• Website Search
  • Find an ACHD Clinic
Home / Blog / Authors

Posts by Steve Graham

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.

« View all authors

Milestones

by Steve Graham on Wednesday, Sep 24, 2014

Living with a CHD is a life filled with milestones. Milestones are used to measure distance on roads, much like mile markers on highways are used today. They help us gauge how far we have traveled, and how many miles may be ahead in our journey. As a child, milestones did not have the meaning as they do today. So, it was confusing to witness my parents celebrating a day each year that was not my birthday. My parents would measure my progress each year since my heart surgery.

Read more

Be Your Own Patient Advocate

by Steve Graham on Monday, Apr 21, 2014

Growing up with a congenital defect usually means that your parents serve as your healthcare advocate. Adults can also have help and support, but it is wise to be your own patient advocate. You should be familiar with your condition, keeping your medical records and making sure that you communicate with other healthcare professionals about your condition. As we age, there is a greater need for coordinated care with other medical specialists beyond congenital cardiology.

Read more

Dental Care as an Adult with CHD

by Steve Graham on Tuesday, Jan 21, 2014

Good dental care and good dental hygiene is essential for everyone. This is especially true for adults with CHD. As a child, I can remember my parents stressing that I always take my “medicine” before any dental appointment. When I left for college, they still pestered me about the importance of my pre-meds. It wasn’t until later into adulthood, that I realized how important taking my “medicine” was before any appointment.

Read more

The Unique Adult Congenital Heart Patient

by Steve Graham on Tuesday, Nov 12, 2013

Most people do not understand what I mean when I tell them I’m an adult congenital. I am part of a growing population of more than one million adults who live with a congenital heart defect (CHD). Thanks to the advances made in congenital cardiac surgery, many children are growing into adulthood.

Like most, after surgery, I thought I was “fixed” and would never have to worry about with my heart. No one told me or my parents about issues that could arise later in life. There wasn’t enough knowledge about long-term outcomes at the time of my heart repair to know with certainty what issues could arise.

Read more

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.

Connect with ACHA

Join us in our mission to empower the congenital heart disease community by advancing access to resources and specialized care that improve patient-centered outcomes.

Enter your name, email and state to get started. If you choose to, you can provide more information to us in the next step for more tailored communications! We'll never, for any reason, share your personal information. Already get ACHA emails? We’ve got you! You do NOT need to fill out this form.

*By sharing your information, you consent to receiving emails from ACHA.

  • {{ m }}
{{ validation.firstError('basic.FirstName') }}
{{ validation.firstError('basic.LastName') }}
{{ validation.firstError('basic.Email') }}
{{ validation.firstError('basic.State') }}
Close