Living with a congenital heart defect can be difficult, but Bill Wingate hopes he can encourage others with similar conditions.

Living with a congenital heart defect can be difficult, but Bill Wingate hopes he can encourage others with similar conditions. Bill Wingate, a patient at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, has undergone four open heart surgeries, seven heart valve replacements, and multiple cardiac catheterizations over the course of his life. Wingate is one of an estimated 2 million people living with a congenital heart defect, and this Heart Month, Wingate is sharing his story to inspire others. It is used for.

diagnosis

Wingate learned he had a congenital heart defect in his early 20s after seeing a doctor for neck pain. During the examination, your doctor notices a loud heart murmur, which can indicate a serious heart problem. His doctor referred him to a cardiologist and determined Wingate needed open-heart surgery.

Wingate was diagnosed with bicuspid aortic valve disease. The aortic valve usually has three flaps, also called leaflets, that allow blood to flow in the right direction. People with bicuspid aortic valves have only two leaflets, so their heart works harder to pump blood throughout the body.

“When I was diagnosed, I was in college and thought I was in good health,” Wingate said. “When I found out I needed open heart surgery, I was scared, worried and anxious. I was living in what many people would consider the prime years of their lives, so this news was a huge setback and shock for me and my family. was.”

process

Within six months, Wingate underwent his first open-heart surgery, performed by Dr. Albert D. Pacifico, now retired, former chief of cardiothoracic surgery at the UAB Heart and Vascular Institute. Pacifico performed the Ross procedure. This is a surgery that replaces a diseased heart valve with a patient’s pulmonary valve, and replaces the patient’s pulmonary valve with a pulmonary valve from a human donor.

“Ross’ procedure uses a replacement valve taken from the patient’s own body, which is more durable and lasts longer than other tissue valves,” said Wingate, director of the UAB Heart and Vascular Institute. said one of the doctors, Dr. James Davis. “The Ross procedure reduces the need for blood thinners and allows patients to lead an active lifestyle. UAB is one of the hospitals of choice in the country to perform this procedure.”

The lifespan of the bulb is estimated to be 10 to 15 years. The Wingate lasted 16 years before needing replacement. Throughout her life, Wingate has continued to undergo tests and follow-up visits at UAB to repair and maintain her heart health. Most recently, she underwent her fourth open heart surgery in January 2023.

Living with a congenital heart defect has had its challenges, but Wingate says she’s grateful for the care she received at UAB that allowed her to enjoy it.

“UAB is the standard of care in this region,” Wingate said. “The care I received at UAB has allowed me to spend more time with my wife and daughter. I am so grateful for everything my care team has done for me and my family.”

story of resilience

Wingate hopes her story can give hope to others going through similar experiences.

“Bill is a great patient and a great guy,” Davis said. “He and his wife are always so supportive of what we do at UAB and other families with children with congenital heart disease. His resilience and positive attitude are an inspiration. He uses his illness to encourage and motivate others and show them that they can live a high quality of life even with this illness.”

Wingate’s mission is to give people hope by sharing their stories.

“I want anyone who has a serious heart problem, whether it’s surgery or something like that, to know that with the right team and the right people supporting them, there’s always hope. ” Wingate said. “Science is advancing. We can get through it, but we may need to reevaluate our lives and change our priorities to adjust our lives based on what we can do.” .”

Wingate says she stays hopeful through her faith and practices gratitude. These are the things that help him get through the difficult days.

“Some days I don’t want to do anything, but I focus on how grateful I am to wake up and have another day,” Wingate said. “I really had to learn how to prioritize the things that are most important in my life and make time for them. By sharing my story, I hope that others can find fulfillment while living with this condition.” I want to help them learn how to live a fulfilling life.”

In the past year since his fourth open-heart surgery, he has been able to connect with other heart patients around the world. His message to them, based on his experience, is: “Love a little deeper, be grateful for what you have, and always be kind and hopeful.”