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Posts by Nicola Burrows

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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The Journey from Mentee to Mentor

by Nicola Burrows on Thursday, Jan 16, 2025

I learned about ACHA in late 2013 and signed up to be a member, not realizing the impact this would have on me! In December of that year, I learned that I would need open heart surgery to implant my pulmonary valve. This would be my first open heart surgery (OHS) as an adult, so that came with a lot of fears and anxiety. Also, I had a lot more logistics to deal with since I was living abroad but would be (thankfully) flying to the US to have the surgery done, which added another layer of stress.

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Grateful for Support and Care While Living Abroad

by Nicola Burrows on Thursday, Nov 02, 2023

I am so thankful that I had parents who advocated for me from the first hour. They made sure I went to every follow-up appointment, took my antibiotics one hour before dental care, ate well, exercised, etc. And once I became an adult, it was my turn to either continue taking care of myself or not. I chose to do the former.

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Heart Care: Generation to Generation

by Nicola Burrows on Thursday, Apr 06, 2023

“What happened to you there?” was a question I frequently received from kids and adults alike growing up. During my teenage years, I remember trying to wear shirts that would go practically to my neck so they would cover my scar and I could avoid the question (not that I minded telling what happened; I was just not a fan of the way it was asked sometimes). 

I even remember being in my 20s, getting a massage and the guy telling me, as if I didn’t know, that I had two scars on my back (which were from shunts being inserted at the age of 1 day and 18 months). I refrained, but almost acted like I didn’t know and wanted to make a big scene! 

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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.