Rethinking Transition Care for CHD Survivors

When teens become young adults, so many changes occur. For teens with congenital heart defects (CHDs), the changes that occur are often magnified. With the changes that happen in the body as children become adults, there are other changes that happen, too. Oftentimes, CHD Survivors had surgery over a decade earlier and some of those early surgeries may need attention. Suddenly, these Survivors have many decisions to make, yet they may not feel equiped to do so. How can we help teens through this transition period?

Two adult CHD Survivors are our Guests today. Lena Morsch was born with double outlet right ventricle, D-transposition of the great arteries and a ventricular septal defect. She has had 3 open-heart surgeries. Christy Sillman, RN, was born with tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia. These two adults share their own experiences in transitioning from pediatric care to adult cardiology care and Christy also shares her experiences as a nurse working with adults with CHDs.