Anne2

20+ years since diagnosis

Age at interview: 65

Anne lives in Nova Scotia with her husband. She was diagnosed with a congenital heart issue at the age of 14 – aortic stenosis and a heart murmur. Having a heart condition didn’t really affect Anne growing up, she was limited in physical activities. Anne has been followed by cardiology for about 50 years and it was in 2020 that doctors in Nova Scotia felt surgical intervention was necessary. Anne opted to get a second opinion and travelled to another province where she had her aortic valve replaced and was implanted with a pacemaker. Anne is very active bowling, going to the gym and walking several times a week. She credits her husband for supporting her throughout her journey and is grateful for the care she has received in both her home province as well as Ontario where she had her surgery. Anne’s advice to others is to take care of themselves, be happy and get out and enjoy life.

Go back

More content

• Access – Anne2
  Anne2 never heard anything about her potential heart surgery so she contacted the surgeon herself.
• Care Delivery – Anne2
  Anne2 uses email to get remote care.
• Impact on Work, School, Finances – Anne2
  Anne2 had to cover her expenses to have surgery in another province.
• Backstories – Anne2
  Anne2 talks about the challenges she faced growing up with a heart condition and life-long follow up.