Dear 57 year old who has had two Fontans.... I would like to connect with you and ask you some questions, I have NEVER met anyone who had the Fontan before 1980. Please reach out so I can interview you. ***this post is edited by moderator *** *** posting of private e-mails is not allowed *** *** all questions should be discussed on our website *** Please read our Terms of Use
Hi,
May I know what all management you pass through after your surgery sir.
Thank you
God bless you
May I know what all management you pass through after your surgery sir.
Thank you
God bless you
Hey. I’m 33 years post Fontan. No major complications but recently found out I have liver “ fibrosis”. ( cirrhosis) most Fontans do at some point so don’t be surprised. But I haven’t taken heart meds since I was 5, just baby aspirin. I’m pretty physically fit and able to do most things. Good luck
Hi, my son had a glenn shunt and a fontane, he is now 18, he had them at Texas children hospital. I did not know that you can have these type of surgeries more than once. Who is your doctor?
Hi there. I also had a revised Fontan procedure when I was nine, and I'll be 36 next month. My mother told me without the surgery I wouldn't have lived past puberty. When I was growing up I had many hospital visits and stays filled with various procedures and exams, especially up to the surgery and a few years after the surgery. I had always had anxiety when my heart rate goes up in gym classes etc., but overall have been having a 'normal' life; I went to college, worked, went back to school to get a master's degree. Currently, I have a superb cardiology doctor I visit once a year, takes a blood thinner every other day, try to eat healthily and drink lots of water, while I hold a fairly stressful job as a freelancer, and being able to bike and run. Of course, at times I notice I get exhausted quicker than other people with normal heart (my cardiologist says, "think as you constantly operate with an engine with 75% power when healthy people have a 100% power"), but I'm healthy and happy, live a life I want to. I was reading about my condition a bit (that's how I got here) and learned I am one of the first generations of Fontan survivor patients and there might be a possibility for a heart transplant in the future. But my doctor told me when I asked about this, "maybe, but not for a long long time" so I'm optimistic for kicking around for a while. without needing it. Of course, every case will be different, but I wish for the best for your friend's daughter.
As 12 year old that does not know Like what the thing is called but I ran for only half a heart But anyway what is my life expectancy
Health Hero
1626 posts
I'm truly sorry to hear about the medical challenges you've faced at such a young age. The Fontan procedure is a complex cardiac surgery typically performed on individuals with single ventricle heart defects.
The life expectancy for individuals who have undergone the Fontan procedure has been improving over the years due to advances in surgical techniques, better postoperative care, and ongoing medical management. Many individuals who have had the Fontan procedure now live into adulthood, but the long-term outcomes and life expectancy can vary based on multiple factors:
1. While many people do well after the Fontan procedure, there can be potential long-term complications, including protein-losing enteropathy, liver changes, arrhythmias, and heart failure.
2. Consistent cardiac care and follow-up with pediatric or adult congenital heart disease specialists can help monitor and manage potential complications. Regular monitoring can help to prolong the life of the Fontan circulation and improve overall quality of life.
3. The exact anatomy and nature of the underlying heart defect can influence outcomes.
4. Other health conditions, the overall function of the heart, and the presence of other organ system complications can influence life expectancy.
5. The field of congenital heart disease is continually evolving. With ongoing research, medical and surgical therapies are consistently advancing, which may extend the life expectancy and improve the quality of life for those with Fontan circulation.
Regular check-ups, a healthy lifestyle, and following medical recommendations can potentially lead to a better long-term outlook. I wish you long life.
The life expectancy for individuals who have undergone the Fontan procedure has been improving over the years due to advances in surgical techniques, better postoperative care, and ongoing medical management. Many individuals who have had the Fontan procedure now live into adulthood, but the long-term outcomes and life expectancy can vary based on multiple factors:
1. While many people do well after the Fontan procedure, there can be potential long-term complications, including protein-losing enteropathy, liver changes, arrhythmias, and heart failure.
2. Consistent cardiac care and follow-up with pediatric or adult congenital heart disease specialists can help monitor and manage potential complications. Regular monitoring can help to prolong the life of the Fontan circulation and improve overall quality of life.
3. The exact anatomy and nature of the underlying heart defect can influence outcomes.
4. Other health conditions, the overall function of the heart, and the presence of other organ system complications can influence life expectancy.
5. The field of congenital heart disease is continually evolving. With ongoing research, medical and surgical therapies are consistently advancing, which may extend the life expectancy and improve the quality of life for those with Fontan circulation.
Regular check-ups, a healthy lifestyle, and following medical recommendations can potentially lead to a better long-term outlook. I wish you long life.