In June 2012 I was diagnosed with a heart condition called Long QT Syndrome (LQTS). At the time I was experiencing intense palpitations and feeling like I was going to pass out. An ECG suggested I had LQTS, and I was referred to see a cardiologist. This appointment was pretty life changing as I was told this condition could cause sudden death. It was 2 days before my 30th birthday, and I was sent home with a 24hour monitor, beta blockers and strict instructions not to do anything that would cause an increase in heart rate...not easy in every day life! Being told particular triggers were cold water, swimming and intense exercise, my birthday plans for an inflatable assault course on Loch Lomond followed by a week in a fitness resort in Lanzarote were swiftly cancelled! 🤣

Following my diagnosis I experienced severe anxiety and panic attacks - I was terrified I was going to just drop one day! It made me scared to go out myself, in case there was no one with me to tell paramedics etc about my condition and the fact I would probably need a defibrillator. This was really debilitating, but with the love and support of my amazing family and friends, I gradually started to adjust. 

About 6 months later, genetic testing confirmed this was genetic, as we suspected, as my dear granny had been diagnosed in later life. She was a legend and a trouper, so a great inspiration, which gave me confidence that it could all be ok ☺️

Since then I have learned to live with my condition, I take beta blockers every day, and live a fairly normal and active life, which I am very grateful for! 

When my darling Son was born, we knew there was a 50% chance he would inherit this condition, but despite this I still felt floored when they told me he had it 😔 He was so tiny and vulnerable, and I felt terrified at the prospect of anything happening to him. Like a right little trouper, he had ECGs and tests, and at 5 days old we were readmitted to hospital to start him on propranolol 3 x daily, as his QT was particularly prolonged. We were told he had an increased risk of cot death, which again devastated me, as I just wanted to protect my little bundle with every ounce of my being! He was such a brave boy, and still is, and continues to take his meds like such a superstar. 

Due to my condition, I also had some complications post partum, which led to 3 hospital stays, tests, medication changes, the fitting of a monitoring device, and a lot of worry, but thankfully, I am doing much better now, and am so grateful for all the care and treatment I received ☺️

Right now, I am doing fine, and thankfully so is my darling little boy! I have always planned to fundraise in order to support further research, and Zachary’s diagnosis has spurred me on to stop procrastinating and do what we can to help!

With this is mind, I plan to run/walk 100k in March to raise money for the British Heart Foundation ❤️ The runs will be my challenge, and the walks will be Zachary’s contribution as he supports this cause too 💙

Thank you for reading our story, to find out more about LQTS follow this link - 

https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/conditions/long-qt-syndrome

and to all who are able to donate, thank you from the bottom of our hearts 🥰