When I was about 23 weeks pregnant, Alyson was diagnosed with CHD (Congenital Heart Disease). The defects she was born with are AV Canal, Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), Transposition of the Great Arteries (D), Pulmonary Stenosis, Hypoplastic Tricuspid Valve, and Hypoplastic Right Ventricle. Frank and I feel that it was good for us to know of her condition ahead of time because it gave us time to prepare for what was going to happen and educate ourselves. After Alyson was born she was tested to see if she had any genetic problems because that can be associated with heart defects. We found out that she has none....YEAH!!!
Because of her heart defects she may look a little 'dusky' or 'blue' compared to other babies who may appear pink. This is because her oxygen saturation levels need to remain between 75-85%. With her diagnosis the cardiologists told us she would require two surgeries in her life (the
Glenn and Fontan procedures). The Glenn procedure will happen when she is 4-6 months old and the Fontan will be between 2-3 years old. The longer she continues to do well, it will push each of these surgeries off a little bit longer which is good!!!
Here are some of our favorite pictures of Alyson!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment