Have you ever read a social media post or blog and wondered why they have chosen to share such personal things about their life? I know I used to and to some extent I still do, but there is often a very good reason for their desire to share. For me sharing my story is not about people feeling sorry for me and it is definitely not about getting attention. My desire to share my very personal story with perfect strangers comes from an equally deep desire to give hope and peace to others going through the same thing I went through, I feel like I am uniquely positioned to be a support while also giving an insight into the trials and tribulations of CHD and open heart surgery.
This journey is one that is by nature a very lonely and isolating one, even if you have a great support system around you, which I most definitely did. What is important to remember is that Open Heart Surgery is a traumatic event and while the feelings and emotions that come along with that may be wide and varied they are very real and I promise experienced by all of us.
When I first started out on this journey I knew very little about CHD let alone the effects of Open Heart Surgery which meant I relied on the knowledge and openness of others to guide me in my journey and my recovery. The thing I struggled with most was the seeming lack of people that could relate on the same level, this made the experience even more isolating.
This journey should not be any more difficult on someone as it already is, this is why I share my story. I survived and have come out the other side a better version of my self and I went more than anything for others to have the same experience.
I am striving to be a voice of hope and encouragement for people in the CHD community and I hope that in sharing my story this journey becomes a little less lonely and they feel like they too will come out of this stronger and more remarkable version of themselves.
Jess xx
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