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Posts by Kathleen Hutchinson

We have had dozens of bloggers since this blog began who have been so open with their stories. If you are interested in blogging, too, we'd love to hear from you. Please email info@achaheart.org.

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It’s All About Community

by Kathleen Hutchinson on Monday, Jul 30, 2018

I have found many of us share the same story: We thought we were “fixed,” then it turns out we weren’t. We go on to have life-changing surgeries later in life, uncovering hidden traumas we thought were buried forever. We thought it was OK to see a general cardiologist, then we learned the hard way—we need a specialist.

Whatever it is that brings you joy, do that.

by Kathleen Hutchinson on Wednesday, Dec 06, 2017

Wow, where does the time go? This past year has flown by. It seems not much has happened but when I look back, a lot has happened. I continue to feel great and believe I am healthier than I’ve ever been.

At the beginning of the year, instead of New Year’s resolutions, I made a “to-do” list for the year. I can say I accomplished at least half, if not more, on my “to-do” list.

A Birthday Reflection on Medical Advancements

by Kathleen Hutchinson on Thursday, Mar 17, 2016

I celebrated my 45th birthday last week. It’s been true for me—your mind never gets old, just your body. I feel great and I feel young as ever. 45 is the new 25, amirite?

I don’t feel old but 45 sure does SOUND old. I mean, it’s close to 50!! But, I digress…

30 years ago feels like yesterday. OK, maybe not yesterday, but last year? Today, I would like to take note of how far medical technology has come.

The Spirit of Giving

by Kathleen Hutchinson on Thursday, Dec 10, 2015

I’d like to think of myself as a charitable giver. I donate to a handful of charities each year, including ACHA, which is now at the top of my list and will remain there for years to come. Of the organizations I donate to, some are the same year-after-year, and some I swap out—to spread the wealth, if you will.

Living Fearlessly

by Kathleen Hutchinson on Wednesday, Sep 23, 2015

I don’t know about you, but lately I see all over the internet a greater prominence of inspirational cliché’s and feature articles related to overcoming our fears. “Everything you want is on the other side of fear” or “We are held back by fear not limitations” or my personal favorite, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”

What’s Next?

by Kathleen Hutchinson on Thursday, Jul 09, 2015

As July approached, I thought about what to write this month. Do I talk about body image, how having a heart defect affects potential romantic relationships, or could I tweak a personal blog that I wrote shortly after my recent open heart surgery about what they don’t tell you before a major surgery?

None of them felt right.

No Regrets

by Kathleen Hutchinson on Tuesday, May 12, 2015

“I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me” is the number one regret from author Bronnie Ware’s book The Top Five Regrets of the Dying.

After facing my own mortality and seven weeks post-open heart surgery, I was asked, “What’s your three-, five- or ten-year plan? What about retirement? You’ve been wandering for the past ten years. What are your long term goals?” You need to have a plan and if you don’t, you’re irresponsible is, in a nutshell, what I was told.

I Never Knew Life Could Be Like This

by Kathleen Hutchinson on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2015

I never knew life could be like this.

A life without shortness of breath, a feeling of actually getting air when taking in a deep breath, reaching my ideal body weight (albeit by default from congestive heart failure treatment and open heart surgery), and being able to exercise without being discouraged by my mind wanting to push harder and my body saying, “Uh, no, we’re not doing that.”

The Importance of Being Educated

by Kathleen Hutchinson on Wednesday, Jan 14, 2015

Not being educated about one’s health or in our case, our congenital heart disease, can lead to additional health issues—even an emotional breakdown.

I have tetralogy of Fallot and it came as quite a shock when I found out that I had to have a “tune-up” in my later years.

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed by ACHA bloggers and those providing comments on the ACHA Blog are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of the Adult Congenital Heart Association or any employee thereof. ACHA is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information supplied by the ACHA bloggers.

The contents of this blog are presented for informational purposes only, and should not be substituted for professional advice. Always consult your physicians with your questions and concerns.