My name is David. I am 20 years old. I was diagnosed with long QT syndrome about 1 1/2 years ago, shortly after my youngest sister Jessica had a "fainting episode".

Our entire family had to undergo testing. That simply involved a EKG and my stress test, the doctor said I did not have LQTS. A couple of months later, however after I had my 24 hour holter the verdict was quite different. I did in fact have LQTS along with my sister Jessica, my brother Sean and my mother.

Fortunately I have never a syncopal episode like Jessica. In junior high, during basketball season I was experiencing shortness of breath. My pediatrician felt it was exercise induced asthma and gave me an inhaler. It helped some, got me through the season. My parents now wonder if it was my long QT that was causing the breathing difficulties.

Due to my age now, this disease has not really affected my day to day activities. I am required to take a beta blocker each day. That took some adjustment.

I do feel bad that this condition effects my siblings even more. Sean cannot play football or take karate or wrestle; all things every young boy wants to be able to do. My sister's activites too are curtailed due to her pacemaker. It is hard on both of them.

At this point in my life, my concern now lies with my "soon to arrive" daughter Kristen Taylor who is due any day now. We are all hopeful that she will not be effected by this disease.

Please remember that although this disease can result in some drastic changes in young lives, one can still live comfortably with it.

David Doyle