With heart surgery behind her, athlete Robinay Ulmer embraces life on and off the court

In the summer of 2023, 15-year-old Robinay Ulmer was getting ready to go back to school with aspirations to land a spot on her school’s volleyball team. The only thing standing between her and tryouts was a physical exam and a thumbs up from her doctor.  

“I went for the physical, and the nurse said she heard a heart murmur,” Robinay recalled. “My mom was told I had the murmur since birth, but it never affected me in any way.” 

Still, to get that coveted signature on the physical form, Robinay had to see a cardiologist to get cleared. As an avid athlete, Robinay was excited to add volleyball to her repertoire, along with track and dance.  

The cardiologist told Robinay and her mother, Robin, that the teenager needed to see a pediatric heart specialist at Children’s Hospital New Orleans. The subsequent appointment with cardiologist James Krulisky, MD revealed shocking news that Robinay had a hole in her heart which required surgery to correct. 

“I was really shocked, and I was so nervous when I found out I needed surgery. I knew I had a serious condition, but I had never had any symptoms,” Robinay said. “I lived 15 years without any heart issues – not even shortness of breath, and I do a lot of activities.” 

“After talking with Dr. Krulisky, I felt much calmer. He explained everything to me and helped me understand exactly what was wrong with my heart. He answered my questions, and I always felt like he was telling me the truth, even when the information wasn’t great,” she added. “I really think the personality of a doctor is important and I think Dr. Krulisky is so nice and supportive. I really felt like I was in good hands. I just appreciate him as a person and a doctor.” 

Once the decision was made to have the surgery. The Ulmer family then met with Timothy Pettitt, MD, congenital cardiac surgeon and the surgery was scheduled for March 11, 2024. 

“I really liked Dr. Pettitt,” Robinay said. “He told me exactly what he was going to do, and he made me feel calm because I realized he had it all under control.” 

After surgery and her March 15 discharge, Robinay had to sit on the sidelines of all her activities, but as soon as she got word from Dr. Krulisky, she was back on the field. 

Robinay has been cleared to play volleyball this season as she returns to school sophomore year. She is also planning on running track, and going out for flag twirling. 

Her health scare may be in the past, but she is going to continue to be seen by Dr. Krulisky for the foreseeable future. Since her diagnosis and surgery, Robinay’s ambitions have changed. In fact, she is considering a career as a cardiologist. “I think I’ll major in biology or chemistry and become a heart doctor,” she said. “I want to help others who are dealing with heart issues. Having been through it, I think I’ll be able to help others.” 

Robinay’s compassionate experience at Children’s Hospital of New Orleans has a lot to do with her career plans. 

“From the first moment I got to Children’s, I had a feeling I was going to be OK in the end,” Robinay said. “I loved the doctors. They are so nice, and they are patient. I really felt like everyone at the hospital was there for me and that it made me feel good to know I could count on them.” 

She also said the nurses, especially Megan and Shannon, “never made me feel like I was annoying, I always felt that they were happy to care for me and they did such a great job. I am thankful to every single one of the nurses who helped me at Children’s.” 

To learn more about The Heart Center at Children’s Hospital New Orleans -https://www.chnola.org/services/heart-center/