A.L.C.A.P.A. (Anomalous Left Coronary Artery From the Pulmonary Artery)

My daughter went to our family doctor for her 1 month check-up. The doctor heard a heart murmur and wanted her to she a specialist. We figured that since she wouldn't she the specialist for another month that there must not be anything wrong, because if there was they would have gotten her in sooner. Our family dr. never indicated that he thought she was in any danger. We went to the specialist,  he did a couple of tests, found nothing to indicate that there was anything wrong. At the last minute he decided to do an ultrasound(I think that is what it is called)to to show us there was nothing wrong. Needless to say he was shocked at what he found. He said most babies are so sick when they are diagnosed that they are sent to the hospital in an ambulance. Since Shannon's wasn't at the critical stage, we were able to drive her. The specialist had never diagnosed a seemingly healthy baby like Shannon before. He said if he hadn't caught it when he did she would have been really sick within a few month's. 

We have a forum on Facebook for ALCAPAs to meet and share stories. It's called "ALCAPA Support". Please come and join in on the conversation!  My son had his ALCAPA repair 4 years ago however we also have adult ALCAPAs on in the group as well. 

Yes. I am 62 years old with ALCAPA.  Mine is unrepaired since there was no surgery available when I was younger.  You can read my story on the blog at www.achaheart.org  It is written by my congenital heart specialist at Hershey Medical Center in Pennsylvania, USA.  Her name is Beth Adams and the piece she wrote about me is called It's Not Always About the Cure.  If you look under her name in the blog section, you will find it!