Heart to Heart with Anna

Revitalize your spirit and connect with the vibrant congenital heart defect (CHD) community through 'Heart to Heart with Anna,' the pioneering podcast that has been inspiring and informing listeners since 11-12-13. Join us as we dive deep into the personal journeys, triumphs, and challenges of Survivors, their loved ones, esteemed medical professionals, and other remarkable individuals within the CHD community.

With unwavering dedication, our heartfelt conversations bring to light the stories that need to be heard. Gain invaluable insights, expert advice, and a sense of empowerment as we explore the multifaceted world of CHD. Our mission is to uplift, educate, and enrich the lives of every member of this incredible community.

Embark on a transformative listening experience where compassion and understanding thrive. Discover the resilience and unwavering spirit that resides within each person touched by CHD. Together, let's build a community where support and knowledge flourish, bringing hope to the forefront.

Tune in to 'Heart to Heart with Anna' and embark on a remarkable journey that will leave you inspired, enlightened, and connected to the beating heart of the CHD community.

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Heart to Heart with Anna

Accepting your CHD and Thriving

February 12, 2022 • Michael McKelvey • Season 17 • Episode 344

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What is Double Outlet Right Ventricle? What is TAPVR? How did living with congenital heart defects influence Michael McKelvey’s life growing up? What has Michael achieved in adulthood?

Michael McKelvey is 30 years old and lives with a complex congenital heart defect (CHD) called double outlet right ventricle, or DORV. He works as an internet service provider technician in Pittsburgh. Growing up, life wasn't easy for Michael. He underwent four open-heart surgeries between the ages of 9 days and 16 years and was a small, skinny, sickly kid who was always told what he couldn't do. As he grew older and began to understand his CHD, he struggled to accept his condition. Over time, this changed and he began to embrace what he could do. Today, Michael is married and lives a very active lifestyle even though he will face more surgeries in the future. He is talking to us today in the hopes that his outlook can help others.

Links to helpful sites and to materials mentioned in the show:

TAPVR: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/total-anomalous-pulmonary-venous-return/cdc-20385613#dialogId36635208

DORV: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/dorv.html#:~:text=Double%20outlet%20right%20ventricle%20(DORV)%20is%20a%20heart%20defect%20where,it%20is%20born%20with%20it.

Pulmonary artery banding: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/905353-overview

Michael’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NPGuIh9LmA

Michael’s poem: https://shareyourheart.live/poem-michael?fbclid=IwAR2T8vC4Fxikw0C6aiBom0MR6goKJCS2m5rEFzccX82LwTSc0VzKXnOjQNw

Tom Dahlborg's page: https://www.theheartcommunitycollection.com/thomas-dahlborg

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