When I was 33 weeks pregnant with my son, I attended my routine ultrasound appointment. The technician, who seemed uncertain, said, “I’m having difficulty. I need to get the doctor.” Confused and a bit irritated, I wondered why this was taking so long, especially since I had errands to run. When the doctor arrived, he took additional images while I lay there, growing more anxious by the minute.
After some time, he mentioned they had captured decent images of my son’s heart and recommended we see a pediatric cardiologist that same day. He assured us it was just a precaution—“What’s the harm in getting a second opinion?”
Frustrated, my husband, who works as an engineer, encouraged me, “It’s always wise to seek clarity. Let’s hear what the specialist has to say.” So, we headed to the pediatric cardiologist. I noticed his bowtie and gray hair, and as the nurse prepared me for more imaging, I sensed a mix of anxiety and curiosity. The doctor initially questioned the need for the visit, but I explained our situation.
Eventually, he looked at me and said, “I don’t see it.” My heart sank. “What don’t you see?” I pressed. He continued, “I’m not sure if the pulmonary artery is absent or if I just can’t locate it.” Internally, I was furious—how could he be uncertain? But soon, he confirmed my worst fears: “Your baby does not have the pulmonary artery and will require immediate open-heart surgery after birth. If not, he won’t survive.”
Devastated, I realized there was a significant issue with my child before he even entered the world. In the weeks that followed, we met countless specialists, preparing for his birth, but nothing could truly ready us for such an ordeal.
When my son was born, I held him for only two brief minutes before he was whisked away to Children’s Hospital for surgery. I was left behind, heartbroken and scared.
Our Ongoing Journey
Fast forward to 2019—my son has undergone two open-heart surgeries, ten catheterizations, five stent placements, a valve replacement, and had a piece of gortex implanted as a makeshift pulmonary artery. As for me, I have battled PTSD, perpetual anxiety about losing him, and secondary depression, all while navigating the complexities of his ongoing medical care. This was before COVID!
Despite everything, I hold on to hope. Each day, I remind myself to silence the negative thoughts and embrace gratitude. I am thankful that my son turned nine, for advancements in medical technology, and for the incredible staff at Children’s Hospital who have supported us throughout this journey.
I do not take his life for granted, and I remain hopeful for a long and fulfilling life together. For more insights on navigating parenting and health challenges, check out some of our other blog posts, like this one.
If you’re looking for more information on home insemination techniques, Make A Mom offers valuable resources. Additionally, for general pregnancy information, the WHO provides excellent insights.
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- Heart defects in newborns
- Pediatric cardiology
- Open heart surgery in infants
- Coping with a child’s medical issues
- Advancements in pediatric heart surgery
In summary, my journey through pregnancy and my son’s heart condition has been filled with unexpected challenges, but it has also instilled in me a profound sense of gratitude and hope for the future.
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