Heart To Heart With Anna

Send us a textWilson Lam is a board certified cardiologist who specializes in adult congenital cardiology and rhythm disorders. In this program Dr. Lam outlines the advancements which have been made in the field of electrophysiology. He shares with Anna the changes that have occurred in life-saving devices such as implantable cardioverter-defibrillators or ICDs and pacemakers, the new medications changing the lives of those who were dependent on Coumadin and talks about new monitoring devices which provide more information while being less difficult to work with. He also talks about new procedures to prevent sudden cardiac death and gives Anna an idea of where this field is headed in the future. Although some of the things Dr. Lam talks about may be what we've only seen before in movies like Star Trek, Dr. Lam assures Anna this this segment is anything but science fiction -- it's science fact!Thanks to our newest HUG Patron, Ayrton Beatty and long-standing Patrons: Laura Redfern, Pam Davis, Michael

Send us a textLast week we met Dr. Gil Wernovsky, a renowed pediatric cardiologist who has dedicated 30 years to treating babies born with congenital heart defects. We talked about a new approach that he designed by working collaboratively with doctors, nurses and parents. What he created was a "roadmap" for treating those babies born with the most complex heart defects. Last week we talked about why he created the roadmap, how it was similar to a maintenance program that is used for automotive care and how it was inspired by the board game Life.In today's broadcast we delve deeper into why this roadmap concept is so important. We talk about what palliative care means in a medical setting and how that term is used differently for children with heart defects than with children who have cancer. We talked about Dr. Wernovsky's passions.As a bonus, Dr. Wernovsky talked about his passion for music and how he has found that many others in the heart community share his passion for music. He intro

Send us a textRenowned pediatric cardiologist, author and researcher Gil Wernovsky, M.D., shares his experiences and proposal for a new way to treat those born with complex congenital heart defects with Anna. He shares his holistic vision for treatment of this unique popluation in down-to-earth, logical terms with Anna. He describes what team members are needed, why it's important to have a more generalized view of treatment, now that more members of this population are surviving to adulthood than ever before, and how this idea could take root and help people around the world.Thanks to our newest HUG Patron, Ayrton Beatty and long-standing Patrons: Laura Redfern, Pam Davis, Michael Liben, Nancy Jensen, Alicia Lynch, Deena Barber, Carlee McGuire, Carter & Faye Mayberry, and Frank Jaworski. We appreciate you!Support the showAnna's Buzzsprout Affiliate LinkBaby Blue Sound CollectiveSocial Media Pages:Apple PodcastsFacebookInstagramMeWeTwitterYouTubeWebsite

Send us a textThe Fontan Procedure has been used since the 1970s to treat people with a single ventricle physiology -- also known as a univentricular heart. It has also been used in the last few decades to treat hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) or hypoplastic right heart syndrome (HRHS). Now there are enough long-term survivors of the Fontan Procedure for the medical establishment to know what kinds of consequences having such a radical physiology poses. When the heart's sole function is to pump blood to the body, and it travels passively to the lungs for oxygen, how does that anatomy affect other organs, specifically the liver?Dr. Fred Wu of Boston Children's Hospital is an expert in working with adults with congenital heart defects with liver involvement. Today's episode is a continuation of the conversation he had with Anna last week. In today's program he talks about whether or not Stage IV of the Fontan is actually transplantation, what advice he feels Fontan Survivors and paren

Send us a textThe Fontan Procedure has been used since the 1970s to treat people with a single ventricle physiology -- also known as a univentricular heart. It has also been used in the last few decades to treat hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) or hypoplastic right heart syndrome (HRHS). Now there are enough long-term survivors of the Fontan Procedure for the medical establishment to know what kinds of consequences having such a radical physiology poses. When the heart's sole function is to pump blood to the body, and it travels passively to the lungs for oxygen, how does that anatomy affect other organs, specifically the liver?Dr. Fred Wu of Boston Children's Hospital is an expert in working with adults with congenital heart defects with liver involvement. He explains what about the Fontan heart makes involvement with other organs something to be expected and prepared for. He will explain what kind of consequences are commonplace when dealing with a Fontan heart and what kind of monitoring sh

