16 answers

A.C. asks from Edmond, OK on August 01, 2011

My Sweet Baby Has to Have Heart Surgery :O(

I know I posted while I was in labor then never updated but it's been kinda crazy! My baby boy was born at 11:07 on Tuesday and weighed 8 lbs 9 oz! He was 21 inches long. He is SO SWEET! He's very laid back and calm. He has dark browm hair and a dark complexion and is just gorgeous! hehe! :o)
After he was born they did and echocardiogram because they thought he might have a coarctation. (A narrowing in the Aorta) (We had found out about this while I was still pregnant but they wouldn't know for sure until after he was born and the 'hole in his heart' (PDA) that all babies are born with closed all the way) Of course the hole was still there and it was larger than normal but they were just going to keep him an extra day then do another echo once it had closed to find out for sureif he DID have a coarc. THEN after a couple hours my pediatrition called to tell me that the cardiologist had decided he needed to be in the NICU to be monitored. I was SO bummed! The nurse came in right after and took him away. :o( I was able to go down every 3 hours to nurse him and sometimes in between. He had an IV and was hooked up to all the monitors.
On Thursday, I was discharged but I knew he'd have to stay at least one more day. Then they told me he could stay in a regular room with me so we got to spend that night in the same room! We got to go home the next day after another echo and meeting with the cardiologist who showed us what to watch for if he should start having problems. The PDA was closed but they still weren't able to see the coarc, but they were convinced he has one because he shows all the signs of it. So we went home watched him closely and were waiting for his follow up on Tuesday. BUT, today he was breathing very fast and they told me to bring him in.
They did another EKG and echo and said that the PDA had reopened and that there is definitly a coarc. He wants to do surgery to fix it THIS WEEK! I was SO NOT expecting that! I am totally worried of course but we have lots of people praying for us!
Have any of ya'll had babies/children who have had this surgery done? I'd love to hear how it went... I guess I just need reassurance!
And also, could ya'll please pray for me and my baby? I am so nervous about all this!
Thank you ladies! Ya'll are always SO wonderful!
P.S. His name is Case and I put a pic of him on my profile :o)

Respond to Question

1 mom found this helpful

What can I do next?

Add your own comment
Ask your own question
Join the Mamapedia community
Report this as inappropriate
Share this with your friends

Write A.C. a private message
Read more that A.C. has written
Browse local questions
Is this helpful? Yes | No

More Answers

S.P. answers from Birmingham on August 02, 2011

Thanks be to God that they found the problem and recognize he needs surgery. You will be surrounded by prayers for you and your sweet baby. I think it makes all of us mommies a nervous wreck when our little ones have any procedure. Literally makes us sick practically. Try to rest as much as possible so you will continue to recuperate from the delivery and I hope that he will be home and recuperating from surgery soon with you.

1 mom found this helpful

Helpful? Yes | No Report This Share

V.C. answers from Dallas on August 01, 2011

So very sorry you have this trial to endure.
I had similar surgery as an adult. The surgery is done so often now it is considered routine.
God blessed me with perfect peace about it and I pray that for you. Please keep us updated.

1 mom found this helpful

Helpful? Yes | No Report This Share

L.S. answers from San Francisco on August 01, 2011

I'll definitely be praying! Hugs,
L.

1 mom found this helpful

Helpful? Yes | No Report This Share

L.M. answers from Houston on August 01, 2011

Awww, I will be praying! Kudos for breastfeeding!! You sound like a concerned, responsible, mommy who is totally in love with your baby boy! He can feel that too you know! :) I'm sorry I don't have any advice or experience to share, but I will pray!

1 mom found this helpful

Helpful? Yes | No Report This Share

M.G. answers from Los Angeles on August 02, 2011

I shed some tears after reading your post and seeing his picture!! What a cute baby. I prayed for him and you and the family. Im sure everything will be fine.

1 mom found this helpful

Helpful? Yes | No Report This Share

J.L. answers from Los Angeles on August 01, 2011

What a gorgeous boy, congratulations! i'll be sending good energy your way.

1 mom found this helpful

Helpful? Yes | No Report This Share

B. answers from Oklahoma City on August 01, 2011

We will pray for your little one and for peace for you and your family.

1 mom found this helpful

Helpful? Yes | No Report This Share

E.H. answers from Orlando on August 01, 2011

Praying for Case and you. Oh my gosh... just believe he will be okay.

1 mom found this helpful

Helpful? Yes | No Report This Share

J.C. answers from Philadelphia on August 01, 2011

Aww, he just beautiful! Sending prayers to you and Case.

1 mom found this helpful

Helpful? Yes | No Report This Share

S.H. answers from St. Louis on August 01, 2011

prayers to you & your family.

1 mom found this helpful

Helpful? Yes | No Report This Share

L.M. answers from Seattle on August 01, 2011

Lots of hugs and prayers.. He is gorgeous and I like the name Case.. It is very unique :). What a cutie
L.

1 mom found this helpful

Helpful? Yes | No Report This Share

J.C. answers from Cleveland on August 01, 2011

A.,
I'm so sorry you have to go through this. I will say prayers for your son (what's his name?) and your family as you deal with this.

I'm sure everything will be fine, and soon you will have your precious boy home with you.

Blessings and peace to you and your family.

1 mom found this helpful

Helpful? Yes | No Report This Share

K.J. answers from Chicago on August 03, 2011

What a beautiful little boy you have!

I don't have experience with heart surgery, but my oldest son had hernia surgery at 2 mos. At that age I think surgery is harder on the parents than it is on the kids, who can tolerate much more pain than we adults can. I will keep your family in my prayers.

1 mom found this helpful

Helpful? Yes | No Report This Share

C.W. answers from Lynchburg on August 02, 2011

Dear Ashely-

I am sending good thoughts and prayers to you and your little one Case.

My daughter had a series of heart repairs some years ago. I know how very scary it can be. Be sure to pack some things to keep YOU well and sane during his surgery and recovery...bottled water...healthy snacks...and something 'mindless' like knitting/crocheting/needlework to keep your fingers busy (I found I could never focus on reading).

Also...a change of clothes and toiletries...most hospitals will have a shower for parents to use...flip flops might be a good idea as well.

Nothing will prepare you for how he will look post heart surgery...but know...that over a few days...the 'tubes' and lines will gradually be taken away...

Kids are resilient! I wish for you peace...and send prayers to you all...Private me if you wish...you will be in my (our) thoughts!

Michele/cat

1 mom found this helpful

Helpful? Yes | No Report This Share

C.T. answers from Santa Fe on August 02, 2011

I'm so sorry for everything you are going through. And your sweet baby. This must be so stressful. I am thinking of you and of Case and I hope the surgery goes very smoothly. Doctors do this kind of surgery all the time and are very good at it. I am sure it will go great. Hang in there mom.

1 mom found this helpful

Helpful? Yes | No Report This Share

C.D. answers from Columbia on August 01, 2011

Awww... A., he is precious!!!!! I will be praying for you all. My nephew had heart surgery when he was really little. I don't think it was for the same thing, but of course we were scared and worried. It went very well and he almost immediately showed improvement.
I'm praying for all good things for your family and Case. Hang in there!

1 mom found this helpful

Helpful? Yes | No Report This Share

signup