Health Medical

J.,

Try going to YA- Yahoo Answers

they have More people and you might find some people who's children had this.

Also in my religion one of the Bahai's have ahd children with serious health problems they are a member of this site.
http://www.caringbridge.org/

And we receive updates regularly as to his health,

He has hadseveral surgeries his bowels were not connected, he had heart surgery, couldn't eat for DAYS, and more that i don't want to scare you with,

BUT in the end he is doing well,

Prayer works
http://www.bahaiprayers.org/

Say the prayer for Expectant mothers
http://www.bahaiprayers.org/families5.htm

A Healing prayer
http://www.bahaiprayers.org/healing1.htm
there is one for infants and women

and the TABLET of AHMAD
http://www.bahaiprayers.org/ahmad.htm

IF you say these prayers with ABSOLUTE SINCERITY
God will Dispel your sadness, solve your difficulties and heal your afflictions.

God Bless you.And your Unborn Baby

M

Jess:

My son had open heart surgery at 3 days old due to multiple heart conditions. Let me first say that I'm not sure whether or not it is good going in knowing that your child will need surgery. We didn't know until an hour after birth that anything was wrong. The positive side to knowing is preparation. Knowledge from drs (not the internet) is key. Find out what to expect before, during and after surgery. OUr surgeons at Columbia hospital showed us a patient right after his surgery and what he looked like. NO surprises. Granted, your truly never ready to see your child in a position like that but it helped me. Having a great support system is what got us through everything. Have the people that bring you comfort with you the day of the surgery. You will need them for laughs, hugs and for just sitting there with you. Have faith in your drs and nurses. They do these things everyday. Lastly, for us, it was prayer.

It is overwhelming...but you will get through it because you have to. Your child needs you and counts on you. My son, now 4 yrs old, is a very very happy, well adjusted child. He goes to the cardiologist, with little apprehension. Your child, as he/she gets older will feed off your anxiety. So do what you can at that time to keep it in check in front of him/her. For now, there is nothing I can say that will ease your feelings when it comes down to it. My prayers for strength and comfort are with all of you. Keep us posted!

PS...keep EVERY piece of paper that the insurance companIns co sends you in a folder designated just for your childs medical papers. You will need to refer back to them. Don't just pay things w/out looking them over first.

Wow! When I read your post, I gasped. My daughter, Melina, was born with esophageal atresia and a TE fistula. She was a twin and I had hundreds of ultrasounds at Columbia Presbyterian, but no one diagnosed it until she was born. Go figure.

She underwent surgery her 2nd day of life and is fine. I know sometimes there are some other issues can go along with this condition, such as heart and urinary/bowel stuff -- so you should probably have a fetal echocardiogram done as well.

When Melina started solids, we had a few choking issues (no turning blue. the food got caught in her esophagus). She's had a total of 3 operations since birth to remove food that got caught.

Melina never had any reflux symptoms, but is on Pepcid 2x a day and sees the pediatric GI regularly. Although the surgeon that performs his/her operation will most likely follow your baby as well. As my surgeon explained, this is really a surgical issue. Pediatric GIs will prescribe medication, but it's really the surgeon who is needed in case of any obstructions/complications.

Melina never had any issues gaining weight and is a happy, healthy 2 year-old. As she is getting bigger, it's easier to explain to her that she needs to chew her food, etc. And now she can tell me if she feels like she is choking.

I'd love to speak to you further about this, if you'd like. Why don't you email me and I'll send you my phone number so we can talk. My email is ____@____.com

Don't worry -- everything will be fine!!!

I'm not sure where you live, but my daughter has similar airway malformations from her birth. She is a patient of Dr. Jacobs at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHoP). They are excellent there, and he, specifically is rated as one of the top 5 airway surgeons in the country. I couldn't be more indebted to him for the changes he's made in our daughter's life... as well as other beautiful children you'll meet when you visit! He's a great man, very caring and definitely dedicated to his patients! You are not alone, there are tons of people born with these issues all the time. Many blessings for you and your family. C.

Hi

My daughter had emergency surgery at 4 days old and it was quite an experience for both of us. At least you are prepared so that should be better for you to know what is going on ahead of time.

J.,

My daughter did not have what your child has but she did have a very serious heart condition called tetrology of fallot. She had surgery to correct it when she was only 2 months old and came out of it beautifully. I know it must be nerve wrecking and all sorts of thoughts must be going through your head, but stay positive. Your child will be fine. Good Luck!

J. what is esphogual atresia? what kind of surgery will the baby have to go threw? I have a special needs child who is twenty. make sure you get a second opinion to make sure your child has this problem. B. T