Send us a textDeena Barber has been a nurse for over 30 years. Over that time she has seen many changes in care for those born with congenital heart defects (CHDs). Tune in today to hear her discuss some of the most impactful advancements that have led to a change in the CHD population from being mostly comprised of babies to now having the greater percentage of the population being adult survivors.Thanks to our newest HUG Patron, Ayrton Beatty and long-standing Patrons: Laura Redfern, Pam Davis, Michael Liben, Nancy Jensen, Alicia Lynch, Deena Barber, Carlee McGuire, Carter & Faye Mayberry, and Frank Jaworski. We appreciate you!Support the showAnna's Buzzsprout Affiliate LinkBaby Blue Sound CollectiveSocial Media Pages:Apple PodcastsFacebookInstagramMeWeTwitterYouTubeWebsite

Send us a textDeena Barber has been a nurse for over 30 years. Over that time she has seen many changes in care for those born with congenital heart defects (CHDs). Tune in today to hear her discuss some of the most impactful advancements that have led to a change in the CHD population from being mostly comprised of babies to now having the greater percentage of the population being adult survivors. In Part 2 we'll be discussing the changes that have occurred regarding specific heart defects, namely tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries, valve problems, rhythm problems and hypoplastic left heart syndrome.Thanks to our newest HUG Patron, Ayrton Beatty and long-standing Patrons: Laura Redfern, Pam Davis, Michael Liben, Nancy Jensen, Alicia Lynch, Deena Barber, Carlee McGuire, Carter & Faye Mayberry, and Frank Jaworski. We appreciate you!Support the showAnna's Buzzsprout Affiliate LinkBaby Blue Sound CollectiveSocial Media Pages:Apple PodcastsFacebookInstagramMeWeTwitterYouTubeWe

Send us a textJennifer Gutman is the mother of a son born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. In today's show Jennifer talks with Anna about finding out about her son's condition after having lost a sibling to the same condition 30 years earlier. She also shares her advice with other parents considering saving umbilical cord blood for future surgeries. She informs Anna how her son's pediatric cardiologist feels about this state-of-the-art procedure. Tune in today to hear Jennifer and Anna in this first episode of Season 9 of Heart to Heart with Anna. The theme for this season is Advancements in Congenital Heart Disease.Thanks to our newest HUG Patron, Ayrton Beatty and long-standing Patrons: Laura Redfern, Pam Davis, Michael Liben, Nancy Jensen, Alicia Lynch, Deena Barber, Carlee McGuire, Carter & Faye Mayberry, and Frank Jaworski. We appreciate you!Support the showAnna's Buzzsprout Affiliate LinkBaby Blue Sound CollectiveSocial Media Pages:Apple PodcastsFacebookInstagramMeWeTwitterY

Send us a textChris Perez is a Heart Dad from North Carolina. His son Nolan was born in 2012 with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. For almost 3 years he's written a blog called Half Heart. Whole Life: an HLHS Dad's blog, where he lays out the life of a Heart Dad with honesty and humor. On today's episode, Chris will be presenting an update to the well-known essay "Welcome to Holland." This essay has been read by many since it was written in 1987: today Chris will give it a fresh new spin!Thanks to our newest HUG Patron, Ayrton Beatty and long-standing Patrons: Laura Redfern, Pam Davis, Michael Liben, Nancy Jensen, Alicia Lynch, Deena Barber, Carlee McGuire, Carter & Faye Mayberry, and Frank Jaworski. We appreciate you!Support the showAnna's Buzzsprout Affiliate LinkBaby Blue Sound CollectiveSocial Media Pages:Apple PodcastsFacebookInstagramMeWeTwitterYouTubeWebsite

Send us a textOne of the problems many of our CHD children suffer from is "Failure to Thrive" and because the children with critical congenital heart defects usually have surgery within the first days or months of their lives, they may develop oral aversion (very probably because of being intubated for extended periods of time). Because many of our children have oral aversion, they frequently do not like foods of certain textures. This can make feeding our CHD children a great challenge. If you are suffering from this situation, this show is one you shouldn't miss! Our Guests today include Heart Mom, Danielle Leppo, and pediatric dietician, Kristi King. The discuss the diagnosis of Failure to Thrive and why some babies and children with congenital heart defects suffer from oral aversions and poor nutrition and what parents can do about it. Listen to our show to hear of others who have dealt with these issues and find out how they have overcome problems. There is hope!Thanks to our newest HUG Pa

