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Posts by Melissa Nelson

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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Learning to Trust

by Melissa Nelson on Tuesday, Jul 30, 2013

Trust your body she tells me
I never have before
Be friends with your body she insists
I don’t know how
Trust your body
Trust the fallible flesh that is mine
Trust the liquid flowing from my heart that so easily displays my bruises
Trust your body
Trust what I know is untrustworthy

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Pacemaker Anxiety

by Melissa Nelson on Wednesday, Jun 12, 2013

Technology is a part of my daily life—between the three computers I use, my iPod and my phone, I really can’t get away from it. And even if I wanted to get away and I went out to the woods where I had no signal and no internet connection, I would still rely on technology.

My pacemaker is my most expensive technological device that I own and the one I rely on at all times. Although it can’t be a Wi-Fi hotspot or gold plated or even do anything cool that people can see with their eyes, it has the best operating system of any device I have ever seen.

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Laughter: My Favorite Coping Mechanism

by Melissa Nelson on Tuesday, Feb 05, 2013

The most important thing my dad taught me to do was laugh, especially while sitting in the ER. When psychologists talk coping mechanisms, I would say the most important is laughter. My favorite thing to do whenever I go see the doctor or I’m getting ready to have a medical procedure is crack jokes and be sarcastic.

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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.

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