Hello, I am Janet from Cheshire. In 1964 I underwent open heart cardiac surgery for an ASD at Myrtle Street in Liverpool.
Having always after that being interested in hearts and hospitals I decided to go into a career in cardiology. I trained as a basic grade technician, with more experience became a senior technician at Warrington Hospital. I then transferred to Chester where I began to move into the Echocardiography side of the career. I became manager of the Cardio- respiratory & Vascular department at COCH. After retirement from this post, I began locum work in Echo. In 2012 I worked in Sydney Australia for 8 months in a private cardiology clinic.
On my return to the UK, I continued locum work until the Covid pandemic after which I retired
In 2014 my son also underwent open heart surgery for ASD this was only discovered when he was 26 years of age. He also had a pacemaker implanted 3 weeks later. During this time as my son and I had very similar ECGs and history we had genetic testing for Holt Oram syndrome which we both have. My daughter was also tested, and she does not have the gene for this. My son’s pacemaker was removed 3 years later, and he continues to do well. He now has 2 children who are well.
In 2018 I had a pacemaker implanted with no issues. I historically have episodes of Atrial Flutter and bradycardia.
The PPV group is important as patients need support and information which I hope this group can provide in different ways. Most of us on the group have cardiac history or have a family member who has therefore we have first-hand knowledge and experience which we are willing to impart. I really want this group to make a difference to people with cardiac problems which I want to be a part of.