Send us a textToday's episode of Heart to Heart with Anna features Guest Host, Chris Perez (a.k.a. the HLHS Dad) and shows how a heart mom - inspired by her daughter's determination - has begun a successful small business. The guest for this exciting episode is Jessie Wimmer, who is a heart mom from Charlotte, NC. She has two beautiful children: Noah and Sparrow, who was born with a congenital heart defect. Jessie will tell us about the miracle she - and doctors - witnessed in her daughter's life, and how that propelled her towards starting her business: The Cookie Cult. Thanks to our newest HUG Patron, Ayrton Beatty and long-standing Patrons: Laura Redfern, Pam Davis, Michael Liben, Nancy Jensen, Alicia Lynch, Deena Barber, Carlee McGuire, Carter & Faye Mayberry, and Frank Jaworski. We appreciate you!Support the showAnna's Buzzsprout Affiliate LinkBaby Blue Sound CollectiveSocial Media Pages:Apple PodcastsFacebookInstagramMeWeTwitterYouTubeWebsite

Send us a textThe Fontan Procedure was first described in 1971 as a treatment for tricuspid atresia. In the last 45 years, the Fontan Procedure has grown and changed and is currently used to save the lives of people born with a number of single ventricle diagnoses -- including tricuspid atresia, hypoplastic left (and right) heart syndrome, common-inlet left ventricle or double-inlet left ventricle. Survivors of this procedure are increasing as the surgical techniques, mediations used, devices used to enhance life and diagnostic methods have improved. What does this mean for long-term survivors? What are common complications? What red flags should Survivors and their parents' (and doctors) be aware of?Today's episode features two Guests: Dr. Wilson Lam, electrophysiologist at Baylor College of Medicine and Lauren Bednarz, 29 year old Fontan Survivor. They will share their experiences and advice with us in this show.Thanks to our newest HUG Patron, Ayrton Beatty and long-standing Patrons: Laura Redfer

Send us a textIs the stress of caring for a child with a serious medical condition wearing you down? Do you find yourself being snappy with others? Is negativity showing through? Tune in to hear Guest Host, Chris Perez (a.k.a. HLHS Dad) interview Daniel Miles, the Assistant Director of Spiritual Education at Carolinas Medical Center, as he shares his wisdom and advice with us.Thanks to our newest HUG Patron, Ayrton Beatty and long-standing Patrons: Laura Redfern, Pam Davis, Michael Liben, Nancy Jensen, Alicia Lynch, Deena Barber, Carlee McGuire, Carter & Faye Mayberry, and Frank Jaworski. We appreciate you!Support the showAnna's Buzzsprout Affiliate LinkBaby Blue Sound CollectiveSocial Media Pages:Apple PodcastsFacebookInstagramMeWeTwitterYouTubeWebsite

Send us a textWhen teens become young adults, so many changes occur. For teens with congenital heart defects (CHDs), the changes that occur are often magnified. With the changes that happen in the body as children become adults, there are other changes that happen, too. Oftentimes, CHD Survivors had surgery over a decade earlier and some of those early surgeries may need attention. Suddenly, these Survivors have many decisions to make, yet they may not feel equiped to do so. How can we help teens through this transition period?Two adult CHD Survivors are our Guests today. Lena Morsch was born with double outlet right ventricle, D-transposition of the great arteries and a ventricular septal defect. She has had 3 open-heart surgeries. Christy Sillman, RN, was born with tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia. These two adults share their own experiences in transitioning from pediatric care to adult cardiology care and Christy also shares her experiences as a nurse working with adults with CHDs.Thanks to our

Send us a textWhat is the natural course of congenital heart disease? What obstacles do adult congenital heart defects Survivors (ACHDers) faces as they age? What transition challenges do ACHDers have to deal with? As Nurse Program Coordinator of the Akron Children's Hospital Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program, Deena Barber has the privilege of managing and coordinating the specialized care of adult congenital heart patients at Akron Children’s Hospital. Tune in to hear Deena Barber discuss the natural course of congenital heart disease with Anna.Thanks to our newest HUG Patron, Ayrton Beatty and long-standing Patrons: Laura Redfern, Pam Davis, Michael Liben, Nancy Jensen, Alicia Lynch, Deena Barber, Carlee McGuire, Carter & Faye Mayberry, and Frank Jaworski. We appreciate you!Support the showAnna's Buzzsprout Affiliate LinkBaby Blue Sound CollectiveSocial Media Pages:Apple PodcastsFacebookInstagramMeWeTwitterYouTubeWebsite

