Mariela is a 17-year-old girl who lives with her mom, dad, and two sisters in a city near the capital. She and her parents want to share their story.
Two years ago, they sought medical advice because Mariela found it challenging to engage in physical activities. She would get tired much more quickly than her schoolmates, which hindered her from participating in sports and recreational activities. During a visit to the pediatrician’s office, a heart murmur was detected, leading to a request for an echocardiogram. The results showed a significant atrial septal defect (ASD) with hemodynamic consequences. This led them to the Cardiology Department of the Children’s Pediatric Hospital Acosta Ñu.
After several examinations, she was considered a candidate for catheter-based closure. Unfortunately, this procedure couldn’t be performed, so she was placed on the surgery waiting list. For Mariela and her family, this was a mix of emotions, including surprise, sadness, fear, and hope. They felt worried but, at the same time, hopeful that she could be cured and lead a normal life.
On the day of the surgery, with nervousness in the air, Mariela went into the operating room. Fortunately, the surgery went well, and she had a very good post-operative recovery. Upon her discharge, her parents couldn’t describe their joy at seeing their daughter, now operated on and in good health.
Mariela is excited to return home, to be with her sisters and share the joy with them. She mentioned that, a few months away from finishing high school, she has decided to attend university to study accounting.
