It was not until the second examination that the pediatrician at the hospital heard a loud murmur in my heart. The diagnosis was a ventricular septal defect. The heart defect did not seem to be serious. From then on, my parents took me regularly to see the cardiologist. Weeks later, a checkup revealed that the small VSD was having a major effect after all.

At that time, my heart was just about the size of a walnut.

I had to have surgery. My mother was very worried. She could hardly believe that such a tiny hole could be closed with a patch. At that time, my heart was just the size of a walnut. But it was successful and the hole was completely closed. After three weeks we were able to leave the hospital. My parents were so happy that they gave a big summer party for me.

As a child, I often had a fever.

Even after that, it was not easy for them. As a child, I often had a fever. My parents were constantly worried that my heart would get infected. But fortunately, I only had a silly virus each time. It wasn't until I started school that it slowly stopped.

I don't feel like my leaky aortic valve is stopping me from doing anything.

Today, I have to take pills due to my damaged heart valve. I'm also a bit smaller and more petite than my twin sister. But I don't feel like that my leaky aortic valve is stopping me from doing anything I'd like to do. I'm in my fifth semester of studying mechanical engineering, and I dance in a competition team. So, all in all, I'm living a very normal life today, for which I'm very grateful.