also begun to experience fluid retention related to heart failure, and doctors told him that he would need a heart and liver transplant. He is currently undergoing the required testing to be listed for both organs. Over the years, Keith worked for a variety of retail and restaurant businesses, before

Send us a textTexas Heart Mom, Staci Geiger, has experienced the trauma of handing her son over to surgeons far too many times. This experience left her grateful for the amazing care her son received and feeling blessed for his resilience and fortitude but it also left her wondering how people without the support she had could possibly go through the same journey she went through with her son's medical problems.A mother, teacher and friend in the heart community, Staci decided to start a nonprofit organization to assist Christians facing the same trauma she experienced. Armed with compassion and a strong faith in God, she is working to provide support and comfort to others in the congenital heart defect community.Tune in to this new podcast to hear Staci share her story about her son's medical journey, why and how she started a nonprofit organization and what her vision for the future is.To visit Daniel's Lion Heart Foundation, go to: www.danielslionheart.comPlease take a moment to follow us on

Send us a textIn this episode of Heart to Heart with Anna, returning Guest, Mary Kay Klein talks with Anna about an upcoming conference for the congenital heart defect community. Care, Hope, Discover 2019: A Congenital Heart Defect Conference will occur on October 26, 2019, in Waltham, Massachusetts at the Hilton Garden Inn in Waltham (near Boston). This one-day educational conference is for CHD patients, family, friends, and caregivers. There will be an amazing group of speakers, medical providers and an inspiring panel of adults who are either living with CHD or a parent of a CHD patient. The conference begins at 9:00 a.m. (registration opens at 8 a.m.) and runs until 4:30 p.m. A Saturday Post-Conference Networking event is included with registration and begins at 5:00 p.m.Featured speakers include Drs. Ram Emani, Mike Landzberg, Doug Mah, Fred Wu, Boston Children's Hospital; Ami Bhatt, Mass General; Mark Zilberman, Tufts Medical Center; and Paul Thayer, Boston University.Use this link for more informa

Send us a textIf you've ever wondered what Ivemark Syndrome is, you need to listen to this program! Ivemark Syndrome is a very rare constellation of birth defects which typically include malformations of the heart. Julia Mayfield is and adult born with a rare genetic condition called Ivemark Syndrome. According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Ivemark Syndrome is comprised of: 1) an absent or underdeveloped spleen, 2) cardiovascular anomalies and 3) abnormal placement of the organs in the chest and or abdomen.  Julia’s heart is on the right side of her chest and she is missing her spleen. By the time she was nine, she had been through four open-heart surgeries, the final of which caused a massive stroke post-op. She also developed severe scoliosis and required surgery. She is joining us today to raise awareness of Ivemark Syndrome and share her experiences of growing up and adulthood with this condition.Please take a moment to follow us on your preferred social media platforms:iTunes: htt

Send us a textAubyn Baker-Riley is an adult born in 1963 with a bicuspid aortic valve and coarctation of the aorta. She had open-heart surgery at 7 years of age to widen the coarctation and ablations in 2005, 2016 and 2018. She is currently in heart failure.Although Aubyn is only in her 50s, it's unusual for someone like her to have made it to adulthood. Many people born in the 1960s, and even in the next decade, succumbed to their heart defects before reaching adulthood. What has Aubyn's path been like for her? What symptoms and warning signs has she had?More importantly, what is it like to live in heart failure? What are some coping techniques that can be used if you are in heart failure? Aubyn answers these questions and more in today's episode of "Heart to Heart with Anna."Please take a moment to follow us on your preferred social media platforms:iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/heart-to-heart-with-anna/id1132261435?mt=2Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearttoHeartwit

Send us a textDr. C. Huie Lin is the Director of the Adult Congenital Heart Program at Houston Methodist Hospital. Dr. Lin earned his Ph.D. and M.D. from the University of Virginia. His residency was done at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and he completed his fellowship work in Adult Congenital - Adult Interventional Cardiology at Washington University-Barnes-Jewish Hospital.  Dr. C. Huie Lin specializes in the care of adults with congenital heart defects. He is certified in the care of adults with congenital heart defects -- which is a fairly new specialization. Dr. Lins’s research work is focused on surgical intervention in congenital heart disease and adult congenital heart disease programs. Along with medicine, Dr. Lin also helped to establish the Adult Congenital Heart Symposium, a regional Houston conference which is held every year. In this episode of Heart to Heart with Anna, Dr. Lin shares with Anna what to expect at the 5th Annual Adult Congenital Heart Symposium. He talks about why

Send us a textHow is life different for a couple when the wife has a congenital heart defect? This week's episode features Megan and Matthew Tones. Megan was born with multiple, complex congenital heart defects which have required treatment since infancy. Tune in to hear how she and Matthew met, when he found out that Megan had a heart defect, and their philosophy of life and living with a chronic illness.Please take a moment to follow us on your preferred social media platforms:iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/heart-to-heart-with-anna/id1132261435?mt=2Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearttoHeartwithAnna/YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGPKwIU5M_YOxvtWepFR5ZwInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hugpodcastnetwork/If you enjoy this program and would like to be a Patron, please check out our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/HeartToHeartThank you to everyone who has helped HUG in creating our podcasts and other resources. Visit https;//www.heartsunitetheglobe.com to donate or jo

Send us a textMost people today (2019) with a single ventricle heart typically have one of two courses of treatment for their heart condition: 1) a series of surgeries culminating with the Fontan Procedure or 2) a heart transplant. That is not the case with our Guest in this episode. Born in 1970, returning Guest Laura Ryan, talks about what her life has been like growing up with a single ventricle heart palliated in a rather unusual way -- with a Potts shunt, a Waterston shunt and a Bi-Directional Glenn shunt. In this episode she shares what it was like for her as a child and what her endurance was like. She talks about how she interacted with her siblings and friends. She then moves on to share what it was like for her once she decided she wanted to start her family. In this very candid interview, Laura shares some of the travails she endured and what helped to her make it through the difficult times.Finally, Laura shares how she feels pregnancy affected her body and her heart. She also shares her doctor&ap