Our Story
We were elated at the news about having our second child. Our oldest daughter was 4
years old and in great health, so not much worry went into thinking about the pregnancy.
We went in April 13, 2006 (the Thursday before Easter) for our 22 week ultrasound, very
excited to see our baby. My husband, daughter, and mother were all with me as the
ultrasound was performed. Everything looked great except for some white spots on our
baby's heart. Our ultrasound tech - Char-said not to worry, that sometimes things showed
up and it was probably nothing. She left the room and came back with an appointment
with a pediatric cardiologist on Monday. She encouraged us not to worry over the
weekend which seemed like an impossible task.
Monday slowly came and we went in to the Pediatric Cardiologist. An extensive ultra
sound was performed. When the doctor was finished, I got dressed and she came back in
the room with a giant heart model. This is never a good sign and our hearts fell
immediately, knowing that bad news were headed our way. She proceeded to explain that
our baby had critical aortic stenosis. She explained that if our baby survived in utero that
her left ventricle would not grow and she would have HLHS. Explanation of HLHS
With this prognosis, she continued to tell us what the outlook would be for our child's life.
At a minimum she would have to have three major surgeries to re route the plumbing in
the heart. Since the left ventricle would not be functioning, all flow would have to be
pumped through the right ventricle. The first operation is done within a few days of
birth.
CONTINUED HERE
years old and in great health, so not much worry went into thinking about the pregnancy.
We went in April 13, 2006 (the Thursday before Easter) for our 22 week ultrasound, very
excited to see our baby. My husband, daughter, and mother were all with me as the
ultrasound was performed. Everything looked great except for some white spots on our
baby's heart. Our ultrasound tech - Char-said not to worry, that sometimes things showed
up and it was probably nothing. She left the room and came back with an appointment
with a pediatric cardiologist on Monday. She encouraged us not to worry over the
weekend which seemed like an impossible task.
Monday slowly came and we went in to the Pediatric Cardiologist. An extensive ultra
sound was performed. When the doctor was finished, I got dressed and she came back in
the room with a giant heart model. This is never a good sign and our hearts fell
immediately, knowing that bad news were headed our way. She proceeded to explain that
our baby had critical aortic stenosis. She explained that if our baby survived in utero that
her left ventricle would not grow and she would have HLHS. Explanation of HLHS
With this prognosis, she continued to tell us what the outlook would be for our child's life.
At a minimum she would have to have three major surgeries to re route the plumbing in
the heart. Since the left ventricle would not be functioning, all flow would have to be
pumped through the right ventricle. The first operation is done within a few days of
birth.
CONTINUED HERE
Here are a few reference websites:
Explanation for Aortic Stenosis
Explanation for Aortic Stenosis