Send us a textMisty Castaneda was born with a heart defect known as tetralogy of Fallot. Told she'd never be able to have children, she was surprised at 19 to discover she was pregnant. Now, 19 years later, Misty has a 19-year-old daughter of her own. Misty has undergone multiple challenges in raising her daughter. Her daughter has had to witness her mother undergo surgery to replace a heart valve and to have a new transcatheter Melody Valve® inserted in her heart. Misty and Milena will talk with Anna about the challenges each of them faced living with tetralogy of Fallot and what others can learn from their experiences. Thanks to our newest HUG Patron, Ayrton Beatty and long-standing Patrons: Laura Redfern, Pam Davis, Michael Liben, Nancy Jensen, Alicia Lynch, Deena Barber, Carlee McGuire, Carter & Faye Mayberry, and Frank Jaworski. We appreciate you!Support the showAnna's Buzzsprout Affiliate LinkBaby Blue Sound CollectiveSocial Media Pages:Apple PodcastsFacebookInstagramMeWeTwitterYouTubeWeb

Send us a textHow does a teen with congenital heart defect transition to being an adult with a congenital heart defect? What can go wrong? What kinds of things can parents do to help the transition go more smoothly? What makes transitioning so difficult? Two adults born with congenital heart defects, Sarah Clark and Nicole Vickery, share their life experiences with Anna and offer advice to listeners.Thanks to our newest HUG Patron, Ayrton Beatty and long-standing Patrons: Laura Redfern, Pam Davis, Michael Liben, Nancy Jensen, Alicia Lynch, Deena Barber, Carlee McGuire, Carter & Faye Mayberry, and Frank Jaworski. We appreciate you!Support the showAnna's Buzzsprout Affiliate LinkBaby Blue Sound CollectiveSocial Media Pages:Apple PodcastsFacebookInstagramMeWeTwitterYouTubeWebsite

Send us a textDr. Ari Cedars is a cardiologist at Baylor University medical Center in Dallas, Texas. He is a physician and the director of the Center for Adults with Congenital Heart Disease (or ACHD). He trained in Adult Congenital Heart Disease at Washington University in Saint Louis. He is passionate about research in the realm of adults with congenital heart disease, especially since it is a growing population with increasingly complex needs. He believes that doctors and patients can work together to improve the quality of life of those living with congenital heart defects.Thanks to our newest HUG Patron, Ayrton Beatty and long-standing Patrons: Laura Redfern, Pam Davis, Michael Liben, Nancy Jensen, Alicia Lynch, Deena Barber, Carlee McGuire, Carter & Faye Mayberry, and Frank Jaworski. We appreciate you!Support the showAnna's Buzzsprout Affiliate LinkBaby Blue Sound CollectiveSocial Media Pages:Apple PodcastsFacebookInstagramMeWeTwitterYouTubeWebsite

Send us a textDo you wonder what a financial planner does and if you can even afford one? Can you afford NOT to have one? What kind of emotional issues are common with chronic illness? How can anyone afford to have congenital heart disease and anything else happen to them? Tune in for answers to these questions and many more thanks to Certified Financial Planner, Laura Redfern and child and adult psychotherapist, Austin Wilmot, M.S.W. Thanks to our newest HUG Patron, Ayrton Beatty and long-standing Patrons: Laura Redfern, Pam Davis, Michael Liben, Nancy Jensen, Alicia Lynch, Deena Barber, Carlee McGuire, Carter & Faye Mayberry, and Frank Jaworski. We appreciate you!Support the showAnna's Buzzsprout Affiliate LinkBaby Blue Sound CollectiveSocial Media Pages:Apple PodcastsFacebookInstagramMeWeTwitterYouTubeWebsite

Send us a textDue to the complexity of the surgeries needed to help people with complex congenital heart defects, it is not uncommon for some survivors to suffer some neurological insults resulting in cognitive delays or even permanent neurological damage. How do parents of children with heart defects and neurological problems cope? What can parents do as their children become adults but are not able to function as adults? What kind of considerations need to be made for these children? Kathy Keller is the mother of an adult transplant survivor who has suffered two strokes and has dealt with neurological issues for a good deal of his life. Tune in to hear how Kathy and her husband Dennis have coped with this situation, what interventions Garrett has undergone to try to undo some of the damage caused by the strokes and what Garrett's prognosis is for the future.Thanks to our newest HUG Patron, Ayrton Beatty and long-standing Patrons: Laura Redfern, Pam Davis, Michael Liben, Nancy Jensen, Alicia Lynch, Deen