Congenital Heart Defect

I was born with a heart defect. In simple terms the left chambers of my heart (which are supposed to be larger and stronger than the right) did not form properly and are the same size as those on the right. Also, the wall between the chambers failed to close properly, leaving a small hole which allows blood to flow in the wrong direction through the heart.

I would have died at birth had it not been for a doctor who was ahead of his time and decided to try an untested, risky, and largely theoretic operation on an infant in the days beforer these types of surgeries were common. He saved my life by placing stitches that would, in theory, over time cause the hole to cove with scar tissue and close. However, he warned my parents that my life would be short and that I would probably not survive childhood.

Thankfully he also told them that my body would let me know what it was capable of, and not to limit my activities. If I couldn't keep up with the other kids, that was to be expected - but if I tried, and even occasionally succeeded, the exercise would help to strengthen my heart and body. At the very least, he told them, I should be allowed to have as normal a childhood as possible, for as long as possible.

I'm in my mid-twenties now. The hole in my heart closed, for the most part. It still "leaks," causing lower supplies of oxygen in my blood than normal. Irregular heartbeats (premature atrial contractions and extrasystoles, occasional tachycardia during physical exertioin or periods of anxiety, and bradycardia at night) are things I have learned to live with.

Modern medicine tells me the only alternative is risky heart surgery that may or may not work anyway, or powerful drug concoctions that would be expensive, as well as having potentially serious side effects on the rest of my body. Neither offers any guaruntees and either could kill me instead of heal me.

So... I'm coming here to seek advice from those who have more knowledge than I of alternatives to modern medicine. Any suggestions you can give me would be appreciated.