Interviewed by Steve Catoe, Adventures of a Funky Heart!

I was fortunate to do an interview with fellow congenital heart defect survivor and friend Steve Catoe. His popular blog, Adventures of A Funky Heart, provides wonderful insight into the world of congenital heart disease. He often travels to share his own story and provide hope and understanding concerning our chronic illness.

Living for Eden: Paul Cardall, Tricuspid Atresia

By Steve

Recently I had the chance to interview Paul Cardall, an award-winning musician, (His album Sacred Piano recently hit #5 on the Billboard New Age Album charts) Husband, Father, and fellow Heart Warrior. Like me, Paul has Tricuspid Atresia, (along with Transposition of the Great Arteries) and he recently underwent a successful heart transplant. I’ve kept you updated on Paul and his need for a transplant here on Funky Heart!, but you can read his entire story over at his blog, Living for Eden.

Funky Heart! readers have heard me describe my heart defect many times, but every defect is different – and its effects are different, from one CHDer to another. When I asked Paul to describe his heart defects in his own terms, he wrote “Before my heart transplant, I was born with what my parents and cardiologist called a half heart. Only half of my heart was functioning. The other half was either missing or not being used. As I grew into adulthood I learned the serious nature and depth of my congenital heart defect. I was living primarily on a single ventricle instead of two. In addition the major vessels that carry and deliver blood from my heart were swapped.”

CONTINUE THE INTERVIEW - CLICK HERE

Primary Children's Medical Center

I am fortunate to receive all of my care from the good folks at Primary Children's Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. I'm 35 but the oldest baby on the planet so they oblige. Actually, all of the experts and surgeons who specialize in my heart's anatomy and birth defect are there. I grew up going to this hospital when it was high up in the avenues up above the state capital and Mormon temple. Now, it is located on the University of Utah campus and next to the University Hospital where a lot of advances in medicine were developed.

Every time I go there I am deeply affected by the amount of ill children who I see. They are so helpless and hurting. Many are scared and some alone. I remember being there myself as a child and having the same emotions. But, there could not be a better place and staff to accommodate them and their families. These children bring a special feeling to the center. I believe angels walk the halls and provide a comforting spirit.


I'm also amazed at the advances in medicine since I was a child. When I went last week to have my picc replaced in radiology I saw a hallway with a sign that read "MRI". This was incredible because when I was 13 and dying with a staff infection in my heart we had to travel to LDS hospital in an ambulance to have an MRI. In fact, the MRI had only been there in Utah for 6 months. The full body scan would help doctors locate my staff infection and prepare surgeons which prolonged my life. Also, when I was there 2 months ago in the intensive care a nurse who I had not seen since I was 14 came to my bedside and we had a great discussion. There are many great folks who are still there and they remember the kids.

I'm very honored and feel greatly blessed to receive my care from the people at Primary Children's Hospital. As one of their patients I feel like a black sheep among some of God's purest sons and daughters. When you pray this week keep in mind the kids up there in that hospital even though we don't know their names, faces, or stories.