Keith Flynn was born in 1975 and shortly after birth, he was diagnosed with Ventricular Septal Defect, Double Inlet Left Ventricle, Pulmonary Atresia, and Hypoplastic Right Ventricle. He had two Blalock-Taussig shunts at age 6 months and 5 years, and a modified Fontan procedure when he was 15. Despite experiencing atrial arrhythmias in early adulthood, Keith received limited cardiac care in his 20s and early 30s.

In his 30s, Keith started experiencing syncopal (or fainting) episodes, and on one occasion was rescued by his wife after fainting while swimming. As a result of these episodes, Keith received a pacemaker and recording device and was treated with Sotalol, a beta-blocker. However, Keith had also begun to experience fluid retention related to heart failure, and doctors told him that he would need a heart and liver transplant. He is currently undergoing the required testing to be listed for both organs.

Over the years, Keith worked for a variety of retail and restaurant businesses, before working his way up to managing and owning businesses. He also started doing stand up comedy. Most recently, he has worked in the health and disability rights fields and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. He met his wife in 2003 and currently lives in Baltimore.

In this episode, Keith will share more about his life -- living with a congenital heart defect -- with Anna. He will also explain how he has come to need to be listed for two different organs. He will also share with Anna what he believes keeps him going, even when the going gets rough.

Please take a moment to follow us on your preferred social media platforms:

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/heart-to-heart-with-anna/id1132261435?mt=2

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearttoHeartwithAnna/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGPKwIU5M_YOxvtWepFR5Zw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hugpodcastnetwork/

If you enjoy this program and would like to be a Patron, please check out our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/HeartToHeart